A Smiling Warrior

By Steve Midura

Many truly remarkable people are also the ones who face the hardest life challenges. Let me introduce you to one such amazing woman, Kathy Midura, who tenaciously battled more than her share of trials while exhibiting unconditional faith, tender love, and optimistic determination.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steve Midura
• Release date: Nov 14, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301376506

Steve Midura

I have discovered that real meaning in life is best found by dying to selfishness and investing in the lives of others, especially loved ones.

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A Smiling Warrior

By Steve Midura

Copyright 2012 Steve Midura

Smashwords Edition

Purpose of Memoir

I have taken many intensely personal but meaningful memories, and loosely placed them in chronological order for several purposes. One is to help me work through my own stunningly powerful grieving process. Another is to pass on Kathy’s legacy to family, friends, and others that knew her. A final reason is to allow her faith and optimistic way of facing hardships in life to silently help someone that may be encountering his or her own personal trial. I know I have learned much from this remarkable woman.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my daughters, Karen and Stephanie, for helping to jog my memory for certain details of some of the events that took place. I would also like to thank Cheryl for her willingness to do the necessary document proof reading. Finally, I wish to express gratitude to all those who offered me support and encouragement along the way to completing this memoir.

Chapter 1: The Buds of Love Blossom

And rejoice with the wife of thy youth. -Proverbs 5:18

Decision time had arrived as the new college semester was about to begin. Girls had suddenly become a major problem for both my sanity and wallet. A series of gut- grinding evenings out lead me to swear off any more emotionally draining, money- sucking females. My dad had previously told me that he was glad I chose to go to college, but made clear that he was not going to pay for my tuition or board, so it was also a practical matter to swear off dating, at least for the foreseeable future. Ah, but having a weak spot for a pretty face was instinctive to my nature, and Divine destiny was not to be thwarted by a silly practical vow.

While walking into the school cafeteria one morning in late August ’71 as per the usual routine, my eyes were drawn to a captivating smile glowing from an attractive, petite, long haired brunette looking toward my direction. So much for swearing off girls; I was instantly smitten with a sudden renewed interest. Soon awkward small talk gave way to sharing personal thoughts and interests. By early September, I asked my future bride, Kathy, for the first of what would be three years of many memorable, tender, and romantic dates. Actually, the first date kind of bombed, but the second hooked both of us with fun, laughter, and our first kiss experience. I had just finished the last bite of an ice-cream cone when I attempted a quick smooch, but to my surprise she inflated my cheeks with a cough caused from an aversion to my favorite maple walnut flavor. We both laughed after she explained and then tried again for the real thing.

One of those early dates showed the determined competitive side of her nature. Kathy’s Dad had made sure all of his daughters were excellent ballroom dancers. A dance, with prizes for the best adult and young couple, was going to be held one Saturday night at a local Elks club that her parents belonged to. She was determined to not only enter it, but to also win. The big problem was I had two left feet when it came to dancing. That didn’t matter to her one bit as she confidently smiled and drilled me for several nights on how to waltz. She started her lessons by first leading then finally having me try taking the lead. I dreaded the night of the dance, but for naught. Either she taught me something or the judges were watching her, because we won first prize!

To me, in those first very lively years