"Yes. I do have a lot of pain. But I try to cover it up with love." -Kate FinlaysonPeter Finlayson shared the quote above at the memorial service for his 26 year old little sister Kathryn Finlayson. Kate's comment was in response to her family asking about her pain during the health decline during these last 18 months of Kate's life. Managing the excruciating pain was an ongoing challenge.
It's exactly the kind of statement you'd expect from Kate. She was all about love! "Kate" and "Love" seem to go hand in hand. Kate's service yesterday in Danville was packed. People came from every stage of the Finlayson family's life (Stanford, Boston, Washington, D. C., Japan, Phoenix). Kate has inspired people all over the world!
Despite Kate's adversity with health challenges she was kind, she was loving, and apparently, she never complained.
For me, Kate will always be "Baby Kate"; the most beautiful one and and half pound baby I'd ever seen. When baby Kate arrived 4 months early every day brought medical miracles. Kate showed her fighting spirit from her 1st breath.
Looking back on those days it occurs to me now that Grant and Pam (all of us) were just kids. Kids having kids! But there was something about Pam, even that young, that took a mother's devotion to a new level. Pam was extraordinary. It's hard to convey the respect and admiration I had for Pam during our mutual Boston years. Pam's friendship was/is a treasured gift.
The entire Finlayson family is exemplary. Kate's perseverance, Pam's devotion, Grant's patience, and the tender hearted brothers, Peter and Sam. They're all impressive on every front.
Kate's funeral service touched my heart. Her mortal journey was shorter than most but her impact on others was great. Since we all experience various forms of pain, imagine a world where we all tried to cover up our pain with love. Like Kate did. The thought alone brightens my day.
So, that's just a tiny glimpse of The Story of Kate! Sweet Baby Kate!
