Feb 27: a friend's passing

A friend from BuxMont died this morning.  Patti Thomas had waged a battle against breast cancer for years, detailing her struggles in private group emails.  She was constantly upbeat but pragmatic, and remained so even several months ago when she was told there were was no more chemo to try against the insidious advance of  the disease.  She valued quality over quantity, and was supported by her loving family in making that decision.  She stopped chemo a few months ago, and was feeling better.  Her goal was a family trip planned in April to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.  But Monday her husband Tom, who reads here regularly, sent out the email that the end was near.

Patti died at peace, at her home, surrounded by Tom, her children and close friends.  She was a remarkable woman, and my life has been the richer for having known her.  She made a difference in the world, and isn't that what should be said of all of us?

A perfect example of her humor: Tom & Patti always came to the first service on Sundays, so it was a surprise a couple months ago to see them at the second service.  I went over to say hello and commented on the time, she told me they had just gotten their children off that morning back to Vermont.  I commented that I'd never had the opportunity to meet their kids, her response was a very offhanded 'Well, you'll have the chance at my funeral.'  That was Patti, wry humor and intensely pragmatic.

Blessed be, Patti.

Thanks for checking in,  Laurie