In school, Pat and I only said hello in the halls. We did not know each other very well then. In 1977, my cousin and I were throwing a suprise birthday party for my friend,(now husband) and Pat showed up with her husband. It turns out Steve, her husband, and my husband, Al, worked together and were close friends. Pat and I got to know each other well after that time.
She had two children, Daniel and Kristin, and now has at least two grand-children.
I do not remember the exact date when Pat died but Daniel was a toddler and Kristin was a little baby. Pat had gallbladder surgery and did not survive. It was a very sad time for all of us. Al and I are still in touch with her family from time to time. We keep her memory alive as much as we can. The children are blessed to have a wonderful adoptive mother who has cared for them and loved them for a long time.
I met Pat just before the senior field trip to NYC. Pat was my first true love. We walked the streets of New York, hand in hand, with my heart fluttering. I remember, like it was yesterday, running into Dustin Hoffman's limo one night there. Pat was a special lady, and was so tender with me. Pat will always have a special place in my heart. After graduating, she set about living life. I believe she knew what she wanted early in life. Like Harry Chapin sang, she took off to find the footlights and I took off to find the sky. I let a fine woman get away, because I was afraid of commitment. The foolishness of youth. Pat, we miss you, your smile and your grace. I will love you always.
Gary
