Growing Up
As the years passed, Pat found it increasingly difficult to accept the fact that his children had already developed into young adults. First to move out was John, who discovered that his love lay in hospitality. On the other hand, Derek remained for an additional year up until the point where he did something unexpected. As the war in Iraq was in full swing, Derek informed his parents that he was going to pay attention to the call and protect them regardless of the situation. However, the outcome would not be favorable.
Growing Up
Perspective
Pat made an effort to provide his son with some point of view regarding war, but due to the fact that he was so patriotic, there was no way to stop him. Equally, he could not be hypocritical in any way. In the same way that he had done more than twenty years earlier, he allowed Derek to go battle in a faraway place. Pat and Joanna were concerned about him on a daily basis until one day, when they received a letter that had been personally delivered by a soldier. It was the most terrible piece of news.
Perspective
