I dont have a poem or a performance for Chuck. Not a hip hip hooray or a job well done. It still hurts but.... Chuck taught me how to pray. He said that God doesnt hear silent prayers. You have to speak out loud. So this is my testimony for Chuck. Chuck Patterson was, as they say, many things A man of strong will and deep convictions. He was compassionate and nurturing. Yet he could be quite stubborn and downright grumpy at times. I remember his gravely laugh and the twinkle in his eye when he challenged you or he learned something from you. He was a lot of things. Actor, teacher, singer, musician, cook, writer, director, lover of life. An artist through and through. My mentor. When I wanted a pat on the back, he kicked my butt. When I wanted him to applaud my acting he celebrated my writing. He wasnt the man that I wanted him to be, he was the man that I needed him to be. You see, if you dont score a touchdown or dunk a basketball or become the president of the United States youre hard pressed to be celebrated, validated or sometimes even seen as a black man. Chuck saw me. Not just the gushing dream to become a professional actor, He saw the young man that I was, the one trying to figure out his place in the world. I dont know how other mentorships are formed but he became mine, begrudgingly. I gave him that title. I claimed him as such. And he let me. He didnt coddle my dream. (Coddling wasnt Chucks thing) He taught the man. Be on time, know your lines, do your homework Be professional. Many dream but no one is going to give it to you. You have to make it happen, and make it your way. I remember him telling us about how he landed the part in Death of A Salesman on Broadway with George C. Scott. And the lesson of the story was that your dreams come true through hard work, true grit, determination and a touch of luck. Chuck Patterson made his dreams come true, his own way. And the biggest reflection of his success to me was the size of his heart. His willingness to share his gifts, experiences and wisdom with those who wanted to learn, to grow. He was a great man. He pushed and inspired and loved freely. Thank you Chuck for seeing me and for teaching me how to be a man I love you and I pray out loud now. I know that youre listening Always. Ian Friday.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Apr 2014 22:17:33 +0000
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