introduced. It was apparent early on she was more than just another
pretty face. Cathy had a substantial intelligence behind her smile.
What solidified our relationship was the active engagement of that
intelligence. Over the years we have leaned on each other through
difficult times and shared our collective knowledge and life
experiences.
This pseudo sibling relationship fostered into many positive
attributes. I encouraged her to write her memoirs while in Africa for
eventual publication. When bored to tears, she depended on a quick
pick-me-up, which often degraded to dumb blonde jokes. Never taking
offense, she countered with a barrage of bald old man jokes. We
laughed until we cried. During a get together last year, our group
sat for seven consecutive hours, without a break, just to play catch
up. A memorial evening indeed.
In one of her last emails, she detailed a plan to extend for another
year in Africa. She acknowledged meeting someone she was interested
in, and was very happy with the work she had accomplished. Wonderful
news indeed. Something to do, Someone to love, and something to look
forward to; the recipe for a prosperous life was finally hers.
I do take some comfort in knowing she was truly happy during this
untimely passing. Cathy above all was a genuine, brutally honest, and
fiercely independent young lady. She will be dearly missed. Our
deepest condolences are offered to the Saltwick family.
Sincerely,
Rick McDonald
rickmac2@verizon.net
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