The article opens with the re-telling of a scene in Rupp Arena, where the University of Kentucky Wildcats play, the arena is empty except for Patterson and a handful of fans. He has stayed behind to sign autographs and take photos. As the arena is closing for the night, Patterson and his fans are told it is time to leave. Seeing disappointment in a young female fans face, Patterson went back to give her the autograph and picture she patiently had waited for.
Another example of Patterson's attributes was the story of helping a mother whose daughter was attending the U of K girls basketball camp. He followed the lady, a total stranger, home to make sure she made it safe. Then, Patterson spoke to the father and son, who happened to be big Wildcat fans. I don't know many people, famous or not, who would go out of their way to help a total stranger.
The biggest and most heart-felt example of the type of man Patrick Patterson is began with a message to his personal Facebook page. The request came from Heather Durham, a 14 year old Wildcat fan with cystic fibrosis. Not expecting anything to come of the message, she was ecstatic when she received a response. Over the next two months she and Patterson held conversations. As great as this is, the story gets even better.
Not long ago Patterson, with the help of a nurse from the hospital, made surprise visit to see Heather. This was not a publicity appearance for Patterson or the university. No one knew he was doing this. Patterson spent time with Heather, talking with her as if they had been long time friends. The two talked about everything from basketball to boys Heather liked.
I'm sure this happens often, these little acts of kindness on behalf of athletes, but not often enough and there is little mention. There are far too many news reports or articles written giving attention to the athletes who are selfish and do little to help of brighten someone else's lives.
Not only is Patrick Patterson a stand up guy, but he is a top basketball player who could have entered the NBA draft last season as a likely top-20 pick but chose to remain in college and earn his degree. He will graduate in only 3 years (personally I haven't heard of many men's basketball players doing this outside of players from Duke). He chose his education over the millions that will still be waiting for him in this years NBA draft.
Patterson is a different bred of star-athlete; he isn't alone but definitely is part of a small class of athletes who give their time selflessly, without personal promotion. He doesn't do these things to get recognition, though he deserves it, he does them because they are the right things to do. He does them because he is in a position to make a difference, to lead by example, to give back to the society that places him on a pedestal. He looks at life as not about getting what he thinks or as been told he deserves, which no doubt he will get, but as a chance to be kind and courteous to others.
Not just in the world of sports but in society young Black men often feel they are owed something and it is quite refreshing to see a talented young man giving back and receiving an education. I have become a fan of Patterson, not just because he is from my home state of West Virginia, but for his selfless nature.
No comments:
Post a Comment