Cathy M and my favorite Cathy Story Posted by Susan M on 10/13/2004, 8:31 pm I want to thank all of you who wrote to me privately and also posted here. I cannot express my gratitude that in the midst of your own grief you took the time to think of me. So I want to tell you a Cathy story because she would like you all to smile. Cathy and I are basically afraid of, dislike, creeped out by most insects and spiders - phobic almost. Although we love praying mantises, cute bugs and admire garden spiders (from a distance). A few years ago on her houseboat she saw a dragonfly in trouble caught in the water in some weeds. She got a mop and carefully helped him out and set him on the rail to dry his wings. Then she saw a horrid spider in the same weeds and feeling guilty she saved him also - of course, she threw the mop, spider and all, up on the bank to avoid all contact with him. She, like me, chased around mice for weeks to try to catch and release them outside until we finally were forced to give up and take more drastic measures (for the health of our birds). During her last good days this summer, she was so delighted with the locusts - she took a whole album of pictures of them and updated me daily, calling on the phone so I could hear them sing to. My dear dear friend - in heaven with all of her rescues.

I know that... Posted by Skybird on 10/13/2004, 8:34 pm, in reply to "Cathy M and my favorite Cathy Story" Cathy was so psyched at the cicadas this past year. I was sooo envious that she got these 17 year locusts emerging all around her but there were none around me!! I love the imagery of throwing the entire mop out to save the spider. Well... you know those spiders can be quick!

Re: I know that... Posted by Susan M on 10/13/2004, 8:50 pm, in reply to "I know that..." Nuts! drowning in tears again - I started thinking of that and visited her Cicada album - amazing pix and she just loved them. We didn't get any but we have the huge cicadas each year - they sing like mad - we rednecks call them Hot Weather Birds. I love to hear them sing and run screaming if I encounter one close up. Yes, typical Cathy - COULD NOT let the spider drown. She had a groundhog outside her office and guarded it with her life as there was construction taking place. I am smiling and sad at the same time.

Sounds so much like CathyM.. Posted by Harvest, perch host on 10/13/2004, 10:18 pm, in reply to "Re: I know that..." even though I have tears in my eyes I'm giggling thinking about her tossing the spider onto the bank. And knowing that she would guard a groundhog is so...so her. Big hugs to you Susan and a toast to CathyM for being the wonderful person she is.

Re: Sounds so much like CathyM... Posted by Susan M on 10/13/2004, 10:55 pm,in reply to "Sounds so much like CathyM..." Harvest - I am determined to celebrate her as I grieve and this is cathartic for me to giggle about her and the spider. This is our Cathy - unable to not try to help. When she knew in her heart that her days were numbered, she sympathized about my absessed tooth. Was it St. Francis that was the caretaker of all the animals? Cathy is probably whipping him into shape right now. And we so need to love Cathy with happiness - not dark thoughts and grief. We will (if we are good enough) all join her one day I hope. BTW, groundhogs are very cute. I once raised a litter of baby skunks, also cute till nature cut in.

heh heh... Posted by Skybird on 10/13/2004, 11:12 pm, in reply to "Re: Sounds so much like CathyM..." It's funny how she used a broom to help a spider, but she was picking up cicadas left and right!

I would be willing to bet that Posted by Tammy on 10/13/2004, 11:14 pm, in reply to "heh heh... " Cathy is right beside St. Francis. And they are both looking out for all the animals here on earth.....

Re: heh heh...Posted by Susan M on 10/13/2004, 11:31 pm, in reply to "heh heh... " Sky - you must not be a spider coward. I have no clue why but they horrify me and horried Cathy. But she loved those cicadas by golly. Our very last good phone conversation, I had felt something on my arm, knew it was a bug and was preparing to scream, run, jump up and down. It was a baby praying mantis. Cathy was so envious. She had found a big one in yard last year and was attempting to play with it. It did not reciprocate wanting to meet her. Poor St. Francis. He is getting an earfull. This is too funny - maybe we need a loveable bugs chat group.

My cousin's ex... Posted by Skybird on 10/13/2004, 11:44 pm, in reply to "Re: heh heh... " was an entomologist, and when they were married lived in Africa for years while he was doing research for his thesis. When I was a kid meeting up with him, he said the only way to get over the fear of bugs was facing them head on! So while I still scream out loud when I see a 4 inch cockroach, I do try and see the beauty in insects in the garden at least! LOL Besides which, my grandmother taught me to love worms and ladybugs (good for the garden!) And one really does have to listen to wise old grandmothers above all!

Nah Nah Nah - ya great big wusses!!!!!! Whadareya? - girls, or sumpin??!! Posted by cathy in auz, perch host on 10/14/2004, 4:30 am, in reply to "My cousin's ex..." Ok - bugs don't bug me but woohoo, snakes sure do!!! A couple of weeks ago on our walk Flin got super excited at something in the long grass just next to the path. John called her off but I went to check it out. I found a snake skin - nothing unusual about that. But this one was huuuuuuge! John pulled it out of the grass and it was somewhere between 6 and 8 feet long!!! And really thick! We're sure it was just a carpet snake or something similarly harmless but yikes - I think I would have gotten a wee bit of a fright if it had come across the path in front of us!!!! Those Cathy pix of cicadas were just brilliant. We have cicadas all the time but nothing like that!!!!!

I loved the red eyes... Posted by Skybird on 10/14/2004, 11:43 am, in reply to "Nah Nah Nah - ya great big wusses!!!!!! Whadareya? - girls, or sumpin??!! " And the close up shots she got were incredible. I really really wanted to share that thrill with her seeing them emerge around here!! But instead I had to share that joy looking at her photos.

Re: My cousin's ex... Posted by  Susan on 10/14/2004, 10:56 pm, in reply to "My cousin's ex..." HEY CathyO -don't you dare call me a wussie girl! I aint scared of snakes! I like them a lot - and boy, do I love frogs, toads and turtles. But show me a bug and watch my hindparts running for the nearest door. Now I do love cute bugs! ladybugs, butterflies, praying mantises, dragonflies. Isn't that awful? A butterfly, sans wings, would be as hideous looking and scarey as a roach or something. beats me - phobic. could spend thousands on therapy OR - HeHe - avoid bugs!!!!! Susan

Susan, Posted by Midge on 10/14/2004, 6:59 am, in reply to "Cathy M and my favorite Cathy Story" I didn't cry for Cathy, because i know that she is fine, her earthly body wasn't needed anymore, and i can visualise her, (St Francis's right hand woman!!) But i suddenly realised the awful gap in your life now! and that has sent the tears aflow!, I know that she will try to send you comfort, but its very hard to see the signs thru your tears, but your memories are already being prompted, (the spider!!) and she is letting you smile thru the tears, know that she has never left you, and let her make the laughter of shared good times come thru, hugs thru tears Susan

Re: Susan, Posted by Esther in PA on 10/14/2004, 9:48 am, in reply to "Susan," Unlike Midge, I am sitting hear crying my eyes out. I don't know what to say. Cathy is in a better place now and some day, we'll all be able to hang out together. Esther

Esther Posted by Midge on 10/14/2004, 11:10 am, in reply to "Re: Susan," Dont read me wrong, my tears are falling too, but for the close ones left behind, with a huge space in their lives that was Cathy.

Sorry Midge Posted by Esther in Pa on 10/14/2004, 12:07 pm, in reply to "Esther" I didn't mean to say that you weren't crying. Sorry if it came across that way. Esther

its ok Esther Posted by Midge on 10/14/2004, 1:16 pm, in reply to "Sorry Midge" i was just a little worried that i had come across as uncaring, words sometimes can't convey all you feel.

no no no Posted by Esther in PA on 10/14/2004, 1:32 pm, in reply to "its ok Esther" It was my fault. The choice of words just wasn't right. I was upset and couldn't think straight so it just popped out that way. We know how caring you are! Just look at your other posts! Hugs, Esther

Bless you, np Posted by Midge 10/14/2004,2:15 pm

Re: Susan, Posted by Susan on 10/14/2004, 10:50 pm, in reply to "Susan," Dear Midge and Esther. Yikes, I started and argument and sure didn't mean to. Midge, I understand completely what you are saying - my tears are (selfishly) for me as much as my dear friend. I will not get into a religious discussion about better places. Since the first day of our long and intense friendship Cathy and I knew this was inevitable but ... that does not ease my sense of loss. However, this morning my yard was full of doves - have not seen them since early spring. Next to hummingbirds, doves were Cathy's very very favorites - we waxed poetic for hours on end about their lovely soft colors, lovely soft personalities, lovely soft voices. I was so delighted to welcome them back - maybe Cathy sent them to me. Susan

dont worry Susan Posted by Midge on 10/15/2004, 6:51 am, in reply to "Re: Susan," it wasn't a disagreement, I'm pretty sure that Esther and i both meant exactly the same thing, simply slip of the keys. You are not selfish to feel this way, you must grieve for the loss of Cathy, our tears can only be for us, they are also cleansing and leave behind only loving memories, I wont go down the better places path either, but in the case of pure people i believe they are still here, part of our lives, in the trees the birds, in all things they loved, and maybe in the coming of the doves. Please forgive a simple misunderstanding on my part, i wouldn't for all the world, cause you any more worries in your sorrow.

does anyone have the last post from Cathy M?Posted by Tammy on 10/14/2004, 10:22 am I just wanted to read it again....it was only a couple of weeks ago that she stopped by to say hi.....

I have the "getting to know U" thread Posted by Suzie on 10/14/2004, 9:37 pm, in reply to "does anyone have the last post from Cathy M?" I saved the whole thread (I'm terrible at remembering things) & I just looked & CathyM posted on that thread. If anyone likes, I can paste it into a new post, or email it to anyone working on a memorial. I've been away from the computer for a few days & just found out about Cathy. I haven't been able to post about her yet (due to grief & tears), but want to deeply express my condolences to all her friends & family. I am out the door right now, but hopefully I can check back later tonight. ~Suzie

Suzie - I would appreciate anything you have Posted by Ellen in Maine, ph admin on 10/14/2004, 10:44 pm, in reply to "I have the "getting to know U" thread" Trying to pull together a tribute/memorial for her will be tougher than the others. I can't even get near it yet. And I would appreciate if you can email it - but you can post it here also. I am sorry you had to come back to this. I think many of us wanted/needed to believe she would beat it one more time. It still doesn't feel real yet. Ellen

Hi Ellen Posted by Suzie on 10/14/2004, 11:32 pm, in reply to "Suzie - I would appreciate anything you have" I will email it, but I think I will post it as well for others to read. I'll have to do some digging for more, but my hard drive has crashed so much, I may have lost things. I totally agree that it still doesn't feel real yet. I am constantly amazed by how close you can feel to somebody you have never met IRL. When I first came to TPP, Cathy was one of the first to welcome me. I also recall that she had a tiel for 11 yrs & then she was gone (flew away, I think) & I felt a connection b/c I also had a tiel for 11 yrs & lost her to cancer. She really seemed to understand how grieved I was over her loss & her words of comfort really touched me when I was down. I never really "knew" her, but she seemed so much like myself in so many ways. I am still brought to tears when I think of her & her passing. She will truly be missed. ~Suzie

I just wanted to stop over and Posted by Carolyn & Opie on 10/14/2004, 7:23 pm offer my sincere condolences on the loss of CathyM. My heartfelt thoughts go out to all of you and Cathy's family. She flies free now, healthy and happy. Hugs to you all, Carolyn

Posted by CathyM (getting to know you post 9/9/2004) Posted by Suzie on 10/14/2004, 11:36 pm I had saved this thread b/c my memory is terrible sometimes & I really enjoyed learning about my friends here on TPP. This was from the "Getting to know you" thread. Posted by CathyM, perch host on 9/9/2004, 5:10 pm, in reply to "Getting to know you!" I live in south central Indiana with my husband of 18 years, Bob. Both animal lovers we share our home with three birds, two dogs, and one cat. I’ve always had a deep love of animals and nature. I enjoy my wild bird feeders and bird bath. I love the seasons the hummingbirds are with us! My husband and I enjoy nature walks and drives. We have a small houseboat on Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee where we like to fish and just observe all the wonderful sightings of eagles, loons, herons, ducks, geese, deer, and sometimes snakes (on the rocks not near us!). I also am interested in photography and of course drag my cameras along with me. To this day, one of my fondest nature experiences was riding a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and spending the night at Phantom Ranch! I have a couple of good SLR cameras and I have a small digital camera that my brother gave me. I still plan on upgrading to a better digital, but have been dragging my heals. I like to read and listen to all kinds of music. I have worked for the same non-profit organization for 31 years. They’ve been great on keeping us trained with the new technology. I’m an Administrative Assistant. My life may be taking another turn, though. I may be going on disability. I’ll miss being in the work force, but I will give me more time for our pets and a few other things.

Cathy M  Posted by Just a friend on 10/15/2004, 2:02 pm Cathy Anne McNamara, 54 JAN. 1, 1950 — OCT. 12, 2004 Cathy Anne McNamara, 54, of Bloomington, died Tuesday, October 12, 2004, at University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, following a lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis. She was born January 1, 1950, in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Robert Douglas and Doris (Becker) McNamara. Cathy was an Administrative Assistant for the Southern Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church in Bloomington and was held in highest regard by her fellow employees. Although she was diagnosed with the classic type of Cystic Fibrosis at age 22 months she lived life to the fullest. Cathy was the longest living patient of this type of cystic fibrosis having lived 10 years longer that the other members of her research group at University Hospital in Cleveland. She was a graduate of University High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University. She was well known for raising Persian and Himalayan cats and hosted the web site Parrot Perch on the World Wide Web. Cathy thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors at the family cottage in Macatawa, Michigan, and at Dale Hollow in Kentucky boating and fishing for smallmouth bass and photographing nature and wildlife. Survivors include her loving husband, Robert Korenich of Bloomington; one son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Helen Korenich of Salina, Kansas; one granddaughter, Anisa Korenich of Salina; one brother and his companion, Greg McNamara and Pat Brummett of Colorado; and niece, Kelly Kaes of Ft. Collins, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 16, 2004, at Allen Funeral Home, with Rev. Sam Phillips officiating. Entombment will be at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and one hour preceding the services on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Lung Foundation, 2300 Overlook Rd. #406, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.

Thank you...Posted by Skybird on 10/15/2004, 2:57 pm, in reply to "Cathy M" Partings are difficult, but Cathy will definitely live forever in our hearts and memories.

What a beautiful person! (Inside & out)  Posted by Clare on 10/15/2004, 4:15 pm, in reply to "Thank you..." I hope it's okay to post this here about Cathy? I just want to say that it is almost a year since we became E-Buds. Cathy helped me out through a lot of trying times w/ Chico. Cathy told me many funny stories about Big Bird & how she learned to handle an Amazon. Cathy & I actually spoke on the phone one night for over an hour. I can't say enough about her wonderful personality & the willingness to always help others. I know her family was right about how beautiful she was when she died. A spirit as beautiful as her's could not be anything but that. Love you & I'll see you again Cathy! God bless your family & everyone who was blessed enough to ever have you in their life. I know I am! Clare

Thank you Friend  Posted by Satibape, perch host on 10/15/2004, 4:22 pm, in reply to "Cathy M" Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. May the wonderful memories of Cathy's life soon replace the sadness you feel today. Hopefully with all of the memories of Cathy those here share with you it will help the healing process. ~Sati~

Yes, thank you Posted by cathy in auz, perch host on 10/15/2004, 4:50 pm, in reply to "Thank you Friend" Cathy has left an indelible mark - she is sorely missed.

 

Posts Part 1 Poetry Tribute The 2004 Cicada Invasion CathyM's Pets One Year Anniversary Tribute Sign Guestbook View Guestbook

At the Family's Request,  contributions may be made to: The Children's Lung Foundation 2300 Overlook Rd. #406 Cleveland, Ohio 44106 in Memory of Cathy McNamara