Having cajoled everyone with whom I am well acquainted to tell their story, this month I had to 'get brave'… and talk to someone new….
Spotlight
On
Cynthia Holmes
a.k.a.
"Cindy"
Cindy was born to Virginia and Jack Cochran in Atlanta, Georgia, 'mumphety-mumble' years ago..(well, she's young but I forgot to ask permission to mention her age!) Cindy and her sister, Kathy, grew up in a loving home. Her dad was a USAF pilot and her mum was a teacher, which meant that the family lived the 'nomadic' military lifestyle.
Cindy was a good student, enjoyed lessons - especially the sciences and English. Because of her dad's career, the family lived in several different countries, experiencing the different cultures, histories, and traditions. Like many children in similar families, Cindy developed an appreciation for, and tolerance of, all people….as well as a love of travel.
After graduating from a USAF High School in Woodbridge, England, Cindy spent some time travelling in Europe before beginning college at, what is now, the University of West Georgia where she majored in Sociology.
While Cindy was in Korea, she met a young USAF pilot, Mike O'Grady. For three years they dated 'long distance', she in college in Georgia, he in Korea. After she graduated, they married, and once again she was living the nomadic military lifestyle. Their daughter Julie was born in Alaska, their son Justin was born in Arizona. Cindy had been married for 14 years when, tragically, her husband died in the crash landing of his private aircraft. Devastated, Cindy had to carry on living as normal a life as possible for the sake of her young children, just 6 and 3. The squadron support system was wonderful for Cindy, but she felt it best if she moved away…knowing that it was the best way for healing to begin. She and the children moved to the Charleston area to be near her sister. Sound financial planning meant that she was able to stay at home and look after the children as they began their new life in the low country.
However much you think it never will, time does begin to heal the deepest hurts..such was the case with Cindy. She dated in a 'half-hearted' fashion, not meeting anyone who really interested her until her financial advisor set her up on a blind date with George Holmes. They enjoyed getting to know each other, becoming good friends as they shared time together walking on the beach, roller blading, e-mailing and just talking. After three months, they went on their first 'night-time date'. Falling 'in like' turned to falling in love, and, during dinner on Valentine's day, George asked Cindy to marry him. Illustrating George's very caring attitude towards Cindy's children was the moment he asked their permission to marry their mum. The children said yes. Cindy and George were married on October 2nd, 2004, in a very romantic ceremony on the 'Spirit of Charleston' cruise ship - which they had rented especially for the occasion. The children were part of the ceremony, reading very touching poems that they had written in honour of the marriage. Neither George or Cindy wanted the children to feel pushed aside after the wedding, so their own honeymoon in the Caribbean was delayed for a few months, but they went on a family honeymoon to Myrtle Beach. Cindy feels blessed to have found deep love for a second time, and that is only enhanced by the tender, caring way George has with the children….not trying to eradicate the memory of their father, but to be there for them on his behalf.
Cindy had: grown up as an Episcopalian; converted to Catholicism when she was married to Mike; went to the Presbyterian church with her sister when she moved to Charleston; married George who is an Episcopalian. Kim Horton invited her to accompany her to St. Thomas to the Palm Sunday service in 2005….a very thoughtful invitation that 'worked', Cindy and her family are now part of our parish family.
Cindy's hobbies include: boating ….when there's time; she loves music and would eventually like to rediscover her guitar skills….music speaks louder to her than words; she loves spending time with her friends; she dearly loves the outdoors and all living creatures.
The mention of her love of living creatures, leads Cindy to share a dream of eventually being able to work with them. She talks about her experience of having to save a pig who was in difficulties giving birth to its' litter……not an easy task for a veterinarian, much less a young lady being talked through the task via the 'phone!
As mentioned, she loves to travel and along with the Caribbean honeymoon, special mention is made of Germany and Alaska, some of her favourite destinations. For the moment, family holidays are spent visiting all parents/grandparents/relatives in various parts of the U.S. Marrying George didn't mean losing contact with her previous in-laws, they are still part of her expanded family, and, as is her way with all family and friends, cherished.
Cindy is currently volunteering with our Vacation Bible School programme, but she also sees ways that some of her training could be put to use when time and opportunity permit. For now, she lives her philosophy: "Pain is inevitable, misery is optional"… with the sense of humour she considers an essential part of life.
Brief Spotlight articles are never enough to tell a whole story, but if you've never had the chance to talk to her, I hope this helps to 'introduce' you to Cindy and her family.