In Honor of Catie

After an almost three year battle with cancer (Ewing's Sarcoma), my dear friend Catie passed away last Monday morning. Catie was amazing in every way, really! She became a best friend at a time when I was really needing one. Through her battle with cancer she kept the most positive outlook on life and her situation. Her faith never wavered as she suffered through horrible physical discomforts. She was a wonderful mother to her three children, ages 6, 4, and 2 and even though her time with them here was short, I'm sure they will grow and take on some of their mother's awesome traits and talents.
I saw Catie just before Christmas when our family and some others went caroling to her home. While she stood there on her porch her fraility was obvious, but her smile stood out even more. As our songs came to an end and we yelled out our goodbye's, I couldn't help but think that was going to be the last time I saw her in this life. I found so much comfort in knowing that she had lived a great life and that she had so much to look forward to in the eternities.
Catie will always stand as an inspiration to me. I can't imagine there will be too many days in my life that I won't think about her and want to be a better mom and wife in her honor.
I love you Catie! Thanks for being my friend!

I saw this picture of Catie on a slideshow that her husband made of her and I asked him if he'd send it to me. I added the scripture,(which was read at her funeral) and the quote,(which is found at the top of her family blog) as little reminders. I'm going to print it, frame it, and display it in my room as motivation to do a little better each day.
Below is a letter that I had Steve, (Catie's husband) read to her not long before she passed away.

February 14, 2010
Dear Catie,

Happy Valentine’s Day! I just wanted to take an opportunity to try and express to you some of my feelings in your regard.

I remember the first time I saw you. It was our second week in our new ward and as I sat in Sunday School and looked around at the people there, I wondered who in the crowd I could make as my friend. I noticed you, across the aisle, holding Mary. I’m not sure what led up to us meeting that day, but as I talked with you, I immediately knew I had found my friend. I remember thinking, “I’ve finally found someone who, like me, is just a normal, average, every day mother of two looking for ways to keep her kids busy.” Looking back, that first impression couldn’t have been more incorrect.

Not long after that, I went to church and before sacrament began, picked up a bulletin to find your name listed for a musical number. I waited in anticipation for your turn and when you got up you took a violin with you. I remember watching you up there, swaying back and forth to your beautiful music and while I was thrilled for you and your talent, I couldn’t help but pity myself. My friend, whom I had thought, like me, was ordinary, was actually quite extraordinary.

Extraordinary quickly turned into Super Woman-like when while we were having a swim play date you cleared the entire length of the pool in one jump in your successful attempt to save Mary from the water. I also remember how Mary seemed so unaware of the danger she had just been in, but how you cried and cried at the thought of your baby being in harms way. There in the water, you held her tight, and it became so obvious to me how much you loved your kids.

That first year in Chapel Hill was so much easier for me because of you. While I enjoy having many friends, I have always needed one friend who I could be closer to and you filled that void for me. You became my NC best friend, my confidant, my humor relief, and someone I felt like I could talk to about anything.

I will never forget the day I watched Mary and David for you while you went to get your shoulder looked at. After your appointment you told me the doctor thought it was just arthritis and that you must just be a wimp (I never believed you ). It wasn’t long after that you told me you had cancer. You wondered how you were going to tell your mom, because you knew she was going to be overcome with concern. And you expressed to me your deep desire to watch your kids grow. We hugged and cried and I told you it was all going to be fine and it would all work out in the end.

I had a conversation with your mom one morning when she came to drop your kids off. I told her how certain I was of your appreciation for her and her willingness to help out. Her reply was heartfelt as she expressed her gratitude to have the ability to come and spend that time with you.

I remember visiting you in the hospital not long after your hair had fallen out and with a smile on your face you asked me if I wanted to see your head. You pulled off your cap and I felt your head and told you how beautiful you were. When you have a cute face like yours, who needs hair?

Now here we are, more than 3 ½ years after meeting that first Sunday and it is very obvious to me that my “normal” friend is actually quite the opposite. You never were normal, or average, or ordinary, but always special, remarkable, and exceptional. You have touched my life in such a way that I will never be the same. Because of you I will be a better wife, a better mother, and a better friend. I will smile more, laugh often, look on the bright side, keep my head up, and fight the battles life sends my way. You will always remain in my mind and in my heart as a shining example of unwavering faith. Thank you for all that you’ve given me.

All my love forever!
Your friend,
Jami Peterson