This past Thursday I received some sad news about a member of my extended family. "Aunt Pat", who is technically my partner's aunt passed away, at far too soon in life. I first met Patty on a family cruise to Alaska, where she welcomed me as part of her family and made me feel as if I were her own son. She was so much fun to be with, and was always the life of the party. I had not been in touch with Patty for a few months, but on Tuesday I e-mailed Patty a link to my interview in the Press-Enterprise newspaper. That same day she e-mailed me back a wonderful note, telling me how proud she was of me, and that she enjoyed reading it. We exchanged a few other e-mails, right up until the same day she passed. It was unexpected. I want to honor Aunt Pat's life here on my blog today. Patty, I will especially miss you on our next family reunion cruise next year, but I know you'll be with us, looking down on us all. I'll be sure to order Fettuccine Alfredo in your memory.
Above: Happier times. The last formal family photo from our cruise through the Panama Canal. Aunt Patty is on the right in blue. I'm in the back row, second from the left.
-Rick Rockhill
18 comments:
I'm so sorry for your loss. The ties of family-by-choice are just as valuable as any and maybe more so. I once lost a beloved family member with no warning, and it's hard.
Peace to you, your partner, and all who knew and loved your Aunt Pat.
oh i am so sorry rick. so sorry.
hugs, bee
Oh man, I hate bad news. My most sincere condolences to you. I've been through plenty of those sorts of tough times....and wish you comfort and peace. Hugs too.
I am so sorry, Rick. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Rick, I'm terribly sorry for the loss you and your partner have suffered. I'm sending prayers out to you all as you struggle to adjust.
On the other hand, how wonderful that you had contact with her in the end; not many people can say that.
I am very sorry to read of Aunt Pattys' passing, but I am glad you always had such a happy time with her.
Thank you so much for your uplifting comments on my blog..they are very much appreciated. Come by any time!!!
My condolences to you and your partner. I hope your memories of Aunt Pat will comfort you.
I am so sorry for your and your partner's loss. It is horrible to lose someone you love so suddenly.
Take care of each other.
my sincerest condolences to you and your partner in thi sloss of someone so dear. i hope warm and happy memories are a comfort to both of you.
I'm so sorry to hear about your aunt. How lucky for you that you got to 'speak' to her right up till the end. That must make you feel good. I'm sure you'll have so many good memories to look back on. She'll always be in your heart.
Thanks for adding me to your blogroll. I plan to update mine soon, so keep your eye out.
Well that effin' sux!
:(
Sorry to hear about Aunt Pat Rick.
I'm sorry Rick. It's surely hard to lose good friends who are like family.
My condolences, Rick. She definitely sounded like a great person. It has to be an odd feeling when you are in communique with someone frequently and the next thing you know, they have passed away. Yet at the same time, there is a benefit to it and that was that you were able to share in many of life's happy moments. My thoughts are with you.
It's such a blessing to have these types of people in our lives and such a painful loss when they leave. I'm so sorry to learn of your news.
hugs,
--snow
what a wonderful tribute to a beautiful lady.
tc
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. A wonderful tribute. Thanks for sharing it with us . She will be looking down smiling at you I am sure.
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