I lost a dear friend and colleague in March and spent three days in
Chicago at her funeral services.
Cathy was only 10 months older than me: I turned 44 on February 22 and she would have been 45 on April 30. Cathy and I were colleagues at Czarnowski. We met back in 2003 and quickly became friends.
During a very rough time in my life–when I was estranged from my son–Cathy called to check on me all the time. She provided guidance, direction, and at times, even a shoulder. When I joined the Quick Weight Loss Center, she would call me every week, on the day of my weigh-in, just to see how I was doing and to find out how much weight had I lost.
We took a trip to Los Angeles in 2004. She hated to drive in strange places, so I was her chauffeur during our trip. Cathy had a very small frame, and I will always remember her sitting Indian-style in the front seat, curled up like a little kitten next to a fireplace, as I zipped in and out of LA traffic. We talked about our families, gossiped about our co-workers and bitched about our bosses. Even though her health was not good, she knew that I wanted to see the Hollywood sign and insisted that we find it. It was hot in Hollywood that day, and she had to stop every block or so to rest.
At her visitation, her family displayed hundreds of pictures, chronicling her life. Several pictures of our LA trip were included:
- Johnny Depp’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that I helped her find
- The picture that I took of her standing under the Hollywood & Vine street signs
- Several pictures of the Hollywood sign, as seen through the thick LA smog
- Grauman’s Chinese Theater
Because of her driving-in-strange-places phobia, I would go to the airport and pick her up anytime she came to Atlanta. I would schlep her to and from the office, to and from her hotel, then back down to the airport.
I loved that woman.
When it was obvious that I would have to leave Czarnowski, Cathy supported my decision and offered her expertise to assist me in finding a new job. We spoke often after I left, and remained close friends.
Her husband, Dennis, asked me if I would be a pall-bearer. At first, I told him I couldn’t. I just didn’t think I could do it. I left the funeral home and got in to my rental car. I sat there for a few minutes, reflecting on my conversation with Dennis. I walked back into the funeral home and agreed to do it. I’m glad I did. After the funeral, I felt as if I got the opportunity to hand her off to God’s waiting arms. What a feeling.
This is an excerpt from Cathy’s obituary. It pretty much sums up everything:
”Cathy recently was faced with many health challenges. She kept herself motivated by her work as Director of Human Resources with Czarnowski Exhibit Services. Cathy’s courageous attitude and accomplishments toward her life, family and work touched many lives. We take consolation in knowing she lived life to the fullest and had a life filled with complete love. She was truly an angel sent from above and never will be forgotten. Cathy will be greatly missed.”
Amen to that. I miss you, Cathy.
