Kathie Schultz:
CLASS OF 1975
Redwood High SchoolClass of 1975
Visalia, CA
Madera High SchoolClass of 2009
Madera, CA
Kathie's Story
Life
As we get older, there is less and less time to tell others all the things we would like them to know. Things that shaped and formed who we ARE.
After having the wonderful (and sometimes tramatic and challenging), life that I have led, the reflection of why I am who I am, is a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors and textures. Like a soap bubble floating in the air with the sun shining through..... or a oil stain on the cement, with the watercolors painting a dramatic scene. A beautiful tapestry that needed ALL of the lights and darks to interact together to make it breathtaking.
All those things, of course can not be discussed on this forum, but, I would like those who knew me, who had a part in the shaping of this person to know.... It is a GREAT life.
I have 3 wonderful kids whom I adore, and who adore me. We are family and friends in every way.(Although once my daughter is a teen-ager that may change for awhile!!:),(OKAY, she's now a teen and so far so good.....but, only time will tell)! My kids are so loving and kindhearted and the world is a better place because they are in it!! I know that God placed them here, for a divine purpose. I have a special daughter-in-law who is also one of my best friends, I can't imagine ever loving her more. I have 2 beautiful grandaughters who can't wait to come to Nana's and Papa's, and whose smiles' light up the room. They are my "partners"!! Silly Nana. I have 2 "step" (I HATE that describing word), children, one daughter that grew up beside me and one son, who came into my life full-grown, that I love and that have added so much to my life. My mother is still with us, Thank God, and I finally met and got to know my "dad" when I was 45. That was a healing experience. I have a mate that thinks he's blessed to share his life with me, and I know that God blessed me with him. I have some really wonderful friends that laugh at my jokes when they are funny, and love me enough to tell me, "Don't tell that one in public", when they aren't. My friends, along with my family, don't care what road we walk, as long as we do it together.
I was fortunate to be raised in a church "family", where I learned of unconditional Love and forgiveness. I was given a sense of self-worth and the hope of a new tomorrow. I can't imagine life without that foundation.
I have been blessed to find my purpose in life....., and have been fulfilled in my work with youth. The confusion, frustration, enthusiasm, the need to fit in, the extreme emotions they feel are all the same one generation after the other. So much in our culture has changed, but, at least what was once TABOO we can now talk about, and deal with it and the impact those things can have on a life. I get to share with them that whatever happens today is just a step away from being a part of their history. We can't always choose the situation, but, we always choose how we perceive and grow from it.
I look back and see God's hand on me through all things, and how he has used my experiences in such a positive way. I've always tried to teach my kids.... at home and school, to always do the BEST they can... and that some days will just be better than others. We have a saying, "we're sure going to laugh about this next Christmas!!", no matter the situation.
Why do I share this?? Because, some of you may read this out of curiosity, a "what-ever happened to her"? kind of thing. Others, because we were really FRIENDS. We shared a time together, a smile, a laugh, a tear. My friends, I want you to know who I AM and, that "it's all good". [That was Slang, :0! I do work in a high school!!] Some of you may have been my "childhood friends", and some of you my "student-friends". Some of you may have been my "children's friends" who grew up around my table or my "adult friends" who happened to find this site. Whoever. We were all part of the journey together and I'm thankful for your footprints on my heart. Kathie
The previous portion was written a few years ago..... Since that time, there has been very little change, except now, in 2008... Jeremy is working in Fresno, so I have family just around the block from me, and I LOVE IT!! I can now see my Grandchildren any time I want and I don't have to take a drive to do it. My mom also moved up here, we couldn't leave her in Visalia by herse...Expand for more
lf, so we don't go to Visalia much anymore.
My health has taken a turn for the worse in the last couple of years and in 2007 I was off of work for almost 7 months. I did go back last year, but unfortunately I miss more than I like to. Between medications and restrictions, I have put on some weight which causes other issues. I hate the whole cycle, and miss the crazy, active things I use to LOVE to do. As much as our pych and heart say "YOU can still do it"!!...Our bodies sometimes let us know that it has a different idea of fun now! Growing old is so much better than NOT getting to grow old though, if you get my drift..... I have buried tooo many friends and students toooo young, to ever resent my body for growing older!!
Okay, here it is 2010. 2010 REALLY!! WOW!! Didn't that seem so science fiction to us back in the day. How come we all aren't wearing silver and flying around in our cars?? I don't know about you but...... I still don't have that robot that cooks my meals!!
Anyway. I feel like I need to say that my health is still not doing any better. I should change my profile picture because this has taken a lot out of me and aged me way more than I like. but..... I don't want to feel like I am being dishonest with my pic, so, that was taken about 7 years ago at age 45 or 46, before my heart started giving me fits, along with the respitory system... and now.... I look my age. I don't really like to have my picture taken, so if I get a decent one... I'll change it, but, for now... humor me. (I know that the people who really care...don't care about how we look.... and that whole last paragraph was stupid but, I don't like feeling dishonest so, now I don't... I told you!! LOL (laugh out loud!)
I hope all is well in your world, and please say Hello if we shared space somewhere on this journey. If you KNOW me, you know that I don't believe in wasting a chance for a hug and to say that I do REALLY care about you! Better said now, than WISHING you would have said it later!!
I'd really LOVE to hear from you.
Kathie/Ms.S/MamaSchultz
Update..... March 2011
Well, I lost my Mom a month ago today, and it still seems so surreal...... It's a crazy thought to not have your Mom physically with you! I know she was suffering so.... and when I keep my mind on the way her prayers have been answered and she is now painfree and rejoicing in Heaven.... then I am happy for her. When I NEED to talk to her, see her, hug her.... then the loss and missing that relationship is a deep hole that CAN'T be filled. Thank GOD we have the promise of heaven... where we will see one another again!! I can't imagine how people get through who don't have that hope!! I read a book called Heaven is 4 Real. It's alittle boys memories of his experience when he was gravely ill.... and the things he innocently shared with his family when he was better. WoW!! It was a wonderful book to read, when you lose someone you love!!
On the Happy side... My son Jeremy is expecting another little girl in Aug!! so I will be a grandmother for the 3rd time!! YEA!! I am still unable to work... so I have lots of time for my family.... which is the upside of all of that! I love picking up my daughter, and the grandaughters...and have them talking a mile a minute about their day!! I get to hear the scoop and lowdown on EVERYTHING!! I CHERISH those moments!! I would have missed that if I weren't available RIGHT after school!! I love when one of the kids call me and say, "Mom I'm sorry, but, I would appreciate if you could......" and I am free to say.... " I'll be right there honey!"..... I LOVE IT! Life changes.....health fails......., it's crazy to be on this side on 50.... but God is the strength of our heart FOREVER!! I desire to leave this earth one day, with my family knowing how VERY much they were loved through EVERYTHING. I always want them to remember my smile, my laugh, my silly spirit and sitting and being able to talk and share about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING!! GOD IS SO GOOD!! Love ya!! Kathie
P.s. I never get on here anymore....and so this is all so outdated, but. I now have a little grandson also, so I have 4 beautiful Grandchildren!! Both of my boys are Daddy's now!! Jeremy's beautiful Addison, and Justin's darling Damien have joined the clan since last I wrote!! Hope this finds everyone Well and happy!!
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