LIKE most families we could fill a book with stories and happy memories of our mother. These are just a few words about the sort of person she was and the last chapter of her life.
Mum had been in hospital a few days when it was discovered she had lung cancer. It was February 26, her 77th birthday.
Her response to the doctor was: “Oh well, that’s the way the cookie crumbles.” This was an expression our mother had occasionally used in the past and is the one that probably sums up a big part of her character.
She was someone who believed that fate had a big part to play in people’s lives and that your life was more or less set out for you — your destiny in God’s hands.
She had an unwavering faith in God, a God she drew strength and comfort from. it was tough news to get on your birthday, but mum took it in her stride, like it was a minor setback, and was able to blow out the candles on her birthday cake that evening.
We may have set some sort of record for the number of people in a hospital room that night. Mum declined any further treatment and was happy to get home within a couple of days; the ‘Queen Bee’ back to her wee palace, where we were happy to make a fuss over her.
Another expression we grew up hearing from mum and dad was ‘DV’ — for the Latin term ‘Deo Volente’, which means ‘God willing.’ If the conversation was about the future, mum would usually the finish the sentence with ‘DV’ — “see you tomorrow DV,” she would say.
This had been known to confuse the grandkids on occasion as they wondered what nanny was talking about, “seeing them on TV tomorrow.” So Patsy took nothing for granted. She was an uncomplicated lady. She enjoyed life and insisted you do the same.
She was a strong character, a hard working, loving wife and mother, who put her family first. She showed her strength, bravery and faith in the final weeks of her life. She never complained. She remained positive and cheerful throughout her illness.
She was a kind-hearted and generous lady with an abundance of love to give. That love was returned in equal measure, which kept mum smiling to the end. She was in good hands before she left us and she’s in better hands now.
So God bless you mum and rest in peace. We will always celebrate your life. And we’ll see you tomorrow, DV.