Wednesday, April 21, 2010

At Peace

It is with great sadness that I share this, but I wanted you all to know why I won't be posting for some time.

After struggling for 15 years with extreme pain, and multiple chronic conditions, my wife, Cat, could bear the burden no longer and took her own life Monday, April 19th.

We are all still reeling from the shock and loss. None of this seems real...she appeared to all of us to be doing better, little by little. But something in her fragile body was changed dramatically after her surgery in January. She was trying to be so strong for all the rest of our sakes, but only Cat knew how insurmountable it felt inside. But she is at peace now, and is with her Lord Jesus in her "Gardens of Heaven".

Please know how much Cat's online community meant to her. It gave her great joy to hear that you appreciated her beautiful photography. As her "real world" grew smaller with the pain, you all gave her sweet spirit freedom as she took images to share on her blog and Etsy store.

The photo above was taken at Easter, on one of her "good days" as we enjoyed some wonderful family time together. That is how we can remember her.

Funeral arrangements are still being made at this time, and you will understand that I cannot respond to emails for a long while. If you wish to inquire for the most current information, you can call:
DW Newcomer's Sons Funeral Home
913-451-1860
11200 Metcalf
Shawnee Mission, KS 66210

-Warren Ludwig

22 comments:

  1. Warren,

    I can sincerely say that I will miss Cat very much.
    I felt very fortunate to have known this lovely,
    intelligent and funny woman. She was always so
    full of light...

    please take care,
    Paula Lemberger

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  2. What a lovely tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  3. I only know you (and her) through this blog, but I'm sorry to hear this anyway. My condolences on your loss!

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  5. Warren, Kate and I send our deepest condolences.
    Take care-Steve

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  6. Warren,

    This news has certainly taken the air out of the room here. I was just remembering how I had visited just before your first date with Cat all those years ago.

    While we are separated by so much time and distance, I think of you often. I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you and the girls will be in our prayers.

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  7. Warren-

    I am shocked and saddened by this news. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lean on the love around you and let it be your strength.

    God Bless-

    André

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  8. I'm so sorry for your loss, Warren. My prayers are with you and yours.

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  9. Warren, your tribute to your wife is beautiful, just as she is in her Easter photo. Hold those warm memories close to your heart always. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the time to come. -E

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  10. Warren, we feel for you brother. Our deep condolences.
    -J

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  11. I'm so sorry for your family's loss, Warren.
    Your tribute is touching and beautiful.
    Take care, friend.

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  12. Warren,
    My condolences to you and your family and Cat's family. May God give you the strength to help the family at this time and to continue to be the very talented and creative person you have been.
    Sorry I didn't know Cat personally but I so admired her and the work she did on her blog. May the love and support of your friends and family help you through this difficult time.
    Terry , a friend of Dee's

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  13. Hey Warren -

    It was good seeing you yesterday. Just know that I'm praying for you guys. You've got a lot of arms around you. Take care. -Charlie

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  14. Warren, our hearts and prayers go out to you and the girls. We love yall! Lee, Laura Lee and Sam Wilder

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  15. Warren, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please, accept my deepest condolences.
    -Ramon

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  16. Im just visiting, but i feel compelled to send my deepest sympathy. I was touched by your recent post. My heart and thoughts are with you.

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  17. war- i'm so sorry to hear about your wife. my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. may your heart and soul find comfort soon.
    thinking about you friend-
    lainie b.

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  19. (I apologize for the double post.)

    Warren, you once told me that when you first met Cathy, she asked for a bite of your ice cream cone. When you said okay, she took a bite off the bottom of the cone. That story really made me laugh. I still smile when I think about it. Thank you for your sharing and your thoughtfulness of your post. I'm deeply sorry for your loss.

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  20. Oh, Warren,
    I'm so sorry to hear about your family's loss. Cathy was a warm and beautiful person and had such a way of making everyone feel at home. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
    Cathy

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  21. My friend....I am so sorry to have been out of town and miss Cat's memorial service on Friday. I simply don't have the words to express what is in my heart for you, the girls and your family. My prayers and thoughts are with you.....

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