Patina Chapter 6

Summary

In this heartfelt narrative, the protagonist, Patty, navigates the complexities of family life after her father's passing and her mother's health decline. Amidst the challenges, she finds solace in helping her sister Maddie with homework and embarks on a school project about Frida Kahlo. Patty's journey is interwoven with her commitment to track and field, her uncle's lighthearted support, and the enduring bond of family, culminating in a poignant depiction of resilience and love.

Takeaways

• 🏠 The protagonist lives with her mother, sister Maddie, and Uncle Tony, who is a supportive and humorous figure in their lives.
• 📚 The protagonist is involved in school activities, including a project on Frida Kahlo and track practice, where she recently placed second in a meet.
• 👩‍👧 The protagonist feels a strong sense of responsibility towards her younger sister Maddie, often helping with homework and providing emotional support.
• 🍗 The family has a routine of eating turkey wings for dinner every night, a dish that holds significance for the family after the loss of the protagonist's father.
• 🏃‍♀️ The protagonist is dedicated to her track practice and is motivated to improve her running speed, with encouragement from Uncle Tony.
• 🎨 Frida Kahlo is a central figure in the protagonist's school project, and she finds a personal connection with the artist's life experiences.
• 😔 The protagonist's mother has health issues, including diabetes, which has affected her mobility and emotional state, causing the family to adapt to these changes.
• 💔 The family has experienced significant loss, with the death of the protagonist's father and the mother's deteriorating health, impacting their daily life and emotional well-being.
• 👧 Maddie, the protagonist's sister, is confused about the mother's health condition, and the protagonist tries to protect her by simplifying the explanation of their mother's illness.
• 📝 Maddie writes a letter to her mother's 'lost legs', expressing her longing and confusion, which deeply affects the protagonist and highlights the family's struggle with the mother's health.
• 🤔 The protagonist grapples with the pressure of fulfilling a pinky promise to Maddie about her own legs not 'running away', symbolizing the fear of losing control over her life and health.

Q & A

What is the main character's routine after coming home from practice?

The main character, Patty, usually comes home to her mother turning down the radio news and asking about her practice. She always says it was fine and tries not to show that she's tired, so her sister Maddie doesn't worry about her helping with homework.

How does Patty's mother cope with the loss of her husband?

Patty's mother copes with her husband's death by becoming 'churchy,' which involves catching the spirit, dancing in the aisles, and praying for peace. She also starts eating a lot, particularly sweets that were her husband's favorites.

What health condition does Patty's mother develop after her husband's death?

Patty's mother develops diabetes, which eventually leads to the loss of her legs and most of her laughter.

Why does Patty feel the need to be strong and brave?

Patty feels the need to be strong and brave because she has to look out for her younger sister Maddie, who is confused about their mother's health condition, and she also has to deal with her own feelings of loss and grief.

What is the significance of the pinky promise Patty makes with Maddie?

The pinky promise is significant because it symbolizes a serious commitment in their family. Maddie asks Patty to pinky promise that her legs won't run away, and Patty agrees, feeling the weight of the promise.

What is the main character's school project about?

The main character's school project is about Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist known for her self-portraits and works inspired by the nature and artifacts of Mexico.

Why does Patty feel a connection to Frida Kahlo?

Patty feels a connection to Frida Kahlo because Frida was close to her father, and Patty can relate to the feeling of something breaking inside, as she has experienced the loss of her father and seen her mother's emotional paralysis.

What is the significance of the letter that Maddie wants to write?

The letter Maddie wants to write is significant because it represents her confusion and longing for her mother's lost mobility. She wants to address the letter to her mother's legs, asking them where they went and why they had to leave.

How does Patty's family dynamic change after moving in with Uncle Tony?

After moving in with Uncle Tony, Patty's family dynamic changes as they become closer and rely on each other more. Uncle Tony brings humor and lightness to the family, helping them cope with their grief and challenges.

What is the role of Uncle Tony in Patty's life?

Uncle Tony plays a significant role in Patty's life as a supportive figure who brings joy and humor. He is also a source of comfort and understanding, especially when Patty is dealing with her emotions about her family's situation.

What is the significance of the turkey wings in the family's dinner routine?

The turkey wings are significant in the family's dinner routine because they represent a constant in Patty's life. Her mother makes them every night, and they become a symbol of stability and familiarity amidst the changes the family is going through.