Kathy Corcoran

When I think about Michelle, I think about how we had the sort of friendship that would just pick up right where we left off, no matter how long it had been since we had talked last. I hadn't seen her for many years after we marched together in Crossmen. I had moved away, and then I was marching in DCA in the summers and wasn't around DCI often. Somewhere around 2002, when she was teaching Cadets, I ran into Michelle in the restroom at Giant's

stadium. We had the best reunion in that restroom!! It really was as if no time had passed at all- even though in reality it was at least five years or more since I had last seen Shelly. I know it sounds crazy to have a happy memory in a stadium bathroom, but seeing her there is what I remember most about that day.

Shortly after that was when my dad was diagnosed with cancer and started his ten year battle with stage 4 colon and liver cancer. When he got sick was when I started coming down to his house Roswell more often. The only people I knew in all of Georgia where my dad, my stepmom, and Michelle. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I was for my visits with Michelle when I was in Roswell. We'd go out to Paradise, get nachos & cocktails and just laugh and chat. Again, we'd catch up as if no time had ever passed.

What I don't think Michelle knew at the time was just how important our visits were for me. I would only make it down to Roswell when something was going poorly with my dad. He would be in the ICU at Emory, or having major surgeries that he was told he may not make it through. Visiting with Michelle was a happy break for me on what were some pretty dark days. She was always generous with her time, and I was always so grateful that I'd get to spend time with an old friend on those trips. When Joy came up with idea for the "Smiles for Michelle" group, I volunteered to be the admin for it. It's the least I could do to support Michelle after all that she had done for me.

Jeff, I am so glad that Anton and I were able to see you and Michelle in Indy last month. I'm glad I got to give Michelle the best hug ever and tell her that I love her and that she's an amazing person. When I was giving her that hug, I thought to myself "I had better hug her like I may never get to do so again" but in my mind, it didn't feel like it was the last time I'd see her. Sadly, it was the last hug. However, I know it's not the last time I'll see her. I will see Michelle everytime I see a yellow smiley face; I will see her in the smiles and laughter of our friends. Michelle taught so many of us to just LIVE and enjoy life in the moment. That's what I'll treasure the most from all of the memories- that spirit and grace she had about her. I'm honored to call her my friend.