Interview with Patty Byrd

We are one human family. Sometimes in a family, there are some that lose their voice. Some that don't know they have a voice. Some who have never been asked their ideas or opinions. I believe everyone has a voice and a story. I ask random people that I meet and know 8 simple questions. Questions that plague us all, and the connective tissue that binds us as One Human Family.

Name or pseudonym: My name is Pattie Byrd. I always told the hubby that I chose him because of his last name as it made mine sort of catchy. I can't think of any other names, unless you want to count "Chicken," which is what my dad called me when I was little.

Age or birth date: Hmmm. I was born a few minutes before St. Patrick's Day in -- well, let's just say Elvis was beginning to shake his pelvis about that time.

What do you look like? I'm pretty average, two arms, two legs, one head. Actually, I have a photo posted on my YCN profile page which looks a great deal like me. I'm about 5'7", average weight (you didn't really think I was going to tell that, did you?) and wear a size 7 shoe. Oh, yeah, tomorrow my hair may be brown instead of gray.

Where do you live? I live in a little town in the heart of North Mississippi. Can't you tell from my southern accent?

What's the meaning of life? This seems to puzzle a lot of people, but it's always been simple to me. I think we're here to love and be loved, interact and be concerned for those around us, and to try to excel at whatever talents we've been given.

Are you afraid to die and why? Like most people, I'm not looking forward to the way you have to get into the next world because there's usually pain involved, but I wouldn't say fearful. I'm definitely not one of those people who believes you die, and there's just nothing after that. I think of it as the great unknown or maybe the final frontier, to borrow a term from "Star Trek." Most of us who have faith that something lies beyond this realm are more curious than anything, and hope is a powerful ally.

Why are you happy? If you're not, why not? If you are, why are you? Happy or not happy, hmmm. I choose to be a happy person in spite of the fact that society seems determined to make us unhappy and dissatisfied with our lives. I choose laughter over anger, and indifference over personal public approval.

Anything you'd like to say to the world? Not that I think the world will listen, but in reviewing my answers and your theme to this article, I will share this with you. People should stop wasting their energy on hate, prejudice and greed for power. I've learned that worrying over the trivial irritations of life is pointless. Life lived one day at a time should be our goal, as well as bathing ourselves in the joy. As an old pastor friend of mine used to say, "You came into this world with nothing, and you'll leave the same way." So, World, if you're reading this, I say just enjoy the ride