I really didn't know Cathy very well; however, my older sister was at the Baker family household many times during our middle school years. I truly remember my sister having a blast at their house and inviting Jen over many times to our place. Cathy must have been an amazing woman to have raised such a wonderful daughter such as Jen that my sister could truly trust and confide in during those difficult adolescent years!

I understand how strong families have to be after losing a loved one. April and I lost our mother to ovarian cancer in August 2002. So keep encouraged as you are not alone. You will never replace your mother and the emptiness will never be filled; however, through much lover and prayer, God will help you to be strong as he truly understands! Remember, he is available at all hours and you don't have to brief him on the situation. He knows and he truly cares!

Take care!!!

Adora Huddleston :) 

       Many things have happened in the last three years since mom went home to be with God.  I often think… “I wish Mom were here for this”… or … “I really wish I could tell Mom what just happened”… or… “I wish Mom knew what was going on”… or… “Mom would really love this”… or … “I bet Mom would be so proud”.
       I have these thoughts almost everyday and it makes me sad because in the last three years she has missed so much.  Then, I believe God reassures me that I should not be sad but I should feel privileged that through my life I can honor her and her legacy.

       All four of us kids have done so much within the last three years.  Every time one of us overcomes an obstacle, accomplishes a goal, or achieves a new life milestone it is a tribute to the wonderful mother we had.

Here are a few ways that the four of us have honored mom in the last three years…

Jessica…
... Brought honor to mom when she had Ava!
... Brought honor to mom by finishing Nursing school and then subsequently getting a job as a nurse at Riverside.
... Brought honor to mom by remaining brave and strong throughout her terribly hard divorce.
... Brought honor to mom by meeting Joe, who is a wonderful man who loves mom’s Honey Bunny and Ava so much.
... Brings honor mom every time she spends time with Alana or Ava or gives them a hug or a kiss.
... Brings honor to mom everyday by being a giving selfless mother- just like her!

Jason…
... Brings honor to mom every time he passes another really hard Organic Chemistry lab or class.
... Brought honor to mom by being accepted at OSU!
... Brings honor to mom by working hard and solely putting himself through school.
... Brings honor to mom by being able to live on his own and supporting himself without anyone’s help.
... Brought honor to mom by meeting Kristin, whom my mom would love.
... Brings honor to mom by treating her like a princess as mom would always say… “Make sure you treat her like a princess.”

Jen…
... Brought honor to mom by becoming a teacher.
... Brings honor to mom every time she completes a class or passes a test.
... Brings honor to mom every time she helps a child learn something new.
... Brings honor to mom when she has a positive impact on her students' lives.
... Brought honor to mom with her marriage to Alec.
... Brings honor to mom when she sings praises to God. (Even if it is just when she is driving in mom's car.)

Josh…
... Brought honor to mom when he graduated High School.
... Brings honor to mom by working on his education.
... Brings honor to mom by going to church, reading his bible and truly having a close relationship with Christ.
... Brings honor to mom through his love of music and playing in his amazing Christian band.
... Brings honor to mom through his ministry to tell others about God’s love and salvation.
... Brings honor to mom by continuing her work by praying for and ministering to our family in an effort to bring the whole family closer to God.


       I know mom would be proud of these accomplishments, conquered obstacles, and perseverance of goals.  I know that there are millions of other ways that we have honored mom in the last three years.  If there is something else you would like to list please post it in her tributes and condolences file!

       There are many more people besides us kids that honor mom and her legacy.  Anyone who has been touched by Cathy’s life can honor her even in the little things that they do.  Every time you help a friend, pray for someone in need, love your neighbor as yourself, work hard at your job, give when you have nothing to give, put someone else’s needs before yourself, show someone compassion, etc, you can honor Cathy's remarkable life.

All of mom’s loved ones can do things to honor her everyday. Let it be encouraging to all of us that we can live our lives In Honor of Her.