Katya
What a name! Katya seemed to me a gorgeous name until I heard an even more beautiful one. “EKatarina.” I heard her repeat her full name for nurses at Stanford Hospital time and time again. EKatarina
Beautiful. Wide, stunning smile with perfect teeth. Tall, slim body.
Exotic. Gorgeous lilting accent and stories to tell of far away places.
Adventurous. Although I knew Katya in her mothering years, it was easy to tell, from her life story, that she had taken some significant risks in life. Imagine coming to America, from Russia, with only a small backpack, for a short visit to see her sister and never returning home! Then, going on to tackle the English language while getting a law degree. Then, having the boldness to give up law so that she could be an excellent mother.
Competent. As a mom, wife, friend, daughter, teacher, student and lawyer. She was ever so capable with everything that she attempted.
Musical. Elegant, piano-playing fingers moving smoothly across the keyboard as she played songs from memory.
Hospitable.
Delicious Sharlotka or Biscotti, served right out of the oven.
Pero Instant Beverage. “What is this?” I asked her, having never seen this coffee-alternative beverage that she lovingly served me with plenty of milk and honey. (I just had to order some, in her honor, while writing this.)
Kind.
Always a sweet, calm disposition, even during her months of loss, realizing that death might not be far away.
Even when in pain, she was kind. I’ll never forget her turning around in her wheelchair in her living room, heading out to the ER, to ask me if my husband was also in her home to help with the kids. “Please tell him thank you,” she said, as she was wheeled toward the door.
Considerate. I do not recall ever hearing Katya speak harshly about another person. The only harsh words she ever had were for cancer and death.
Attentive to her kids. In my 3 years of friendship with Katya, it was Daniel who was most evidently in need of her comfort and presence. However, when looking back through pictures, I found one of a young Peter, with both arms wrapped tightly around Katya’s leg as she supervised a backyard activity. “She was like that with all of her kids,” I reasoned, a sentiment echoed by others who have enjoyed her parenting for more years than I. She was always available and attentive to her 3 beautiful boys.
And, finally, loving. When Katya spoke of what she faced in the last 6 months, her tears were for her boys. She was sorrowful about the prospect of being unable to finish what God gave her to begin – the discipleship of these 3 precious souls, Viktor, Peter and Daniel.
I will miss you, EKatarina, and all of your wonderful virtues, but I look forward to meeting again at heaven’s gates!
Love, Paige Burgess