Kathie

The world won't stop turning. That's what Mom and Dad have said to me over the years when I faced troubling times. The world won't stop turning. But on July 13th, the world definitely wobbled.

My sweet potato queen sister-in-law who was full of love, fun, laughter, drive, passion and courage, left this world.

Kathie faced a lifetime of challenges but she did not let that get in the way of what she knew was her life's work. I loved the scripture chosen to honor her. (John 9:1-3)...."but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in her life".

Kathie had great powers of observation and persuasion. She could get people to try to do things they had never done. She had an ability to see potential and talent in everyone. With some, the talent was obvious, with others not so obvious. Either way, she flourished when she was helping someone else flourish. She did this on stage, off stage and in real life.

I will never forget the kind way she welcomed me into the house one Christmas eve when David and I were dating. She met me at the door and reached out to hold both of my hands. She looked me straight in the eyes, smiled and said "my brother is in love". On Valentine's Day the next year, David and I went to a dinner theatre to watch Kathie perform in a play. She was fantastic. After the play, David asked me to marry him. I reminded Kathie of that not long ago and we laughed because the play was "Laundry and Bourbon".

Kathie loved playing dress up and she loved to dress other people up too. On our wedding day, she stood up and made a toast and then she gave me a picture in a heart shaped frame. The picture is of David at about age 4 after Kathie had dressed him up in a wig with long blonde pigtails! I love that picture.

A few years ago, Kathie, Ali, Cindy, Barbara and I dressed up in tiaras, sequin dresses, curly red wigs, and cat's eye sunglasses to ride in the Lattimore 4th of July parade. We stood up in the back of a pickup truck and danced the entire parade route to Aretha singing R-E-S-P-E-C-T. That was a very FESTIVE day. Kathie encouraged being festive. So much so, that after she had left for the Mayo Clinic last October, a package arrived at my door. It was from Kathie - a sweet note and a box full of special festive wine glasses. I will forever cherish the glasses and especially the sweet note.

When David and Jay were born, she was there with welcome home signs and balloons. When they were in elementary school, our summers were planned around SHS Children's Theatre so both boys could experience Kathie's magic. In middle school and high school the boys made lasting friends and memories in plays like "Guys and Dolls" and "Hello Dolly". In SHS drama productions, they learned a lot about theatre and a lot about life.

They certainly weren't the only ones. We knew Kathie had a big impact on alot of people, but the cards, letters, flowers, food, hugs, and the many shared stories have been truly amazing and wonderful. Some stories have been tearful. A lot have been hilarious. All have been a real reminder of the difference one person can make. And a reminder that teaching is a very powerful profession.

To no ones surprise, Kathie kind of directed her own funeral service. Bobby, Quinn, the extended family, the SHS family and the First Baptist Church family stayed focused on honoring Kathie. Fantastic effort was made by Traci, Amy, Rachel, John, Cliff, Jordan, Brady, Lee, Meredith and so many past and present SHS students to get to Shelby in time to practice and sing for Kathie. I couldn't help but think of the movie "White Christmas" when the band members and singers come from all directions to honor their former general.

They completely nailed the music. Quinn spoke eloquently. Tony Tench's eulogy was inspired and inspiring. A more powerful service I have never attended. The words, the music and the emotions were full of love, passion and truth.

So, the world hasn't stopped turning, but it will definitely be different for many from now on. Kathie really did 'live a life worthy of her calling'. (Ephesians 4:1) That's something we can all try to do.