Patty's Miracle

For months we prayed for a miracle for Patty. We knew that traditional medicine couldn't save her, and we doubted that other means would work. But we prayed and we prayed.

I wanted God to save the young woman who told me that she would always be Daddy's Little Girl. A precious child who had grown into a woman to be admired - strong, intelligent, self-assured.

Patty was fun. She was funny. She was good company.

When Patty was diagnosed with the disease that would eventually take her life she had been working as a hospice aide. She knew the pain and anxiety of the terminally ill. She was a loving, attentive care-giver. Among the first people to call to voice concern for Patty were patients she had been assisting.

Patty didn't let the disease beat her. She fought. She returned to school. She returned to work.

By the time she graduated from nursing school - magna cum laude, her Mom reminds everyone - it appeared that she might have won her battle. But the disease didn't give her peace.

While she was undergoing chemotherapy in preparing for a bone marrow transplant, Patty took her nursing boards. The day she entered the hospital she learned from her friend Dierdre that she had passed -

Why wouldn't God give this wonderful woman the miracle she deserved?

When the transplant failed we were crushed, but Patty and Paul didn't quit. Together they prepared for the next round; a different kind of transplant. Again, her brother Michael would be the willing donor. Unfortunately, the disease was relentless.

Undaunted, Patty, Paul, her Mom and Dierdre flew to Houston in search of a cure.

Where was the miracle we prayed for?

Two weeks ago, when her Mom was home for three days after a month at Patty's side, she and I had dinner with Patty's Aunt Lillian. Something that Lillian said that night made me realize that I was looking for MY miracle, not Patty's.

"Sometimes, when you need help most, God sends you an Angel," Lillian said.

Patty had her miracle, I just hadn't seen it.

God had sent her Angels.

Patty's miracle was Paul, the man who loves her, stood by her and fought with her. He is her sweetheart. Her "Weets."

Patty's miracle was Dierdre, her friend, confidante and spiritual guide.

Patty's miracle was her Mom, who was also her friend and cheerleader.

And Patty's miracle was K.C., Michael, Rob, Catie, Megan, Barbara and Howie, and the wonderful DeGeorge family. And there was Lisa, Joy, Jennifer, Joelle, Doctor Schulman, Father Gerard, Bill, Scott and Jeannie, the McCarran's, the Hartman's, her loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other family members. Patty's miracle were those who knew and loved her, and those who didn't know her but showed her love and great kindness.

Patty got her miracle, for that I thank God and all of you.

God Bless Patty.

-- written by Patty's father, August 20, 1999