Patti Lynn Clark Barnett

For some inexplicable reason, I had been thinking about Cindy Bates Quayle lately, the subject of this song. Coincidentally and unexpectedly, just last week I got an e-mail from her sister, Theresa Bates Connolly, who now lives in Norwood, Missouri. It must be time to share this song. 

While living and substitute teaching in Phoenix, I became acquainted and close friends with the Bates family that had relocated to Phoenix from Jonesborough, Tennessee, my home town. (Small world after all!) I didn't really know them well in Tenn., but Theresa and I became quick and close friends and I was made to feel like part of her family. Cindy, the second of three children was such a demure, modest and beautiful girl. She was later happily married to Mike Quayle, Vice President, Dan Quayle's brother. Not long after, she was diagnosed with leukemia. As devastating as this was, no one could have been more positive and courageous than Cindy. The same strong spirit/faith she exhibited on that plane out of Atlanta to Phoenix was the same calm spirit she had when I last saw her in Children's Hospital in Philadelphia.
 
Thankfully, this song was written for Cindy before her death at forty three….and she loved it! I just hope it will be an encouraging example for anyone who may be, ' Walking through the shadows' and fighting their own battle.
 
Cindy
DIGITAL MUSIC FILE
 
I remember that first shaky flight to Phoenix
You sat beside me and assured me everything would be OK
I know that same spirit now is guiding you
And helping you to make it through each day
 
Chorus:
 
And you are teaching us to walk on through the shadows
Never fearing and in weakness staying strong
Never giving up or in to pain and sadness
That's the reason we are singing Cindy's song
 
Long ago I did a portrait for your wedding
I wonder if its still hanging there to tell
You were always called the quiet one of the family
Just a sweet shy and lovely blue eyed girl
 
Chorus
 
Not too long ago I saw you here in Philly
Your doctors said they'd never seen one quite like you
So determined and unwilling to be broken
In your spirit that will always see you through
 
Chorus