Betty White drove Kathleen’s childhood carpool. Yes, that Betty White. Kathleen chatted with the Clintons while they chose pens at the local bookstore. Yes, that President and Secretary of State. Kathleen didn’t know much about football, but she had been engaged to a Heisman trophy winner and doubled-dated Joe Namath.
And yet, nothing about my mundane life was mundane to Kathleen. She wanted to know what I was cooking for Thanksgiving dinner. What were my favorite recipes? What was I reading? Any good sales lately?
How did I cope with memories during my trip to Brazil where my cousin lived before she passed? Was the trip healing? Kathleen said I was brave to return to Brazil so soon.
Kathleen was the brave one. Her life was not only filled with celebrities but also with heartaches. She never paused for sympathy when a past event was mentioned as part of a relevant story. I watched her current heartaches from afar.
What made Kathleen interested in everyone around her? So outwardly focused? So inquisitive? So amazing?
I can guess, but guessing isn’t knowing. I never asked enough questions, but Kathleen asked all her questions.
Why don’t we ask more questions?
