CAT Tracks for May 11, 2003

CAT Tracks for May 11, 2003

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Whenever one has occasion to offer a "Thank You!", care must be taken not to slight deserving individuals...

During the past week, people kept offering condolences to the Kohn family and pledges to help in any way possible. Those expressions and offers were sincere...and remain in place.

However, many individuals and groups of individuals went a step further. Without asking or waiting for direction, they took it upon themselves to "do something".

Among other things...

They "passed the hat" to provide immediate cash for daily essentials needed while awaiting the arrival of insurance money.

They typed and circulated "petitions" to secure sick days for Julie Kohn so that her paycheck would not be interrupted while she mourned and attended to the special needs of her son - who not only lost his father, but the immediate use of both arms.

Through KFVS TV and a local bank, they arranged a public call for assistance to a family that lost most of their worldly possessions in addition to their husband/father. This effort included the establishment of an educational fund for Danny.

They helped provide food for the reception that was held following the memorial service.

And...others probably did things of which I am still unaware.

Who are "THEY"? That's a question that will remain unanswered. Why?

One simple reason...I'm not sure who all was involved. I know of certain individuals because they let me know...sometimes before...sometimes after the fact. But, I know they had assistance from others and, as I said before, I do not want to slight anyone who participated in such heart-felt activities.

But, there is a more pertinent reason for not identifying them. That's not why "THEY" did these things. There was no thought of recognition or reward. "THEY" were motivated by genuine compassion and love of people that had touched their lives. The CSD #1 family had suffered a loss..."THEY" did what family members do...out of love - not for recognition.

However, I wanted to express my appreciation for two reasons...

The official head of an organization usually receives recognition or credit for the actions of the organization or its members - sometimes rightly...sometimes wrongly. The actions referred to above were initiated and accomplished by others. Some asked my opinion in advance...which was a quick "YES!". Others simply informed me afterwards. In other words, this was not a "CAT thing"...it was the CSD #1 "family" taking care of one of their own. I am very proud of ALL of you!

(In fact...as an example...let me emphasize that I have seen the "sick day petitions". It wasn't just CATs that contributed!)

Secondly, I have had a hard time dealing with Steve's loss. Each of us has to work through tragedies in our own way. My way was to do my "webmaster thing"...trying to find words that would express what Steve meant to me...to the organization...and to his family. I truly appreciate that others "took care of business", allowing me time to reflect...and grieve.

On a final note...

While we have been focusing on Steve's passing, Steve...as always...has been keeping his priorities straight. That old "bleacher bum" (from his new "sky box") watched his Chicago Cubs beat my Cardinals yesterday...with a home run in the 10th inning! They took over FIRST PLACE in the National League Central Division this week. Okay, Steve. You win...

GO CUBS!