Thursday, September 5, 2024
Q: What was one of your favorite qualities of Dr. Cathleen?
A: I know that when most of us think of Cathy we remember her as kind, thoughtful, intelligent, generous, and loving. And indeed, she was!
However, there was far more to Cathy that kept us close friends for 65 years.
One thing I know I’ll also remember about Cathy is what a tease, a jokester, she was! Those teasing moments now can override my sadness by making me smile. One of those moments that stands out occurred when Cathy and I went shopping one day with our six children (Libby was in school).
We both lived in Lockport at that time and did most of our shopping there. When holidays grew near, we would often connect for a visit to Ames Department store because they had fabric and sewing needs aplenty. We both sewed most of our clothes and constructed holiday gifts in similar fashion. On a very busy pre-Christmas day while Cathy and I were in the back of the store moving between tables piled with fabric, holding up pieces, asking the other’s opinion, and basically, captured by tasks involving fabric—not children—we suddenly heard a loud squeal as Matt popped up and then scooted back under a table! As I looked around for our other kids, I noticed several people staring at Cathy and me with disgusted looks on their faces. Cathy then, immediately, responded by turning to me, and saying, “Ardie! Aren’t you going to do anything about Matt? He’s really misbehaving!”
So, I played along, added another member to my family while the people stood and watched. Ironically, Cathy’s joke turned out to be a good move that day, because Matt DID respond to me and settled down! However, the next time all of us went shopping, and Matt again acted up, he again became my child—and to be honest, I really didn’t mind.
For years, when we were planning to go somewhere together, Cathy and I laughed about who would be Matt’s mom. Nevertheless, the other kids kept us busy, as well—like the time Brad gave Brian a ride in his mom’s clothes dryer!
Thank you, Cath, for being a loving BFF,
Ardie
