News about Patrick (Pmasters)

mhehman wrote on 9/15/2004, 6:37 PM
I would like to say hi to everyone. This is my first time posting. I wanted to pass on news to the site that Patrick has been admitted into the hospital with a nervous breakdown. That is good news considering he thought he was having a heart attack. Im not sure if everyone knows all that our family has had to endure with all of these hurricanes down here in Florida. Then we got robbed at one of the hotels we stayed at after we helped everyone with what little money we had thanks to a very dear person.

Without rehashing everything, I am here to ask everyone for help. Patrick has almost given up on his dreams of being a filmaker. He had bought a camera earlier this year and the thing didnt work and we never got our money back. Then a kind man tried to help get his video business back on its feet by helping with a camera. A VCD30 I think. When the hurricanes hit, he was very unselfish and he took the money he was supposed to get his camera with and used it to help others that were hurt by the hurricane too. Every day after the storm, he helped complete strangers clean up their homes and yards and never once complained about what we were going through.

Anyway, this is what I am trying to do. I am trying to make sure that when he gets out and gets home, I am trying to do what I can to make sure he has this camera so he can get back to filming. I would like some ideas on what I can do. I thought about writing a letter or email to the maker of the camera and explaining how unselfish he was and how he had helped others during and after the storms and hope they would provide him with one. One of my friends said they doubt any company would do that because they all want to make money. Does anyone think there is a chance of that happening?

If not, does anyone have any suggestions? I would hate to see him give up on his dreams and after all the hardships he and our family have gone through, I would feel terrible. He is a good father and a great husband. I just cant bare to watch him turn away from the one thing he loves more than life itself.

I apologize for rambling on but I am at wits end and dont know what to do. I just want to see this man smile again and I know his kids want to see the same thing. I will also be happy to pass on any wishes to him when I visit tomorrow. If anyone wants to, you can email him at patrick.masters@gmail.com and I will print them out and take them to him. He has always spoke highly on the people on this web site. I pray with all my heart that someone has some idea to keep his dream alive.

Comments

mhehman wrote on 9/16/2004, 7:59 AM
Update on Patrick. Dcotors say he is doing well and if he continues, he will be able to come home Saturday morning. Needless to say, he has to take things easy and he has to learn to manage his stress.

The one doctor said that sress could cause him a heart attack and that is a threat he is going to be taken very seriously as long as I am around. The kids and I need him in our life.

Im still looking for suggestions if anyone has any.

Melissa
farss wrote on 9/16/2004, 8:32 AM
I'm glad to hear that Patrick is doing well, I've been down a similar road at one stage in my life so I have some inkling of what he's going through. From my experiences there's very little that anyone can do to pull someome out of that dark place. Certainly he needs to get his priorities straight, he has a family who love him and is physically unharmed. That puts him in front of a large part of humanity. But I know that when you're in his situation that reality seems irrelevant.
For the minute he just needs to take it one day at a time, slowly things become clear and looking back he'll find it hard to see why he ever ended up where he did.
In a practical sense as I'm on the other side of the world there's little I can do to help other than offer my meagre throughts.
What does concern me long term is his dream. This is as always a business. Many here persue it for the pleasure and that's a good thing. It's when it becomes a business that the gloss soon vanishes. I made a conscious decision 30 years ago not to get into this business as I saw it for what it was, it can be a very dog eat dog world. One of my best friends at school worked in this game until at age 40 he realised he'd made a poor choice, he's now a lawyer!
My best advice to Patrick would be to put the dream on hold, get everything else in his life under control, this game sure needs a clear head, pretty deep pockets and very much needs an escape route.
I'd suggest even if some benefactor was to give Patrick a full kit of gear it wouldn't be the end of his problems even though he clearly deserves someone to repay all the favours he's done for others. I have to say I'm somewhat concerned that even if all the things he needs to get started were there and even if he gets up and running it will, a few years down the track, dawn on him that this business is nothing like he imagined it to be. Dreams have a way of turning into nightmares in my experience.
PierreB wrote on 9/16/2004, 12:56 PM
Like farss wrote, sometimes there's a need to take a really strong look at where we are, and where (we think) we want to go, and a) whether we can get there from where we are and b) whether our image of "there" is accurate.

Eons ago I thought I wanted to be a freelance photographer and had invested heavily into equipment, courses, etc. I reluctantly gave that dream up when I realized that my vision of freelance photographer (girls, parties, and people paying lots of money for photographs I liked to take) was rather off the mark (this following a rather depressing experiment where I sold zero prints at a solo exhibition).

There's nothing wrong with postponing or modifying dreams if they are unattainable or unrealistic in the short run, or if they are causing you physical or psychic harm.

Best of luck to you all.

Pierre
Cheesehole wrote on 9/16/2004, 3:50 PM
"I pray with all my heart that someone has some idea to keep his dream alive."

Listening to your story about giving away the camera money, I was reminded of a book of essays that I would recommend. It's called "The virtue of selfishness" by Ayn Rand. It provided me with the philosophical tools I needed to make better decisions.

For example, faced with the situation you described, and I know this is purely an indulgence in fantasy since I have no real idea what's going on, but another potential solution would have been to spring for the camera and then use it to document the hardships that your neighbors were facing during and after the hurricane, then make it into a short documentary and send DVD's to relevant government agency's... insurance companies... FEMA... congressional representatives... along with a plea for help. Of course only you know the real situation, but the basic idea I'm trying to communicate is to use "directed selfishness" to help others without losing yourself in the process.
mhehman wrote on 9/16/2004, 8:39 PM
Patrick is doing much much better tonight. I just arrived back from visiting him.

I have read some of things that was said and I somewhat agree. When we received the money to get his camera, I mentioned it to him that we should have done that but he said he just didnt feel right profiting off other people's pain. I assume that is why he used the money we had to help others out. I guess you had to be there and see single mothers and crying and hungry babies that couldn't do anything for themself. It really broke both of our hearts. We both prayed to God and feel that we could better serve God through an act of kindness.

The reason I said I dont want him to lose his dream is because I want him to have the chance to succeed. If he never gives it a shot then he will never know. This man has done everything he can for his family. He has sacrificed so much and done so many things for the communities we have lived in its not even funny. I just think it is unfair for a man who gives so much of hisself to good causes not have a chance to even try his dream.

There is a lot of directed selfishness down here now since the storms hit. When the storms were hitting, many people were compassionate and offering help to those who were affected. Once the storms hit, any help that was offered wasnt there. There was a girl who was staying across the hall from us that a child and a guy told her she could use his old trailer until she got back on her feet and once the storm passed, he told her she couldn't stay there and that he told her he would cut her a deal on the rent when I sat there and heard word for word what he said. Then the price gouging. Most here have been quite cruel to those that were hurt by the storm. Once the people affected had their power turned back on they forgot those who were right there suffering with them.

I know when his stuff was stolen he was pissed off especially since we helped people when we didn't have to. I think he regrets helping those people now even though he denies it.

I don't want to sound like I am asking anyone here to give us money. I know he wouldn't accept it for one. Thats why I was asking for ideas or maybe had a contact somewhere. Does anyone know who makes that VCD30 camera? Does anyone think writing a letter explaining to them that they could give him a camera that was returned or Im not sure what the word is when they redo or remake a product.

Melissa
apit34356 wrote on 9/16/2004, 8:45 PM
Patrick is still going to teach this year in Orlanda? Check with the teacher's union, they may a program for members.
Cheesehole wrote on 9/16/2004, 9:39 PM
" Once the storms hit, any help that was offered wasnt there."

I'm sorry to hear that - not surprised, but sorry. I live on the gulf and saw the panic buying and grown men cutting ahead of women to get plywood. Not exactly what I had in mind when I said directed selfishness.

It sounds like Patrick has a big heart, and hopefully he'll continue to follow it. It was big of you to admit he might regret helping those people, but I believe what goes around comes around - just not right away and not in the way you expect. I'm sure he made the right choice. I just hope he remembers that even the biggest heart in the world needs a healthy body mind and spirit to continue to spread good will. Basically what I believe is if you focus on your strengths and stick to your principles good will come of it. Easy to say... much harder to do...
mhehman wrote on 9/16/2004, 10:05 PM
He does have a big heart and that might be part of the problem. Honestly, he is usually a sucker for any sob story that comes along. Even he would admit that. I think it was late last year one of his colleagues had their house burn down around Christmas and the family lost everything they had including the presents for their children. Patrick took it upon hiself to make sure this family wouldn't miss out on the celebration of Christ. He sold some of his spare stuff he wasn't using and gave the guy a computer to continue to do his video work. We took over enough food for two weeks and a huge dinner for them to have on Christmas. This family cried at our goodwill. Unfortunately after time had passed and they recovered, we hardly hear from them ever again and haven't even got as much as a phone call to see how we weathered the storm. That upset me.

Thats why I am trying to do this for him. Before we were married, I hardly ever did anything nice for other people. After we were married, he got me to do a lot for the community that was already involved in. Like serving meals at soup kitchens and reading to blind children. It just breaks my heart to see him struggle to find his niche in life and when he thinks he has found it he has to give up on it while there are people out there that never do a kind deed for anyone yet never once have the obstacles that face him.

He will be probably shoot me for sharing this but a few years back, Patrick had a massive brain tumor that had to be removed. He was supposed to spend a lot of time in bed recovering and a month later he was recording books for blind children.

He did have a teaching job this year but unfortunately something that happened 15 years ago when he was in the military and he didn't pass the background check because he didnt disclose it on his application. The sad thing is he it wasn't his fault and he was assaulted and went AWOL when his superiors wouldn't do anything. I don't blame him, I would have left to. I honestly think the man has his own personal black cloud that follows him around.

I just don't know what I can do. I am going out of my mind.
Cheesehole wrote on 9/16/2004, 11:33 PM
It's stories like yours that make me realize why Ayn Rand wrote those essays. People appreciate things less when they are given to them, not more. It's human nature. Not that you shouldn't give things away, but it sounds like you should set up a strict policy to avoid burn-out, heartbreak and disappointment. (It sounds like you could do with a bit less stress in your life! ;) Here's a suggestion...

Firstly, don't give away money. Ever. Recording books for the blind, working the soup kitchen, giving food to hungry babies - all that is great - but in our society money is power, and power is best wielded by those who would share it, not those who would take it. There are simply too many leeches in the world and they are easily identified when they will only accept money as help. Secondly, I would not wear my religion on my sleeve. Believe it or not, it makes it so much easier for people to justify leeching off of you. They figure you must be getting something out of your generosity. Sounds stupid, but it's true. I know because I catch myself doing it myself. There's no reason to give people an excuse not to fully appreciate your generosity. And thirdly, if you want to help Patrick, help him find a job where he can get paid while helping people at the same time! Sounds over simplified, but judging from what you have said, his real dream is to help other people. If that's where your resources are going to end up anyway, you might as well get the best return on your investment.

Kind regards...
apit34356 wrote on 9/17/2004, 4:24 AM
"He did have a teaching job this year but unfortunately something that happened 15 years ago when he was in the military and he didn't pass the background check because he didnt disclose it on his application. The sad thing is he it wasn't his fault and he was assaulted and went AWOL when his superiors wouldn't do anything." Patrick needs to resolve the AWOL issue. Not disclosing background is a serious issue today with most jobs, Patrick is mading it difficult for people that may want to help with jobs.



Maybe, Patrick could work in community programs helping the poor and at the same time, made a story about the help these people and thier struggle.
Arks wrote on 9/17/2004, 9:36 AM
I think the camera he wanted was the Panasonic DVC30. I would have no idea where to send a letter to Panasonic about this, but you know what; why not send one. Its the least you could do to try to get some happiness out of the situation if YOU think it will help.
winrockpost wrote on 9/17/2004, 4:02 PM
brain tumors, thefts,nervous breakdowns,AWOL,hurricanes,losing home,
jobless ,etc,etc .etc

Priorities people,, a camera should not even be in the top 20 of this story

not being heartless, just think a reality check seems in order
good luck
goshep wrote on 9/17/2004, 5:21 PM
I second that, winrock. I think others here were thinking the same but were trying to tip-toe around it. I'm not cruel, insensitive or cynical....just a realist.
Grazie wrote on 9/18/2004, 12:22 AM
. . . I've been listening very very intently too.

Patrick, I wish you and your family well,

Grazie
p@mast3rs wrote on 9/18/2004, 10:00 AM
Well, I am home and feel much better. I have read through the posts on this thread. First off, I have an amazing and loving wife that seems to support me through every obstacle we go through.

I appreciate all the well wishes from those on this board. However, I do take exception to those who claim my priorities are not straight. Now, in all fairness, if this was just a hobby, I would be the first to agree. But its not. This is how I have fed my family in the past. I am far from the seasoned professional that most here are or claim to be. Without a camera, I have no tools to make any money on projects. No one's fault but the guy who screwed me on my GL2 earlier this year and myself for being unselfish during the Hurricanes.

I am actually proud of myself for being able to endure all that I have during my life and the majority of the glory goes to God. Brain tumors cant be controlled but I overcame that. AWOL has situations in there that I dont have the time or the desire to explain the circumstances involved. In a nutshell, I was assaulted my drill sergent and when I told my CO, I was brushed aside so I went AWOL. I didnt receive a dishonorable discharge which is common for this type offense. My situation was justified and the military saw the same as I received a discharge with no penalty. I didnt know I had to disclose this when I got my teaching job because I was instructed to treat my service as if I had never been in the service. Not to mention I was 17 years old when this happened. Granted, I probably could have done things differently but who can honestly say that at 17, they made the same mature decisions they make today. Doesnt mean I cant teach, it just means I have to make sure to disclose it.

Hurricanes can't be prevented. It is bad enough to have to endure one but two is a killer on anyone, much less in a month's time. My prayer is that you never have to endure such destruction and hardships. When you lose your place to live, posessions that you have worked very hard for, and then get ripped off by the same people you are helping through a natural disaster, it doesnt get much more reality than that.

So what will a camera change in my life? Will it give me my home back? Will it replace the things that were stolen from us? No. But this is what it does do. It gives me a tool in which I can make money. Two projects were lost/scrapped over the last couple weeks because of our situation. If wasnt kind and helped others out, things would be fine for me and my family. I am not going to dwell on what could have been. I am only working harder to make sure it comes to fruition. I am unsure how it will happen. But it will happen.

I will say this. For all of the things I have done for others in life, I have never once expected it to ever be repaid. I am very thankful for the chances to make a difference in other people's lives. While I disagree with the forum that my wife tried to use to make a difference in my life, I cant fault her for trying. She is a good woman who knows my dreams and what they mean to me and shes doing what she can to make them come true.

So where do I go from here? Naturally teaching comes easy to me. Video/Film is my love. It will be easy to marry them both as I am probably going to start a non-profit after school type program teaching film/video to those that dont have the opportunity available to them. Now I just have to figure out how to fund raise. I have some good ideas on how to get these kids/adults chances to practice what they learn and later that would greatly reduce the need to fund raise. Through this medium, I will be able to do what I love, teach and film and help others.

My apologies if I came off defensive or angry. Just trying to explain why I cant allow myself to give up my dreams. Patrick