In a perfect world, we'd never have to tell our friend's "Good-bye". However, it is far from a perfect world. I know that the main point of this blog is to make people smile and laugh at the silly things that happen to some of us on a regular basis. I plan to continue with that theme, but for one day, I need to step back and let the serious side emerge. So, if you are expecting my usual humor, please check back again at another time. If you want to be my shoulder to lean on, then I ask you, my friends, to stay.
In my dysfunctional world,
occasionally I meet someone who makes a lifelong impression on me.....a good impression. I was given this opportunity a little over two years ago in the form of this tall, pretty, eloquent speaking woman. She may have come into my office for coffee, since I'm the "Community Center", or she may have come in to make copies. Whatever the reason, I knew that she was different, in a good way. I'd never met someone so elegant and intelligent, yet so down to Earth. She became a mentor and an inspiration to me, but most of all, she became my friend.
Sometime a little over a year ago, I think, a bombshell was dropped. It was discovered that my friend had ovarian cancer. I was upset and disturbed by this, but it's the 21st Century. Cancer is no longer the death sentence it once was. I, along with many other people, prayed for her. She went through the chemo, coming to teach her class with her little plastic pan, in case she got sick. No matter how badly she felt, she kept being there for her students. When I first saw her, after the first round of chemo, I thought, "There's no way she'll be able to handle her classes! She looks like she's gotten so weak!"
Well, I was proven wrong. I'd never seen anyone with the strength and the determination that Patsy possessed! Even with the weight loss and the short hair growing back, she was professional and graceful, with the beauty of
Sigourney Weaver. I was asked to help with her classes when she was too sick to continue, and would do it again, no questions asked.
One day we got good news, that her cancer was in remission! What a blessed day! Sadly, that happy news did not last long, for the cancer returned, like a vengeful beast. Cancer is a wicked disease. It has no prejudice, no mercy. It is what it is, and I despise it.
I remember covering more classes for her, and just wishing the semester would hurry up and end, so that she could rest and concentrate on getting better. I was always afraid someone with a sickness would come into class and rip her immune system apart.
The semester finally ended, and she was able to focus on herself. During all the ups and downs, she'd always say, "I'm taking you out to lunch for all you've done for me!"
Do you know she made good on that? I had the most wonderful gift last December, and that was the gift of one on one time, with one of the most inspiring women I've ever met! It was a beautiful time, and a memory I will hold onto forever.
Now, not even four months later, I find myself in the position of having lost this person. I can't imagine the sorrow her family is going through, and my prayers are now for them.
Patsy, you were my mentor, my inspiration, and someone who made me feel needed. Most of all, you were my friend. I miss you so much, but I know you're free of that illness that consumed you. While I'm here, dealing with the loss, you are rejoicing in the presence of Jesus and all of Heaven. It will truly be Easter for you!
Thanks for everything, Patsy. Until later.......................your loving friend, Annette
