Patsy

Week of May 25th, 1981

Wednesday
This rainy day suddenly became bright when I received a call from Patsy, that he would be up tomorrow early enough to go to Mass at 10.  Holy day, naturally without Thekla.  I could think of nothing else all day but the joy I would have in seeing him again. (This trip from California was necessary for him to be present at 50th Anniversary of his graduation from California State.)

Thursday
This day was a special one for me. Patsy with his new mustache similar to James came about 9. Although 72 in August, he has changed little physically since I saw him two years ago. He did seem a little less exuberant, but became more animated when he told me several facts about their children. Apparently California has been good for them. Daddy and I went to 10 o'clock Mass (Holy Day) sitting in the pews in front of Dora. Neither did Pat recognize Dora nor Dora recognize Pat. That error was soon rectified. Mary Nicoletto was outside the Church waiting to greet him. He stayed with us until after 3.  What a joy to see him!

Friday
This day was spent partly getting ready for Pat and Thekla's visit on Sat., scheduled by Thek. I went to Charleroi, hair done, shopped for a few essentials, came home made old fashioned apricot filled cookies (especially for Pat), walked two times around the block with Daddy, and spent a little time vacuuming and dusting. At 7 o'clock (on the last discount day) paid borough taxes to Sadie Solomon. Listened to town's problems, finally ready to rest.

Saturday
A special Saturday it was. Thekla who was very loving and Pat came after 12. Thek brought me several gifts which I treasure. She had pictures of her children, her grandchildren, and her granddaughter's wedding (Patty's girl). They looked beautiful and I know that Patty will always be beautiful. I was so glad to visualize them in my own mind with the help of these photographs. We ate dinner at 4 - Thek and Patsy rinsed dishes as I got ready for 6 Mass. Daddy was a little confused, did not want to go. When they left, I had the most curious letdown - will I ever see them again? [she does, i.f.]  It persisted for hours.

Sunday
Garrulous person is often a bore, and ominously a sign of old age.  Tommy called and all the talking was mine. Told him every last fact about his Uncle's visit. After I put the phone down I was ashamed of myself, vowing to listen and talk little. Daddy and I took a walk before lunch and one after dinner on this beautiful day. I spent time with Dora on her front porch watching the activity on the river.

Reveling and Awestruck

I hold it true, whatever befall,
I feel it when I sorrow most
Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
Tennyson

Week of May 18th, 1981
Often when I feel sad that Daddy has been so afflicted, I remember the many happy years we had together. I'm thankful for the love we had. Today we both walked to 11:00 Mass and met Rosy driving up for us when driving home with Mary Davis. Later we went to Kroger's where I stocked up on large items. Rosy and children are leaving for Lancaster tomorrow. I would not be content if I did not hear from Katy who called in the afternoon.

Life is checkered joy and sadness. Daddy's illness, always visible, is a source of sadness, but I find joy in counting my blessings. I also involve myself in activities which are helpful. Today I cleaned the front porch, no mean task, and was outside on a beautiful May day, reveling and awestruck by works of some higher power. "World's too much with us today." I knew Rosy and children were leaving for Lancaster, happy thought. I was gladdened by a call from Tommy.

This was a signal night for the Ladies Guild, installation of new officers. Since I was relinquishing my duties as secretary of three years, I had planned to be well dressed for the occasion.  All during the ceremony I was happy (in my estimation the best dressed). What a small thing to be grateful for. We had dinner in a dingy section of Charleroi Elks, but the climate was a happy one.