I learned too late of Mary Kathryn's passing to attend services. I am heartbroken.
Mary Kathryn was as student in both my Spanish I and Spanish II classes. She was a creative and bright student and who loved talking to me (and vice versa). What I admired most about her was that she was real. She never tried to be anyone but herself. This is an exceedingly rare quality for high school students!
We re-connected in the early 2010s and went out for Mexican food a few times. She was the same Mary Kathryn. Honest. Open. She gave great advice. The best was: never allow your dog to fly in cargo when you take a trip. ;)
I recently saw Noel for the first time since high school and I thought how nice it would be to see Mary Kathryn again. I will, when God deems it. In the meantime, I remember her as a highlight in my life. As a teacher, you're lucky when you run into a student and they comment about liking you or your class. You're extremely blessed if they choose to share some of their adult life with you.
I will miss you, Mary Kathryn.
Thank you, Mary Kathryn's family for raising her and nurturing her to be the teenager and adult that she was.
With great love and condolences,
Jennifer Arbuckle