Friday -- June 26, 2009
June 26, 2009 @ 9:50 AM CDT
I have had so much going on, I haven't been around much lately. For that, I apologize AGAIN.
I go through spurts of being here obsessively, to barely peeking in. I don't know why I do that, but I always have been one for bouncing back and forth between non-stop posting to just reading and finding comfort that you are here.
( I wrote a very long tribute on Father's Day to dad, husband and all other daddy's out there, but when I tried to include a photo of Dad, I lost the entire thing! I was very frustrated and closed the computer. )
Yesterday forced me to take a look at our human mortality and spirituality again.
It was sad to hear of Farrah Fawcett's passing, and later I sat here in shock as I watched CNN update Michael Jackson's status.
Both deaths affected me personally. I had never met either one of them, but they both meant something to me. Farrah was a star when I was a teenager. I wasn't a fan of the show as much as I was in awe of her. I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen on television. Over the years, she caught my attention with a couple of films that meant something. One focused on domestic abuse. I had become an advocate for abused women and children, so that film was important and really made an impression on me.
I watched her recent special on television that revealed the extent of her grueling 3 year struggle with cancer. I cried throughout the entire show.
It was painful to watch, yet important to me because of all the loved ones I had lost from this horrible disease. Her courage and determination was a sight to behold. I had a new respect and love for her after viewing that show, as I cried for her yesterday. I was relieved for her that she was out of pain forever.
I grieve for her son and family. She seemed like a very loving and kind person, but the physical pain she was in was too much for any human to have to endure.
Michael Jackson .... What is there to say? I won't even attempt to discuss his career because I couldn't possibly do it justice.
His personal problems were more than most human beings could possibly bear. Watching him through the trial, the accusations, and all his other legal battles made my heart hurt.
It wasn't my job to judge him so I didn't.
I hurt for him as I watched his frail appearance get more alarming over the years.
I was concerned about the damage his body was enduring. The tabloids tore him to pieces and made fun of him so much that I wondered how he could avoid being deeply hurt and affected by all the hate and venom.
Dad always refused to acknowledge their existence, but it never failed that some "well meaning person" would bring the nastiest section to his attention. Even though he blew it off and said he didn't care, I knew his feelings were hurt at the thought of someone he trusted in his inner circle had sold information.
Being the daughter of a celebrity gave me a first hand look at how those papers can affect the family and friends of those in the spotlight. It also is a sad and painful slap in the face when "friends" or disconnected relatives sell stories for a quick buck. That is how it works. The information they are given is taken and twisted around, added to, and embellished resulting in a much more "interesting story."
The most heartbreaking part of all of that is never REALLY being sure of who your friends are. Michael Jackson was sold out by "friends" more than any other performer I can think of, except for possibly Elvis.
I grieve for HIS family and friends, but mainly for his children. How do you go from living in Michaels's world to living in a new one when you're as young as they are?
Losing my brother-in-law just a couple of weeks ago suddenly to losing two American Icons yesterday makes me revisit the fact that this is a journey. A very short one.
My brother-in law, Eddie was my age. Farrah was 12 years older, and Michael was 3 years younger. This is a BIG reminder for me to make the most of life, touch as many lives in a positive way as I can and to use time here valuably.
Michael Jackson TO ME was a peaceful warrior. He was soft spoken and did a lot of good for many people and many organizations around the world. I choose to honor him by remembering the good he did. He wrote "We Are The World" which was recorded by numerous celebrities and greatly impacted a global fight against world hunger several years ago.
He was eccentric. So what? Eccentricity is interesting and entertaining. Dad and June were eccentric and it made life fun. They all attracted a huge following and fan base and even though it was tainted by controversy, I know from experience not to believe all you read.
Dad always said, "Choose LOVE, not hate".
Those four words sum it up. Today I wish you love.
God bless those that have gone before us and God bless you today.
Much love,
- Kathy
Eddie Panetta
June 10, 2009 @ 9:28 AM CDT
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Edward "Eddie" Panetta
1956 - 2009
Edward (Eddie) Panetta left this world in an instant, without suffering and with no regrets, on June 5th, 2009, doing something he loved deeply: riding his motorcycle in the beautiful countryside around Lake Casitas.
He was a kind, compassionate, happy man and an extraordinarily devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, friend and true gentleman. He had tremendous personal integrity. He always thought the best of people, and he was always smiling.
He loved easily and with all his heart. He leaves an enormous hole at the center of many lives: his wife Cindy Cash, who called him my rock and my angel, his son, Adam Panetta, his twin daughters, Sara and Jessica Panetta, his stepdaughter Jessica and her husband Christopher Hess, his grandson Julian Hess, his brothers Tim Panetta and Joseph (Hap) Panetta, a niece, Linsey Panetta, a nephew, Stephen Panetta, a grieving mother, Sara Anne Panetta, and a large circle of extended family and friends.
Eddie was a resident of Ventura County for only three years, but was the son-in-law of longtime Ventura resident Vivian Distin. Eddie was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi on January 29, 1956, and lived in Houston, Miami, Panama and Jackson, Mississippi, where he spent much of his youth. He was the youngest boy ever named an Eagle Scout, at the age of 12. He went to college in Miami to study photography, but became a building contractor who was talented, greatly respected and much in demand. He retired upon moving to Ventura County in 2006.
He is preceded in death by his father, Horace Yarborough, his stepfather, Joseph Panetta, his father-in-law, Johnny Cash, and his mother-in-law, Vivian Distin. "He did but dream of heaven, and he was there".
We will always miss you, Eddie. We will honor you by loving each other, as you loved us. Services will be held Friday June 12, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. at Bible Fellowship Church on the corner of Ralston and Johnson Dr. in Ventura, CA 93003. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to St. Judes Children Hospital or The Sierra Club. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Charles Carroll Funeral Home Ventura, CA 93003. Phone # 805-642-8134.
- Kathy
In loving memory
June 09, 2009 @ 11:29 AM CDT
In Loving Memory of Edward ( Eddie ) Panetta.
1956-2009
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Eddie was such a unique man. I NEVER saw him without a smile on his face, I never heard a complaint or an unkind word from his lips.
He was patient, loving, kind and understanding. He was completely devoted to family and LOVED being a daddy.
Eddie and Cindy had been married just a few short years, but every time i was around them, I felt I was in the company of newlyweds.
When Hurricane Katrina hit, Eddie immediately loaded his truck with food, water, ice, provisions, supplies and his tool box. He was determined to take as much as he could, staying as long as necessary to help as many people he could.
Cindy was very concerned and insisted that he take a friend with him to help in case of any emergency that may come up. Somehow he managed to get a caravan of volunteers together in one day and left to stay as long as necessary.
While many people were struggling to get out of harms way, Eddie struggled to get in to help.
Cindy finally met the love of her life. They were best friends, partners, and a perfect couple.
Our entire family fell in love with him immediately.
Eddie was the voice of reason, a comforting presence and a gentle soul. He was a Southern gentleman, an incredible daddy and the perfect partner for my sister. He always had a smile, a hug and a kind word. He loved my sister with all his heart, as she did him.
He was equally devoted to his mother, brothers and children.
We are all better people for having him in our lives.
Rest in peace my brother. Knowing you made a huge difference in every life you touched.
I love you~
- Kathy
A sad heartbreaking time
June 07, 2009 @ 12:16 PM CDT
I am writing this blog with the heaviest heart.
Yesterday morning my brother-in-law was in a terrible motorcycle accident and lost his life.
Eddie and Cindy had been married just a few short years. He was the best person, and they were madly in love. Our entire family loved Eddie, and everyone that ever met him.
Please pray or send light to Cindy, jessica, Chris, Julian, Eddies's 3 children, his mother and entire family. God bless him.
He is already sadly missed. 
____________________________________________________
Missing Ventura man found dead in motorcycle accident
By Kevin Clerici (Contact)
Saturday, June 6, 2009
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MORE FROM LOCAL NEWS
A motorcyclist who had been reported missing by his family was found dead Saturday afternoon along Highway 150 in the Casitas Pass area.
Edward Panetta, 53, of Ventura, was discovered by a family member about 2 p.m. over the side of the roadway about five miles east of Lake Casitas.
He was found near a tree and the motorcycle was about 30 feet down an embankment, said Armando Chavez, a senior deputy Ventura County medical examiner.
“The motorcycle was heavily damaged,” he said.
An autopsy will be performed Sunday or Monday to determine the cause of death. The California Highway Patrol is investigating.
Panetta’s family reported him missing to Ventura Police around 9 a.m. Saturday after he didn’t return home from a planned ride on Friday.
Panetta was discovered by a brother-in-law who retraced his route, Chavez said.
Discussions
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* The article says his brother-in-law found him. That isn't correct... his SON-in-law, Chris found him.
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Hug each other and call someone you love today. God bless...
- Kathy
Mama
May 23, 2009 @ 8:36 AM CDT
Tomorrow is 4 years to the day of my sweet mom's passing. ( It's also my sister Rosanne's birthday)
Mom passed on Rosanne's 50th birthday.
Her whole life was devoted to her family. She adored us 4 girls; her entire family was everything to her. I miss mom everyday all day long. God bless her. She as an incredible human being and I thank God for giving her to us for our Mom.
- Kathy
happy Mother's Day!
May 10, 2009 @ 7:19 AM CDT
- Kathy
hi again
May 06, 2009 @ 11:17 AM CDT
I have to apologize once more for being MIA.
The first week of April Jimmy and I took a much needed vacation to Savannah GA for a week.
We had an amazing time exploring an interesting historic city that neither one of us had ever been to before. We stayed at the Mansion on Forsythe Park in the Historic district. What a gorgeous place and full of interesting history.
Savannah is the epitome of a Southern town. We felt as if we had gone back through time.
Unfortunately, the day we left ( April 9th) I started getting very sick from what I assumed was allergies. Spanish moss hangs from all the beautiful trees in Savannah, and while it's beautiful, it's something we don't have here in TN.
I've been very ill since that day, requiring a couple of emergency room trips and a couple of doctor visits. I am still battling whatever has attacked my respiratory system.
The first E.R. visit determined a double bronchial infection, dehydration, dangerously low sodium levels and bronchial spasms. After a 3 hour I.V. treatment, I was released.
My doctor ordered an overnight test to monitor my oxygen levels. After the results were in, an oxygen tank was brought out here for me to use during sleep. Evidently my oxygen is okay during the day but in my sleep, it drops into the 80's.
I'm slowly starting to heal after yesterday. I finally feel as if I turned the corner last night. i actually slept 8 hours, and for me that is a small miracle!
This has been a LONG month, with this infection knocking it out of me, but I feel I'm on the mend. I will not be so absent from now on. ( I know...you've heard that before, but this couldn't be helped.)
I think about ya'll every day and have missed being here. I am SO behind on reading the forum, seeing how everyone is, and I miss the laughs! I have missed you all!
I am going to get out today for a little while with Jimmy. I've been stuck inside for weeks, except for medical visits. Today we're going to get out and do something FUN.
I'll check back with ya'll later today and catch up on as much as I can.
LOVE TO ALL !
- Kathy
Happy Sunday!
March 29, 2009 @ 12:34 PM CDT
WOW.. i think this last few days is the first time in years I haven't been online to check e-mail, my site, facebook, myspace, nothing! It may actually be a "Kathy record"!
I have so much to catch up on, but it may take me doing it in stages over the next couple of days. It's been very busy here, with organizing my downstairs; setting up a new guest room, media room, and library. Most importantly, I'm also trying desperately to finish organizing family photos, memorabilia, and other treasures in my office so they are protected correctly.
Too little time, and not enough hours in the day. Today, we are celebrating my husbands 55th birthday! It's been nuts around here.
Friday Jimmy and I leave for an entire week ALONE together! Trying to complete at least half of these projects before we leave, I'll steal as many moments and hours as I can to catch up here and at least scan my e-mail a bit.
When we get back, it will be the day before Easter... I haven't even found the time to plant the flowers in my yard I bought 2 weeks ago!
Hey, anyone have extra hours I can borrow?
If I could have one wish, I would ask to be one of those organized people I admire so much. Mom was like that, but for some reason, i didn't get the gene.
I'm not whining or complaining...just overwhelmed. I'm also explaining why I haven't been around much.
I've missed you all, and appreciate you so much.
Have a great Sunday and a peace filled week!
Much love, 
- Kathy
happy Saint Patrick's Day!
March 16, 2009 @ 8:33 AM CDT
- Kathy
Happy Birthday, Daddy...
February 26, 2009 @ 1:34 AM CST
Mama, Tara, Rosanne, Me, Cindy, Daddy
Happy Birthday...
If Dad was still with us, he'd be celebrating his 77th birthday today ; Our 6th one without him.
I miss him every day of my life and although years have passed, I cry for him often.
He told me many times that when he passed, he wanted us to wear white and rejoice.
I told him I didn't think I could possibly promise that so we compromised. He asked if one day when I wasn't so sad, I'd wear white and yell towards Heaven a big "Hallelujah! You made it Daddy!"
Maybe next year. Maybe even September.
I haven't forgotten my promise. I intend to carry it out but I'm just not ready yet.
Today I will make my regular trip to their resting place. I'll talk to him and make sure the site is clean and uncluttered.
I'll remember the good times, his humor, his voice, his antics, so many laughs.
I celebrate the life of my Dad. I thank GOD for him.
It means so much to me that you have such great love for him too.
Happy Birthday Daddy. I love you with all my heart and miss you more than I can say.
Love,
- Kathy
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Vital Info.
- 53 years old
- wife of 26 years
- mother of three
- grandmother of two
- sister to six
- 1 dog
- myspace
- domestic diva
- interior decorator
- artist