PATTERSON, Sylvia G.

Sylvia G. Patterson died May 26, 2009 in Fountain Hills. She was born in Canning Town, London, UK (a suburb of London) in 1932. Mom experienced the World War II bombings on London as a young girl. Her family had to be separated for a time, required to leave the family home and spend nights in the woods due to heavy bombings on the city. She experienced bombs exploding around her only to return to their street to find the neighbor's home had been hit. She had fear reside in her the rest of her days. As the war came to an end, she set her sights on the matinee dream; an American soldier for her husband and life as an American citizen with loads of kids. While this dream did come true, she could not release her fears easily. The “what ifs” of a mother overwhelmed her with five children out in the world being subjected to the possibilities of pain, injury and even death. Her hope was only within herself and she lived knowing that was not enough. The anxiety accumulated within her body and she was diagnosed with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis in middle age. After 36 years of fighting the disease, she was now bound to the bed, diapers and pain. She knew it was not much of a life. Before the morphine took her into a deep sleep, Joel and I were able to talk to her about the love of Christ, the peace of heaven that is offered to those who believe in his name - his death on the cross for our sins and his resurrection that allows all believers to be resurrected into a fearless heaven. The only place where there is perfect peace. Mom said yes to the only true hope she ever knew - yes to someone greater than herself who could do all things - yes to peace and an eternity with God. When you think of all the gifts that your mother gives you; the gift of your start to life, her love, her sacrifices for your college education, the gifts you unwrapped for special occasions; this is the greatest gift of all - knowing that you will see her again in heaven in a pain free body and without fear is truly one gift that will continue for all eternity even though she is gone from us here on earth...Her daughter, Amanda. Fountain Hills Times June 3, 2009.