Love of Life
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Subject: Online at last Date: 10/26/98 From: Pat To: Family and friends Hey, everyone. I’m now set up to participate in the world of electronic mail – what fun to see that little mailbox flag pop up. I marvel at how far we’ve come from those days when I waited by the mailbox for a letter my groom had written on a U.S. Navy ship weeks before. … Lots to figure out, but Pam gave me a book, and as soon as I’ve read all 520 pages, I’ll probably know everything! I’m sending my love and an electronic smile to all of you. November 1, 1998 Dear Diary, It’s Pat here, with a little note about Mom I don’t want to forget. While straightening things in her apartment the other day, I saw a notebook in which she’d written these few lines that made me tear up and smile at the same time: Words by George Washington Carver: “I refuse to belittle my soul by letting any man hate me.” This is a lonely day. Fall is always sad and lonely with memories. But God always helps me with that! God is my friend, my very best friend. He walks with me all the time and makes me peaceful. It’s so wonderful to have Him in my life – taking care of all my anxieties that I imagine are out there. Subject: No more Honda Date: 11/4/98 From: David To: Family Well, I told Mom last night on the phone, but then it was too late to call all of you. I was in a doozy of a wreck last night, and nobody was injured seriously. An older man turned left in front of me, my car went off the side of the road, between (not into, thankfully) two large poles and landed in a ditch. Both cars were totaled. Good that my sunroof was open and I could climb out, as neither car door would open. Quite a circus with three fire trucks, three police cars, and two or three dozen bystanders. I have a very sore back and neck, cuts and scrapes, and huge bruises around the neck and chest from the seatbelt. I’m saying a prayer for the passenger in the car at fault, an older lady who’d recently had heart surgery. She was taken to the hospital to be checked over. One more important note: I consider myself lucky to have walked away, and I think I will appreciate life more from this day forward. Subject: Re: No more Honda Date: 11/4/98 From: Robin To: David David, I’m so thankful you’re okay, little brother. Please let us know if you need one of us to come down and help you with anything. I love you. Subject: News to nephews Date: 11/7/98 From: Aunt Pat To: Griff and Adam Hi, guys. I’m sure your dads have told you about David’s car accident and how thankful everyone is that he came out of it without more serious injuries. As your dad said after your wreck, Adam, we can replace a car but not a precious son. Nana GeeGee wanted me to tell you both hello. … She had eye surgery this afternoon, after which we came back to the condo for an early supper of sausage, peppers and onions over rice, a favorite of hers. ’Course, she enjoys all food, as you know. And Nana’s comment after this second cataract surgery: “I’m sure glad I don’t have three eyes.” Subject: Mom’s money musings Date: 11/9/98 From: Mom To: Robin, Jenni, Skip, David Just received a financial statement reporting last month’s profit – on paper, anyway. Well, I’d always heard it takes money to make money, and I guess it’s so. It boggles my mind! Still, I am happy to be mired down in all these matters of high finance. Auntie Bussie, we all thank you – You, too, God. How Auntie must have chuckled over her secret through the years, especially once or twice as she lamented that handling money was a lot of work, and I allowed as how I wouldn’t mind experiencing that kind of trouble, for a while, at least. Now, with a nice investment portfolio and the homework, decisions, appointments, etc., involved in setting up a Certified Investment Planning account, a Revocable Trust, and a Last Will and Testament, I see what she meant. Nice work, though. Love from your monied mommy. November 9, 1998 Dear Diary, Writing to the kids about having money now reminded me of something I wrote years ago when Jenni asked me for ideas on how to budget and learn to manage her meager finances. She knew I’d had lots of experience – oh, yes, how well I remember those times. I gave it much thought and composed a list of suggestions: Thoughts on Budgeting and Saving 1. Get psyched up for the ultimately satisfying challenge of adhering to a budget, overcoming financial distress, saving steadily. 2. Set a time goal, one year or more, during which you are committed – and don’t give up! 3. Save every receipt to compare with every cent that comes in for a month to determine exactly your earnings and how the money is spent. 4. Start immediately saving some amount, even if it’s only $5 per week, right off the top. Don’t touch it. You could keep it put aside at home, or open a separate bank account just for these (at first very small) amounts. 5. Spend a few dollars less on groceries each week. Scrutinize the receipts to see where changes can be made. Save and use coupons, and look for stores that offer double-coupon savings. Tell me your favorites, and I’ll save them for you, too. 6. Consider, for now, a longer, one-length hairstyle that requires cutting less frequently. And decide that new clothes and any and all extras from department and drug stores will be verboten. Also lunches, dinners and movies are costly, whereas a picnic in the park is not. …
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About the Book
As she prepares to celebrate the wedding of her youngest child, Pat is rocked to the core with news that something is wrong inside her body. She resolves to face the rare illness just as she has confronted other challenges: head on. After all, life is racing ahead, and it’s all she can do to keep up. With her mother’s health declining, Pat assumes the role of family matriarch, all the while aware she herself eventually will pass it to future generations through her daughters. For now, it’s up to her to continue the family tradition of writing and saving letters that hold together an extended group of her four adult children, growing list of grandchildren, three brothers, and numerous relatives and friends, despite the boundaries of geography. Pat and her family battle hurricanes, medical emergencies and relationship pains. They also share their love of life with big news about romance, babies, job promotions, travel and everyday pleasures. When Pat is forced to make a life-changing decision, she finds that she has support from more than just her family. She also has the inner strength she has carried all along.
About the Author
After enjoying motherhood while raising four children, Patsy Gilbert Coleman launched a career as a professional nanny and executive home manager. Born in rural Mississippi, Pat began developing her writing talents at an early age, eventually dedicating herself to her longtime dream of becoming an author. A collection of letters saved throughout the years has helped her chronicle her family’s history in a series of books. Pat enjoys life in a Winter Park, Florida, retirement complex, where she stays busy writing, reading, singing, ballroom dancing, and keeping in touch with friends and family.