Patricia Rose; her name meant 'noble flower', and when she departed this life, the noble roses wept.
Patti passed away, unexpectedly, from a massive heart attack on the morning of August 17, 2001. Sadly yet, was, it was the first day of her summer vacation. She started feeling sick during the night, but like most of us, we don't run to the doctor for what we believe is a stomach flu or post nasal drip. By 10:30am she started to feel better and claimed she just needed some sleep. When her
husband checked on her half an hour later, she regained some color in her cheeks, but complained of indigestion (again, why would we run to the doctor for a little bit of indigestion which we're sure comes from vomiting?).
Dave gave her a Tums, and, in the short time it took him to walk to the bedroom door, Patti began to go into cardiac arrest. Despite his quick thinking to revive her, by the time the paramedics arrived, Patti was gone.
AN ODD COINCIDENCE?
On the morning of August 17, 2001, at 11:am, I paced the hospital floor while my youngest son was laying on an operating table to stop the hemmoraghing from his nose. I was not aware, then, my dearest friend was dying! Eric's birthday is ALSO in May; Patti's at the beginning, his at the end. Patti was born on the 9th, Eric was nine years old the morning of August 17th, 2001!
From January, 2000 to March 15, 2002, I lost the three dearest people in my life! My Dad passed away January 16, 2000, Patti passed away August 17, 2001 and my Mom passed away on March 15, 2002. Sorrow and grief have been my constant companions, but I do not resent or reject them, for, they have taught me appreciation of those still near and dear to me, compassion for others' losses and brought me closer to those who started to drift from my life. Try not to fear these companions, learn to embrace the lessons they need or long to teach you in your life.
ADDED NOTE: I'm sorry for the less than perfect picture of Patti on this page. It suffered damage when my ferret climbed up on my nightstand, where I kept Patti's picture, and knocked over a glass of soda. I had planned on going out the following day for a frame but Taz had other ideas! My son Eric did the best he could to restore it.
