I’m pretty sure that you could search the planet and not find two better human beings than Tom’s sister Katie and her husband Michael: compassionate hearts, great senses of humor, pleasant dispositions, impeccable manners. I mean, if it weren’t for Katie’s strange choice of graduate school (Auburn) and Michael’s bizarre enjoyment of running in marathons, I’d call them perfect.
For a while in the 90s they lived in Dallas, a distance close enough that we could see them occasionally. Of course, when they came here, they had to endure the company of the single being who wasn’t impressed by all their fantastic qualities: Pete.
Pete didn’t like most people, but he did have a “Tolerate” list, and most of Tom’s family made that list. Katie, however, did not. We can trace their first run-in to a visit at the Tom Family Home, when his brother held Pete toward Katie, expecting what, we’re not sure. But certainly not expecting Pete to be willing to take a bite of all that sweetness. From then on, Katie and Pete kept their distance from each other. Including a 1999 visit, when Michael got to enjoy his round of Pete adventures. While Michael sat on the couch, Pete would jump up and stretch out next to him. He’d even let Michael pet him.
Proof.
Then, for no apparent reason and without warning, Pete would become his bitter enemy, growling and otherwise threatening him. As Michael wrote later, “With Pete, it is always a new experience.”
Katie fared much better with Stevie, who, much like Katie, was always ready to be a good friend.
Today is Katie’s birthday, and I hope it’s filled with Stevies. And if there’s a Pete or two, I know Michael will run interference. Happy birthday, Katie!