I was one of the lucky ones that grew up with Patrick. My mom’s favorite Patrick story is that I came home from kindergarten announcing I had my “very first best friend”. My mom asked what HER name was and I proudly announced, “Patrick!” Even back then, as a five year old, Patrick had something special about him. We weren't even in the same classroom, but we somehow found each other on the playground. Patrick was a lot of things but it’s his genuine sweetness that I will always remember.
I have so many memories of Patrick, from spending recesses at Ruskin catching ladybugs to much later years in high school going between our houses watching whatever VHS movie we decided to rent that weekend. And then the much, much later years digging thru a thrift store trying to find the perfect costume for a Halloween parade in West Hollywood. I mean, who else can convince Edric to purchase-- and wear-- a used Star Trek shirt?! Hanging out with Patrick was always full of unexpected adventures.
As we got older, life got busier and we didn’t see each other nearly enough, but when we did, it was like no time had passed, and he was still the blue-eyed boy with mischief in his smile.
