Friday, September 5, 2025
My "memory" of Catherine is hearing so much about her over the past number of years during which her devoted youngest daughter cared for her, allowing her to stay in her home with a loving family member attending to her. Across those years, Heather and I spent many hours talking about the trials and tribulations of managing her care; the bonding, joy and closeness that came from their intimacy; and ultimately the deep tribute Heather's witnessing and presence were to her beloved mother. I had a similar journey with my mother, and we shared heartfelt moments of our loving connections with our mothers and suffering attenuated grieving periods. It's hard. But the rewards are surprising and profound and precious. This person who gives you life, cares for you during the early years when humans can't even function on their own, providing a home and security, baking, gifting, modeling, disciplining, teaching—all things that are hard to appreciate at the time but, upon reflection at "the end," arise as unheralded sacrifices of parenthood that a loving daughter can try to, in small measures, "repay." To me, that speaks volumes about who Catherine was. And who my friend Heather is. May you be in the light, Catherine, reunited with Ray and at peace and bliss.
