Memories of Bernard Patterson

'I Hope You Dance' an apt song

I met Bernie through my husband. Bernie and his friends at Muni Partners worked hard and found time for fun and laughter. I never saw Bernie without a smile on his face and joy in his heart.

Bernie and his friends at Muni Partners started a charity, 'Give Some Back,' because they recognized that they had been blessed in business and in life and that there were people in need and they could help. My husband and I still wear the 'Give Some Back' golf shirts.

I still cry everytime I hear the song "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Wommack which was played at Bernie's memorial service. His family chose a song that accurately captured Bernie's outlook.

I write this as I am watching the reading of the 9/11 names. I say a prayer at every name I know. They are at the 'O's" ... so Bernie is coming soon.

There are two other statements I would like to make, people that I feel deserve recognition.

1) The people that made it out of the Towers alive. We have a group of friends that were working there in '93. In 2001 when the planes hit, they were told to stay at their desks but because they experienced 'the '93 attempt they passionately urged coworkers to leave. Those that left made it out alive but the guilt of survival is a horrible burden.

2) The New York city workers that cleaned the surrounding WTC area so quickly and effectively. I was living in Chicago but was visiting my mother-in-law on the Upper East Side. I was amazed at the clean-up job. I was positive that it would take forever, but Rudy and others made it work so the city could start to heal.

Jan Boxer, Nashville Tenn.