Ms. Patsy

Many, many years ago (I was in first grade, just to give you an idea of exactly how many years ago this was), a new girl showed up in my classroom at school. Her name was Renae. She lived in my neighborhood (with her mom and grandmother). She also began attending my church. We had so much in common that we became fast friends. We were in the same class almost every year of elementary school. We went to the same junior high and high school. We were in band together. We still attended the same church. We were together a lot for many years.

Somewhere along the way, Renae's parents divorced. I didn't know a lot about that word then but I did understand that her mom was no longer married to her father. He worked away from home and this didn't directly affect my life. Soon, Larry appeared on the scene. He and Mrs. A had been friends in their teens and had reconnected after her divorce. Larry was cool. I could call him by his first name because Renae did. This was unheard of back in the day when your friends' parents didn't have first names. We were always taught to address them as Mr. Last Name and Mrs. Last Name. Larry didn't have a last name as far as I was concerned. His joining the family (bringing with him a young daughter), becoming Renae's stepfather eventually, just added to the fun. Mrs. A became Mrs N. (I still didn't dare call her by her first name!) He was one of the most fun adults I'd ever encountered. Even at my young age, I knew Larry and Mrs. A were destined to be together. They just seemed to complete each other...sounds corny, I know, but it's still true.

We grew up. Renae moved away out of state. I was in college and had other friends. I was home a lot but didn't see much of Renae's family. My mom was still a part of their lives so I kept up with them all through her. I'd occasionally see them in passing at church. Even though I was legally an adult, I just couldn't bring myself to call her by her first name. I did finally drop her last name and call her Ms. Patsy.

Then came one of my favorite holiday traditions... Thanksgiving at Larry and Ms. Patsy's house. They opened their home to anyone who needed a place to go for the holiday. Both sides of their families were invited. My mom and I joined them many years. My brother and his family came a few times. My assorted foster/adoptive kids came. People who worked with Ms. Patsy at a nearby hospital lab were invited to drive down on their lunch breaks to share the meal. It was always a nice mix of people who got along well together. That is just the kind of people the whole family is...They will do anything to help anybody. What a great world we'd live in if more people were like them!

As always happens, times change. Both of their daughters (and their families) moved to FL. Larry and Ms. Patsy retired from their jobs and headed to FL to spend more time with their daughters and grandchildren. They kept their house here and traveled back and forth. My mom was in frequent contact with them and I, again, got my updates on them through her.

About 5 years ago, I heard from my mom that Ms. Patsy had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery and chemo and radiation. After a long, difficult battle, our prayers were answered and she was declared well again. She looked great. Her hair grew back. In my mind, it was over. I honestly never considered the fact that it could happen again. My mom had cancer three times during my school years and she's been fine for years. I'd heard stories of others getting cancer over and over and eventually losing the battle, but in my personal experience, once you beat it, you were done.

I'm sure by now you have guessed where this is going. Last month, Ms. Patsy went in for a routine scan as part of her cancer follow up. Three spots were detected on one of her lungs. We all tensed up but still had hopes for the best. A PET scan was scheduled for about 3 weeks later to better assess what was up. That scan was on a Thursday and the results were not to be available until Monday. What a long weekend. And the results were not what any of us wanted. The three spots on her lung were confirmed to be malignant. And, in addition to those three spots, the scan identified three more cancerous spots. Those were in her backbone. A brain scan was ordered and thankfully, that was normal. That has been the first piece of good news in Ms. Patsy's new battle.

The prognosis is not good. However, a treatment plan has been established and there are numerous prayer warriors on the case, too. We've got that part covered. Here is what I need from you (well, more prayers are ALWAYS welcomed) but please click on this link and consider donating to Renae's 60-mile walk to help end breast cancer. (Proceeds go to Susan G. Komen For The Cure.) Clicking on Renae's link will give you the chance to donate online. She's determined to do this walk again. She's been very dedicated to raising funds in the fight against breast cancer. ALL donations would be greatly appreciated. Don't worry about an amount - even $5 will help.

Your donation will help Renae. It will help Ms. Patsy. It will help me. It will help my mom. And, more importantly, it might be helping you or your mom or your sister or your grandmother...or even your "Ms. Patsy." All women are at risk for developing this disease. I can't haul my big butt on a 60 mile walk to raise money. I can donate what I can and help find others to donate. I'm doing my part. Will you do yours?

If you donate, please add a comment here. You don't need to post the amount - just the fact that you donated is all we need. If you are unable to donate, feel free to post any comments or thoughts for the family. Even if you will just commit to praying for Ms. Patsy and the family through the tough days ahead, please add that in a comment. Sadly, many women have to fight this battle every day. I sincerely hope no one has to fight it alone.