THERE are some persons who seek attention and do so by being very unpleasant, obnoxious and prone to spreading rumours and throwing their weight around.
Then there are the quiet ones who are always respectful, peaceful, co-operative, helpful, kind and enhance the peaceful ambience of an environment. Patricia Glen, Confidential Secretary to Chronicle’s Finance Controller, Moshamie Ramotar, was of the latter category.
For all the many years that I have known her, I have never known Pat to raise her voice; and I am a scatterbrain who could try the patience of a saint.
Yet, for some strange reason she has always been kind and affectionate to me, even when I am boring everyone with my unending stories of my adored and brilliant grandson.
She always expressed pleasure at my innumerable anecdotes of his escapades, pranks, and exceptional wit.  Nothing warms a grandmother’s heart like someone who listens with patience as she extols the exceptional qualities of her grandchild.
When I missed Pat for awhile and enquired about her whereabouts I was told that she was on leave.  I had no inkling that she was on medical leave, because I am prone to being lost in an ethereal world – removed from day-to-day activities of my several spheres of existence and, once assured that she was well, assuming she was enjoying a much-deserved break I did not make further enquiries.
When Pat returned to work I was shocked by her appearance, which had visibly changed – and not for the better. She seemed to have shrunk physically and when she told me about her condition I knew that it was a matter of time, but certainly not this quickly.
She bravely resumed work, continuing her quiet and helpful ways.
Yesterday morning I walked in to the office, only to be met with the sad news that Pat had passed away, from Chronicle’s receptionist, Marjorie Spencer, whom, like Pat, I had known for what seems like forever.
In a world full of persons who like to drag others down, it is a great loss when someone like Pat, who lifted others up, is removed from this earthly sphere.
Farewell Pat, I shall certainly miss you, especially on the days when I am down, because every encounter that I have had with you was an uplifting one and I am convinced that you now reside in the land of the angels.