05/30/2025
I knew when I started at Ford and Thomas this day would come- Cathy’s Retirement day. I’ve been selfishly dreading it. Just the thought of it would overwhelm me, and never thought I would be prepared to fill her shoes or even survive without her. My earliest memories of Cathy are when I used to come play in the office when I was Ava’s age. She would teach my me how to make a rubber band ball or connect all the paper clips and make a trail around the office. I would always call the office to get out of class in high school and her voice was always the best to hear, especially on a bad day. And then, even on the worst day of my life, she was there standing at the door telling me that I need to get home, that my dad had a terrible accident. She came to find me in Myrtle Beach and knocked on every door in our apartment complex until she found me. I just moved into a new apartment after college graduation and no one knew my exact address. She didn’t hesitate to drive to my area on her vacation and find me and be the one to tell me the news. It was in that moment then and in the months that followed I knew- she would ALWAYS be family. She kept Ford Thomas afloat when my dad was not able to. We are all forever grateful for those times.
Fast-forward about 10 years later and I was in a bit of a crossroads in life. I decided to join the agency. She was my mentor from the beginning and she taught me so much about bonds, something I’ve since become passionate about. Watching her help these people made me want to be there for them too. She taught me we didn’t have to be all business all the time, something that makes F&T so special. She is the perfect example of empathy at its finest. And man, these last couple years personally have felt impossible- but having Cathy and our team at work made it possible. I’m so thankful for everything that you’ve taught me and all the years you’ve supported me. To give me these young years with Ava and never making me feel like I had to choose. I don’t know what we’ll do without you, but I’m so grateful that you’ve prepared us for this next phase of Ford and Thomas. And we couldn’t be more excited for you, your retirement, and all of your adventures to come.
And just like Danny said… “everybody needs a Cathy”.
