#9-In Memory

Today when I went to work,
I found out that a good friend and colleague
had passed away.

Even though you may not know her,
I would like to take a moment to remember her.

Kate Wells, was only 55.
Professionally she was the Mental Health Specialist
for our agency. She was always there with ways to
support and encourage us in the work we do.

For the first year I was with the agency, Kate's office
was next to mine. I have to admit I enjoyed her collection
of "Jack Sparrow" posters. We collaborated on several
projects together and visited regularly.

Last year as I was undergoing fertility testing and
treatment, she was always there encouraging me,
asking me if I was pregnant yet.

The day I told her that I had asked my husband to
leave she sat in my office and talked with me for two
hours. She was divorced from her first husband for
very similar reasons to mine. She offered insight,
advice, and most importantly a shoulder to cry on.
She would call and check in with me regularly and see
how I was doing.

I spoke with her the day after she received her diagnosis.
They had told her that she only had a 10-20 % of beating
the cancer. She said she knew that smoking would kill
her someday, but she thought she would have more time.

She fought the cancer with all she had, but her will
was not strong enough to fight the disease within her.

She was a woman of great strength, character
and kindness. She will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace Kate, and God Bless.