Tribute to my friend Kathy

Yesterday I attended a funeral for a friend Kathy Fisher Fitzpatrick who died at the age of 48 due to cancer. When this year started Im sure Kathy would of never dreamed that this would be the last year of her life. I had met Kathy through her brother Mark that I have been friends with for many years. In January of this year she was diagnosed with Cancer and for 11 months she would fight courageously to fight this evil desease. The last 11 months of her life she would spend 2 to 3 weeks of every month in Hillcrest Hospital. When I went to visit her after the masectomy I went wondering what kinds of words of encouragement could I say to her. People that know me know that I usually dont have a problem with talking. I was blessed with the talent of talking...you know its one of my hobbies...lol When I walked into Kathys room I was met with a joy and smile that only Kathy could have. I know that she was on strong medicine at the time but Kathy was always joyfull, hopefully and encouraging without even trying. I left her room feeling guilty that she had uplifted me and I hadnt done anything for her. When I was with Kathy I saw Jesus in her ....I will miss my dear friend. I took for granted that we would have more time but that was not to be.

At the funeral what words would I say to a father that lost his daughter or a son that lost his mother or a brother that lost his older sister? I just dont know the words to say. The only thing I could do was give a big hug and say I love you. When someone that you know dies and they are about the same age as you dont you start thinking about our own time on earth? How would I be remembered? What goals and bucket list do I want to accomplish? Kathy put family and God first. When she died it didnt matter how much material possessions she had, what her golf game was like or how important her job was. Kathy took with her what was important the love for her savior and love for her family and friends. That is how I will remember my friend Kathy.