My first memory of Kate is riding in her convertible as a teenager. Being friends with Kate's brother, Rob, I spent many hours at the Moeckels' house as a teenager.
From time to time, Kate would give us a ride, and I felt like a million bucks. It was being driven around by a movie star.
Kate went to Brentwood High School with my brother, Bryan, which made seem like Julia Roberts to this earnest teenager. She was sweet, and it was never forced.
Kate was a genuine sweet soul who wanted to make people smile, and the only currency she expected in return was kindness and fun.
I was a stuttering half-wit in my teenage days, but that wouldn't stop me from approaching the older Kate just to say hello, and every time, she flashed that smile. It picked up the day and placed it in a spot where a bad evening couldn't take it back down. She made you feel as if she was right there with you in the moment, even if it only lasted a few minutes.
It has been year since I spoke with her, but because of Facebook, I was able to keep in touch. If pictures spoke a thousand words, I never lost touch with what she was doing.
Here's a woman who was dealt a terrible blow in 2017 when she lost her husband, Kory—but she never stopped living. Kate kept her head held high for her kids. I always thought that noble and cool.
Kate's mom, Jane, was so always so sweet to me. When I'd come over to her house to see Rob, it was like I had a second mother. She greeted me warmly and treated me like one of her own.
Sometimes when kids come over, parents can seem stressed, but I never saw that with Jane. She had patience for days. And Rick, Kate's dad, worked with my dad at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Like the rest of the family, he was always nice to me, too.
Here's the thing: Good people are taken every day. The world is not fair, and never has been.
When I heard about what happened to Kate and her beautiful kids, Zoe and Jonathan, rage and sadness swirled inside me. I was powerless and distraught.
How could someone take beacons of light such as Kate, Jane and those kids?
As sad as I was, I tried to remember a good time. I thought back to the last time I saw her.
Before I was leaving to go home after hanging out with Rob, I saw Kate in the basement, and I said, "Bye."
Instead of just returning the word, she stopped and asked how my day was. She asked how I was doing. It made my week.
Kate always took the time for people. She was always there.
Now, she's gone. All we can do is remember her well, toast to her memory and try to be better people tomorrow.
It's not right or fair, but I'll choose to celebrate Kate. You don't knock grief out; you merely win on points by remembering the good in departed souls.
Rest easy, Kate, Jane, Zoe and Jonathan. We got this.
Dan Buffa is a contributor to KSDK.com while writing for his own website Dose Of Buffa. Contact him at buffa82@gmail.com or on Twitter at @buffa82.
