PATRICIA ANN ASHCRAFT

PAT ASHCRAFT

Pat is Daddy's oldest sister. She was born on January 2, 1935. In my early childhood she lived in California, but at some point moved back to Arkansas and lived in Little Rock. She stayed there for several years and then moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where she lives now.

Pat is one of the people in my life that has made a distinct impression and with whom I feel a special connection. I can't really explain why. I guess the obvious reason is because she's family, but I think the main reason, is that she has that Ashcraft imprint. When I look at her I can see my Grandparents, and Daddy and me. She gets her build from the Jones' side and favors Grandma in that way, but she has the Ashcraft face and mannerisms. The face is strong and a bit stern, but the smile and laugh are quick and easy. I have seen her and Daddy both make a certain face. They cock their mouth to the side and raise their eyebrows. It usually happens when someone says something they might not quite agree with or they find questionable, or if they're asked a question they might not particularly want to answer. It's a funny face and I've seen it many, many times. It's usually followed by a humorous remark or sarcasm.

I remember one time, when I was a little kid, just because she wanted to, Pat picked me up and took me out to eat, just the two of us. She wanted to talk to me about me and tell me about her. It was while she was still living in California and she was probably only visiting for a few days, but she used part of that time to visit with me.

Although I think Pat is very sure of her beliefs, and most of the time very open in her expression of them, she's a very thoughtful person as well, and sensitive to other people's beliefs. She's also a huge animal lover and is probably one of those people who gets more joy from animals than she does from most people. I have a distinct memory of visiting her at her home in Little Rock and of her two big happy dogs and one little bitty one.

Several years ago Pat had heart problems, then a few years after that, she was diagnosed with cancer. The cancer has slowly taken over her body. Today she is in intensive care hanging on to life by an IV. The medicine is keeping her blood pressure just high enough to let her say goodbye to and spend precious time with her loved ones who could make it to her ICU bedside.

Mama and Daddy are there and say yesterday was a good day. Some friends were able to sneak her little dog, Sasha, in to see her. She never had children so I'm certain she has a deep love for her dog. As far as I'm concerned, she got some of the best medicine that she could be given. There is nothing like a dog's love to give you a bit of peace and comfort when you need it most.

Today will be a hard day. The hospital can't keep her in ICU and must move her to a hospice room. Once in hospice nothing can be used to prolong her life. She is awake and aware of what is happening and says she is ready. The doctor has explained that she will become drowsy and probably fall into a coma and then it will be only a short time. Thankfully, she is capable of saying when it's time to go and that decision won't have to be made by those who love her, but they will be there with her as she drifts peacefully into a better place.