Cathy South

is honored with a Medium Paver from Susan Mostrous.

I am proud to pay tribute to my mother, V. Cathy Williamson Justice South, and to my grandmother, Birdena Flaucher Williamson, through the Plaza of Heroines on the campus of Wichita State University. Both my parents and my brother, Brad, are WSU alumni. Shocker activities have been woven into our lives for as long as I can remember, so this is most fitting for our family.

Having been born in Iowa with my grandparents, I greatly anticipated my annual summer visits to Iowa. It was there that I learned to cook, to can fruits and vegetables, and to sew. But, more importantly, I watched Grandma make a house a home, and I witnessed a woman who pridefully devoted her entire life to family.

Grandma loved the color of the ocean... that deep, deep blue, and she delighted in the birds outside her kitchen window. Probably my favorite Iowa summer memories with Grandma came late at night, after all the dishes were done and Grandpa had dozed off. Grandma would patter into my bedroom, which was Mother's room when she was growing up. She loved hearing all about my life, my school, my friends she was the best audience! She gushed over my successes as though I were the only girl on earth doing good things. I was so happy in that tiny Iowa bedroom. I fell asleep each night, with my head close to the window sill, where a perfect breeze rolled in and I could count the stars.

In between summer visits, Grandma relished the letters and schoolwork that I sent to her and Grandpa. Later I found out that she didn't read my letters once or twice, but dozens. Had I known that, I would have written more. In return, Grandma sent big boxes of incredible hand-decorated cookies, treat bars, popcorn balls, peanut brittle, fudge. Each box contained everyone's favorites, plus a few extras. I still miss Grandma and would give a lot to have her see my greatest accomplishment--little Nick.

Mother has carried on Grandma's tradition of family and nurturing support. Mother left the University of Iowa right before graduation for a singing career that she gave up for our family. She has never voiced any regrets or remorse. What Mother has done is to turn her passions into the enrichment of our family. Thanks to Mother, music is something we all love--even her grandchildren. (Well, the rickety family band she pulls together and forces us all to march in could take a vacation!)

She has taught me, by example, about unconditional love, tremendous faith, tenacity for what she believes is right and thoughtfulness. One of her greatest gifts of all is making memories... having fun. Mother has taught me to remember that life is short and that there is value in lightheartedness. There have been times that our giggling fits were delightfully out of control! Mother is one of my very best friends and knows me better than anyone.

I contribute my high-spirited nature along with the faith, love, and music in my heart to my mother and grandma. We are three very different women who have influenced and blessed one another's lives enormously. I pray that my son Nick will enjoy a relationship with his mother and grandma as I have with mine. He's actually off to a great start. He loves Grandma--and her family band!

July 28, 1998