Well today is May 8, like all other days I find myself missing Katz.  I find that the some days are harder than the rest and this seems to be one of them.  Today would have been Katz 48th birthday, so I stay busy finding things to do to make the time pass so this day will pass too.  But I also do not want to forget her on this day so to honor my wife, my love I flew and flag over COP Bande Shardee .  I plan to fly this flag only one day a year to honor her.  The second thing I did was to build a porch and build swing to go on it.  So this morning I found myself sitting on the porch swing, and drinking a cup of coffee.  Both things Katz enjoyed doing.  I remember when we visited her sister in Portland we sat in their porch swing and would talk about our life. 

And as time went on today I look back over some old E-mail Katz sent me one was when I was in Iraq during her birthday, I had sent her flower to wish her a happy birthday.  Today I had flower placed on her grave once again from someone else had to do it for me because I wasn’t there.  So little time with her to celebrate such great events in her life, which to me was way too short. 

So for all of you that are reading my post thanks for letting me talk.  And I ask you on this day, if you have a swing sit outside and enjoy the day, have a cup of coffee, read the paper or a book.  Remember Katz for who she was and how she made you feel.  I OK to be sad and miss her, but know she wanted you to be happy and enjoy your life and your love ones.  And thought she is gone how she made you feel will always be there if you just look inside. 

Three years ago today, Lisa and Thomas were wed in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Swannanoa, N.C.  Our thoughts today, as on other days, are of and with them both and of the brief time they had together.

Joyce and Marv Katz

I've posted two videos of Lisa under the "Gallery" tab that I thought visitors here might enjoy.

Marv Katz

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. ~Mary Anne Radamacher.

I got to know Lisa in 2006 when she volunteered to coordinate the fundraising auction at ERUUF. During this time she showed me this print that she had bought that had the above quote. She told me that she liked it so much that she bought one for herself and one to donate to the auction. I ended up with the second copy of the print because I liked it too. It has hung by my desk since 2007 and every time I look it at, I think of how much it speaks of who Lisa was - truly courageous, It took courage to move all the way across the country to follow love when it meant she had to leave so many friends behind, and it took true courage to stay so upbeat these last eighteen months. Lisa was one of a kind - always generous and always ready with a kind word. She will be missed.

I met Lisa 7 years ago while we both worked in University Relations for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was a mentor and more importantly a friend. We shared many things including a love of the Tar Heels and Bean Traders coffee. We worked together for about 8 months before I moved to the UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She was so happy for me because she knew it was a great opportunity for me. When she found out my new office would have a window, she bought me a beautiful piece of painted glass to hang in the window. I've since moved to Chicago, but it still hangs in my office today. Every time I see it I am reminded of Lisa's smile and her warmth.