It was not only in the reflection of a computer screen that I could finally face the MoNster but I also found a best friend. It began in an MS chat room where we all had many things in common and often talked of what issues we were dealing with or just what might have been going on that day. I will never forget one pretty bleak night in there I said something and this screen name of msme2 said oh that is just like a typical female. Let me tell you the sassy side came out as I privately responded to him. My response went like this, “you don’t know me so just how the hell can you say I am typical for I am anything but typical.” That was the beginning of a very special friendship like few people ever share. I will venture to say many husbands and wives would love to have what we had.

Now before you go there you need to understand a few things. He taught me to expect acceptance from my family on those very bad days when I was dealing with problems in my MS . I should go get understanding from a fellow MS support persons so use that support that was out there for me. I listened to his advice and found he is correct because unless you walk in someone’s shoes you can not truly understand.

Now what can I tell you about this person he was born November 2,1955, and he died November 2, 2001 he was a great son, brother, father, uncle, and friend. I know him for the friend he was to me and so many others . He always put others first and never allowed his MS to place limits on him . Compassion he was full of, no matter what was a problem it was not one for Patrick. I am so blessed for having spent time with him, for being a special part of some important events in his life. The last time I saw him I was visiting his home town where a celebration took place honoring him as Man of The Year. We were very good friends and stayed in close touch so to my surprise it was not very long before he began to have many other medical problems and stubborn as he was it took a lot to get a firm agreement from him to go to the physician. Finally at last he did, I will never forget, colon cancer. With little time left and we had talked as often as we could until his health no longer allowed it.

One day the phone rang and I answered it and Patrick said well Victoria it is that time and we shared our last special talk. We laughed and we cried and we started over again and then I asked if I could just please come visit one more time but he asked me to please not for he was not the Patrick I knew and with the medications he was on he had only a little time. I was so upset as was he the next day he called back and said it was not fair of him to deny that of me if I truly wanted I could but to understand and as we talked more I knew in my heart I would do as he asked and not return to Canada and always remember Patrick Thrasher as he looked the night so many honored him.

The love I shared with this man can not truly be described but as you glance up at the stars in the sky take note there is a star in the sky for Patrick as the very first gift I ever gave him one Christmas was I had a star named for him. If you ever want to give someone special that gift you can do so by going here.

Hero

There are heroes who walk among us
never looking for glory or praise
They don’t seek recognition
for their thoughtful, caring ways.
Living lives of deep commitment
providing for those they hold dear
Steadfast with a quiet strength
through times of laughter and tears.
You were a person like that to me
The most selfless man by far
So Patrick, I’d like to thank you
For being the HERO that you were.

Victoria Nov 1st

and now …..

This is how I always feel when I think of Patrick and his strength. To find out so much more about Patrick check out this site

Wind Beneath My Wings
( Bette Midler )

Ohhhh, oh, oh, oh, ohhh.
It must have been cold there in my shadow,
To never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that’s your way.
You always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory,
While you were the one with all the strain.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Did you ever know that you’re my hero,
And everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
For you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
But I’ve got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.

Did you ever know that you’re my hero?
You’re everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
For you are the wind beneath my wings.

Did I ever tell you you’re my hero?
You’re everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,
For you are the wind beneath my wings,
‘Cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.

Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
So high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
Thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings