Ms. Kathy

I first remember meeting Ms. Kathy when I was asked to babysit her grandson, Jacob. Mom and Ms. Kathy knew each other from moms-in-touch which is how I ended up being asked to watch Jacob. For two summers I watched Jacob a couple days a week while Ms. Kathy ran errands or worked in her office at the house. Jacob was 3 and 4 but was going on 30. He is such a smart boy and he and I had a very special connection. Ms. Kathy could see it. It was pretty clear. I love that little boy, who is growing into an amazing young man.

I love that family. Ms. Kathy was an amazing, godly woman. She was a prayer warrior and everyone who met her knew it. She and my mom prayed together in moms-in-touch. She prayed for my brother and I through all of our growing up years and beyond. She and mom met weekly for several years, just the two of them, to pray for our church that was going through major transition.

It was Ms. Kathy that I called when I felt the call to China the first, second, and third time I went. It was Ms. Kathy who on the day before I flew out for the summer, stayed for church on Sunday night. During the invitation she went down and spoke with one of the pastors. When the invitation was over they invited her on stage and she shared about my coming adventure and asked my family and I to come forward so that she and the rest of my church family could pray for me. She later told me that she originally was only going to stay and pray with me afterwards, but felt lead to allow the church to be a part as well. I cannot even describe how blessed I was and what an encouragement that was as I started my journey. She also wrote me notes that my mom sent, along with numerous other notes of encouragement, so that I would them have during my journey.

She and her family celebrated with us at my high school graduation party and with me at my wedding. I remember her sitting with me at the reception and offering to pray with me regarding the wedding night. Seriously, only Ms. Kathy would do that! Her family's gift to Zach and I was a teapot with the inscription "nothing will ever separate us from the love of God" Romans 8:39, which sits on bookshelves in our living room.

She had bilateral knee replacement surgery around the middle of May. She made it through surgery and was recovering well at home. She was home with Jacob and one of her other grandsons when she threw a blood clot. There was nothing they could do. She was gone. It was Jacob who made the call to 911 and the son of an old friend who was one of the ones who responded to the call.

Mom got the news at Bible School that night and she called me afterwords. I was devastated and hurting and sad and wondering why. It's not fair. I was already planning on being home that weekend and was able to go to the visitation and to the funeral. It was so hard. I kept seeing the pictures of her and thinking that she would just walk back in at any time. I hurt for her family, especially my little Jacob. I gave him a hug and he assured me that he did remember me. He remembered playing ball in their front yard and I told him that I remembered making him mac&cheese, his and my favorites. I listened as his little brother told the story of what happened, knowing this story will likely be played in their little minds for years to come.

I loved what her family put in the paper, "she ran to Jesus, Thursday, June 5, 2008". I know it's true. She is sitting at the feet of her Father and worshiping with all that she is.