Lisa’s Story About Patty
Patty was my best friend of 40 years. Our friendship stretched all the way back to the 5th grade. Through out the life of our friendship, we imagined a lot of things as we dreamed about the future. But the one thing we didn’t plan on was Not to grow old together!
The news of Patty’s cancer hit us all very hard. For some, it was a life changing diagnosis. I knew this cancer moved swiftly and spares few. And Patty’s precious short life was no exception.
Losing Patty was the final event in a series of personal tragedies that included the loss of my husband 18 months prior. After spending most of my life treading the corporate path, I made a profound and abrupt change in the direction and intensity of my focus.
As Patty and I spent our last time together it became clear that Patty’s influence on my life was deeper than I realized. While I knew I had some art talent, I took this gift for granted. Something was missing. I knew the “how” but not the “why”.
Patty’s last gift to me was this profound clarity of purpose. I came away from that last visit a changed person. I found the “why”. My purpose was now clear. I promised her that somehow I would chase my artistic dreams and find a way to wipe out this dreadful cancer.
From Patty I learned that today is the someday we all talk about. Today was how she had always lived. And so I left my corporate job and re-ordered my life’s direction. It is in her honor that I paint with the passion, joy, and gratitude that Patty lived her life every day. It is a privilege to be part of the promise to wipe out this tragic cancer.
Lisa Young