CJ's World

THURSDAY’S WITH PAT
I’m Pat’s neighbor, and I got to know her these past couple years, sharing lunches on Thursdays, at a time when she needed more assistance.

We had an interesting friendship, which I have been analyzing.
Our Differences
– I love the outdoors and light. This was not Pat’s favorite thing.
– She was always immaculate. I, on the other hand, don’t own a blow dryer or makeup. I believe I shocked her when I told her I have never had a manicure, let alone a pedicure.
– She was a hairdresser, I’m from the world of academia.
– She was very sociable, I’m a recluse.
– She was a great cook. I am not, but she graciously ate and praised whatever I managed to concoct.

Our Shares
– We shared a love of beauty, although I am no painter or scrapbooker, I appreciated her artistic eye. I did, however, knit while Pat crocheted.
– We shared December birthdays and I introduced Pat to the concept of half birthdays, along with our texting, exercising buddy, Sandy, who also shares a December birthday. In June, I would bring the half cake, Sandy would bring the real food & Pat would make half birthday cards for us.
– I think she appreciated my sense of humor, as we found laughter in various situations to lighten the mood.

Our Talks
– We talked about growing up and our parents.
– Most recently, about “ice boxes,” and the experience of both of our fathers. Before the advent of refrigeration, in the winter, ice was cut from the rivers or lakes and stored. As modern conveniences took over, her father gradually lost his sausage business. Throughout his life, my father always referred to refrigerators as the ice box.
– Pat shared with me her parents’ great faith, similar to my mother’s stories of growing up, sitting down to dinner, no food in the house, praying and food would appear.

The Tie That Binds
– Deeper than all of those experiences, we shared a love of Scripture. Before eating lunch, Pat pulled out a scripture from her box and blessed our food. 
– We talked about the times God had been good to us, our appreciation becoming clearer with hindsight.
– Pat demonstrated her great faith and strong determination to overcome whatever odds she faced throughout her life.  
– My faith is something I need to work on as I am more of an analytical thinker.

Pat, I know you are up there, in great peace, cheering us on, while you wait for the rest of us. I hope you have your love of music back & maybe someday I will get a voice and join you in praising our Savior.