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Miss You, Pat
Captain Patrick J. Brown of the FDNY had an uncanny ability to be exactly where he was needed at exactly the right time, most especially on 9/11/2001, when he perished, surrounded by scores of burn victims he was trying to evacuate from the World Trade Center. Everyone who knew Pat agreed that he would have been nowhere else that day. And yet, Pat was much more than a firefighter. Pat was a yoga devotee. A Black Belt in karate who taught the blind. An accomplished boxer. A USMC Vietnam War vet. A Broadway musical theatre buff. And throughout it all, a spiritual seeker. Many people whose lives he touched shared their stories and memories with his close friend and former fiancee. The result is an intimate and moving book, with first-person narratives illustrating Pat's deep and varied life. Idiosyncratic, personal memories blend with career stories that illustrate what made him such an intuitive, beloved friend, and such a legend in the FDNY. He inspires us all. Proceeds go to Bent On Learning.
252 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2007
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Watts
19 books2 followersSharon Watts is an accomplished illustrator and visual artist who has archived a collection of stories (including her own) to commemorate a 9/11 FDNY hero. "Miss You, Pat: Collected Memories of NY's Bravest of the Brave, Captain Patrick J. Brown" is her first book (2007).
She has also published a collection of short, personal essays entitled "Back To My Senses" (2013) and is working on a memoir of her art student days in NYC, in the early 1970s, entitled "Hell's Kitchen and Couture Dreams."
Also finished is "Satchmo: King of Queens," a children's picture book manuscript about Louis Armstrong, currently seeking a publisher.
She has also published a collection of short, personal essays entitled "Back To My Senses" (2013) and is working on a memoir of her art student days in NYC, in the early 1970s, entitled "Hell's Kitchen and Couture Dreams."
Also finished is "Satchmo: King of Queens," a children's picture book manuscript about Louis Armstrong, currently seeking a publisher.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 26, 2017
What a great book. I'm blown away by Paddy Brown's story. The author really gives a fitting send off to a rare modern day hero.
This book is going to stay with me for a long time........
This book is going to stay with me for a long time........
February 17, 2008
Miss You, Pat
Sharon Watts
S. Watts Illustration 2007
44 Masters Place
Beacon, NY 12508
SC 247 pages, $19.95
ISBN# 978-1-4303-2704-2
Review by Christina Francine
Some events should never be forgotten. Some people should not be either. What love has a man? One that is selfless. He paves a path to excellence.
911 – Tape released August 16, 2006
“I’m on the 35th floor, okay, okay? Just relay to the command post we’re trying to get up. There’s numerous civilians at all stairwells, numerous burn injuries are coming down. I’m trying to send them down first. Apparently it’s above the 75th floor. I don’t know if they got there yet. Okay, Three Truck and we are still heading up. Okay? Thank you.”
---Captain Patrick J. Brown
Captain Patrick Brown was a highly decorated firefighter. He was a Vietnam veteran, a yoga student, and his courage is legendary. Pat was a hero long before 911 occurred, but this day proved that. He had been one of eleven men from his squad of twenty-seven. They were last in the twin tower collapses. Pat died in the North tower. Watts’ book is a tribute to this special human-being who reminds us that heroes in fact do exist today. They are real and fight the odds. Some hear our calls and then respond; give all they have – even at the cost of themselves.
The dictionary describes a hero as, “A man of distinguished courage or ability for his brave deeds.” Such a man lived in New York City and died on September 11, 2002. His name was Captain J. Brown of the New York Fire Department.
The author of Miss You, Pat heard from so many people who were touched by Pat, that she began writing everything down and compiled all of it. Then, when she was the enormity of letters and pictures placed at Grand Central Station, she realized the size of the paths Pat crossed; Watts decided moments needed space in a book. People share their knowledge and use words like “remarkable,” “modest,” “strong,” “empathetic,” and “generous” to describe Pat in Watts’ book. She also shares that she and Pat were once engaged to be married.
Pat not only went above and beyond the call of duty as a fire-fighter, he impacted people’s lives in other ways too. For example, he volunteered giving time to teach blind people self-defense. Roxanne Bebee Blatz, Sensei at Seido Karate, had this to say, “Pat could be tough on the students. They loved him,” however. “Too many people patronized them. He gave them encouragement and hope.” Another example comes from Steve Baker. “Pat was my AA sponsor. He didn’t judge me. He gave me strength.” Still another example comes from a yoga instructor named Felise (Shivadasi) Berman. She reflects on Pat and what he did. “When I move into a down-ward dog, a warrior, a crow, or a wheel, I think about you, Pat, wherever you are. Bye, Pat.
Pat has appeared on 60 Minutes, Dateline, in Yoga Journal, Time Magazine, NY Times, and on local NYC TV. A documentary has also been made about him called, Finding Paddy.
Many readers have never been to New York City. Some view the place as insensitive and filled with cold characters. Those whose lives Pat touched know this is not the case. Numerous citizens share their thoughts about Pat in Watts’ book. Many show that not only good people live in New York City, but also heroes do.
Firefighter, Mike Moran said this in Watt’s book, “Paddy had pretty detailed instruction if he should ever die in a fire on what he wanted done. He had his place in Central Park picked out where he wanted his ashes spread.” Since Pat’s body could not be found, a tree was planted in his honor.
The books’ layout includes multiple photographs of Pat, an author’s note, Watt’s journal entries, exerts from published work about Pat, and shared thoughts from people who knew Pat. There is also a note which says, “Proceeds of book sales will go to Bent On Learning, a not-for-profit program that brings yoga and meditation to NYC public schools and youth centers. For more information go to www.bentonlearning.org.” The book was published on Pat’s birthday, 11/9, and is to be included among the archives at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.
Just when we have begun to lose our faith in humankind, a larger than life hero steps up for the fight. Miss You, Pat is a haunting book that promises to restore your confidence; to have you thinking of Bonnie Tyler’s song, I Need a Hero. Pat’s nobility demonstrates the best of our humanity. In an era where we seek for ourselves, Pat distinguished himself by giving the greatest measure of love one can give. What love has a man? Sacrifice of himself for another. A highly recommended read.
Sharon Watts
S. Watts Illustration 2007
44 Masters Place
Beacon, NY 12508
SC 247 pages, $19.95
ISBN# 978-1-4303-2704-2
Review by Christina Francine
Some events should never be forgotten. Some people should not be either. What love has a man? One that is selfless. He paves a path to excellence.
911 – Tape released August 16, 2006
“I’m on the 35th floor, okay, okay? Just relay to the command post we’re trying to get up. There’s numerous civilians at all stairwells, numerous burn injuries are coming down. I’m trying to send them down first. Apparently it’s above the 75th floor. I don’t know if they got there yet. Okay, Three Truck and we are still heading up. Okay? Thank you.”
---Captain Patrick J. Brown
Captain Patrick Brown was a highly decorated firefighter. He was a Vietnam veteran, a yoga student, and his courage is legendary. Pat was a hero long before 911 occurred, but this day proved that. He had been one of eleven men from his squad of twenty-seven. They were last in the twin tower collapses. Pat died in the North tower. Watts’ book is a tribute to this special human-being who reminds us that heroes in fact do exist today. They are real and fight the odds. Some hear our calls and then respond; give all they have – even at the cost of themselves.
The dictionary describes a hero as, “A man of distinguished courage or ability for his brave deeds.” Such a man lived in New York City and died on September 11, 2002. His name was Captain J. Brown of the New York Fire Department.
The author of Miss You, Pat heard from so many people who were touched by Pat, that she began writing everything down and compiled all of it. Then, when she was the enormity of letters and pictures placed at Grand Central Station, she realized the size of the paths Pat crossed; Watts decided moments needed space in a book. People share their knowledge and use words like “remarkable,” “modest,” “strong,” “empathetic,” and “generous” to describe Pat in Watts’ book. She also shares that she and Pat were once engaged to be married.
Pat not only went above and beyond the call of duty as a fire-fighter, he impacted people’s lives in other ways too. For example, he volunteered giving time to teach blind people self-defense. Roxanne Bebee Blatz, Sensei at Seido Karate, had this to say, “Pat could be tough on the students. They loved him,” however. “Too many people patronized them. He gave them encouragement and hope.” Another example comes from Steve Baker. “Pat was my AA sponsor. He didn’t judge me. He gave me strength.” Still another example comes from a yoga instructor named Felise (Shivadasi) Berman. She reflects on Pat and what he did. “When I move into a down-ward dog, a warrior, a crow, or a wheel, I think about you, Pat, wherever you are. Bye, Pat.
Pat has appeared on 60 Minutes, Dateline, in Yoga Journal, Time Magazine, NY Times, and on local NYC TV. A documentary has also been made about him called, Finding Paddy.
Many readers have never been to New York City. Some view the place as insensitive and filled with cold characters. Those whose lives Pat touched know this is not the case. Numerous citizens share their thoughts about Pat in Watts’ book. Many show that not only good people live in New York City, but also heroes do.
Firefighter, Mike Moran said this in Watt’s book, “Paddy had pretty detailed instruction if he should ever die in a fire on what he wanted done. He had his place in Central Park picked out where he wanted his ashes spread.” Since Pat’s body could not be found, a tree was planted in his honor.
The books’ layout includes multiple photographs of Pat, an author’s note, Watt’s journal entries, exerts from published work about Pat, and shared thoughts from people who knew Pat. There is also a note which says, “Proceeds of book sales will go to Bent On Learning, a not-for-profit program that brings yoga and meditation to NYC public schools and youth centers. For more information go to www.bentonlearning.org.” The book was published on Pat’s birthday, 11/9, and is to be included among the archives at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.
Just when we have begun to lose our faith in humankind, a larger than life hero steps up for the fight. Miss You, Pat is a haunting book that promises to restore your confidence; to have you thinking of Bonnie Tyler’s song, I Need a Hero. Pat’s nobility demonstrates the best of our humanity. In an era where we seek for ourselves, Pat distinguished himself by giving the greatest measure of love one can give. What love has a man? Sacrifice of himself for another. A highly recommended read.
August 12, 2021
‘Captain Patrick J. Brown of the FDNY had an uncanny ability to be exactly where he was needed at exactly the right time, most especially on 9/11/2001, when he perished, surrounded by scores of burn victims he was trying to evacuate from the World Trade Center. Everyone who knew Pat agreed that he would have been nowhere else that day. And yet, Pat was much more than a firefighter. Pat was a yoga devotee. A Black Belt in karate who taught the blind. An accomplished boxer. A USMC Vietnam War vet. A Broadway musical theatre buff. And throughout it all, a spiritual seeker. Many people whose lives he touched shared their stories and memories with his close friend and former fiancée. The result is an intimate and moving book, with first-person narratives illustrating Pat’s deep and varied life. Idiosyncratic, personal memories blend with career stories that illustrate what made him such an intuitive, beloved friend, and such a legend in the FDNY. He inspires us all.’
I adore this book.
I first learned about Captain Patrick J. Brown after watching a documentary about him years ago. After the documentary, I sought out more information on him and came across this wonderful book. I have read this book many times over the years and I am sure I will read it many more times in the future.
This book is a collection of memories of Captain Patrick J. Brown that shows the type of man he was and the way in which he touched so many people’s lives. I loved that the stories in this book were all so different yet all contained the same underlying thread; Pat was an amazing man that will forever be remembered.
Sharon Watts has done a fantastic job with this book. It was funny, warm, and full of heart. I honestly feel like I knew Pat just from reading this book. My heart breaks for those who loved and lost Pat, as well as for the world knowing that Captain Patrick J. Brown is no longer in it.
I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. I am beyond grateful that I found this book and got to learn about Captain Patrick J. Brown.
Miss You, Pat by Sharon Watts is a book that everyone should read so that Captain Patrick J. Brown and his amazing life and legacy will never be forgotten.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
I adore this book.
I first learned about Captain Patrick J. Brown after watching a documentary about him years ago. After the documentary, I sought out more information on him and came across this wonderful book. I have read this book many times over the years and I am sure I will read it many more times in the future.
This book is a collection of memories of Captain Patrick J. Brown that shows the type of man he was and the way in which he touched so many people’s lives. I loved that the stories in this book were all so different yet all contained the same underlying thread; Pat was an amazing man that will forever be remembered.
Sharon Watts has done a fantastic job with this book. It was funny, warm, and full of heart. I honestly feel like I knew Pat just from reading this book. My heart breaks for those who loved and lost Pat, as well as for the world knowing that Captain Patrick J. Brown is no longer in it.
I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. I am beyond grateful that I found this book and got to learn about Captain Patrick J. Brown.
Miss You, Pat by Sharon Watts is a book that everyone should read so that Captain Patrick J. Brown and his amazing life and legacy will never be forgotten.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews