Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Goodbye My Friend

I've worked at Hot Off the Press for almost 9 years now (minus the disability). Kate, the receptionist, was the first person who greeted me in the morning and the last person to wish me a goodnight at the end of each day for the past 9 years. She was the first person who welcomed me in when I interviewed for the job. She was always the first one to greet me with a hug when I came for a visit for the last 2 years while battling cancer. Always with a smile and positive attitude. Always with some spunk. Always with big wide open warm mothering arms that wrapped all the way around you when she hugged. Always with stories to tell. Always glad to see me. It was never the same without her at that desk when she'd be away on vacation or sick, which she rarely was. I liked to sneak into the lunchroom while she was eating lunch, just to see what interesting lunches she created with her expert gardening talents. She loved to share too. Always bringing beautiful bounties from her well tended gardens for us all to marvel over and enjoy. Whenever I asked her how she was doing, she would always say "I can't complain." And I always responded with, "you never can!" And she never did. She did her job with a smile on her face and in her heart and she never complained about a thing. She was so calm, and I never saw her stressed. You felt at ease and relaxed in her presence. She was a grounding force amongst all of the chaos. And she will be missed. She passed away at work today from a massive heart attack at age 62. She leaves behind her a son (going to culinary school), a husband and an empty place in our hearts. Hot Off the Press will never be the same. There will never be another Kate.

xoxox
Shauna

ps. no one ever knows when their time will come. live each day to the fullest. say what you mean and mean what you say. don't leave anything unsaid. no regrets. live each day like it's your last.

11 comments:

Paris said...

What a nice tribute to Kate. You always find the most perfect words... even when they are for difficult situations.

So glad to spend time with you today. I hope you can sleep tonight.

Love and big hugs to you, p

My name is Shanna said...

Sending all of you my love and hugs. I had the pleasure of meeting Kate a few times and can only imagine the vacancy that is left by her passing.

xoxo, Shanna

Nightscrapper said...

sorry to hear about your friend Kate. hugs to you!

Angie said...

I'm sorry to hear about your friend Kate.

JO said...

Hi Shauna:

Wow. I am so sorry to hear about Kate. It just goes to show that one never knows what is going to happen and we all should live each day to the fullest. It sounds like Kate was that kind of person.

I hated missing the support group meeting today. I hope you were able to attend and are feeling well.

I will keep Kate and her family and friends in my thoughts.

Love ya, JO

PS: I sent Jessie a card from Vegas today.

laura said...

oh, shauna, i'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. :( that is so tragic. and you are so right about just never knowing what might come. (((hugs)))

Laura Nicholas said...

Kate definitely was the heart of HOTP. She was always reading the labels on my lunch and telling me that it had too much sugar or sodium... But she is always the first with a hello and a smile. It is still so unreal to me. I had just landed in Dallas when I got Paris' text to call. I just can't believe it. She will be so missed.

Laura

nic said...

Oh my goodness, Shauna! I was reading your words, thinking, no, no, this can't be leading this way. Your words were so beautiful. I'm so sad for your loss. And everybody's loss. I'm sorry.
Hugs
Nic

Anonymous said...

Sometimes life just doesn't make sense. You have taught so many people to treasure the moments and love their family and friends. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees for any of us. It's soooo hard to lose a treasured friend. My hearts go out to you, her family and friends at work. I'm so, so sorry.

Jaci

Lisa said...

Meeting special people like Kate is what makes Life worth while. I am sorry for your loss and as you have written, it makes me treasure my friends & family even more. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Kate's family.

big hugs,
LISA

Soochal said...

i'm sad for you and the many people that kate touched. it sounds like she was a truly special lady.