A Beautiful Woman Who Touched Our Lives

Last week I learned that a PFATT sister of mine was in the hospital battling a form of Leukemia that is difficult to treat. I was near a small marina by the bay and sat in my car listening to my friend Colleen tell me Penny had passed away. We hung up the phone and I continued to sit watching the boats bob up and down on a beautiful clear day and cried. After months of treatment, Penny succumbed to the disease, in much the same way my daughter died. Memories of Brianna in the hospital coming to the surface and my heart aching. Why were these wonderful people taken from us too early?

Her name was Penny McAllister. Not only was she a  beautiful person, she was a talented artist. You may recognize her style or her name for she had licensed reproductions sold throughout the US. I was fortunate enough to know her and spend time with her in 2008 during a gathering of my PFATT sisters held here in Northern California. Penny was funny, poignant and full of life. Please see our PFATT blog to read more about this special person who has left this earth before her time.

I am reminded again, each day is a gift. Hold your families and dear ones tight this holiday weekend. We will miss you Penny.

Comments

[Pam Gracia]

Wonderful and loving post Iva....I too thought of Brianna when the news came of our Penny. Even though I never met Penny or your beautiful Brianna their passion for life has left a fingerprint upon my heart and soul. Pam (P2)

[Katie McAllister]

Iva,

Although I have never met you, I feel as if I know you through my Mom. She came home from yall's trip to California and was elated to have met such wonderful, creative women who loved the same things that she did.

She told me once about your Brianna and I hope and pray with all my might that they are together in Heaven-looking down on all that love and miss them. I know that the tears that I cry while typing this are for my mother and your daughter.

While I will continue to miss my mother-and you, your daughter-until the day that I die, I rejoice in the fact that she touched so many lives while here on Earth.

Mom would totally kill me right now to know that I am up this late and into my 4th glass of wine... "Sorry Mom!"

I hope that you find comfort in knowing that my mom is up there with Brianna and she will take good care of her. She was a wonderful mother, and I will miss her.

Love to you and your family,
Katie McAllister