I remember times when we would be dropped off at Aunt Pat's as my parents went out and my Mom saying, "Now Pat, don't take them out to eat." She would say okay and we'd all wave good-bye. She'd shut the door, turn around and say, "Ok kids where do you want to go to eat?" She also had a way of softening my Mom's temper when she would become upset. I remember them reminiscing about a story last summer when many years ago Aunt Pat had come over to the house and Mom was upset. Aunt Pat said, "Hi!" and my Mom turned around and threw a plate at her. Aunt Pat caught it in her hand, laid in down on the table, and said, "Ok kids let's go find somewhere to eat!" It's probably good Aunt Pat moved away when I was young or else I would probably weigh 400 lbs today.
When I was in second grade Aunt Pat met a man, Chuck, who lived in Florida. They were married and Aunt Pat moved to Florida with him. Aunt Pat moved away February 9, 1991. I still remember that day, helping her pack things when it was still dark outside. After she left, my Mom took me to get my ears pierced that afternoon. I think she was trying to ease the sadness that Aunt Pat was gone.
I think this picture was likely taken right before she left. I know that was the vest I wore in my 2nd grade picture.
I remember Aunt Pat and Chuck came back to visit when I was in 3rd grade and then it was a long time before we saw her again. Sadly, Chuck was diagnosed with cancer and died not too long after. I remember that I felt Chuck had already "stolen" our Aunt Pat and now that he had died she was alone down there and we were still without her. This upset me. I didn't understand why Aunt Pat couldn't just come back. I didn't understand all the intricacies of moving when I was that young. I don't think we saw Aunt Pat again until I was in 7th grade when we went to Disney World.
Fortunately after that period, we were able to see Aunt Pat on a more consistent basis. Her arrival was usually a surprise to us kids. She liked surprises. She tried her best to show up for important events if she was able. I was always filled with excitement when I knew Aunt Pat was coming, even more so when I would see her pull up in our driveway unexpectedly.
In 2011 I believe it was, 20 years after she left, Aunt Pat was able to move home. Unfortunately for us, home for Aunt Pat was Glencoe, Ohio where her family was. Still, at least this was much closer than Florida.
She came that Sunday to be with Mom for chemo. My brothers and I were relieved. Temporarily, we had a solution of someone to care for Mom. I thought Aunt Pat was only staying for her first cycle of chemo, I didn't realize at the time that she intended to stay through it all. We would ask her how long she planned to stay and she would answer, "Oh I don't know, we'll see." That was Aunt Pat. She is one of the most selfless people I know. She gives so much of herself to others, probably more than she should.
That afternoon, Spencer, Amelia, and I drove up to Muncie to Mom's apartment. Ryan, Carly, Graison, and Lucas drove down from Roanoke and we waited on Aunt Pat. She arrived with her good friend Joy and Joy's son Shannon. We had intended for the kids to go swimming in the apartment pool but unfortunately it hadn't opened yet. Mom's apartment was packed and kids were running everywhere. We got ordered food from Pizza King (of course!) and as usual Aunt Pat insisted on paying and ordered way too much food.
That afternoon was joyful, full of love. We were so happy. We were not afraid that Mom was going to start chemo in two days, there was no air of sadness. We were exuberant. Aunt Pat had come to town and Mom was going to fight cancer.
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