Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Patsy's Pearls

We all have purple bracelets to remind us to pray for my Aunt Patsy. She is my mothers little sister and the best aunt in the whole wide world. Why do we have the purple bracelet that says simply "Patsy's Pearls"? My aunt is dying of cancer. For a while I resisted wearing the bracelet, because it was like an admission that her body was failing her. My brother told me he never takes it off and when he looks at it he thinks about her. I replied that I can't stop thinking about it, with or without the bracelet. This woman who has been such a strong person in my life growing up. Nothing could bring her down. As my aunt, she got to be the cool one. She told me stories about my mom as a child that other people didn't know. She even told me that my mom was "cool" once upon a time. Aunt Patsy was my kindred spirit, in that we are both left handed. When I couldn't master tying my own shoes at the age of 6, she stepped right in and showed me how it was done. It only took one time. She explained to me that the "right handed" people do it backwards from "us". She taught me that women are strong individuals, and we can do anything that we set our minds to. Be it driving huge equipment or raising our children. Her body is slowly letting her down. It is so hard because, inside she is still in there fighting with all shes got. It has been long fight, and she is tired. She still has beautiful hair, and gorgeous eyes and hilarious stories for everyone. Anyone who has eaten lunch at my grandmothers table, can tell you about how Aunt Patsy can get some great conversation going, and maybe even a good argument or two. Lord knows the Fisher's have never backed away from a great discussion at lunch. Someone told me recently that thinking about death was morbid. I disagree. It reminds us to cherish each and every moment, we never know when our last breath will be. Not to take our time here on Earth for granted, but to store up treasures in heaven. Will Aunt Patsy be missed? Greatly. Will she be forgotten? Never. I picture her, with her beautiful smile, and arms outstretched waiting for us. Aunt Patsy, we love you.

6 comments:

Fantastagirl said...

Hugs.

I know you will miss your Aunt Patsy, but from what you have just written - you will never forget her. She sounds like an awesome lady!

Judy Eddy said...

Patsy is still with us another day. I don't know how, there is so little left of her physical body. When I go to stay with her this morning, I am going to read her what you said about her. Thanks! I love you. Mom

Nancy M. said...

She sounds like such a wonderful lady! It's great how much she is loved!

BE said...

What a wonderful post, Shannon. I know I did not grow up with her, but will not forget her either.

Anonymous said...

Shannon that was just beautiful. Remember in sunday school when we were talking about what our lives will mean to others when we're gone? I hope that your mom read that to your aunt, because it sounds like she made a lasting impression on everyone that she met and loved! I'm sure she's proud of the wonderful friend,mother,wife,daughter,sister and niece that you've become! Thank you for being who you are! LOVE YOU!!!

Angie

raising4boys said...

Sorry to hear about your Aunt. Those are wonderful memories for you and your family. I love how she taught you how to tie your shoe "left handed".