My Tribute to Miss Kitty- In 2012, Work While You Can and Make a Difference!

Over the holiday I went to Florida looking forward to being with my family and experiencing the sunshine, blue skies, and the beach of my hometown, Daytona Beach. Upon arrival, my dear cousin, who was known as Miss Kitty to the community, was in the hospital. I headed straight to the hospital when my plane landed. You see I am an only child, with no biological children, and few remaining relatives. So first order was to check on her.
Cousin Keturah had always been there for me since birth: attending all my performances and cheering me on; taking me to get my driver's license; supporting my fundraisers; and after my mom's passing I could count on her to know just when to send me a card or give me a call to check in on me. And then there were the shoes. When she found out I loved shoes as much as she did, she began to shop and mail them to me. First there was a pair, then two, then six, and 12! Shoes now occupy all rooms in my house and my husband has had to build a shoe closet. Most recently she started adding to my hat collection. And then there were just other gifts that she thought reminded her of me.
When I entered her hospital room, she was alert and giving orders as she always had. But she wasn't up and moving like I was accustomed to. You see even though she was 86 years of age, she still ran the family-owned restaurant, WIMPYs, drove a convertible, and directed the youth dance ministry at her church. The results from the endoscopy exam were good and so we were hopeful that she would soon be up and out of the hospital. However, that was not to be and within a few days, she took a turn in the opposite direction. We were all there with her as she transitioned- just as she had been there for us. Nevertheless, it was difficult to say goodbye.
The next days were intense- notifying family members and friends, planning her wake and home going service, sharing with those who came to offer their sympathy. Because she loved hats, her daughter decided that we would all wear them for the service- the bigger and brighter the better. Now I didn't have to look far because I had a beautiful rose colored hat that she had given to me at my house. So I proudly wore it as a tribute and it was my reminder of her many gifts to me.
People came near and far to celebrate her life. And the stories were consistent, Miss Kitti had loved, shared, supported, encouraged, cheered, fed, mentored, given unselfishly time and time again  given of her time, talent, and treasure.
During the service, her Pastor reminded us that there was no need to cry for Miss Kitty because it was evident from her life that she had worked and given while it was daylight. He challenged us to do the same. So as I walked out of the church, thankful for the example that my cousin had set; I also left with a renewed commitment to work while it is day and make a difference in the lives of those I touch.
None of us knows when our daylight will end; so it is incumbent upon each of us to "be our B.E.S.T." each and every day.  My tribute to Miss Kitty is to challenge you to join me in working while we can in 2012 to make a difference in the lives of those we touch.