I am trying my hardest to say something new, something I
haven’t said before about the birthday girl!
I have had many people ask me why I love Patty so much, well
I’ll tell you!
I met Patty when I
was just 8 years old after a cross country move that I was not happy about! I
remember she came over with a pie as a welcome from the church we spotted right
down the street. I felt an instant connection with her; I don’t know what it was.
For the next 8 years my parents lied about who I was in order to keep their
secrets. Forcing me into solitude, I had no one I could turn to or trust. I
searched for commonality with anyone but came up empty handed. I clung to my relationship with God; but I
learned how to have that relationship from watching others in my church. Patty
was a huge role model for me during those 8 years. Then my family fell apart
and the truth came out. Billy and Patty were the only people that stood with me
against the lies, I was 16 then. It wasn’t until Andrew and I were about to get
married 3 years later that Patty suggested that she mentor me. I agreed of
course, not really knowing what I was getting into! All I knew is I valued her
option over any other human being on earth. Even though I had known Patty for 9
years and had admired her it was really from afar due to lies. Right from the
beginning of our mentor relationship we both said in order for this to work we
are going to have to be honest even if it’s painful. I remember several events
where Patty made me confront things and to say that they were anything but easy is an understatement.
Patty has walked me
into true fellowship with God. Patty has mentored me off and on for 15 years
now, and this relationship has grown beyond mentoring into a friendship. Patty
has listened to my story countless times and every time it brings tears to her eyes,
even though she was there during all of it. When my life and family was falling
apart, Patty was there when everyone else walked away. She walked though my
personal hell with me and she taught me that in all things God is always there.
Being mentored is not any easy thing but I knew whatever was asked of me I
would try to do. It would kill me if I disappointed her. Now that I’m a decade older the mentor
relationship has shown me how my walk with God is suppose to be, of course my admiration
for Patty will never seize. My spiritual walk would not have been where it is
today without God placing Patty in my life as my guide back to Him. Patty, I don’t
know how I would have ended up without the guidance you have given me. I am so
grateful God has allowed our relationship to grow over the years and create a
bond neither one of us can truly explain; except totally God willed.
There is one time I tested Patty almost 4 years ago, I asked
her advice on a trip I was going to take. She advised me not to go; but I felt
God telling me to go and flew all the doors open. During that trip I tried to
call her and no answer. I knew what she was thinking, all the personal work Alise
has done was going to go down the drain and she was going to have to pick up
all the pieces. God proved that I was
meant to go on that trip with a long drive with my cousin who was murdered 2
short years later. When I got home I told her how powerful the trip was for me
and I was stronger than I thought, Patty threw her arms around my neck and with
tears in her eyes she said “I’m so proud of you!” Oh those words mean so much
to me, especially from her!
26 years of memories is difficult to pin point all of them
but, we have traveled places both personal and missions, we have painted,
walked, ran, cried, laughed, seen each other without make-up (poor Patty for
seeing that,) singing together, we have babysat each-other's children, countless pictures, and so much
more together. One thing that is extremely important to Patty and me is loyalty.
And besides Andrew, Patty is the next person I turn to. I think some days Patty
knows me better than I know myself!
I don’t know what you have seen in this little mess of a girl that
makes you stick like glue. But I wouldn’t
change a thing to have our relationship be where it is now. So many people
tried to tear our relationship apart but God had bigger plans. Patty, you have given me the acceptance and unconditional love I lacked in my childhood and teen years. I honestly don’t
know if I could ever tell or express to you just how much you mean to me. I’m
so blessed to have you!
Your mom was right, you have forever changed this little girl's life!
Happy birthday my dear friend I love you!
~Alise
