Memories Into Memoirs
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Memories Into Memoirs
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"Kathy's Shortened Biography" It's been 30 years since graduation in '75. I went straight to college and earned a degree in Journalism / Public Relations from CSUF. From there I moved to the South Bay and started a job at my father's association management business in Torrance where I learned the meeting planning business and all aspects of non-profit organization management. I also got to put my journalism and writing skills to the test as we printed and published newsletters, various publications and created specialized letters for each client. I attended conferences, conventions and planned meetings all over the world and the USA. It was wonderful getting paid to work in places like Hawaii and Paris once in awhile. I think I was the envy of my friends. I appreciated my opportunity at the company and tried to excel. I worked days, night and on weekends preparing for meetings, attending them, tending to office management, learning, overseeing all the projects...a never ending exhaustive list of tasks. I did this for 23 years. On New Year's Day in 1990 I went to a singles dance on Super Bowl Sunday that my church was putting on and there is where I met the love of my life, Mike Rayl. We danced and talked all night. He was very proper! I went home and was impressed that he called me to make sure I got home safely. We went out after that but I wanted to take it slow. Three years later we married in 1993 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Long Beach. My wonderful parents gave us a lavish wedding and reception. “Kathy is finally getting married!” Some close Marywood classmates were in the bridal party - Oonagh Devlin and Cindy Steeves! Judy Martin attended. I was 35 yrs old and Mike was 38. We had a great honeymoon in Orlando at Disneyworld. We moved into my North Tustin home (where I still live) and Mike had a good job as an executive chef at the Balboa Bay Club. We traveled to many fun places together and spent quality time with his two kids In 1996 Mike became ill and after a few years was diagnosed with ALS, known as Lou Gherig's disease, which leaves you totally paralyzed, muscle by muscle, ending with a deathly pneumonia. The mind stays active and intact, only your body becomes useless. This shocking news was devastating. We tried valiantly to reverse the illness, seeking many alternative treatments and superfoods. Caretaking became full time after a while but we had lots of faith. It helped and I think that is how Mike is still alive today. Mike's two adorable children, Steven, now 22, and Shellee, now 21, and I faced and handled the emotional and physical challenges of Mike's illnesses as partners in wellness... I felt so helpless as I watched him fade while the children struggled to bloom. Working a demanding job I felt like I needed three of me. After a few years Mike's physical abilities declined considerably and he made the brave decision to move into a convalescent home nearby. After prayer and spiritual consultation, we filed for an amicable divorce, something I can't explain here. The children are in my care and we visit Mike (now paralyzed and voiceless) at his new "home" often. We are sad but also know that this is God's plan unfolding in our lives. Still, I feel blessed to have been loved, been married and to have two wonderful stepchildren to spoil. I am taking time to care for myself now, rebuilding my life, facing the present and expecting miracles. I have a new sales enterprise in the vitamin and supplement industry - one that I feel passionate about as it promotes good health. Since high school my spiritual lessons have unfolded and I know there is so much more to learn. I know what the term "With the Grace of God" means now. My fellow classmates, II would love to hear from you and share some fun school memories. May our Lord and Savior bless you and yours. Kathy DeSantis (my websites below.)
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