Part One: The Boomerang Landed - Patches of Me

Those of you who know me know that I am passionate about helping others. This was especially true when I joined forces with Brita McLaughlin and Denise Wooten to co-host last December's Glam & Glog, supporting families through the South Fraser Women Services Society. 

I did it because Brita and I connected in our desire to empower women in a time of need. I did it because I was once a single mother, struggling to make ends meet. I did it because I cared.

I did it because it felt good. 

Time rolled on. My then 3 month-old son, Adam, grew and grew. My business continued to prosper. Contracts continued to roll in, new clients called. Then, something happened. One day, I woke up and didn't want to get out of bed. Extreme fatigue, depression and burnout had overtaken me, and I was physically incapable of performing my basic daily functions. I was heading for burnout and suffering a post-partum the likes of which I had only heard about in baby magazines.

What the hell was going on?

Here I was in the midst of a joyful life with an awesome mate, surrounded by beautiful kids, operating a successful business. I was on my knees. I could not will myself out of this state of mind.

Mother's Day came, and I was at my lowest. My husband handed me a card, and two tickets to Patch Adams 65th Birthday Party fell out. I couldn't see how this was going to come to fruition. I mean, I had to actually drive to Seattle? Was he crazy? I couldn't even bring myself to take a shower, let alone dress up for an event.

I wanted to stay home under my covers. My doorway had scratch marks, and I had slivers of wood under my nails as we made our way to Seattle last Friday afternoon. My husband was giddy with the prospect of seeing Patch Adams again. (He had two opportunities to clown as "Torte" with Patch in Germany with the volunteer organization, MediClowns.)

What good was a clown's birthday going to be?

We arrived at the Fremont Studios in Seattle at 8 pm, and walked through the doorway. I was tired, and just wanted to be at home in bed. I expected this to be an event whereby Patch Adams would be addressing the crowd of attendees from a podium. What we walked into, however, was a party atmosphere, much like an awards after party. People were milling in the lobby, live music was playing from the stage, greeters were directing us to the bar and lounge area. And, of course, there was a dance floor, complete with clowns in full garb. Every one was happy, damn them.

"Torte" pointed out that Patch was among the people in the lobby. I was stunned. One of my iconic heros, a fighter for the cause, in full costume, was shooting the shit with his guests. We approached him, and I addressed him by saying, 

Hi Patch, we'd like to introduce you to your inverse. 

Our son, Adam Hunter Lenk, is your name in reverse." Patch proceeded to take Adam from my arms and hold him up by one hand like a beacon on the bow of a ship. We took photos, we laughed. I laughed. Hmm, something was happening.

The night continued, folk music played, and I sat quietly, trying to be invisible on one of the lounge couches. Patch took the stage after dancing like a 20 year old college student. Remember, the boy is 65, right? He invited all of us in the audience to come closer and sit on the stairs of the stage. He asked us into his circle of love, his down-to-earth passion for the cause of good, peace and laughter. He said that birthday means dance to him, and asked us to dance with him.

So, we did the hokey pokey.

We laughed, we talked with other partygoers. Adam partied with diehard clowns dedicated to laughter and the joy of simple things. We ate handfuls of cake, because Patch never cuts his cake, he dives in. Yum.

The night was young, and my intuitive hubby approached me while he saw the light of a smile on my face for the first time in a long time. He gently inquired, "I think we can go home now?" I agreed. As we left the party, I reflected on the vision of Dr. Patch Adams to inject humour into healthcare, how it is just as important to healing as traditional medicine. I was evidence of the power of good feelings and a smile.

It was all going to be OK.

Watch for Part Two: The Boomerang Landed - WOW!