Letter: Remembering a friend

To the community,

On Jan. 5, I got a phone call that Pat McLeod, the lady I’ve been driving to Incline Village to the doctor, passed away. I had asked my prayer chain for prayers of healing and strength for Pat a couple times in the last few years so I wanted to thank all of them for their support in those prayers to make Pat’s life just a little easier. Pat suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for the last 30 years. She was unable to work, leave her home or be around people as she was very sensitive to germs and smells.

Pat depended on a few friends to do her shopping, pay her bills, take out her trash, run errands and drive her to doctors appointments, which I was privileged to do. She had very little family and none in town. She had no money so most likely there will be no services and the county will take care of Pat, although I just heard she will be donating her body to research.

My monthly trips to the doctor with Pat were always enjoyable and I realized how blessed I was to share that time with her. We were always in awe of the beauty of Lake Tahoe on those drives. Pat’s last job was working at the Cream Puff Bakery, in the ’70s and early ’80s before she got sick. She shared her memories of the many experiences working at the bakery. Pat and I had wonderful conversations about our faith, family, books, TV shows and recent experiences. We had quite a few good laughs too.

Pat was a delightful person, always positive, appreciative, thankful for life and had a great faith in God. I found myself looking forward to our time together.

As my time with Pat is over, I felt a need to share my experiences with this gentle soul. I will miss Pat and always remember her.

Cindy Merhaut, South Lake Tahoe