Daddy

James Manville Patterson
June 10, 1026 - September 12, 2009

Daddy enjoyed cross stitching and made many beautiful pieces. He began cross stitching while he recovered from open heart surgery. It was his therapy. He was very good at it.

We miss his love of having fun. This was a shark's tooth that he found when we were at the beach. He taped it to his face and pretended that he had a nose piecing.

We especially miss him on his special days....Father's day, his birthday.

There is just something about not having your father here on earth with you.

For those of you have lost a parent, you know just what I am feeling today. It seems like it was yesterday that he died, but it also seems like a lifetime since I have talked to him. I am so thankful for our memories. I am thankful for the laughs my family can share when we talk about him. And, I can promise you one thing. If he was visiting me in my home today, there would be a new penny hidden in a very special place. That makes me smile.

Bitter Sweet

Today I decide it was the day to CLEAN. It was one of those days where you dust in places that normally don't put the rag. If you are close to me, you may could guess. Yes, I found a quarter. You see, my dad was known for hiding coins any and every where he went. I have coins all over my house, many people do. Today, I found a quarter in a new place. It made me cry. As a matter of fact, I just had to sit down for a few minutes. Oh so bitter that he is gone. Oh so bitter that I can not hear his voice. I just want to hear his voice. Oh so sweet that he would be laughing over the quarter.

Paul ask the question, "Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death, is thy sting?

For me today it stings.

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 15:55

I LOVE this picture

I came across this picture today. It is one of my all time favorite pictures. This was taken at the hospital on the day Christopher was born. Spencer, being held by my father, is seeing his baby brother for the first time. PRICELESS.

My Dad

I am totally amazed with my dad. Over the past several months, he has experienced some very painful health issues which caused him to become physically weak. During this time, he had weeks that he was basically home bound. This was extremely hard on him because he is such a people person.
Back in 1989, he had emergency open heart surgery and then 10 or so years later, he needed to have the surgery again. In all of his times of health issues, he has never given up. He is determined to LIVE life and keep on going. This week he has returned to cardiac rehab. and is exercising once again. It may be at a slower rate, (I think he is doing about 30 minutes which does not seem slow to ME) but he is going for it and momma says he is stronger.
During his recovery time of open heart surgery, Daddy began cross-stitching to help pass the time. He has never put it down. He makes beautiful pieces and usually gives them away to his friends. I am so glad his pain has lessened and I am really proud of his determination. Way to go, Daddy!





The picture on the wall behind the lamp is a cross stitch piece of the names of God. It is beautiful. And, that's my mom, Maxine Patterson.