Kate Emery died yesterday. For her, for all of us, it's too soon, a loss, all those things. For her young adult children.
Kate's daughter Jo, played third base to my daughter's second base for the Oregon Ducks. We sat through many games in Eugene and in Hawaii and other places. Kate always lit up wherever she went with her spirit, joy and beauty. We danced, sang and cheered, made lots of noise, always rooting for those Ducks. Who didn't always win.
She didn't tell me about her cancer until near the end. One day, at Howe Field, she said, "You know, I've had breast cancer and it's already come back once. It can happen again at any time. I know that. At any time. So I'm not missing a thing, I'm going to everything. I'm having a good time!"
So she took life with a huge smile determined to not let a single bit of life pass her by.
Her cancer recurred twice and took her yesterday.
I had a number of pictures, hard to pick which ones so I'm including quite a few. Kate clowning around with the "O" before the start of a game at Howe Field. At senior day at Howe Field in the stands with her family, standing on the field with family members including her husband Josh while Jo is being honored, at the senior banquet with Josh and other parents of seniors.
One of my favorites, a shot in Honolulu, in Manoa, in the early spring, the moms to the UO shortstop, second base and third base hanging out in the sun at the top of the stands. Enjoying the moment.
The last taken also taken in Hawaii in 2007 right after the Ducks had won a tournament. I'm in the picture, also my brother. A fun time.
Kate somehow always made it more fun when she was around.
The Senior Day pictures were taken in May 2008. In June 2009, Josh, Kate's husband, looking so strong and healthy, dies of a heart attack.
We never know. Carpe diem. Seize the day.
My heart goes to Kate's adult children and to all.
May the Source of peace send peace to all who mourn and comfort to all who are bereaved. Amen.
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