In Memory of Pat (Sister, Friend, Wife, Mom, Grandma)
Patricia (Pat) Jean Kelley Legako, born April 13, 1944, to parents Orval Sylvanus Kelley and Mary Katherine Crisp Kelley passed away in her Edmond home, surrounded by friends and family, Sunday March 11, 2018 at the age of 73.
If I were to describe my mom in a single ‘job’ word, it would be ‘nurse’. Whether the need was physical, emotional, or spiritual, she bound up people’s wounds and helped them in the work of healing. Family, friend, patient, or client, if she felt you had been placed ‘under her care’, she would work tirelessly to help you to build up your strengths, recover your losses, or provide aid and comfort through your trials.
My mom didn’t look at the world through rose-colored glasses. But she did look at people through eyes of love.
If I were to describe my mom’s life, it would be a book of love stories.
Mom loved just about anybody she met really, she wasn’t discriminating at all in her love. It was easy to become mom’s friend. And soon, if not immediately, you were family.
Her love for family and friends was gentle, kind, and strong.
With eyes of love and the heart of a nurse, she was drawn to minister to people’s needs.
Some people need friend. Some need a mom. Or a second mom. Or a local mom. Or an extra grandma. Pat had you covered.
Patricia Jean Kelley Legako, Pat, was serious about loving you. And If you needed physical, emotional, or spiritual aide, she was committed to your cause. And it was extra special if you were under Pat’s care, because it was always delivered with Pat’s unbounded and overflowing love.
She finished adding to her book of love stories Sunday, March 11. Through her life, she shared those stories with us. We can continue to hold and reflect on them in our memories of her, and in our hope that we will, see her beautiful smile again.
About 51 years ago, dad wrote mom a poem for their first Valentine’s after they were married. I think it captures what he hoped for with her. What they did indeed give to each other. A love and friendship of sweetness, understanding, enrichment, and filled with joy and mirth.
It isn’t much to give, one rose…
Other gals get more from their beaux
But I hope you will understand,
the meaning I have planned.
One rose… For the one year
You have brought me joy and cheer.
A plant that has been growing
As your sweetness has been flowing.
One rose sees both sunshine and rain
As we see each other’s happiness and pain.
A plant with much beauty to share
As happiness blossoms in an understanding pair.
One rose will die and decay
As last year has passed away.
A plant when gone enriches the earth
As you’ve enriched my life with joy and mirth.