This from Patti's "Big Bro", who is no stranger to chronic debilitating physical pain himself... "...I am really saying that she was truly an inspiration to me who connected at the "we never had to "talk" about pain" level. To be dealing with anyone who does not experience that kind of chronic pain quickly turns the conversation to one of sympathy and it us usually one sided. When I communicated with her I felt better without having to every touch on pain talk. I got the vibes that she knew exactly how to be appropriate. I feel her loss and especially just now when I could easily be writing to her in a fun way. But instead, I'm writing about pain in a round about way. I don't need sympathy from anyone. I'm not above it. I just don't care for it because I really don't need it form anyone. With someone like Patti we didn't have to address it but instead used it as a baseline and had a relationship much like "above the rim!" Surreal is how we felt communicating with each other. Did she really consider me a "big Bro?" With Patti I could talk fun because, and push it because, the more I pushed, the better I felt. Honestly Patrick, our communicating with each other and the anticipation of an e-mail form her was the best analgesic. It worked and she was a God send to my life - and by extension to the lives of my immediate family." 19 Aug 2011