Contributing writer
“The Time of My Life,” by Patrick Swayze and his wife, Lisa Niemi, was written after he found out he had cancer. The book he wrote reveals his strong character. His wife must be a remarkable woman. They lived in New York and Los Angeles. He had a serious goal; he wanted to be the best dancer and actor in the world, so he religiously exercised to keep himself in shape. He had chances to appear in cheaper films, but held to his dream. He loved horses and at one time bred Arabian horses.
While working on a movie, he was thrown from a horse and seriously injured. Swayze and his wife were close to their parents. His father was his hero, he was a spiritual type of guy and researched many religions and felt especially drawn to Buddhism. He was kind and compassionate, and at one time helped Mother Teresa at her hospital in India. When Swayze’s illness got really serious, he tried to fight it and there was a lot of publicity about it.
I think Patrick Swayze will always be remembered for his courage, perseverance, and love of life. Sometimes we have thought of entertainers as “play” types, but some are just like us — serious about life and family.
Isn’t it wonderful that there are so many different personalities in the world? No two alike, even with twins.