The Rest of Me

About the Book

Richard Patterson looks back at his life in The Rest of Me. His mother, Irene, endured and overcame an incredible hardscrabble existence. Growing up in Oklahoma, she and her family were thought of as hillbillies and called “white trash.” His father, William Oliver, grew up in Arkansas and Oklahoma and was on his own by age eleven. In this memoir, the author also traces his own upbringing in Norwalk, California. He looks back at the highlights of his life, including how in the span of only one week, he suffered four near-death episodes as a boy while visiting family in New Mexico. From his first job delivering newspapers at age thirteen to life in junior college, when life became more serious, he recalls a lifetime of hard work and how he entered dentistry. He also remembers the fateful day he met the love of his life, Janie, and how they raised a family. Join the author as he looks back at key events in this tale that emphasizes the importance of family and following your heart.

About the Author

Dr. Richard Patterson developed a passion for writing late in life. He has two published books of poetry, Cor Meum Poetry and Cor Meum Redux. He has always enjoyed music, especially the great classical and romantic composers; and takes great pleasure in playing many of their pieces on the piano. He composes music often in the hymnal foremat or in the genera of relaxing melodies. Richard is married to his beloved best friend Janie, who so inspires him. He has three sons and four marvelous grandchildren who are his true delight. At 76 years of age, Dr. Patterson still works part time in the training of interns and residents in the speciality of Oral Maxillfacial Surgery. Whether its coffee in the morning with Janie or dinner with dear friends, time seems to have tempered, allowing him contentment and wonderment. 3.29.22: Dr. Richard Patterson developed a passion for writing late in life. He has two published books of poetry, Cor Meum Poetry and Cor Meum Redux. He has always enjoyed music, especially the great classical and romantic composers; and takes great pleasure in playing many of their pieces on the piano. He composes music often in the hymnal format or in the genre of relaxing melodies. Richard is married to his beloved best friend Janie, who so inspires him. He has three sons and four marvelous grandchildren who are his true delight. At 76 years of age, Dr. Patterson still works part time in the training of interns and residents in the specialty of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. Whether it’s coffee in the morning with Janie or dinner with dear friends, time seems to have tempered, allowing him contentment and wonderment. 5.10.22 Richard Patterson works part time, training interns and residents in oral maxillofacial surgery. He has always enjoyed music, especially the great classical and romantic composers. He is married to his beloved best friend, Janie, who inspires him. He has three sons and four marvelous grandchildren who are his true delight. He is also the author of two books of poetry, Cor Meum Poetry and Cor Meum Redux.