Kathy was actually a friend to everyone she met.  Who could not feel welcome with her fabulous warm smile?  My first knowledge of the Follo family was casual from seeing them at 8:30AM Sunday Mass, St Ann's.  I saw three children grow up there.  I was there when everyone clapped because Kristen walked down the aisle mostly unassisted for the first time.  

Kathy and I attended a Bible study. That's when I got to know her on a personal level.  I enjoyed her company but more so I enjoyed her spiritual insight.  She shared the most beautiful story of Jesus' crucifiction being continuous in the world, so to speak.  I never forgot that.  Her face lit up as she did her best to explain it.  She was for me a role model of redemptive suffering, staying totally devoted to God.  

During one of her sick periods, I offered to do her garden duty at St Ann's.  She quickly shot back, "on no, I enjoy that".  That's how she was. No illness was going to keep her down, she just kept going as best she could.

A great experience for me was the "helping hands" which enabled me to drive Kathy to appointments along with others who shared with this duty.  It was an opportunity to do something for someone who really didn't want to accept the help you really wanted to give. She liked to figure a way to be self sufficient.  She was so engaging on these little rides.  She acepted her plight but wanted to work hard to overcome the loss of her hand.  She wanted to drive herself!

Along with knowing her "saintly" side, I knew her to be very patriotic.  We were both members of a small group of concerned citizens who met monthly to discuss political issues, to listen to speakers, and to see how we could get involved to make a difference.  I was glad we seemed to be in agreement in our political viewpoints.  She was a powerhouse worker in Jamie Ratke's campaign.  Because of her breast cancer, she was one of a select group of women invited to meet with Ann Romney.

We were FaceBook friends and her love of friends and family showed through her posts and pictures.  I was happy that God allowed her to attend both of her children's weddings. Her face was beaming in those pictures!  And then to get a grandson too shows us a glimpse of God's fondness of her!

Finally, we ran into Craig earlier this year and he gave us a little insight.  She was sleeping a lot and he was grocery shopping while she slept late.  In the afternoons, she would allow some neighboring children to come over so they could enjoy some nurturing and she could tutor them with their school lessons.  That just beat all, because who would be that giving of oneself while battling serious disease?  

The last time I saw her was in the spring at St Ann's.  It was a weekday and I ran up to her in the parking lot, happy to see her.  Yes, a role model is the right title for this wonderful lady and I'm so blessed to have known her.  She touched my life and I'll not forget her.

"May the angels lead you into Paradise", Kathy Follo!