From Jenny Cheam

KAT

Kat, as she is known to me, has been a sister, friend, counsellor, spiritual confidante, 'shopping kaki', 'lunch kaki', 'morning walk kaki', 'holiday kaki' and many roles she has played.

I got to know Kat when I was running my own business and she would drop by the shop just to say 'hi'. Looking back now, it was her way of reaching out and an opportunity to minister to people, I guess I was her 'target' at that time. We were mere acquaintance then until she was diagnosed with cancer and somehow I was prompted to help out by chauffering her to UH for her radiation treatment. I can't remember how many times she went for her radiation treatment but she was always very cheery even though we always leave for UH as early as 6 something in the morning. Kat was always on the outlook for people she has bumped into in the clinic and never failed to check on their well being. She does not see herself as being a victim but have the compassion for those acquaintances in the hospital, no matter what age, race or gender. From the trip to UH onwards, we were drawn closer and eventually spent a lot of time together. She nurtured me and encourage me to attend small group prayer meet, ladies meet, special meetings, sometimes visitation to hospital. I remembered once we visited someone who is also a cancer patient in hospital but she had a few other contacts from (friends' friends), people she has never met before. I told myself, my, this lady sure has the boldness to just walk in, introduce herself and make her presence felt. She was always so on fire for the Lord and every opportunity she has, Christ would be the center of her topic but in a very gentle and humble way she would present herself.

Eventually I gave up my business and we were spending much more time together because we encouraged each other to take our morning walk. Even from morning walk, she made so many friends along the way. I have seen her driving a car load full of people to seek medical help from a Chinese sinseh in Kuala Lumpur. She was the 'leader' and would go the distance to help in any way she could to advise new cancer patient the 'dos' and the 'don'ts' and which doctor or hospital or what supplement to take. Kat takes sacrificial time and sometimes I feel she goes overboard to help and therefore didn't get enough of rest herself.

Life has definitely been a great challenge for Kat but she never gave up on her responsibility as a wife, mother, daughter and friend. She would go the extra mile for everything she does. She never fails to call to check on friends and when she was not able to talk so comfortably, she would sms to encourage people. There was a stage that I was not able to sms her because I don't have any words of encouragement and in return she would be the one who would encourage me instead. This is the Kat that I know and I would be missing her dearly. As I was just sharing with my cell members, I was reminded of Kat over and over again because there were so much fond memories, right from clothes we buy, things we ate, places we have visited and functions we attended.

Kat, even though you are not with us but you will always be remembered for all the fine qualities you have, loving, caring, sharing, kind hearted and the list goes on. The Lord gave me this verse, 'TO LIVE IS CHRIST, TO DIE IS GAIN'. You have fulfilled your life on earth and we are proud to say that we have a friend in you. I once said to a friend that Kat has never failed to be called a friend.

(Jenny Cheam is a member of Kathryn's cell group in Subang Jaya)


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