The thought of you, Patrick, rings true the three phrases below which I believe aptly captures the impact you have had on me and so many others.
“More precious was the light in your eyes than all the jewels in the world.”
“Only a “moment” you stayed with us but what an imprint your footprints have left on our hearts.”
“While the song may have ended, the melody of your memories will linger on into eternity.”
While God never gives us a load greater than we can bear, this should have passed.
“I am not out of the woods yet” were your last words to me as we lay in the same ward at the hospital. Your words were filled with hope and I never once considered this possibility. Only if I knew.
On January 11th, 2021 I walked past your room and we made eye contact, you seemed to be doing ok and that was enough encouragement for me. I woke up on the morning of January 12th, and there was an unusual emptiness. When I asked one of the nurses how you were doing, he eluded the question. I did not see Lynda that morning either and all the coincidences aroused my suspicion that something was wrong. I was told what had happened later that evening and I was completely broken. How could this happen? Why now? Why Patrick? So many questions rushed through my mind. I started worrying about my own situation and my imagination went into overdrive. As hard as I tried not to think about what had happened, I simply couldn’t.
…and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
My mentor for over 30 years – not enough words to express how much I will miss you.
Patrick, you have been a mentor to me since the early 1990s. You held my hands through the application process when I was obsessed with following in your footsteps to study engineering at an Ivy League school in the US. Unfortunately, it did not work out then but you continued to encourage me and believe in me. You were filled with so much pride when you attended my MBA graduation in 2007 from an Ivy League school in the US. While I always knew you cared and really wanted me to succeed, your commitment to travel from Ghana to the US with the sole purpose of attending my graduation brought a whole new meaning to our relationship.
On several occasions, I would call you frantically complaining about things I was going through; you would calmly listen, process and share your valuable thoughts. You always followed up days or weeks afterwards to check how things are going. Patrick, you cared from a good place and the world will miss all the love you bestowed on us.
We had Christmas lunch together, when you and Lynda graciously hosted us. We had planned to discuss an issue that I had told you about to get your usual advice. We did not have the chance to chat and your parting words were: “Chale, we couldn’t even have that chat” to which I responded with: “We go arrange some other time soon”. There is so much I still need and want to discuss with you. Oh, and that Rotary presentation we had to postpone – who do I run to now? Only if I knew.
Our moments shared together will forever be etched in my mind with fondness.
I remember driving to Keta with you to attend Togbiza in 1995 and how I arrived cold from your high-speed driving. We laughed about this recently when your driving was a main feature in one of our random conversations.
Patrick, you were not only my mentor, but also, my first boss after you employed me right after I graduated from KNUST in 1998. We had a great time working together. You pushed me very hard and I responded by shattering your sales targets and then, you were forced to come back to re-negotiate my sales commissions downwards because I was earning too much.
I remember your trips to London when you would check up on me. One of my most memorable ones was when you visited with Lynda, when Klenam had just been born. We shared a good meal and talked till early the following morning about all sorts.
The love you show the boys will forever be etched on our minds. You even had gifts waiting to arrive in Ghana for the boys when this happened. May God continue to bless you for your love and kindness.
The many times you hosted us in your home, to feast, to celebrate or just to catchup. Why did you not tell us that our Christmas day lunch was going to be the last one with you?
Patrick, we will quietly remember you every day. While you’re no longer in our life physically to share these moments, you will be in our hearts and memories forever.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4).
May God grant comfort and strength to Lynda, Kafui, Klenam, Sefakor and the family.
Patrick, you leave the world better than you found it; we are blessed to have been able to experience you in many ways and we thank God for that.
You have never lacked appreciation for earth’s beauty or failed to express it; you always looked for the best in others and gave the best you had. Most people will first describe your big heart and that is what I cherish most about you, the big man “Amega”.
Xedenyuie Patrick. May your soul rest in peace.