« Where Are They Now? #5 | Main | Reaching Out »
June 03, 2005
Powerhouse Patti
I was in New York City a couple of weeks ago and I was moved beyond belief. Not by the immense, overwhelming buildings. Not by the energy of this magnetic city. Not by the incredible cultural mix of people. Not by the museum of modern art. Not by the Statue of Liberty. No, I was moved by one incredible individual and her family. I am talking about Patti Gregory. I had the privilege of enjoying tea and dinner with Patti and her husband (the author and illustrator) Danny Gregory on Sunday night. I cannot remember when last I enjoyed a dinner so much. It’s really amazing what can happen when you put a bunch of like-minded people together.
They say that behind every successful man is a great woman. The successful man is Danny Gregory, an incredible artist and writer. (See dannygregory.com). Danny is also the Executive Creative Director of one of the hottest new advertising agencies in New York, an incredible loving dad and one heck of a great husband. Danny is all that and more, but behind him is Powerhouse Patti. Patti rocks, despite having had a devastating setback when she became a paraplegic from being run over by a train after falling from a subway platform. To tell you the truth, if that had happened to me, I would have curled up in a ball and spent the rest of my life in misery. Not Patti. She refuses to let her accident be her identity. She is not Patti The Paraplegic. She is Patti Gregory who happened to have an accident, now pass the tea please.
Patti is on of the most positive people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She points her wheelchair at the world and plows ahead. If you don’t get your arse out of the way of this determined woman, you are toast.
Patti has a great hobby. She collects people and shares them generously with her friends. I am privileged to be part of the Patti Gregory Collection of friends. (I hope she never auctions me off on E-Bay.)
Thank you Patti for being such an inspiration!
Shameless Buddy Plug: You can read more about Danny and Patti in Danny’s powerful book “Everyday Matters.” (Available where all good books are sold.)
Posted by trevor at June 3, 2005 03:18 PM
Comments
Sounds like a wonderful time you had. You work is amazing Trevor. I enjoy reading every day. My work life and my own blog keep me from posting a comment everytime, but i do read this.
Thank you for your talent and words!
Big Harry
Posted by: Big Harry H at June 3, 2005 06:15 PM
What a lovely tribute to Patti! I have the book "Everyday Matters" and am awed by Danny's family and how positive they are despite the difficulties they have experienced. They are probably pretty thrilled to know you too Trevor!
Have a great weekend!
Cheers,
Violette
Posted by: violette at June 3, 2005 08:05 PM
how lucky for you to visit and have the gregorys as friends~everyday matters is on my studio bookshelf~such a great book~i love your powerhouse patti~capturing how such a tragedy obviously hasn't stopped her.
Posted by: jenny vorwaller at June 3, 2005 09:32 PM
Thanks for this outsider's view of Patti Gregory. I have been a reader of Danny Gregory's stuff for a while and have his viewpoint on Patti but, let's face it, husbands are supposed to be biased. It is nice to read that she really, truely is all that he has said and yet another of your vast collection of inspirational people.
Posted by: Robyn at June 3, 2005 09:36 PM
Trevor, you're an inspiration! Thanks for reminding us of good and sensitive and admirable people and circumstances. You're helping to keep us centered and on the right path. It's perfect that you and the Gregorys are intertwined.
Posted by: Jane at June 4, 2005 03:03 PM