Remembering our Friend

Our dear friend and colleague, Catherine Saltwick, passed away on 30 May 2008 in Botswana, Africa where she was posted as a Peace Corps Volunteer. We, her fellow Peace Corps Volunteers, have created this blog to honor her and to allow all of her many friends, PCVs and her family to share their stories and their grief. To say we are shocked and saddened by the accident that took her from us is an understatement. To say she is missed and will never be forgotten is a truth.

Cathy was a seeker of truth, a seeker of adventure and a seeker of love and she found it all in Botswana. She served in the small village of Mookane and enjoyed her Peace Corps experience so much, she had just signed up for an extended third year of service, where she was to be posted at PSI in Gaborone. She spoke fluent Setswana, a feat few of her fellow PCVs accomplished. She said that the Peace Corps changed her for the better, but we all thought she was wonderful the first day we met her. Her motto was: “It’s all good,” and she said it often.

Cathy is respected by so many and we will miss her terribly. Her spirit lives on in each of us because she touched our lives with her inner and outer beauty, with her love of life, with her calm assurance of confidence and contentment and with her life of service and caring about others.

We are proud to call her a friend and we love her.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Cathy and Compassion

Cathy and Compassion are interchangeable.  I am remembering the joy Cathy displayed whenever she met with me, with other family, with friends, whether she just was introduced or knew them from years back.  I knew I would love any time spent with her - she was interested and interesting - she never felt she had to be first in sharing her thoughts - it seemed as if Cathy encouraged me and those around her to tell their stories, to express their feelings, to laugh with her.  And, I remember her willingness to express affection with hugs and "smooches."  Cathy did not stand back and observe.  Cathy joined in life and by that joining in, showed her unique and special ability to love others.  I did not hear Cathy judge others.  I did not hear Cathy criticize others.  I did hear Cathy's love and compassion for others and for me.  Cathy has a piece of my heart, always.
 
Aunt Donna
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