Kate Cronin
Over two years after her death, I'm finally facing her facebook page, a digital footprint of who she was and continues to be to those around her, stumbling across all of the memories and posts on this obituary and so many since then too. It's incredibly moving and inspiring to learn details of her impact directly from those she touched.
To many she was known as Mrs. Cronin, Betty or Betty Jo but to me she was my Mawmaw (since evolved into Wawa but that's another story that I take no credit for). I am her first grandchild and only granddaughter. Like her, I am an only child. We had a special bond because of this and because, for the first 9 years of my life, I had her all to myself. As a child, I recognized that her adoration and care for me was something special, something I was lucky to have. Something that hurt so badly to move 800 miles away from as a young girl.
My adult years with her are what I tend to look back on most though. These were the times where I really got to see and understand the woman she was to all and not just the Mawmaw she was to me. A woman so fearless, outspoken, compassionate, badass and FUN. A woman that I aspire to be. But more importantly, a human, one who battled with anxiety, who made mistakes and who was far from perfect. Oh how I wish I had more time to learn those complexities of her life. Her whole life.
The day she passed away was and will forever be the day before my birthday. While I've never been one to subscribe to traditional spirituality or religion - I wasn't raised that way - I choose to think that the timing of that in some way reflects the bond I shared with her. I actually started subscribing to believing in more 'signs' after her passing. She was so proud of the amazing job I got right after graduating college and told absolutely everyone she could about it. Still I struggled with confidence, letting my anxiety rule me. It wasn't until after her passing that I kept a ring from her closet and wore it for a big presentation in front of leadership that I successfully conquered that anxiety for the first time. I've accomplished a lot since then and because of that moment. She gave me strength. Even after she was gone. Just by remembering who she was and thinking of all of the kickass things she would have done and said were she in my shoes. This is how I keep her alive and I'd hope many others do as well. Her impact was and continues to be so very unique, loud and undeniable.
Mawmaw, how I wish you could see me today. How I wish I could ask your advice on yet again moving to a new city, this time on my own. How I wish you knew the depth of your impact on me. I love you Mawmaw & miss you everyday.
