Dear Kathy,
You are deeply on my thoughts and the thoughts of all my family. So, you can be certain that we will hold you in much prayer as you conquer this enemy that has infiltrated your body. You have much determination in your body and spirit. I remember being with your Mom when we were sitting at Burns Clinic up in Petoskey after she saw the doctor about her breast cancer. I couldn't get over her positive attitude as she was determined to get through her procedures and therapy. I know that you possess the same spirit as she does. The Lord has given each of us an internal system to help heal ourselves by drawing on the encouragement of others and the constitution of our own positive spirit to overcome a lot of physical battles. The other day at my office, after I received the e-mail concerning your cancer, I sat and thought about you and how you touched my life. I remember great times we had together. One in particular, I think it was when you were recovering from some type of oral surgery and you stayed at our house a few days. You and I listed to my Beatles albums and talked about the "Paul Is Dead" theory that weaved its hints through each album. We were so intense about finding each clue and spent a lot of time trying to piece together the mystery of Paul's death. I remember being real close to you those few days. Throughout my childhood, I always looked up to you. You always did the coolest things. I remember you having the coolest friends. And I loved coming out to Otter Lake just to see you. I was proud of you when you were the homecoming queen (or some type of queen at Otter Lake). I remember hangin' out with you and your friends at the lake and I loved how they used to surround you. You were like the center of their world and I was proud to be your cousin. But I would say that I was never more proud of you as I was the time during your struggles as a mother that you stuck to your schooling and pushed yourself beyond the limits that most women in your situation would have never tried to accomplish. You became a nurse and built a great career. And I loved your spirit of being a traveling nurse. I often told my family that I wish I could be like my Cousin Kathy and travel to different places and be a nurse. I am so proud of you. You are still my COOLEST COUSIN!!!! I will promise to be in fervent prayer for you during this time of healing. I know that the Lord will work a great miracle and guide your doctors and care givers as you progress to a positive recovery. Know that you are in my thoughts constantly and that I am keeping the picture of you and your precious granddaughter, that is on the website Lisa set up, on my desk as a reminder to pray each quiet moment for you. Know this: that even though life has sent us all in different directions and filled each of our lives with children, grandchildren and a big batch of new relationships and stories, that I love you dearly and miss hangin' with my cool cousin! You are a big part of my childhood memories and you have a special place in my heart. Take focus on your recovery and health. Draw close to your loved ones and fill your spirit with good thoughts and rely on God's power. I am one of your cheerleaders . . . and I will be cheering at the throne of Christ as I ask Him to work a great work in you. All my love, Your cousin Scott
Feb 23