Reality Check

I remember "Panuuch" - that's what we called her. Kathy Panuccio, a cute, bright, bubbly young woman - a physical therapist that I worked with at Easton Hospital and then with the Visiting Nurse Association. I just read Kathy’s obituary in today’s paper – “died peacefully at home” is what it said. “Cancer,” I thought. And then I saw her age – 54 – I knew her when we were both much younger – more than twenty years ago – with new families and relatively new jobs. Younger than me but still my contemporary and now she’s gone. The picture of her in the obit was one of a refined woman. The one in my head is one of a whirling dervish, blonde hair flying, laughing as she talked with and treated her patients.

Panuuch died.
Kathy had not been a part of my professional circle for many years. But I remember her fondly.

Panuuch died.
At the age of 54. Reality check for me. I don’t know what the future may hold. The most important thing is to make the most of the present.