I was young when Cathie and her family became my second family -- and now I am, myself an elder.   So a lifetime of memories are flooding through me since I learned that Mrs. Pead passed peacefully from this life to the next, eternal life with Cathie holding her hand.  She will always be Mrs. Pead to me although she told me so many times to call her Catherine.

Happy times, sad times, celebrations -- weddings, baptisms, meals around her table.   It is hard to imagine a time I didn't know her.

But one memory stands out, shining with life and vibrancy.   We were sitting in the kitchen of Becky and Terry's home in Montreal, the night before Heloise and Sophia were to be baptised.   In all the years I had known her I had never heard her speak of her feeling and emotions.   But this night was different.   She spoke of her husband Jim and his death.   And how her family and the Church had saved her life after his death.    The support of Cathie and her family and the life giving church community -- mass, receiving the sacraments and finding a place of belonging.

I have never forgotten the power of that evening and how honored I was to have her share such personal feelings with me.

She has several times thanked me for being a good friend to her Catherine -- but truly nothing could be easier.   I am thankful to Mrs. Pead for having Cathie as a daughter and for sharing her with me all these years.   And thankful to Cathie for always making me feel part of her family.   It has been a true blessing and I am grateful.

Donna