Written in memory of sweet Kate and in honor of Fathers everywhere
Deuteronomy 31:8 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
She was much too young and her diagnosis left us stunned. At 14 years of age, life should revolve around school, and clothes, and friends, and even squabbles with family members. But not cancer! Never cancer!
But fifteen short months later, family and friends gathered at her memorial to share endearing stories of Kate’s short life and unsuccessfully struggle to console each other. Her brave father stood before us in an attempt to recount just a few of the many highlights of sweet Kate’s life. Trembling, he shared her faith and her love for God. He shared her hatred of cancer. He recanted numerous stories of Kate; some inspiring, some funny, and some that gripped at our heartstrings. Amongst them all was one story that pierced my heart and I haven’t been able to shake it loose. In her memory, I will attempt to share it with you, doing only slight justice to the way her loving father told it.
When in pre-school, Kate’s teacher taught the children some life-skills for getting along with others. She instructed the class that if any of them ever encountered a difficult situation with one of their school friends, they were not to fight and argue. They were simply to say, “Walk away from me.” Each student in the school was taught to recognize these words and respectfully obey them by walking away if asked.
It seems that one day at home, little Kate became upset with her daddy. Being angry with him, she remembered her school’s policy. So, indignant little Kate looked up at her daddy and firmly stated, “Daddy, walk away from me.” Kate’s daddy looked down at his daughter and lovingly replied, “Kate, friends walk away. Father’s don’t walk away.”
What a true example of an earthly father’s love! But, incredibly, earthly love cannot compare to the love of our Heavenly Father. We have a Heavenly Father who adores us. As great a love as Kate’s father always had and always will have for his daughter, his love for Kate can never compare to the love our Heavenly Father has for each and every one of us. We may choose to walk away from Him, but our anger towards God is no match for God’s love towards us. Regardless of how angry we may become at God, God never walks away from us.
Innumerable prayers were offered on Kate’s behalf. Knowing that God is far more than the God of our brokenness, He is also the God of our healing, we begged God to restore Kate. Understandably, heartbreak came when we felt our prayers were not being answered. But it was hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ that helped us realize that indeed our prayers were mightily answered. Today, Kate is fully healed, just as we prayed. No, not here on earth, but oh, so much better. It’s true, Fathers don’t walk away and our Heavenly Father never walked away from sweet Kate. Instead, He opened wide His arms to receive her.
Father God, thank you for loving us in ways we cannot understand. Thank you for the hope that lies in your Son. May we never walk away from your love.
Rita Cochrane