Hey Ken,

I’m really sorry to hear that Catherine had to leave. There isn’t anything I can say — or even feel worthy to say — but I still wanted to share a few things with you.

First, thank you for being a friend. I don’t remember exactly when it happened, but I’m pretty sure you were the one who first showed me how to really laugh. Not just giggling, but that gut-tumbling, side-aching, cut-loose kind of laughter — the real stuff.

You have no idea how much I looked forward to those weekend barbecues with Eric, or just hanging out with your parents. I still remember how amazing they were. Thank you also for having Laura and me over for dinner, and for putting up with the person I was back then. And thanks for cooking — mule, deer, or mule deer (I honestly can’t recall!). What I do remember is that I’ve never had anything quite that strong since.

I also want to thank you for the example you and Catherine set together. Every time I saw you two, it just seemed like you were meant to be. Because of that, I think I was able to love Laura — and later Marilyn — better. I was always trying to live up to the example you both gave.

When I told Marilyn about you two, and she read about Catherine’s life and accomplishments in what you shared, she simply turned to me and said, “I would have liked her. I think we would have been friends.” Then she pointed out how many of the things mentioned were so similar to what we had done. We spent so much time in the national parks with the kids and our Jeeps that the rangers knew us. One year in Lytle Creek, up in the San Bernardino area, a hiker was lost in a snowstorm, and with the ranger’s blessing we helped in the search. They were stopping most of the other Jeeps, but the ranger just yelled out to the front, “Let this one pass, he’ll make it.” Those kinds of experiences were a big part of our lives, and I think Catherine and Marilyn truly would have had much in common.

And thank you for the VIP tour of the White House! The rest of the states too, of course, but that day was unforgettable. I know I would never have been able to give Laura that experience on my own. I didn’t have the patience for those long lines, but you made it possible for us to skip all that. I can’t describe how it felt to walk behind you, straight to the front, and just be allowed in. We never felt that way again. Just… wow.

Do you remember raiding the Shakey’s all-you-can-eat buffet? Seeing who could pile the most of those red chili peppers onto their pizza? Those are the memories my “good old days” are made of. And honestly, a hell of a lot of them include you.