After my last post, venting loudly about some rude people who live in my neighborhood, some feel-good news is in order.
And I have just the story.
Before you hear the story though, you need to hear the backstory.
Since early elementary school Social Butterfly has had a schoolmate named Patrick Ivison. (He's all over the internet, so I'm not giving anything away.) In addition to attending the same elementary, middle and high schools, Patrick was in the same Cub Scout pack as Danger Boy. His mother and I know each other through volunteering at the elementary school.
Patrick is a very smart, extremely personable and funny kid. That he's quadraplegic often seems beside the point except inasmuch as it is related to the fact that both he and his mother are tremendous fighters with determination and perseverance that rises to the level of being inspirational. Then again, they're really just regular folks.
This clip from the Today Show several years ago will introduce you to Patrick and explain how he came to be in a wheelchair.
604 students walked across the stage at the Scripps Ranch High School graduation last week. Including Patrick. It was a truly amazing, transcendent experience and I think everyone in the arena will consider having been there to witness it a highlight of their lives. I know I do.
Patrick handled my asking him to let the driver load him and his wheelchair before the general bus boarding began on Grad Night with a grace that a few other kids and parents could certainly learn from. Patrick grabbed a couple of friends and was good to go.
He is headed to USC Film School in the fall and when you see his name as the director's credit on the big screen someday, remember when you first heard of him.
I really hope you click this link so you can have just a hint of what it was like to watch Patrick recieve his high school diploma--also, his all-white cap and gown ensemble is for having a 4.0 or higher GPA. He's quite a multi-talented guy.
If you'd like to learn more about Patrick's fight to walk and the technologies and fund-raising involved, his website is Help Patrick Walk.
Awesome dude!
Posted by: Smalltown Me | June 17, 2012 at 11:34 PM
Beyond inspiring!
Posted by: Karen (formerly kcinnova) | June 18, 2012 at 04:35 AM
OH GOSH, wow... and now film school :)
Posted by: gary rith | June 18, 2012 at 07:48 AM
I have a brother who is a quad. I could go on about how great he is, but I won't. Thanks for this post, I needed it today. Congratulations to Patrick and his family.
Posted by: Albug | June 18, 2012 at 07:55 AM
Thanks for posting this. My attitude needed adjusting in a big way today and this was just the thing to do it. Very inspiring and what a great kid and family.
Posted by: Claudia from Idiot's Kitchen | June 18, 2012 at 11:08 AM
I watched the clip you had on FB. He's amazing.
Posted by: Slow Panic | June 18, 2012 at 01:28 PM
WOW! That is AWESOME.
(I also think it's cool that they differentiate the color of robes that way -- I have never heard of that before.)
Posted by: Stacie | June 18, 2012 at 01:43 PM
That's amazing! Thank you very much for sharing something so inspiring, Jenn.
Posted by: Susan Walker | June 18, 2012 at 06:10 PM
What a great moment and a kid who we should all strive to emulate!
Posted by: Jen | June 19, 2012 at 08:55 AM
Well, I could hardly see the video through my tears. {tears of joy!}
What a beautiful and inspirational young man. Nothing can stop him!
Thanks for sharing the good stuff with us Jenn.
Posted by: Busy Bee Suz | June 19, 2012 at 09:15 AM
The whiners and their whiny Moms need to hang out with Patrick and get an attitude adjustment.
Posted by: Little Miss Sunshine State | June 19, 2012 at 11:31 AM
Wow. That's an amazing story.
Posted by: magpie | June 19, 2012 at 03:10 PM