Letter: Remembering a friend
To the community,
On Jan. 5, I got a phone call that Pat McLeod, the lady I’ve been driving to Incline Village to the doctor, passed away. I had asked my prayer chain for prayers of healing and strength for Pat a couple times in the last few years so I wanted to thank all of them for their support in those prayers to make Pat’s life just a little easier. Pat suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for the last 30 years. She was unable to work, leave her home or be around people as she was very sensitive to germs and smells.
Pat depended on a few friends to do her shopping, pay her bills, take out her trash, run errands and drive her to doctors appointments, which I was privileged to do. She had very little family and none in town. She had no money so most likely there will be no services and the county will take care of Pat, although I just heard she will be donating her body to research.
My monthly trips to the doctor with Pat were always enjoyable and I realized how blessed I was to share that time with her. We were always in awe of the beauty of Lake Tahoe on those drives. Pat’s last job was working at the Cream Puff Bakery, in the ’70s and early ’80s before she got sick. She shared her memories of the many experiences working at the bakery. Pat and I had wonderful conversations about our faith, family, books, TV shows and recent experiences. We had quite a few good laughs too.
Pat was a delightful person, always positive, appreciative, thankful for life and had a great faith in God. I found myself looking forward to our time together.
As my time with Pat is over, I felt a need to share my experiences with this gentle soul. I will miss Pat and always remember her.
Cindy Merhaut, South Lake Tahoe
Thank you Cindy for sharing your wonderful experience with Pat… and, thank you for being such a special person who finds the joy of living and giving, and of sharing another person’s life. How lucky Pat was to have you as her friend and advocate!
I wish I had the funds to have a celebration lunch for Pat – but I’m out of work right now. I would certainly be willing to do a pot-luck tho…. but if not, that too is ok. You gave Pat “quality of life” by your friendship and dedication to helping her – which is the greatest gift one can give! Thank you Cindy for sharing your story about Pat, and for giving us all an example of what is important in life. You sure are….
“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.
Thank you Cindy for giving and serving. Our community is a better place because of people like you. And thank you for sharing your experiences with Pat. Your story warmed my heart.
Loved Pat! I felt like I was visiting a friend every time I walked into the Cream Puff Bakery to buy their cheese croissants. It was good of you to take care of her, Cindy.