Monday, December 31, 2007

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Everyone!

One of my most favorite memories of Patti is from New Years 1999. Anyone close to her who knows the Oasis restaurant can probably figure out why. It was bitterly cold and we went for a burger. Fast forward to 2am and we were leaving! It was great fun. We laughed and laughed and talked. It is a great, great memory.

The only thing Patti didn't like about this holiday was the fireworks (scared all her babies!) and having to take the Christmas tree down. She absolutely loved the Christmas tree every year.

I know 2007 was a very difficult year to say the least. But I wish for all of you a much better 2008. It's hard to think about sometimes, but Patti would want us all to be happy and get the most possible out of life every day just like she always did.

So Happy New Year! Please drop in and share your stories by emailing me. I will be glad to post your memories, songs, pictures, anything.

Take care.

P.S. If you haven't already, don't forget to pick up your 2008 calendar from T-Town Paws. The money goes to support their work saving homeless animals. Also, there is information within the calendar about donating money as well as things they need to support day to day operations. Plus, it has some adorable pictures from their pet photo contest!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Shoe Box

One of Patti's favorite things to do at Christmas was to give to Operation Christmas Child. This is a project of Samaritan's Purse. You get a shoe box and fill it with items for a boy or girl, wrap it and label it and send it in. The gifts are delivered to children in other countries who will not have Christmas gifts any other way. Patti was so excited buying little things for these children. She got so much joy from it. She giggled and smiled and spoke about how much it meant the whole time we shopped and wrapped.


Patti organized this drive at our church one Christmas season and they still do it today. It is a wonderful organization. These children delight in not only toys but pencils, toothpaste, soap... all the things we take for granted are treasures to them.

There is still time if you want to give. Please go here to read more about it and get instructions for donating. Or email me and I will give you more information.


Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Merry Christmas


Christmas was one of Patti's most favorite things! Every year the first or second week of December she would go out and buy a real tree, bring it home and spend hours decorating it and everything in the house. She would play her Christmas music, make hot chocolate and build a fire. She absolutely loved it. She had a stocking for every single pet she had! She loved a fire going in the fireplace and the smell of the tree. Every year I lived with her Christmas was always filled with such joy and warmth. But that's how being with Patti was all the time.

Patti had a joy in her heart unlike anyone else I've ever known. Part of the reason why is the same reason why Christmas was so wonderful to her... Jesus. She never forgot the reason for the season.

I am guilty of getting a case of Scrooge at Christmas. I'm sure lots of folks do. But this year I'm trying to remember the reason. That's what Patti would want. It's difficult but doable.

That's my challenge to all of us... remember the reason and celebrate it. That's what Patti is doing for sure!

Now go make a mug of hot chocolate and turn on It's A Wonderful Life!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Friday, December 14, 2007

The Blue Star

The blue star you see to the right is the symbol of support for Colorectal Cancer research and advocacy as well as for recognition of its victims and survivors. It is like the pink ribbons you see for breast cancer.

The star is to be worn or displayed to represent your support. It is also to be worn or displayed to honor, or as a memorial to, those you know living with or taken by the disease. I have many blue stars and "preventable, treatable, beatable" items I wear, use or show in memory of Patti. When someone asks me about the star or slogan, it gives me the opportunity to share Patti's story, tell them about signs and symptoms, etc. I know Patti would do the same. Isn't it neat the symbol is blue... her favorite color?!

If you would like to purchase blue star items, click on the Get Your Blue Star link in the Important Links section. A portion of the proceeds goes to help the Colon Cancer Alliance and their work.

Also, if you are a close friend or loved one reading this, I have a personalized bracelet I would be happy to send you to wear in memory of Patti. To me it is a way to always show her, along with others, what she meant to me and how much I love her while supporting cancer awareness.

I hope to hear from you soon with stories, songs, pictures, etc.! Thank you for stopping by.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Share...

Hello everyone. Since losing Patti 9/4/07 to Colorectal Cancer, I have been struggling to find a way to make sense of this loss. Making sense of such suffering cannot be done. So I wanted to start remembering the goodness and joy Patti brought to all of us... let the positive root out the negative or at least have the upper hand!

This is a place to come to remember Patti. I know her absence leaves a big void in all our lives. Patti was truly one of a kind and a blessing beyond measure.

Please send me your stories, thoughts, memories, photos and songs to jm971@bellsouth.net and I will post them to the page for sharing. This is your space to share and remember the wonderful things Patti brought to your lives and read about what she brought to others lives. And please visit often to view new photos, read new posts, listen to new songs or just say hi.

Also, please check out the Important Links section. In this section you can link to cancer related organizations and learn more about Colorectal Cancer. You will also find links to some of Patti's favorite organizations she wanted donations to go to in her memory so that you can get the information you need if you are interested in donating time or money to these wonderful organizations.

Thanks for spending time here. I hope you share your memories.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

In Loving Memory

In Memory of Patti Traywick.

I can only imagine, what it will be like, when I walk, by your side...