OT: Thanks

[drummike]

I didn't intend to bring it up here since I didn't want to bring an element of sadness to this otherwise joyful forum, but with the passage of time and other factors, I will now pass along some personal news. My dear wife, Cathy, passed away in June '15 after a two year struggle with cancer. Cathy was truly one of the smartest and nicest women I have ever known, and was the best thing that ever happened in my life. We met when we were about 12 years old and I knew she was exceptional even then. She was one of the best students in school and was very busy showing horses on the weekends. After high school, we attended different universities, but ran into each other at a couple of concerts, including The Police at Rupp Arena, Lexington KY in 1982. We lost track of each other after college, but found each other again in 1990, still both single. We immediately started a great love affair and didn't waste any time. Our daughter Cally was born and became the focus of our lives. Cathy loved books and gardening, and was an awesome cook. Cathy made me a better person, and tolerated my musical passions. She was incredibly strong and brave during her cancer treatments and two major surgeries. She never cried and didn't worry. As we rode together in the ambulance taking her to the hospice facility, her last words to me were, "you're doing a good job, and I love you." I miss her every day and have occasional periods of deep sadness, but I'm getting along okay, and sometimes tell myself that Cathy is just gone on a very long trip and we'll see her again someday.
The only Christmas cards I was able to send was to the nutters on the list here. I want to thank 63Falcon and LT Woman for the nice card of sympathy. You guys are great, and I appreciate the friendship here with everyone. Hopefully, I can attend a SC event or two in the near future.

[Dietmar]

I feel with you.

[conroy]

Mike,

Thanks for sharing your story and sorry for your loss. Hope you can catch the Tyrant's Crush premiere in Pittsburgh next month.

[Mrs. Gradenko]

She sounds like a wonderful woman.

[Howstupidmrbates]

My thoughts and good wishes to you. I too have known intense grief recently with the loss of both parents within three months of each other. We cant explain it, only carry on and learn to live with it. Peace.

[njperry]

So sorry to hear of your and Cally's loss.

Hope you can attend a Stewart event soon.

[Rusty James]

Mike,
I am very sorry to hear of your wife's passing.
Cathy sounds like quite an amazing lady.

Cally is fortunate to have a dad like you.

Peace

[Pezish]

Mike,

I'm so sorry. Your words say so much about you. You're a great Dad and a great person.

All the love in the world,

Dennis

[policefan]

I am sure you will always treasure the beautiful memories of your lovely wife. And I am sorry you had to lose her way too early. x

[63falcon]

drummike thnx for posting-I was worried when I shared news w/ lt that might mind out of privacy etc.. I am glad I got to meet her at that performance of yours, back in NoKY before I moved. She was very sweet, easy to talk to. It was clear to see how 'tight' ya'll were(are). God Bless.

[ltwoman]

Peace, Mike.

[moonstone]

Mike you are a brave and special person.

What a beautiful relationship you must have had with your Cathy all of those years. She will live on in your memories and in the lovely daughter that you and Cathy created. She sounds like a wonderful lady.

I wish you and Cally all the peace and happiness in the world for both of your futures.

Maria

[drummike]

Thanks to all for the kind words. Cathy would not want us to be sad, so I'm trying to carry on. Overall, I feel like I've been blessed in spite of this personal tragedy. Tomorrow is another day, and I'm trying to find enjoyment in life. Again, thanks to you all for your comforting words.