Kathleen Conlon Laico

Kathy, Katie, Kate, Katie Girl

My sister Kathy is an angel and I mean "heaven-sent".

Ever since she got breast cancer in 2004, I've witnessed her spiritual life blossom.

Kathy Patricia (Conlon) Laico is Virginia and James J. Conlon's fifth child, and third daughter. Kathy is just above me, in terms of sibling order.

Kathy’s name has morphed into several iterations over the years including Kate, Katie, and Katie Girl. These are endearing names that Kathy has rightfully earned among family members and she answers to all of them.

Kathy is a tough act to follow. When we were growing up, Kathy was outgoing and popular. As a teenager, she always had a steady boyfriend. I, on the other hand, was fat, awkward, shy, and while friends did come easy for me, I was not seen as popular – particularly by the boys. Boys, in my perspective, couldn’t possibly be in the picture. They just didn’t like me.

I’m not sure when Kathy became Kate for me. I know it was in my adult years, and I think for me the transition happened much slower than some of my other siblings who were calling Kathy, Kate or Katie for years.

Then one day it happened. Kathy became Kate. I love my Katie girl!

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