This posting is way overdue, but I have spent a lot of time trying to decide how to deal with the passing of Monkey in the Middle's creator, Katie Norcross, who also used the pen name of Findalis.
Katie passed away in May after a long battle with cancer. As readers have noted, postings slowed noticeably on this site and most of the latest of the posts were by contributing writers such as myself. Katie had reached a point where she simply could not continue.
Katie, who was a military veteran, was a tireless warrior in defending her country, fighting anti-Semitism and informing her readers about the dangers of Islamic extremism. She was also a frequent commenter on my own blog (Fousesquawk). She was gracious enough to allow me and others to post articles on her site. I considered her a partner in a mutual struggle.
I never met Katie personally but spoke to her occasionally on the phone. Last September, while I was visiting Chicago, we tried to arrange a get together, but her medical procedures got in the way.
Presently, I am trying to figure out what to do with Monkey in the Middle. I have consulted fellow contributors, many of whom are currently inactive due to their own health issues. Shall I keep it going in Katie's memory or give it a suitable closing? I feel-and the others echo those sentiments-that Katie would want us to keep it going. I am leaning in that direction though I have not made a final decision.
But the main thing is that Katie rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.
Gary Fouse
