Remembering a visit to FWMA that was very touching
Editor, The Sun:
Hello Bill,
In last weeks issue, Thursday, October 24th., of The Wakulla Sun, you reported on Ms. Beatty’s Florida Wild Mammal Association (FWMA) masquerade ball fundraiser via a Letter to the Editor. It reminded me of a long ago story to tell that your readers might enjoy.
It was 1997, 27 years ago, when I drove into her FWMA facility. I had arrived in Wakulla County in 1995 and being an animal lover all my life I had heard about her generous & caring love of animals. I felt an urge to see if I could help her out a bit. She graciously met me and gave me a tour of her place. Afterwards, as I was taking my leave, she had no idea what was coming: Out of my pocket, I pulled five $100 bills and handed them to her as I continued looking around a bit.
I was kind of wondering if she at least might thank me. A few silent seconds later, I turned my attention to her and saw why she was so quiet. Tears were streaming down her face! Between trembling lips, she told me that she had prayed to God the previous night for help. They were flat broke with only a day left for food to feed the animals and themselves for that matter. I told her about my “urge” to help, which was probably God answering her prayers. From that poured more tears with me beginning to choke up myself.
This grand lady & her family have completely & unselfishly given their all for the animals of Wakulla County. I do hope that people will give as much as possible to continue supporting her lifelong endeavor as unbridled construction continues to tear away at animal habitat, the results of which will only add more orphaned animals needing the care of her FWMA.
Bill Catalina
Crawfordville
