On Sunday I wrote about finding blessings in bad situations. Tonight I’m looking for those blessings.  My cousin Patty passed away from cancer today. One week from diagnosis to death. It’s shocking.

When we were kids, we used to have family reunions. My Dad was one of six kids, and we usually had at least 3 families that would be able to get together. Always lots of fun.  Patty was always so nice to me. I remember one year, I was probably 8 or so, I took to writing her. She was probably in middle school, with a lot better things to do then write me, but she did. Obviously it made an impression as I remember it today.

My Aunt Grace, Patty’s mom, is the only one left of my Dad’s generation and about 13 or so years ago we had a legitimate family reunion with cousins and their families. But since that time, it’s only been small gatherings here and there. A while ago, someone floated the idea of a “Cousin Reunion” where our generation would start up the tradition again. It was just a little over a year ago we had our first one and plans are already underway for this year’s event. As we sat in the gazebo at our hotel, toasting our first official Cousin Reunion with champagne, it never would have occurred to us that it would be Patty’s last one.

That reunion was a blessing. We had a great time skipping down memory lane and catching up. Today I’m reminder of the importance of family, immediate and extended.

Patty had colon cancer which runs in our family. You can believe I’ll be getting a colonoscopy. Her situation is a reminder to take care of the things you know may be an issue. That’s a blessing.

Our faith is a blessing as I am sure it steadies my Aunt and Uncle and others in their grief.

This year our reunion toast can be for Patty. Remembering her fondly will be a blessing.

The picture here is from our reunion. Patty is standing in the back with me.