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My Co-star, Edie Winter and other graceful woman

When we first moved to Douglas nearly 11 years ago - I was introduced to many people in this small town either through my children to their classmate's parents or through my gig as a writer for the local paper. It was the first time, I might add, that people actually read my byline - in all the years of writing for regional or national publications I never heard "So you're Kathleen S. Piggins" but I did when writing for the Local Observer. Kathleen S. Piggins was the byline I used for the paper.

 Anyway, one sunny spring afternoon watching my son play baseball a woman came up to me and said, "keep it up, Kathleen S. Piggins." I smiled and asked her name and what it was that I should 'keep up'. She replied, "I am Nathan and Alex's grandma, Edie. My son is Bill the coach. And I meant keep up the excellent stories about the schools. 'Bout time someone told it like it is."

 That encounter was followed by many more through the years, and I came to adore this grace-filled and spirited woman. The best time I had with Edie though was in rehearsals and back-stage during the play Our Town put on by the Saugatuck High School. Yes, Edie and I were beyond seniors in high school but were asked to be part of the play to basically play ourselves - she was the minister and I was one of the moms. We giggled and had more fun than we should have - especially when the rehearsals were at the un-Godly hour of 7:30 am.

 Edie passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer. The town will mourn her passing.

 It has been a year of losing graceful women - Ginger O'Leary, Ginger Wilkinson, Betty Burns and now, Edie. These are women that touched my heart and life and in many ways made me a better woman/mother/person. 

 Ginger O'Leary I would see mostly in church but always with a smile and a tale to brighten my day. She put up with my frequent joking about her cow in Chicago - like she had never heard that before! She loved her dog and our dogs, both Golden Retrievers  passed about the same time. It was with her encouragement and example that I got another dog because she said that a dog woman should not be long without another companion.

 Ginger Wilkinson - there isn't space her to share all that she taught me. I have not, nor will ever, meet another woman like her. For every event, she had a jumper or a costume and enjoyed celebrating life and it's events or holidays more than anyone I have ever meant. She had a myriad of struggles all her own, but when I would see her she had something positive to say. I remember through John's cancer treatment her many posts on the blog or messages on Facebook that helped boost this care giver's spirits. Despite her own woes, she continued to be out-and-about enjoying all the life had to offer and that has been an example for me to not sit at home having a pity-party but to venture out and brighten the day!

 And last, Betty Burns. I met her while working at East Hills athletic club in the nursery. While rocking the babies, we came to be close friends. At the time, I was a mother of one who just left her big-time-full-time job and adjusting to being a stay-at-home mom. Betty talked me through the adjustment, though I don't think either one of us knew it at the time! Our birthdays were close - though not the years - and we would celebrate together every year. Once we went to see The Bridges of Madison County and as the lights went up and people began filing out, we looked at one another and began to laugh because of our mascara streaked faces and blotchy cheeks. Fellow blubbering idiots, we said in unison. When I moved to Douglas, we kept in torch as much as possible and she came to spend a weekend here until traveling became too difficult. I miss her more that words can say. The lessons from Betty were never lectures but examples of how to live a grace filled and positive life.

 I carry these four women with me - there is a little bit of each of them in me. And I am better for having known them and letting them into my heart.

 I hope some day that the same can be said of me. 

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