I want to write a book about Patrick's life and I need help in collecting stories folks remember about him. There are several different ways you can contribute the stories you have about Patrick. You can email them to me, write them as a comment at the bottom of the legacy page, write the story and snail mail it to me, or just tell me the story, as so many of us are "oral historians". So, if you are not into writing, you can call me and tell me the story and I will type it out while you are on the phone (I type a jillion words a minute).
A memorial gathering to honor Patrick was held by his family in Durham, NC on January 25, 2011. At this event I got to meet a lot of his kin, which I had been looking forward to doing for some time. I was deeply touched by the stories his relatives shared with the group. Some were about when Patrick was a child with knowledge way beyond his years, and he was lovingly referred to as "the professor". Some stories told of his compassion and understanding when dealing with his, now grown, nieces and nephews when they were young and troubled and needed a guiding light. Each story illustrated a bit of Patrick's essence and the profound affect he had on those he loved.
For my part at the memorial, I shared a quote written by Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) which pretty much describes Patrick to a tee.
"That man is successful who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of the intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task, who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had."
