Honoring Cathy

Last week I lost a dear friend to a tragic illness. Cathy, in pink on the right in this photo, was friendly, outgoing, always kind and a true Christian woman. We worked together for five years and she left two years ago to pursue opportunities with her expanding communications business. However, I know how isolating working from home can be so I invited her to lunch last Wednesday to catch up. Two days later I received news of her death and shortly after this message from her husband.
 

Rob Posting on behalf of Cathy

I wish I could sit down with each of you and tell you this heart breaking news in person. On Thursday, April 11, after suffering for the last two years with a deep depression and other health related issues my wife Cathy took her life.

With the deep depression that she was in she was not thinking clearly and lost touch with all of the people that meant so much to her. It is a terrible and painful illness. We were seeing psychiatrists, therapists, doctors, ministers, and the support from close friends and family over her final months. We tried everything we knew to do. You cannot blame yourself for anything that you had done or failed to do. We don't have enough answers yet on this terrible illness that is a silent epidemic in our nation. Get help early and tell your family and friends if you feel you are depressed. You can also contact me and I will tell you what I have learned through all of this.

She was my best friend for over 36 years. She was an amazing wife to me, and unbelievable mother to our two daughters. She poured everything she had into their lives and they are her greatest legacy. They are amazing, strong and beautiful women. They will forever remind me of their dear mother. Keep us in your prayers as we move forward with our lives.

She leaves behind all of us and will be missed greatly, but will be present as a part of all us forever. We will see her again someday.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3, 4 NIV)

As we say at our church the worst thing is never the last thing.

I Love you all.

Rob

Please, please, please, don't let Cathy's death be in vain. If you are struggling with depression  get help. Depression is an illness. I can't comprehend the effects of this illness, but Cathy was absolutely the last person I could imagine who would take her own life. She lived out her faith every day. My prayer is that we will all become more aware of this disease so we can avoid losing another gifted, caring, dear person who has so much to offer.