Happy Birthday Red! Share a Memory!

Happy Birthday to one of the great ones we lost to early... Red was one of our original moderators and brought many of us with her to the planet <alien> ;D.  Many  of you neower members may not know her, but she was fabulous, no newbie ever was on long without Red giving you positive karma and a "welcome".

She was my best friend...Happy Birthday Cathy and thank you for helping Jason on "the Planet!" :'( (clapping) :'( (clapping)

Let's share a memory, there are so many.  Mine would be the day I delivered her corgi Woody to her. I'm pulling up to the driveway and this crazy woman is jumping up and down waving her hands yelling.  It was the 1st time I met her face to face  her laugh was intoxicating and contagious.  Poor Woody was squished between us as we hugged, cried, and laughed

I turned on my computer this morning and my FB page appeared on the screen. One of the first things that I saw was in the top right hand corner, it said " Cathy Kiefer Billenstein's birthday is today". I found myself smniling and remembering this wonderful lady that I never met, but still had an impact on my life. I only knew her a brief few months, and only knew her from her posts on SP and her phone calls, yet I consider myself to have been fortunate to know her this much.

I remember the surprise I had when my phone rang a few moments after I had posted some comments on SP. It was Cathy, and she had phoned me to let me know that she agreed with my thoughts and she encouraged me to keep posting as this SP site was very important to the industry, in her opionion. Over the few months I knew her, she  phoned me several times, not just when she agreed with me, but I also remember her phoning when she did not agree with me. We would talk about the subject at hand and always respected each other's opinion. I remember when she got sick and she left this forum for a few weeks. She phoned me again when she was feeling quite a bit better and she told me she was hoping to get to the Louisville show in a few days. I was planning to be in Louisville at the same time, and we made arrangements to meet each other in person for the first time. That meeting did not happen as Cathy ( Red) passed away a few days later.

I have often thought of her since her passing, and wondered what made her so special and memorable? I think she was genuine and an accepting person, who wanted to get to know you and find out what you thought about different things. I think she was one of those special people who you know are sincere and true friends even if you have never met them in person. I think she respected other people even if she did not agree with their opinions, and she also gained that respect for herself. The world could use a bunch more like Red!!

I can tell you that Steer Planet might not have ultimately ever got going without her.  She was driving force.

Every new member that joined and made a post, Cathy took the time to send them a message either via pm or karma.  I didn't realize she did this until, my wife (gf at the time), joined and she received a pm from Red.

I have something in the works planned in her honor.

I saw this post earlier and wanted to think about what to write doing chores. Still not quit sure what to say about a friend that I too never met. I miss her PMs, and occasional phone calls. She helped me in a lot of ways, not always cattle related.

Red
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hi
« Sent to: AAOK on: April 20, 2007, 04:47:22 PM »
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Hi Dan, haven't talked to for a while. Hope all is well.
Hearing a lot of excitment about Jr Natl's. Trying to find a ride. 
Maybe I'll get there!
Any new pictures lately?

Cathy
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"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care"
" Some succeed because they are destined to,
but most succeed because they are determined to."
www.redmaplemaines.com

Above is one of the earlier PMs I received from Cathy.  The first time I heard from her I was scanning posts on Breeders World, and she was telling me I neded to get on Steer Planet to help get it going.  I didn't even know who she was!  She went on the tell me all about how she fell in love with my family in 1995 during the Maine-Anjou Jr. National Show in Des Moines.  She had met my wife with the Maine Amies, and watched our girls clean up in the contests.  Flattery will get me every where, so Steer Planet became my site of choice.  I never had the opportuniy to meet Red, but we talked on the phone a couple of times (Cathy talked, I listened).  I miss her too!  Her personality was infectious, even if only in print.  Happy Birthday Red!!!!

Gidget, Red, Kansas City. . . . . . need I say more!
<alien>

PS. Every time I log on to SP I check to see if the prayer topic is still there with her as the author. I guess it makes me think she still here in some small way.

Probably the thing I will remember about "Red" the most was her ability to keep the "planet" at an even keel. Although there were not as many of us to keep track of back then, she always seemed to keep the peace among us when oppinions differed and tempers would start to flair. I never had the chance to meet her in person but always respected the "mother" of Steer Planet as she kept a watchfull eye on her brood. I am certain that the "Planet" could use a few more Reds today. RW

On my drives to the farm sometimes during the week and sometimes on Saturday mornings I would swing by her place. The one thing we both loved was COFFEE. I knew I could always count on a cup of coffee and a peak at what might be new in the barn. I don't think there was a malicious bone in her body. She took great pride in her cattle and loved Maines with passion. Even in adverse times she tried to keep a positive outlook.
I will never forget her last post. She was headed to Beef Expo in Ohio. I was going to catch up with her and Woody at the expo. Saturday morning I checked the planet and I was kind of in shock. Kathy set me up with her nephew to help me groom and fit.(2006) He still helps us to this day. I dont know what I would do without the guy. Great family.

I am sure "Red"  is busy checking larger greener pastures above. (angel)
RIP dear friend.
Shawn

Thanks Justme and everyone else for the reminder. She was so deserving to have all you SP friends and did not take anyone for granted.

I remember meeting Red and her family in Louisville (Via SteerPlanet) at the NAILE. Cathy and I sat together shortly after we had met and watched a good part of the Shorthorn show in the stadium. It was funny, we would catch ourselves looking at each other, ever so often and just laughing. I think at that time she wanted every moment to count. She was very special to me and I will always miss her.

Cathy had a unique talent and was an instrumental force in the SP start up. I'm sure Jason could tell us some stories about how devoted she was.

Red and I and many others were close friends over on the old Showsteers board, and when it went belly up -- I took a couple of months to convert over -- all at her urging to HURRY up and join SP. I did and it didn't take long before we all going strong again.

Late fall came around that year and Red and I came up with an idea to try and help some one less fortunate. My idea was to put together a drawing for a free flush -- to be given to some one who would normally NOT be able to do so. We put the word out and asked for folks to nominate someone who might fit the need. We got many names. Red and I came up with a way to neutrally pick the winner. Remember?? I told Red to take all the final names and write then each on a seperate piece of paper. Knowing puppies how were and are -- I told her to just throw them all in the air, and let Woody go have a blast in the paper. The ONE peice he first picked up would be the winner. What a hoot. The winner never claimed the flush however -- and later -- still wanting to make it happen -- I donated it to one of our own here after a tragedy happened to him. It was after all -- alot to do with Red and her common good that it all happened! I think you old timers here will remember who got it and why. We still love ya pard!!!!

RIP my dear friend -- we miss ya!

Terry

I only met Red once. It was at the NAILE. Shortdawg and I went and found her in the barn and set down and had a good conversation. I think one of the things that I always remember is that sometimes when I get on here and see that there has not been many posts on that particular day, I think about her getting on here and posting "what is your favirite winter food" or things like that to get something going. Like everyone said she was great about sending pm's to you or calling you when you posted something that peaked her interest.

I never knew her. But I can say all of you who did are blessed. I for sure could use more folks like her in my life. For I fear the devil will never leave my shoulder. I read her posts a lot. I wish I had met her.


What's the old saying? It's not what you take with you when your gone, it's what you leave behind when your gone.


Or maybe that's a song but it fits.

I remember when I was going through some health issues and Red texted or emailed me every day checking on me until I was through it and in the clear.  Was planning on finally meeting her face to face at the NAILE.  Every year when it rolls around I remember Red and our missed opportunity.  She was a very special friend.