the funny thing about gmail is that you can just type in someone's name and if you are slightly disorganized like me all the emails ever exchanged pop up. I did that recently with Pat's name and was hit with a slew of lively, supportive emails. Pat was so vibrant over email - just like in life. Her personality and character comes thru immediately. in rereading some of those emails i reflected on the role the entire Nielsen family has played in my life - for some 20+ years. The place Pat has always held in my heart- and still holds -- is unmatched as she somehow managed to play the role of friend, mother, mentor, sister, supporter, and teacher. Last summer my husband and I finally bought a house in Washington DC and I thought I would share an email exchange from nearly a year ago because it seems to sum up so much of Pat's goodness:
------
June 07

Pat!

Sam and I bid on a house last week and it was accepted -- see link
below for the early photos. If all goes well we're settling July 10
and moving in early August...

http://web.mac.com/schaltain/iWeb/Site/Library%202.html

Hope you're feeling good.
lots of love
oxsarah

Reply -

Sarah, what a wonderful house! I love its good old bones -- lots of character -- and the colors are rich and charming at the same time....a tough standard to reach! So happy you opted for a real house in the city...it says something important about both of you and what you believe in about community and moving forward.

I am eating bagels and lox on your dining room table even as we speak. Sunday brunch???

Love, love,

Pat