My aunt Pat made me feel loved.
Can you think of that person in your life who was always happy to see your face, to hear your voice? Or the relatives you jumped up for and ran to the door when you saw their car turn down your street?
People say that I make them feel good, that I am loving. This is because I was loved fiercely and for as long as I can remember. My heart grew larger each year with birthday cards from Iowa, Valentine’s day cards, Christmas cards, St. Patrick’s day cards. Any holiday on the calendar was a reason for my Aunt Pat to celebrate. 4th of July? Who is that decked out in head to toe red, white, and blue? That lady with the flag baseball cap navigating us through traffic just to get in a better position to see the fireworks? There goes my aunt helping me to light my sparkler again and again...and again.
I broke down in tears while clearing out her kitchen which was eerily silent after decades of laughter, clattering dishes, and the commotion of a life so large that it would never fit in the stupid packing box in my hand. I cried looking at her precise handwriting on over a hundred index cards. Recipes for any occasion. Meat pies, soups, bizarre ‘salads’, and cookies. So. Many. Cookies. I held a spritz cookie recipe in my hand and looked at the table where we rolled out the dough, loaded up cookie presses, and piped out icing with all the precision that toddler bakers bring to delicacies.
I want my aunt back.
I’m selfish, I know. But I want to hear her laugh, to hear her complain, I even want her to tell me the Cedar Rapids weather forecast just one more time as she combs the paper looking at the obituaries and the coupons. I want to ride along from Hy-Vee, to Fareway, and then over to Save-a-lot just to save .50 cents on oranges. I’m greedy like that - I want time. I love you, Aunt Pat. I love you with this big heart of mine that you helped to create. And I miss you terribly.
Deana Greenfield
June 16, 2022
I wanted to stop and share my sympathies because your Mom's photo caught my eye (in The Gazette). It's obvious you loved her by this BEST ever photo! My deepest condolences.
laurie crawford
March 26, 2022
Leslie ~ I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing . May the memories you have, bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Tracy Scott, LHS Class of 1983
Tracy (Scott) Spicer-Ehrman
March 22, 2022
Leslie and Irma and Family
I worked with Pat at SCI for 17 years. She was a special friend we had some great conversations. I would run into her and her Mother out and about both very, very sweet ladies. I just ran across Pat's phone number and said I need to give her a call. I'm so sorry I didn't get that done. She will be missed.
CARYLE HOPE PAZDERNIK-STEGGALL
March 21, 2022
Pat and I would some times visit outside her home as she was doing her yard work.
Pat was beautiful inside and out ,and she always had something positive to say to me. She enjoyed visiting.
We will all miss her
Betty
Betty Johnson
March 19, 2022
Irma, Sorry for your loss.
Bridget Smith
March 19, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss, Les.. Your mom was always so kind and lovely to me whenever I saw her. Such a sunny and funny personality.
Ann Bibby
March 19, 2022
So sorry for your loss Leslie! Your mom was the sweetest lady. I would run into her at the grocery store. She always knew who I was. She was always so proud of you!
Jackie
March 19, 2022