Our dear Kathryn passed away this January, 2015. We will miss her this year and every year following.
To me, Kathryn was a vibrant, loving and kind person. She was such a breath of fresh air, her smile always smiling, and her laugh always laughing...resonating through the rooms whenever we had our family gatherings. It did not matter where you were in the house, you could hear her laughter, her commenting on this or that – most times you could hear her explaining what the secret was in her lovely dish that she brought over....but she was ever so humble, saying that it was so easy to make, that she just put this and that together – and she always gave her ‘easy‘ recipe to anyone who asked for it and she was very proud to do so.
Kathryn loved life, and what I saw was a woman passionate about many things, her husband Boris, her son Alex, her beautiful daughter-in-law (and my sister) Audrey – but it was the birds in her backyard and her beloved Brandy who got her fullest attention! Kathryn loved her birds, she would proudly walk onto her balcony (from the kitchen) to show us some of the birds she had been feeding that day. She also loved anyone to watch her computer slideshow of all the pictures she had taken of her birds – how her face lit up and her smile shone whenever she talked about them, and what engaging conversations they were indeed! Now, her beloved Brandy, well...what can I say to all us dog lovers out there...:) Brandy was lovingly intended by Kathryn for Boris after their beloved Toby passed away. However, I daresay, Brandy was Kathryn`s princess!! I once explained to Kathryn how I bathe my own little dog, you know, water, shampoo, blowdry...and I got a very affirmative ‘oh no, that is not the way I wash Brandy!....after her wash, I just use towels, lots and lots of soft towels, no blowdryer....and then I brush her and maybe trim a little because she is so fluffy, but only in the back!‘ Well, I felt rather guilty that I put my poor Oscar through that dreaded noisy blowdryer! But it only showed, it was last Christmas that Kathryn mentioned this, and how fluffy Brandy looked for the family occasion, like she came right out of a salon!...and oh, the kisses she gave her beloved Mama....the two of them sitting on the couch together, it brings a smile to me, a fond holiday memory indeed!
I visited Kathryn at hospital this January 2015 with my sister Jackie. It was a visit I shall never forget, as this was the last time I spoke with her. I shall remember it fondly, always. My sister as usual was engaging Kathryn in conversation as Kathryn was happy to see us that day and that we were there to keep her company for a while. Me, well, I was my usual quiet self, listening intently and enjoying Kathryn`s responses and explanations, especially as to which nurse she liked best! This conversation I will remember fondly: When answering my sister`s question about what Kathryn ate that day, she seemed very happy to explain to us that she had had a cereal breakfast, brand name Kasha (http://www.lesliebeck.com/foods/kasha) , and that it was sooo good and she herself felt so good after eating it. I had finally verbalized that yes, I know about Kashi (https://www.kashi.com/), to which Kathryn continued explaining how good it was and that she did not need to eat anything else for a while that day and that we should try it ourselves as it is very good for your digestion....again, I verbalized that yes, I will try Kashi, and I was justly corrected. Whenever I remember this conversation, I smile to myself. Kathryn firmly but oh so nicely said to me: ‘i know you are saying Kashi, but I am talking about Kasha, I know there is Kashi, but this is Kasha, with an `a` and it is very good for you!` I just giggled, and said something to the effect of oh, ok I will try it! Even though she was in that hospital bed, she was still passionate about what she talked about – it was nice to see and hear her spirit so strong within her. I really do need to try Kasha, it looks to be very healthy!
Well, this is my little story about Kathryn. Spring will soon be on its way, and whenever I see the little birdies, (Cardinals, Chickadees, Sparrows, Blue Jays, etc.,) I will remember how they made her smile, her face beaming!...and you too Brandy!! I trust we all have our fondest stories and memories about her, and these are mine. I hope when you read this you will smile and think about your own fond memory of KATHRYN.