Caitlin's remarkable and loving life

I have been a friend of Caitlin since 1998. I met her during NAMI-VA's drive to win passage of an insurance parity law in Virginia. Much to everyone's surprise, the bill passed in the first year it was introduced, thanks in part to Caitlin's marshaling of effective speakers at the public hearings.

I was lucky that we established a friendship at that time and kept it up until the time of her death. She was an extraordinary person who combined rare gifts including a passion for justice, common sense, a fantastic sense of humor, and an integrity and dedication to everything she did and, I believe, every person she cared for, which was a lot of people. It is a cliche, but I am privileged to have had her as a friend, and as I told her in my last email of a couple of weeks ago, I look forward to seeing her when we are reincarnated, unless she is one of those lucky few whose spirits shine so bright that they gain immortality on this go through.

I am sorry I will miss the Memorial Service. I would like to be there to share my grief with you and her other friends and family. I am in Ireland right now and will not be back in Virginia until August 8. I will be thinking of you and Caitlin especially on that date.

You have my deepest sympathy, but I hope you will also find cause to rejoice in Caitlin's remarkable and loving life.

Claude Convisser

MENU