More love for Kathy

My partner, Jan, and I live in the small community of El Verano, which I often refer to it as our “little village”. We have a corner market and a post office just down the street from our home. Through the 14 years I have lived here with Jan, I frequent the post office almost daily to get my mail. In that time, I got to know our postal clerk, Kathy Gerletti, very well –as so many of us have. Kathy spoiled us with her first class service, going above and beyond, often delivering packages to our doorsteps on her way home! I always looked forward to getting my mail knowing I would see Kathy!

Just days before Kathy had a stroke, she stopped by to deliver packages while we were having dinner. We invited her in for a bowl of homemade chili. She loved it, and we loved having her there! It felt homey, small town like, our local postal clerk dropping by, eating chili with us, our good friend, who I often referred to as “the Mayor of El Verano”! And now that shared moment with Kathy is etched in Jan’s and my memory –and in our hearts, forever.

I realize since Kathy’s passing that she was more than just a friend. She was like a sister to me, to Jan, and to so many of us who got to know her in her role as our postal clerk. Kathy was exceptional. She was extraordinary. One of a kind, remarkable and rare. She had a genuine caring heart and gift for making each one of us feel so special– always asking about our day, our kids, our lives.

It’s been two weeks now since Kathy passed, and it still feels surreal every time I pass by the post office, not seeing her iconic red Scion parked out in front, and the emptiness I feel knowing that she really is, in fact, gone. I well up all over again each time I think about HER –her beautiful spirit, and how she could make anybody’s day better just by being in HER presence.

I am sure going to miss you, Kathy, yet I know your essence and spirit will live on in our hearts and bless our quaint little post office and community, always. Thank you deeply for touching our lives in ALL the ways you have, making us better people for knowing YOU! And Bless YOU on your soul’s journey…