Singing with the Angels

It is always sad to hear of the passing of a friend, especially when the life is lost to a disease that is ruthless and the friend is young and full of life.

This world recently lost a very special friend, teacher and inspiration. Kate Sullivan passed away last week leaving a hole in the hearts of her family and all of the students she touched over her many years of teaching music. Kate was blessed with the gift of music and she shared her gift with hundreds of young people throughout her 30+ years of teaching.

I first met Kate when I was in fourth grade when she became music teacher at my school. She always made learning fun and nurtured our own budding talents like she was caring for a precious rose bush. Learning was fun with Kate. There were always new and creative ways to express ourselves in her class.

Many of us went into high school still burning with our desires to share our music. In my freshman year, a swing choir was formed and we had to audition for it. I remember being terrified at the thought of singing solo in front of her, but she always told me, "Just sing!" So I did and I made it into this group that became so tight-knit through our high school years. Everyday for four years, I would rush through lunch and hurry off to swing choir rehearsal. It was the best part of my day! We soon became known as "Kato's Kids". It was a wonderful time of music and friendship.

As we graduated and moved out into the world we left behind those times of music and closeness, but Kate made sure we never lost our memories of it all. Every few years she would host a Swing Choir reunion and anyone who was a part of this group was invited to attend. We would stand up and share our musical gifts, now mostly limited to Karaoke, and have a great time just being united as one again.

Kate is now with our Lord and is singing with the angels. I will think of Kate tonight when I am delivering my message of Believing in Jesus. Because of Kate, I was able to listen to, and enjoy, the music and let the message of a simple song penetrate my heart and soul, giving me the words to speak tonight.

Rest in God's peace Kate. You will be missed by all who knew and loved you.