Sadness and fear.

Today my co-worker Pat Larney passed away.

A few entries back I had asked for your prayers for he and his family.

Now I ask that you continue those prayers for his soul to be at peace and for strength for his family and the many, many people who called him friend.

Pat was a good man. He supported me during my diagnosis and treatment. He would refer to me in emails as "Kiddo" and sent me inspirational messages on occasion to brighten my day.

My first interaction with Pat was when I first started getting school lunch with my friend Sue. I would send Pat emails raving about the kitchen's pasta salad. After that it became visits in the early morning to grab a cup of coffee.

Pat always asked how I was holding up and we would compare chemo experiences and it fostered a feeling of "you're not in this alone."

I feel tremendous loss. I sit here tonight having a difficult time remembering my last interaction with him, because he did not come in to the school over the summer. I did not get to tell him I am a Survivor. He did not get to see my new hair.

His wife has lost her husband. His children have lost their dad. His friends have lost an incredible friend. His co-workers have lost a leader. I think life is damned short. If you die at 5 or 105. It's too short.

Treat each day as if it were your last. If you love someone, tell them. If you have regrets, repair them. If you have anger and resentment....forgive.

Rest In Peace Pat.

Doris