Thursday, November 30, 0002
Fred, Though Pat touched thousands of lives, I fondly remember one most vividly . . . Sarah, a student who stayed after school with your wife every afternoon possible. Sarah chose to stay, not because of her need for help academically, but rather because she found a comfort with Pat she did not find within her home. You see her father was an alcoholic and she had no mother. The compassion shown to the girl gave her the strength she needed not only that year but for many years to come. How do I know this? Some years later I was shopping at the fabric store when Sarah came up to me asking about Mrs. Gugel. After my update, Sarah actually started crying. The tears were accompanied by a declaration of her love for Pat. Surely, there could be no greater validation of one's life. May you and yours find comfort within the outpouring of love and respect felt by those of us who were fortunate to have been Pat's colleagues. I, for one, am proud to have known and worked with your beautiful wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With Fond Memories, Gayle Thawley
