Wednesday, April 17, 2013

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.

13 comments:

daisydilly (vicki) said...

Prayers going out for Cathy's family and for you ,for comfort in the loss of your friend.

My Colonial Home said...

Roberta I am so sad after reading this and reading her husbands message.
Know they are in my prayers.

Every Sunday coming home from church I see this huge billboard that says 'depression can kill'

I just can't imagine being that deep down and lost that this could happen...I pray those who suffer with this can find help.

I'm so sorry you lost such a dear friend - and how nice of you to think of her and make this lunch happen - all of her friends gathered around her.

Blessings,
Karen

Wendy @ Ravenwood Whimzies said...

Oh Roberta-What a sad story. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful friend. Depression is a private struggle that many, many people deal with. In this world of go go go and cyber friendships,it is easy to become lost. I will pray for Cathy-that the Lord will welcome her with His open arms, where she may feel His overwhelming love and comfort. Hugs to you too dear.

Green Creek Primitives said...

Roberta, I know what you are going through, my sister suffers from depression also, two years ago she tried to take her life, but failed. Its the hardest thing to go through, she still struggles with it everyday, you just never know. My thoughts and prayers to you and Cathy's family, sending you hugs. Vicky

basketsnprims said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Her family is in my prayers, this is so very sad.
hugs,
pam

Trace4J said...

Many prayers, hugs and love for the family and you my friend.
Depression steals so many lives.

Barb said...

Roberta,
So very sorry for the loss of your friend to this terrible disease. It is a horrible thing to struggle through.
Due to my family history of this disease the University of Utah took blood samples from everyone of us, at a family reunion, to do studies on. I hope that at one point we will know more about it and how to prevent this from happening to those who suffer.
Prayers for you and Cathy's family.
Barb

Raymond Homestead said...

So sorry for the loss of your friend. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti said...

Roberta,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Sending prayers for all affected by this tragic death. I pray also for more treatment for this terrible illness and a loss of stigmatism of it that currently prevents more openess and discussions about it.
Patti

lms said...

oh no.....how sad.....I am so sorry......many prayers being sent your way......I will keep her family in my thoughts and prayers too.....sad sad story....I have a sister that I think needs major help with this very thing...but when I tslk to her about it....she will say she is not depressed....it scares me for her....its like she thinks its a bad thing and won't admit it...

Elisha said...

This is so unfortunate! What a heartache for her family and friends! WE lost a young girl, 24 the same way from our church and everyone was devasted! WE thought she had such a strong hold on HOPE in The Lord, apparently the depression was too much. So difficult to understand!

Robin at The Primitive Hutch said...

Roberta, so sorry to hear you lost a dear friend.
Prayers and thoughts going out to you and her family.
Blessings
Robin

Danice G said...

So sorry to hear of this tragedy. Depression is really a serious situation but help is out there. I think some people feel as if others will think less of them for seeking help. If they do, then those people are not very compassionate or understanding. Prayers for Cathy's family.