When I think back to what I was doing on Saturday, November 19, 1988, I suspect I was watching college football or cartoons, or, more realistically, holed up in my room with a handful of books, reading until my eyes crossed.
What I wasn’t doing, I know, was realizing that hundreds of miles away, a tiny being had entered the world and that he would have an incredible impact on my life. I could not have imagined the emotions that he would one day inspire in me — fascination in his ability, awe at his talent, joy at his successes, grief at his struggles, fury at the way people treated him with unjust hatred, pride at his determination to overcome any challenge, and humility at the fact that his existence brought amazing people and friends into my life.
To many he is just another celebrity. To many, he is just another hockey player. To many, he is just a professional athlete trying to find his way to a “normal” life.
But to me, he is the epitome of strength. He is living proof that with focus and hard work, you can overcome any challenge. To me, he is proof that when people cast aspersions and doubt your way, the best thing to do is work harder and change the narrative by being so good that there is nothing else to talk about. To me, he is a patient and kind young man who has tolerated our few brief and awkward (on my part) interactions with class and humor and sweetness. To me, he is always going to be that starry-eyes toddler sitting on his dad’s lap and basking in his love of Hockey, wanting no more as an adult than to be the best and to share the love of his sport with the world, particularly the littlest fans. To me, he is the reason that so many of us find ourselves in each other’s orbits here on the tumbles and if lucky, friends in real life.
I will always always support this silky-mitted little critter with disaster hair and a smile that explodes light into the world. And I am humbled at the moments and memories that he has brought into my life and more importantly, the people that share them with me.
Happy birthday, Patrick. I hope that you have a wonderful day and here’s hoping that your journey in this world continues to be one of success, fun, and joy and that you will find the soul-deep happiness that you deserve
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