Today is my mother and her twin sister’s birthday. We love them both so dearly. The kids shared a few words for their beloved Aunt Kate. Rachel made this sign and will share her thoughts tomorrow.
Aunt Kate (aka Kathy) is the most wonderful aunt a person could ever want. She is loving and kind and encouraging. She is compassionate and merciful and bubbly. She reaches out to the people around her and loves them as friends without reserve. She is wise and affirming and supportive beyond measure.
Every year we try to visit my parents at their summer home in TX; without fail the children (that usually includes Tim and myself) BEG to have Aunt Kate come and join us. It just isn’t proper to have a family gathering without her there. We understand (in the back of our minds) that she has her own children and grandchildren but we greedily claim her as OUR OWN.
I Peter 4:8-11 describes much of how Aunt Kate lives her life:
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Aunt Kate loves deeply – she will tell you that she has seen how God’s love can transform the heart and bring about healing and true love.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Kathy opens her home to friends and family with a generous heart. She loves people with a whole heart.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. Kathy lives out God’s grace in the way she loves those around her, accepting them where they are and with all their faults and foibles, walking along side them.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. I have hardly ever known anyone who speaks words of encouragement and comfort with such truth and love as Aunt Kate. You have been blessed if you spend time in conversation with her.
If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.Kathy serves faithfully and consistently – in her church, in her family, in her community. Even when weary or busy, she reaches out to claim Christ’s strength to work through her.
Truly she is an amazing person and well do we love her!!!
Here are some words from the children.
David – Have a good birthday, Aunt Kate. I hope you come and see us sometime. Thank you for sometimes giving me presents. I miss you very much. Are you going to have cake on your birthday? I really want for you to come over because I miss you. I just want to see you so much. Have a good time with your sister, Mamie. Thank you for letting me stay at your house at Texas. I really liked it.
Daniel and David, getting ready for bed, at Aunt Kate and Uncle Jerry’s home in Texas.
Daniel – Happy Birthday, Aunt Kate. Did you get any presents for your birthday? What were they? Thank you for the popcorn at Christmas. It was delicious. I liked it when we were with you in Texas. Did you like the photo book about Fort Clark? I miss you. I hope you come and see us.
Sarah – Happy Birthday to you! You look like Mamie.
Sarah – sitting in the windowsill of the sunroom in Aunt Kate’s TX home.
Joshua- Happy birthday Aunt Kate, I hope you had a happy birthday I love you.
Joshua – relaxing in Aunt Kate’s TX porch.
Kathy (proud to be named after her beloved aunt)
Three cheers for the birthday-twins! We sure have enjoyed your kindness and generosity, Aunt Kate!
Thanks also for the way that you always like to include people in the fun. Your joyful approach to life is an example and inspiration to us all!
MY goodness. How very dear of ALL of you to write such sweet notes to/about me. I love the 7 of you very much.
It is true-before I had some grand children of my own, I claimed Cindy’s–and flew to see them whenever I could. And now I’m hooked- and love to be included OFTEN.
THANKS. Come to MN and visit me and Uncle Jerry!! Love, Aunt Kate