Before Julie Wurth sits down with Dr. Lilian G. Katz to ask her the 7 Q+As at the show, let’s see how this News-Gazette reporter/columnist answers them!
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1. What are you grateful for today?
Free time. Good health. My children. Family and friends. A job I love. Kit-Kats. And of course, Custard Cup.
2. Tell us about one of your friends and what you love about her.
I’m punting here, because I can’t single anyone out. I have been blessed by so many acts of kindness and friendship over the past 18 months as our family weathered some unexpected challenges. The friend who walks me home from school each morning and helps me sort everything out; the one who is always there to pick up my children, force me to try new things or share a laugh (or embarrassing story); the friend who is the first to jump in to help; friends I turn to for advice; friends in other states who are unfailingly supportive even though I am not the best correspondent; childhood friends who pick up right where we left off and remind me of all the stories I’ve forgotten; friends at work who cover my lapses and generally help me hold the family together. Most of all my sisters, who always know just what to say or do to help.
3. Describe one of the best days of your life.
The big ones, of course, like the days our two children were born. We had waited forever for children, and I was on a high for weeks (until sleep deprivation set in). And I remember looking around at our wedding reception and seeing everyone I loved in the world, all in one place, and thinking that might never happen again.
Honestly, though? Taking my children to Disney World for the first time will always rank right up there. I know it’s fake, but they were the perfect ages (4 and 8), it was the first big vacation they’ll remember, and they had anticipated it for months. I will never forget their excitement and wonder.
4. What’s the best lesson you learned from your mother/grandmother?
My mom taught me how to love my children unconditionally, as she did with the four of us. She rarely judged and never told us who to be or how to live our lives, just showed us by example. She never yelled or grounded us but somehow kept us all in line. I’m not sure how she did it, and I have yet to master that technique.
5. We’re all unique. What is your special gift?
Writing, I guess, and relating to all kinds of people – to a fault, actually. It’s good for a reporter, bad for making decisions, because I can see all sides. My family is (in)famous for that.
6. What could women be doing to make their community a better place?
Teach your kids to be supportive and loyal to each other. Don’t wait for “someday” to do the good things you want to do with your life. You never know what will happen between now and then. And don’t be afraid to take the lead – there are probably others waiting for you to do it.
7. What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
I’m a worrier, so this is tough. Maybe write a book, which I find daunting. Dance more in public. Take a year off, forget about insurance and doctors, pull my kids out of school and travel around the world — and take a big group of friends and/or family with us.
