Where do I even begin? Other than my mom, she was the single biggest influence in my life. She was my first BFF. She was technically my Great-Aunt. My maternal Grandfather's little sister. She was my Mootz. Mootz or Mootzie is derived from Mootsley which I believe is Finnish for Grandmother. Everything about Barbara Patterson was Great or Grand. She ALWAYS had a twinkle in her eye. She worked hard and played harder. The pillow on her bed said "If I rest I rust" I was her weekend second set of hands from the summer after 7th grade until I graduated from High School. She was my lifeline. That time period was extremely hard for my family, my Dad was going through a rough time. Because of the work and "play" we did on the weekends and during the summer I am who I am today. I drive like her, I cook like her, I can throw a party because Mootz taught me how. She taught me about Diet Coke and Lime. She introduced me to the concept of "Elbow Grease" The woman was 55 years older than me and she could completely out work me. She brought ENERGY to the room. She loved everyone and she wanted to know all about you. She was the greatest story teller. She wanted the best for you. She could tell your fortune by reading cards, and pretty much I am superstitious today because of her. Do you know if you skim the bubbles off of a cup of black coffee it is like collecting Gold. Whenever I loose something I say a catholic prayer and a mormon prayer because of her. She wasn't afraid to march to the beat of her own drum. She had flash and she had her own style. She was extravagant but not afraid to show up with a run in her pantyhose. She had a great sense of humor. She was the glue of every family gathering. She loved chocolate. She loved music, especially the piano. She loved to sing. She was the epitomy of positive thought. She taught me to "Do kind deeds and think kind thoughts" Mootz I will love you forever and THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for EVERYTHING!
