Image Credits: Alayna Kohn-Ciriello
“Grit & Grace: A True Love Story Never Ends” by my aunt, Stephanie Patterson, is a beautiful memoir about faith, grief and love. Published on March 22, Patterson’s first book touched the hearts of everyone that had the honor of reading it. The book was released roughly three years after her husband Patter’s passing.
The story begins with Patterson meeting her husband. She describes their young love as a fairytale. But as reality set in, their love story faced struggles with mental health, addiction and chronic illness. Despite all of their struggles, my aunt Stephanie and Uncle Patter persevered through it all and were only bonded closer together. After losing her husband, Patterson tells her story of becoming a young widow, and navigating all of the confusing, devastating, peaceful and beautiful parts of grief.
“Grit & Grace” is a book you will not be able to put down. What makes it so special to me, is how completely raw and honest it is. Patterson captures her entire experience of caregiving and grieving, both the sweet and ugly parts of it. She explains how her husband made many mistakes in his life, coming from a place of hurt. She did a wonderful job acknowledging and condemning his wrongs yet not painting him as a villain.
One of my favorite parts of this story were the excerpts she included from her real life. Her social media posts announcing Patter’s illness, hospice, tribute and Patter’s baptismal testimony in his exact words were all incredible additions to the story. I asked my aunt if the quotes in the story were paraphrased, because reading it I was baffled how she would have exact accurate accounts of those conversations. She assured me with complete confidence that every quote was exactly word for word. She documented every single thing on her journey which makes the book that more special to me.
My aunt has a special way with words. “I still felt him though, everywhere, all at once. In the sunlight filling the room. I felt as if when I took a breath, I could inhale him. I felt him on my skin. He was everywhere, in the light, in the air — it was an incredibly charged, powerful feeling. Calming and electrifying at the same time. They are never gone, they are always around us, watching us, guiding us, protecting us. Patter is now our angel. How lucky are we?” This excerpt was especially powerful to me, and I’m sure to others who have lost loved ones.
This book is for anyone in need of inspiration. Since reading this book, I see the world from a different perspective. Patterson’s story goes to show that no matter what life throws at you, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Remaining faithful and making the decision every day to keep going may not always be easy, but it will carry you to places you never thought you could make it to. I am so proud of my aunt for sharing her story. Her courage and authenticity are admirable beyond words. If you do get the opportunity to read about her story, I’d recommend a box of tissues nearby. “Grit & Grace: A True Love Story Never Ends” is available on Amazon and Kindle for purchase. Her website stephaniepattersonbooks.com includes reviews, background information, and more information about the author.
Alayna Kohn-Ciriello is a senior with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies, and minors in Digital Marketing and Media and Culture. Ak1054047@wcupa.edu