Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Happy Birthday, Kathleen


Today is my friend Kathleen's birthday. No accidents that two of my dearest friends have their birthdays a day apart. I do love Leos. Not enough has been made of having a Leo for a friend, and I have several! I am blessed, blessed and more blessed.

Kathleen and I have been daily walking buddies for eleven years now. I think it's fair to say we've talked about everything on those walks. We've raged. We've cried. We've laughed. We've contemplated. We've processed. We've grieved. We've recovered. We've healed. Together. Can't imagine my life without her, without her steady, calming, loving presence.

Since first grade Kathleen has been Wil's 1:1 aide one morning a week. Who does that? Who takes time out of their busy schedules and lives to volunteer consistently like that, who never calls in sick or flakes out, but who shows up week after week, year after year, sleeves rolled up and ready to Rojo? Kathleen.

In September she will begin her final year with the class that she's moved up with through the grades. It will be emotional for everyone as we go through the "lasts." The last first day of school. The last Halloween carnival. The last Advent program, the last Field Day, Mass, day of school...

Fortunately, June will not signal the end of Rojo and Kathleen's special bond, it will move and shape into something else, just as my relationship with Kathleen has. Something that looks and feels a lot like love.

10 comments:

Suzy said...

Don't know her, but love what she does for your life.

Happy Birthday Kathleen!


Suzy

kario said...

Happy Birthday! I met her only once but it was enough to feel her quiet strength and gentle presence in the world. I hope she is spoiled rotten!

Love.

Amber said...

Born on an "11 day". Magical energy. ;)

Today was also my late friend Holly's birthday. Must be a day for angels to be born, huh? Sounds like she has been one to you and Rojo.

Happy, so happy you have her.

:)

Jerri said...

Happy Birthday, Kathleen.

And thank you.

Tanya @ TeenAutism said...

Beautiful. Happy Birthday to your wonderful friend!

P.S. Yes, we Aquarians certainly have some lovely Leos in our lives!

Deb Shucka said...

She is a wonder of a friend and human being for sure. And it's no accident that you've brought these two shining women into your circle of love.

Happy Birthday, Kathleen!

Elizabeth said...

She's radiant -- as you are!

Ask Me Anything said...

Happy Birthday Kathleen! My "other" BFF

Wanda said...

Happy birthday, Kathleen...belated, as I am doing all birthdays this year (apparently).

Anonymous said...

Hope you had a wonderful birthday. On behalf of the Carrie and Rojo fan club, thank you for all you do.

Michelle O.

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