Friends on Friday- Cathy

What to say about Cathy?  It is not that I don't have the words, it is just that there are so many words to describe her. She is unique.  She is one of those mothers who somehow manages to work full time but always have time for her daughters and her friends.  She is always planning fun things for them to do.  She has 392 pictures on her phone and not one of them is of her.  She is selfless, compassionate and loving to all whom she calls friend.  She also has been having some debilitating health problems lately but she powers through them everyday with a smile on her face and a joke at the ready for whomever needs her.  I adore Cathy and I am honored to have her as my friend...

One of the only single pictures of Cathy from work.

N: Tell me about yourself.

C: I am a 33 (until Saturday) mother of two. Happily unmarried with two cats and one dog.

Cathy with her two daughters, A1 and A2.

N: What are you most passionate about?

C: My kids and family

N: What was one of the defining moments in your life?

C:  Man, there have been so many. I would say the defining moment was losing my mom at age 17.

N: What is the funnest thing you have done with your kids?

C: We are always doing fun things. While we have done the Disney trip, rock climping, cave exploring and amusement parks, the most fun we have are the unplanned moments.Singing "The Lazy Song" while driving down the road at the top of our lungs with the windows down. Or just hanging out doing competitions on the Wii's Dance Revolution game. Picnics in the back yard, even when it is raining. Staring up at the clouds on a warm summer day. Picking strawberries and turning it into some yummy dessert. I would have to say the funnest thing I have done with my kids, is just being a kid myself.

N: I remember you telling me several kidisms that your youngest daughter has said. What is your favorite kidism that you have heard from her?


C: I have often said I should keep a book. The mind of a 3 year old, so innocent and unknowing yet thoughtful and kind.

The only thing I can think of right now is last night as I was tucking A2 in she told me not to kiss her on the mouth because her nose was running, instead I was to kiss her on her fourth head so I wouldnt get sick. I could not help but laugh.

N: I have heard you are a bit of a prankster, what is your most memorable prank?

C: My most memorable prank was not intended to be a prank. I made black bean brownies and told everyone not to eat to many because they were made with black beans. My SO decided I said that to keep everyone from eating them all and ate the whole pan. By 3 am he was in the fetal position on the bathroom floor. It looked like he was in labor.

N: That's funny. Now for something a bit serious. You don't have to answer if you don't want to. Do you think that losing your mom at an early age helped you become a better mom?

C: It helped and it hurt.

 

It helped me see time is short and you never know how much time you have left. So I tend to live each day as it could be my last. While I know I was very much loved growing up, I make sure I always tell my kids and loved ones I love them everyday. I make sure to cherish those special moments as you never know when or if they will come again.

But I grew up too fast and became a mom at 17 to my younger brothers. I have never finished college since I dropped out to raise and support them. I never really had a chance to grow up. I sometimes feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders with no one to turn to.  I feel it has made it harder to develop relationships with friends and/or romantic partners as I am always afraid of losing the one I love. It has also made me avoid conflict as the last conversation I had with my mom was an argument. I have never been able to let that go.  Even when that means sacraficing my own wants and needs.

N: I am glad you decided to be my friend.  Like I said before, you are one of the most selfless people I know. I'm curious and nosy, what made you decide to be "Happily unmarried"?

C:  I was married to my oldest daughters dad. The day we got married he turned into Dr Jekyl (or which ever one was the bad one). I do not know why. He was mentally abusive and unfaithful. I sank into a deep depression.

To me, I have made the commitment in my heart to love S. and for now he is fine with that. I am sure one day he will press the issue of getting married, and I will go through with it. But marriage scares me to death. We live together as husband and wife with out the benefits of being a married couple. But we love each other just as much as most married couples, if not more than some.

N: If you could actually know that your wish would come true when you blow out your candles on your birthday, what would you wish for?

C: My oldest daughter not to struggle. She is having a rough time with adolescence and was diagnosed Bipolar a couple years ago. I wish she could wake up cured. I wish she could see how wonderful of a person she is and how much she is loved. I wish she did not struggle with anxiety and depression. If it were possible I would take her disorder on my shoulders so she could grow up and happy preteen and worry about things preteen girls are suppose to worry about like boys and clothes and friends. But I do not see that happening, so instead I wish for the love and patience to help her through this time in her life so she can grow into the loving beautiful person I know she is.

N:  I wish I could grant that wish for you Cathy.  But, since I can't do that, I have asked several of your friends to write a little note, happy, funny, sentimental or whatever they wanted and needed to say about you for your birthday.  My wish for you is that you will know you are beloved of your friends and as you will see, we all think you are great. Happy Birthday, Cathy. May it be as wonderful as you are.

Cathy's friends:

Sarah: 

Cathy is the single most dedicated mom I know. Rain or shine, tired, whatever, she makes every minute count. And she has a wicked sense of humor, too.

Crystal A: 

Cathy is a great listener. :)

Ashley T: 

Cathy doesn't let life bog her down no matter how many lemons are tossed her way. She is awesome at tossing the lemons right back at life. She is an inspiration as a woman, mother and friend. LOVE YOU CATHY <3 Happy Birthday to the bestest Cathy in the whole wide world.

Jen R: 

Cathy has been a great support and true friend in my darkest hours. I appreciate her humor, her dedication to her girls and her strength inspires me.

Paige: 

Cathy always knows the right thing to say no matter what your problem is. She helps you solve your problem giving you a laugh along the way. She is an amazing mommy and friend!

Lela: 

Cathy has truly been there for me thru good times and bad. We've been on two great vacations together and even spent 14 hours crammed into my tiny car together. She is an amazingly strong woman, mother and friend. Love her to pieces!!

Nicole: 

Cathy is truly one of the most amazing women I know. She is generous, caring, creative, and is the strongest woman I've ever had the pleasure of calling 'friend.' Through the ups and downs of life, she's always there with an encouraging word and inspiration. Love that lady!

Nadine: 

Cathy has all the best qualities any mom and friend could have. She is funny when you need to laugh, compassionate when you need to cry, sensible in the midst of chaos, strong enough for those in need of strength, and loving enough to love in spite of imperfection. I'm grateful to call her my friend and to learn so many wonderful things by watching her live and share.

Crystal T: 

Cathy is a strong and wonderful Woman. I admire her for her kindness and her gentle heart. She is truly an amazing Mother who would do anything for her children. She is there for her friends when they need a hug or when they could use a good laugh.

Laura I:  

Awesome, Brave, Caring, Dependable, Empowered, Fabulous, Giving, Hopeful, Incredible, Joyful, Kooky, Loving, Magnificent, Nifty, Optimistic, Pensive, Quirky, Resilient, Selfless, Thoughtful, Ultimate, Veracious, Wonderful, X-cellent, Yummy, Zany. I heart Cathy! She is the best.

Libby: 

Cathy has a true and honest love for all living things, and I admire her strength and resilience. She inspires me to want to be a better person, even though she doesn't even realize how unique she really is. Plus, she's totally hot. :)

Molly: 

C-caring
A-awesome
T-thoughtful
H-half-full kind of gal
Y- youthful and fun

Cathy is number one!

Deedra:

Webster's dictionary defines empathy as the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner. In the area for examples, there should be a listing for Cathy. She feels everything so deeply and truly understands her friends. It is a rare quality to find.

Nicky:

Cathy is a hilarious, amazing, caring, wonderful mother and person who I am proud to call a friend.

Irina:

Cathy is incredibly generous emotionally, physically, and mentally. She gives every last ounce of energy not only to her family and others that she loves, but anyone and everyone she comes across who needs it. I feel lucky to know someone so truly beautiful, selfless and kind.

Casie:

Cathy is the most selfless person I know. She is always the first to check on a friend in need and offer support. She is an amazing mother, who gives her all for her kids. She is kind, generous and beautiful inside and out. I am blessed to call her a friend.

Noe:  

Cathy, You are all these things and more.  Thanks for making me smile when I needed too and supporting me when I've cried.  I admire your strength, beauty and character. Happy Birthday.

If you would like to leave a birthday note for Cathy, please comment below this post.