My Magical Mom: A Tribute to Kathy R. Smith

Once upon a time, there lived a girl who believed in magic, pixie dust and fairy godmothers. Her name was Kathy and her golden hair was as bright as the brightest star. She saw the best qualities in others and was quick to say, “You’ve got a friend in me.”

As a child, when she wasn’t feeling well, a woman with rosy cheeks “popped” into her life and showed her that a “spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” She also taught her, "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun." And so began Kathy’s lifelong quest to help others see the fun and wonder in all aspects of life.

Adopting the mantra of Hakuna matata, she embraced its meaning of “no worries for the rest of your days.” After all, worrying is for adults. And no matter how old Kathy grew, she always remained a kid at heart. With Disneyland in your own backyard, how could you not be forever young? Especially with a cute mouse running the whole show.

As she grew up and had a family of her own, Kathy taught her little Mouseketeers all about “the bare necessities of life”, which included “whistling while you work”, “letting your conscience be your guide”, and most importantly, to “have courage and be kind.”

Kathy’s kindness was legendary. She loved celebrating the big milestones in people’s lives, as well as the small and insignificant. To her, “love was an open door” and once you walked through her door, you were a friend for life. I guess that’s why she never acquired a taste for seafood. “Fish are friends, not food.”

In her later years, Kathy’s courage was also legendary. Some would even say out of this world or “to infinity and beyond.” When faced with her hardest task to date, she continued to “think happy thoughts.” You see a forgetful blue fish taught her an important lesson. “When life gets you down, you know what you got to do? Just keep swimming.”

And boy did Kathy “swim, swim, swim.”

So perhaps that is what this life is all about. Learning to swim against the current. Learning to swim when we’re scared and tired. And learning that sometimes the path placed before us is not the easiest one. 

Perhaps Kathy had it figured out all along ... 

“All it takes is faith, trust and a little pixie dust.” And a fabulous set of Mickey Mouse ears. :-)

Dedicated to my magical mom, Kathleen Rae Smith (1955-2017). ❤️