A Party for Patsy

by Kimberly Scott

Part journal, part memoir, A Party for Patsy is a touching story of one woman's battle with pancreatic cancer and her children's efforts to support and care for her during her journey. Patsy Callahan approached her illness the same way she approached life . . . with determination, humor, and hope. Written by her youngest child, A Party for Patsy will resonate with anyone who has coped with the illness of a loved one. Patsy's fierce love for her children and their promise to celebrate her life rather than mourn her death will leave you smiling, crying, and most of all, inspired by the huge impact this small woman had on so many lives.

Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2012

Reviews

[Candy Robosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Party for Patsy was a touching novel that so many of us go through- helping our parents as they get older and as they die. Kim, the author, is very honest in all she discussed and shared in her interactions, feelings, and frustrations. Having gone through this with my father as he battled brain cancer and dealing with my mom's battle with ALS right now. Though it is very sad, it also it very truthful and helped me deal with some of my feelings and anger at this situation. I will say Patsy was very lucky to have such a wonderfully helpful family that for the most part was able to work together to help her through her process of dying. Although I cried as I read it.... it was a therapeutic cry. God bless this family and all families as they go through this trying time.

[julie morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful woman

This book was well written and brings a light to how far certain cancers are still handled. When a family goes through watching a love ones actively dying, you let go of the little things and embrace the big picture. Pasty and all the others who came before and follows after, are living inside of us, the survivors.

[Sheila Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book

A wonderful tribute for a mother.a life well lived that death or cancer cannot steal . Making deaths sting a little more bearable.

[Whistler's Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patsy Scott seemed indestructible. She survived an anxious girlhood as the daughter of two alcoholics, raising five children as an Army wife, an unwanted divorce, severe depression, and the humiliation of losing custody of her children. With ferocious tenacity, she fought her demons, regained her children and made a life for her family. As an empty-nester she became a leading light in the local theater group and was loved for her tough cheerfulness.

Then she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The author (Patsy's youngest daughter) and her partner were able to care for her and even managed a trip to Ireland, where Patsy proudly trumpeted her Irish roots to everyone they met and was a great hit. As her cancer progressed, she moved to a hospice in Texas, where her oldest daughter could supervise her care. She died there after telling her children that she didn't want a funeral, but a party. They were happy to honor her wishes.

Kimberly Scott is a professional writer and she tells her mother's story simply and with humor and honesty. There's no sugar-coating and no attempt to keep the skeletons in the closet. As Patsy lay dying and the family gathered around, one son made a ill-judged drive in a truck with no lights and was arrested for DUI. His father and brother had to leave to bail him out. I suspect that even in the coma that precedes death, Patsy knew what was going on and was grinning and rolling her eyes. I know MY mother would have been.

Shortly after Patsy's death, Kimberly dreamed that she was waiting to cross a street and was startled when her mother breezed up and greeted her cheerfully. "Mom, didn't you die?" she asked timidly. Patsy smirked and replied, "No! I didn't die. I just went out to run some errands!" Since it was Patsy, you have to figure that she was making a beer run for St. Peter!

This is a wonderful book about death and the love that out-lives it. It will be meaningful to anyone who has ever lost a loved one.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very honored to read about Patsy's journey. Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of my mother's death from cancer, so I can relate in some ways to the author. I will celebrate Patsy's life and courage as I do the same for my mom.

[Desley (Cat fosterer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very emotional account of a family touched by cancer. Very poignant and you do need a box of tissues to hand!!