Remembering Patrice

As the name of this blog implies, it is a narrative of the traveling Val and I have done since I retired in 2012, but this entry is not about our travels, but about a good friend of ours, Patrice.

One of the very first trips we took after retirement was a six-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon that turned out to be a true trip of a lifetime. Not only because of the incredible beauty of the canyon and thrill of riding the rapids, but also because of the emotional impact it had on both of us. 
 
Accompanying us on that trip were our friends Dave and Patrice whose energy, humor and spirit added so much to the trip.  For Patrice this trip had special meaning as she had just fought and won her third battle with breast cancer and was determined to live life to the fullest, making the most of every minute, which both she and Dave did with gusto.  She had an appreciation of life that most of us take for granted and it was a gift she shared with us on the trip.

Sadly, last summer breast cancer recurred for the fourth time and though she fought hard, she lost her battle this time and passed away the evening before Thanksgiving.  This was devastating, of course, to her family and friends and a great loss for all of us, and I can't imagine how it must be for Dave to lose the love of is life.

We will miss Patrice greatly and we will always remember that wonderful time we spent with them rafting through the Grand Canyon.  This is another reminder that life is not forever and none of us know much time we have left so we all should follow Patrice's advice and live life to the fullest.

Patrice, Dave, Val and Dave (me)

Patrice and Dave