Condolences for
Patricia M. Barrile (Grillone)

My Dear Friend Patti,

My heart hurts to think of all you suffered. I know to the core of my being that you are safe at home now, and for that I am grateful. However, it's going to take me a bit of time to become accustomed to not having you near. I want to be able to give you call, I want us to be able to spend time together and I wanted you to dance at my daughter's wedding. I also wanted to hear your voice sounding clear and strong, so I called your cell phone one last time Thursday evening to listen to your recorded message. As I said, I'm going to need time.

I read a story a long time ago (50 years give or take a few) written by a man who recently lost his mother. The man, a doctor I believe, was first generation Italian American, and related that his mother always said that when we die God gives us back our best selves. To that end she kept a photo of herself as a beautiful young woman smiling and soaring high on a swing on a beautiful day. She told her children that was the best self that God would return to her one day. After the woman went home to God, it was that photo that brought comfort to her son.

I imagine that the beauty of the photo came from the look of pure joy on the young woman's face. Her "best self" words were simply put and spoken in accented English but backed up by a true and very deep faith. My dear friend, I am truly grateful that God has not only given you back your best self, but also the best selves of all those you love who preceded you home.

Heaven is now an even brighter place, because you are there. You remain my beloved friend today, and tomorrow and for all of the tomorrows to come thereafter. We never really lose our loved ones, since our souls are eternally connected to the family and friends we love. You are in my head and in my heart and I will remember you always. When I speak of you (and it will be often), I will do so with a smile on my face. I'm sure everyone else who loves you will to the same; not a bad legacy...

Patti, thank you one last time for being my very dear, dear friend. You are a great lady.

With love and admiration always,
Linda