I lost my sister to cancer in January 2021.  Today is her birthday and I’ve been thinking of her. She was a beautiful free spirit, artistic and very funny. A lover of animals with a mystical side. 

Covid made it impossible to see her when she was battling pneumonia in the final days. She lived in Houston while we were in New Hampshire. It was impossible to speak with her between her coughing fits. Such a sad way to go.

This is one of my favorite photos taken in 2007.

Pat faced her cancer with humor and bravery. She gave us a running commentary about her chemo routines. She visualized it as “Portia DeSaucy”. In her own words:

“Me and Portia de Saucy. She sends me the juice to put out cancer’s raging flames. Hey, it’s my visualization. She goes everywhere with me so I had to personalize her. Send in the Calvary Portia!”

It is way too hot for a wig in Houston so a bald Pat decided to embrace her inner Kewpie.

Saying Goodbye

This is what I love about my family. They don’t let you down. When it came time to spread Pat’s ashes in the Atlantic, the family showed up. It was what she wanted. Naturally we chose Cape Cod as the location.

The Early Years

The three of us lived in post-war Veteran’s housing till 1959. Sharing a single bedroom and bathroom taught us how to get along. However I did conspire with Pat to convince my sister Susan that she was adopted. Here we are in the beginning.

Friends

Pat had some great FEMALE friends. I was never impressed with any of her boyfriends. This might just be a big brother thing, but for the most part I thought  they just didn’t measure up. She also had her animal companions, her dog Justice and cat Sophie.

Animal Companions

A Memorial Garden

When my sister and I were settling Pat’s estate in Houston I dug up a Canna plant to bring back to New Hampshire. A frost almost killed it but it survived and blossomed. A living memory of a beautiful soul.

Happy Birthday Pat, till we meet again.