Happy Birthday Kathy Tomlinson

Kathy at Riley and Jenilee's Wedding

Let me tell you about this fabulous woman I had the absolute pleasure of knowing.  Kathy Tomlinson was larger than life, a fighter, ready for anything, a smiling face, a positive outlook, a wife, mother, and friend. 


Kathy and Jack on Vacation



She was my mother in law.  And I adored her.  Did she make me a little crazy?  Of course, she was my mother in law.  But she always had the best intentions.  She lived each day to the fullest, loved with everything she had and would do everything in her power to help a friend and loved one. 

All the girls on vacation

Long before I met her, Kathy was diagnosed with Lupus.  Her doctors gave her 5 years to live.  Boy did she suprise them by living another 20 years.  She saw her children grow up, graduate high school and college, get married and have children.  She set goals for herself for her life and she met each one.  She danced at weddings, kissed grandbabies, hosted parties, traveled, wrote poetry, started her own business, twice; SHE LIVED. Her motto was "have wheelchair, will travel". 

Kathy asleep holding Mary Grace

The Tomlinson Family 2006

Kathy loved to be surrounded by beautiful things, inspirational things.  Holidays, any holiday, in the Tomlinson home looked like something out of a magazine.  If it stood still, it got draped or decorated, beautifully, tastefully, just like Kathy. She kept cards and notes nearby to give her a little pick me up when she needed it.  She had photos everywhere of family and friends and her beloved blue herons.

The Tomlinson Family 2009

My God, I loved her! I miss her terribly.  She will have been gone 2 years this December.  I can only imagine how much more she is missed by those who had her in their lives far longer than I; her children, husband, and friends.