I Chose Joy

Today we attended the Celebration Service of a special childhood and high school friend, Patrick Plys, to honor his life after a 17-year battle with brain cancer.

Some of my favorite memories of Patrick from my youth...
~ Our special tie, both being the 10th of 11 children.
~ Playing endless games of kickball on the corner, marbles, or hide and go seek at night with Charlie and Paula, Tim, Lynn, Ron and Sandy, Boomer, and so many others.
~ Raiding picking apples from neighborhood trees and filling our shirts, running from German shepherd dogs and BB guns.
~ Pat sneaking out of his house to come to my house on a summer night in his pajama bottoms with no shirt on and his bare feet.
~ Hearing each other's parents scream our names calling us home for dinner... and all of us eating as fast as we could to get back outside to play together again.
~ Sliding on "Dead Man's Hill".... which seems ridiculously small driving by now.
~ Watching the fire trucks race up our street because somehow the hills started on fire.
~ Watching Pat and Tim play little league baseball.
~ Praying playing in the balcony at mass...
~ Going to Young Life Camp in Colorado... where Pat began his spiritual journey that lead him into his life as devoted servant and follower of Christ.

This isn't just any person, but An Extraordinary Person.

As Patrick worked like no other in rehabilitation following his stroke after brain surgery, it was a special honor to see him receive the Journey Award which is given to an outstanding individual whose contributions make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and demonstrates optimal use of his or her abilities.

Following Patrick's Caring Bridge site, which his wife Laura utilized so faithfully and beautifully to journal their journey, was an incredible experience. The most beautiful gift from that for me was experiencing the incredible bond between Patrick and his wife Laura, their love for each other and their five children, their faith in Christ and their incredible ability to give strength, hope and joy to others along the way. Not a day goes by that somebody doesn't reach out and touch, look at, or inquire about the button I wear at work from Patrick's benefit.... "Miracles Happen"... and I tell them Patrick's story and smile as he continues to give strength, faith and hope to patients, family members and caregivers with the long journey ahead of them.....

We wouldn't expect anything less from Patrick, would we? (insert smile here)

His legacy will live on.