By Cynthia Flash
Five years ago, Patrick Busche spent nearly a year bedbound in a Seattle hospital as he battled a devastating heart infection.
On June 14 he not only was back on his feet – he beat his own goal by participating in the Providence ElderPlace PACE Treat Yourself 5k at Seward Park. Pushing his trusty walker and accompanied by his physical therapist Chris Morrow, Patrick, age 77, led the pack of runners and walkers. He had no illusions of completing the full 3.1 mile route. But he met his goal of walking a full 1 kilometer and even ran the few steps through the finish line.
It was more than a walk. It was Patrick’s triumph over a lifetime of abuse, addiction, homelessness and failing health.
“If I hadn’t heard about this program,” Patrick says of Providence ElderPlace PACE, “I truly believe I would not be alive. Nobody ever gave up on me. God didn’t either.”
Patrick’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and second chances. Born and raised in West Seattle, he endured a childhood marked by abuse and neglect. “My dad told me no one would ever love me,” he recalls. The youngest of four, he often went without shoes or new clothes, stealing from department stores to clothe himself. “I was a loner. Angry. Rebellious.”
Football offered a glimmer of hope. He played linebacker and tight end at Columbia Basin Junior College and Central Washington University. But when injuries ended his athletic career, the emotional support from his family disappeared.
Patrick spent decades working in construction and landscaping, but behind the tough exterior was a man grappling with deep pain and addiction. By age 48, he was at rock bottom: drinking heavily, addicted to cocaine, and surviving multiple drunk-driving accidents. “I shouldn’t be alive,” he said. That’s when he cried out to God.
His newfound Christian faith gave him a foundation, and with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous he began to change. “God turned all my hate and anger into loving people,” he said. “I was desperate to love and be loved by other people. I started making friends at AA.”
Patrick poured his energy into serving others. He volunteered with Union Gospel Mission in Seattle, mentoring young men struggling with addiction, buying them bus tickets and breakfast. “You’re not homeless,” he would tell them. “You’re home here.”
But his health began to deteriorate. His diabetes worsened, his kidneys were damaged from years of alcohol abuse and he had to have a toe amputated. His eyesight faded, leading to a car accident. He collapsed on the job at Home Depot. “Everything was going the wrong way,” Patrick said.
That’s when a family friend referred him to Providence ElderPlace PACE, a program for people over age 55 who would otherwise qualify for a nursing home based on their need for help with activities of daily living. Jeremy Edmonds, ElderPlace outreach and marketing liaison, helped him apply for Medicaid, find stable housing at Providence Heritage House at the Market assisted living facility, and get consistent medical care through the ElderPlace program.
Patrick’s physical therapist said Patrick could only walk about 20 feet when he first met him. “But he immediately told me about his goals, to get back to independence. Patrick is an inspiration to me due to his combination of his discipline and his positive mindset, always working toward the goals he has.”
With the support of his Providence ElderPlace PACE care team, Patrick has steadily regained strength. He even receives dental and vision care. He leads Bible studies at Heritage House and jokes with nurses. “I’m getting healthier. I’m literally spoiled here,” he said. “They even clip my toenails!”
As the 5k race drew nearer, Patrick had no aspirations of winning the race. He simply wanted to participate to show what’s possible when people are given support, dignity, and hope.
“I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the caregivers who have helped me recover,” he said before the race. “I’m just thrilled to be here and it’s an honor just to see so many people who give a care about one another. That’s beautiful.”
When the race was over – and Patrick exceeded his goal of walking one kilometer, he couldn’t have been happier. “I broke my record. I feel great. It’s an absolute honor … I’m holding back the tears already … to be here with people that have so much heart … I have so much thanks for everybody that (for) the last five years have put up with me. This old’s guy‘s going. I’m kicking the can, but I’m not in any way ready to kick the bucket.”
[Cynthia Flash owns Flash Media Services. Providence ElderPlace is a client.]
