Katherine Minna Kim

I remember talking with Kathy about her ALS diagnosis and about her father's failing health.  Despite all these difficult situations, Kathy never ceased to smile and praise God.  Even when she was faced with so many burdens, she continually asked about how she could pray for my family.  Her generous, sweet, loving spirit touched everyone around her.  My son, Emmanuel, was 3 years old when he met Kathy.  Even he could detect that she was not physically well and his heart was moved to pray for her during our bedtime routine.  One day I told him that Kathy had told me that she prays for him and his baby sister, Veroncia, too, and he remarked,"She's so nice to pray for us even when she's sick." I hope that both my children will learn to love like Kathy loved.  I will continue to remind them about her so that as they grow up, they will never forget that they were blessed to know a living saint.  Kathy truly was a holy woman of prayer and is now a saint smiling upon us from Heaven.

Kathy was such a joy to know and my most precious friend. Kathy was kind, loving, thoughtrul who showed such love to her special husband, Dean. I could tell that by all the endearing terms she called him. It was so touching to me to hear how she talked to him. After her ALS progressed, she confided that she did not want to leave Dean. I told her it was beautiful to behold Dean's total love and devotion towards her, as he cared for her.

A precious memory of Kathy was when she asked me to be her maid of honor. She was a stunningly beautiful bride. kathy and Dean's wedding day was very happy and joyful day, as Dean celebrated their wedding and start of their new life, together.

Another special memory was when she came to be with me when my precious mother was close to passing and stayed for the last two days of my mother's life. It meant so much to me because I am an only, and if she was not there, I would have been all alone because my relatives lived far away.

Another memory are Kathy's notes and cards she would send to me. They would come when I really needed them and they would lift my spirit.

Kathy's character was noticeable always. An example was when her father had a massive stroke. She would visit him daily even though she was battling ALS at the same time. She told me every time she went to see her father, she would fall trying to visit him but she still kept going. It was amazing to me that she kept visiting her father when she was struggling with her ALS, but that was typical of Kathy because Kathy loved her father so much. That showed me who Kathy was and what her character was.

Perhaps my most special memory was Kathy asking me to pring her favorite scriptures on index cards and mail them to her, which I did in July. Several months ago her condition had severely declince, so I would read the scriptures to her over the phone. Reading the scripture were a blessing to me as they encouraged me as much as they did Kathy. It gave  me such joy to be her honored friend entrusted to read her favorite scriptures as she dealt with her ALS

On my last visit to see her on May 29th, her condition had rapidly declined but she still had her beautiful smile. I do not know how she coped with ALS, but she did it with such grace and true courage. Kathy lived with ALS trusting Jesus every day and it was miraculous to behold. I was able to tell her "she was my forever friend" and Kathy smiled her beautiful smile.

Kathy lived a Christian faith with true love for her family and friends. I truly loved her and will miss her very much. She was an angel sent to me from Jesus. What a treasure Kathy was!!!.

My heart is broken because Kathy is gone from my earthly like but I am looking forward to being reunited with Kathy in heaven

Dear Dean,

I was saddened to receive the news of Kathy's passing.

My memories of Kathy are of her ever-present smile and consistently cheerful demeanor.  I am praying that the peace of our Lord will guard your heart and mind as you adjust to this tremendous loss.

your brother in Christ,

Dwight

Kathy,
I will remember your sensitive, caring nature. I will always remember when after I became unemployed, you mailed me a card to encourage me that I would soon get back on my feet. It was a cute one too, of Snoopy. I was very touched that you reached out to me during a low point in my life and expressed faith in me when I was full of self-doubt.

I also remember your love of and enthusiasm for Beanie Babies.  One Christmas, when Mee Rhan and I visited Peoria, you received the light blue bear with the white snowflake pattern as a gift (I believe from Mee Rhan. I forget the bear's name. I'm sure you remember his name ), and really liked him. It was cute to see you move him around your then apartment, adding warmth and coziness to whichever room we could see him.

I am sad that you have left us but at the same time am reassured that you are in a better place with God, and a blessing to everyone there.

Katherine:

Your smile during your last days was amazing!  What a testimony it gave to those of us who witnessed it.  Joy in the midst of trial.  

David