I grew up in "Pat's Room"

 Pat LaFon was a second or third cousin of mine, Dad's family was never good on getting relations right. I grew up calling people "Aunt" or "Uncle" who never were.

Pat lived with my parents in their Anawalt, WV apartment for several years before I was born. I don't remember why.

It was a 2 bedroom apartment with no central heat.

When I was born and came home, I slept first in a baby bed and then a single bed in my parents' room until Pat left when I was 5 or so.

I asked to have a room of my own, and they agreed.

But they alway's called it "Pat's room".

I grew up in "Pat's room" until I went to college.

While in college my parents moved into a house with central heat in Princeton, WV.

They knew I hated living in "Pat's room", but how they always referred to it.

In the new house, when I'd come home, there was a bed room for me.

But at least it didn't belong to Pat as well.

Growing up in "Pat's room" made me think I was a late interruption of their relationship.

My mom was 37 and dad was 40 when I was born.

So, maybe I was.

But I have no hard feelings about that.

And I thank them for giving me life.

And I pray for their souls--and Pat's.....

Always.