The question was
raised on our first day in the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. “What if we actually see
whales? And what if they’re not in the distance, but really, really close?”
“Just tap the sides
of the double kayak. The whales will sense where you are by the vibrations. Not
to worry.”
“Not to worry? Not
to worry? For the next six days Ann paddled and I tapped, then I paddled and
Ann tapped. I guess we got a pretty good rhythm going because sure enough a
whale fin waved to us not 20 yards ahead of our kayak!
There may have been
a lot of laughter on that adventure, albeit nervous, but the memories are long
lasting and fun to recall and a lifelong friendship was sealed in spite of
miles and miles of separation.
 |
| Ann Katz |
Ann Katz
I was fortunate to injure my knee on a University of Texas ski trip 40
years ago. After the cast was removed, I went to physical therapy. After that, I
changed my college major for the last time.
I love being a physical therapist. I am allowed to enter the lives
of people when they’re most vulnerable and I’m given permission to treat them
physically and emotionally. I have to admit that usually there’s not much of a challenge
in transforming them into more productive and happier people, but I so love to
help. And I learn from these people, especially the seniors.
Over the years I have met and treated people who interviewed
Amelia Earhart, talked with Eleanor Roosevelt, and can tell stories about many
other well-known people. One gentleman was involved in counting election votes
in Texas and was present when LBJ captured his Texas Senate seat (when he
had a 20,000 vote deficit through fraud in the 1940's - counting votes of the
deceased). And then there were the clients who were captured by the Japanese in
WW2.
I’ve been fortunate to have become friends with many of my
nonagenarian patients.
I have two grown sons who it was my pleasure to raise. When they
were in college ten years ago, I felt a need to prevent them from becoming
"boomerang children," not because they each required an induced
labor, but to make sure they knew I had expectations that they could be
successful, and not return home.
I sat them down and told them, "This is my house. It is not
your house." The look they gave me was one of betrayal. I
explained that I knew once they graduated from college, they would find a job,
support themselves and "make their own home." I guess it
worked, as they never moved back to Austin and never asked
for financial help.
In fact, Josh, my 30-year-old moved to Japan where he met his
bride. They currently live in the San Francisco area. My 28-year-old, Ross is very grounded and will be
successful in anything he puts his mind to, including finding a nice wife like
his brother.
My third passion includes animals. I am involved in animal rescue
and nature, which is where I had the opportunity to meet the greatest
comedienne, Rebecca Redshaw.* I have never laughed as hard and as long as the week I
spent kayaking and camping with Rebecca in the Sea of Cortez. Her
rendition of rat races around our tent never ceases to bring a smile on my
face. Thank you for these memories, Rebecca.
Blogger Disclaimer: I make no claims to be a comedienne, but
we did giggle at the field mice (not rats!), and the sand storms, and about
everything else that tickled our fancy on a very fun whale watching/kayak
vacation!
- Who are you? List 5 nouns that define you!
Animal-lover – Nature-lover – Friend – Mother – Worrier
2. What have you done that
you’re most proud of?
Raising two wonderful young men.
3. If you could
change one thing in your past, what would it be?
I wouldn't change anything. I have tried to learn from my
mistakes and have become stronger from many incidents.
4. On a personal
level, what drives you crazy? What gives you joy?
People who act irresponsibly: those who have children, but aren't competent to raise them, those who do not
wear helmets on motorcycles, those with no car, home, or health insurance and
expect the government to rescue them, drivers who feel entitled to drive
recklessly despite the lives that are at stake, and when I sound like my
father. :-)
I feel joy on a sunny day, when I wake up face to face with my
terrier who proceeds to wag her tail, when I work, when I hear from my sons,
when I see rolling hills and lakes and blooming plants, and day-dreaming. I
feel joy when I am playing tennis, walking, and kayaking. I feel joy almost all
the time.
5. Given no restrictions
(i.e. money/physical capabilities) –
what would you most
like to do?
I would like to magically help my sons find a career that is
meaningful to them. But, we are not talking magic, plus we know that they
must learn from their mistakes like we did.
I would provide free spay/neuter throughout the world to control
overpopulation and buy acreage in every state and hire committed and capable
people to supervise and care for homeless animals. This would provide
employment, and an opportunity to take care of those in need, as well receive
the love of animals. Convicts could begin this process while incarcerated, and
children in poverty would have summer scholarships.
 |
| Ann was treated to lunch on her 60th by her 92 year old patient/friend. |
Ann, her sons, and family members
Ann's favorite sites to help save animals:
There are so many worthy rescue sites.
In Austin, we have Austin Pets Alive http://www.austinpetsalive.org/ and
the Austin Humane Society http://www.austinhumanesociety.org/ which
NEVER kills adoptable pets.
Most of my local donations go to: Emancipet http://www.emancipet.org/ because
they actually help eliminate
the cause of overpopulation by providing free and sliding
scale neutering and spaying.
