Have you ever known someone who remembers all the special things about you including things you may not even remember? A friend who gifts you her possessions because you’ve commented just once that you liked them. A loved one who genuinely cares about even the minute details of your life and turns them into something meaningful. Someone who is at their best when she’s simultaneously giving her affection and quick witted remarks to her friends and family. This was Patricia Joy Klatt. She was a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, friend, mother, grandparent and most recently a great grandmother who wanted to be called GG. Patte felt most loved when she was surrounded by nature especially bird watching, sunrises and sunsets, ocean waves, sand and shells. She was most known for her love of turtles. Turtle symbolism and meanings include perseverance, protection, tranquility, strength of character and peace and wisdom. She reflected each of these things during her precious life.
Patte’s lifelong struggle with mental illness, including borderline personality disorder, and alcohol addiction caused her extreme chaos and pain. Her family and friends did the best to advocate for her with doctors, mental health professionals, treatment centers and programs, county workers and anyone who would listen. Our broken mental health system didn’t support her in the way she desperately needed it to despite our strong and relentless pleas. This is why NAMI is extremely imperative to exist and why it needs to continue to be funded. Similarly, mental illness tremendously impacts loved ones who rely on a community who understands these unique battles. We need education and support essential for us to comprehend the complexities of caring for and grieving for our loved ones.
A warm and genuine thank you from Patte’s family for your donation to NAMI-NYC in her honor. Patte would be thrilled to know how much her memory will continue to be loved and celebrated.