Kay was one of my best friends in high school.  She died tragically on December 19, 1969, one week after giving birth to her son, Jake.  Her murder was never solved.  Kay had wanted me to serve as Jake's godmother, but it was not until he was 20 years old that we were finally able to connect.  We talked a few times over the next decade, but it wasn't until I called him on his 30th birthday that everything changed. He was more interested in learning more about his mother. He had received his Masters, was married and coaching high school basketball in Maryland.  We spoke regularly on the phone as I told him what a sweet, wonderful, fun-loving person Kay was and how much she wanted to be his mother.  Jake's family (his wife and 2 stepchildren) scheduled a stop in Nashville during their family vacation that summer.  When he stepped out of the car, I saw Kay's smile on his face. I gave him the baby blanket I had made for him when Kay told me she was pregnant, and we both had a good cry.  He and his wife, Tracey, then told me they were expecting a baby...a little girl. She was due in January 2001, but on December 19, 2000 - 31 years to the day Kay had died - Jake called me to tell me Lauren Kay Heibel had been born and ask me if I would be this baby's godmother.  Nothing can take away the sting of Kay's death and all the good times we would have had together, but I am so blessed to love and be loved by her granddaughter and her son.  Lauren is a very special young lady and Kay would be so proud of both Lauren and Jake.   

Kay was sweet , warm friendly and charming , so very sad , her death , rest sweet girl , we see you sometime ! Rest  :)