Patricia Byrnes's life began with being reared by deaf parents during an era when the deaf community was shunned rather than supported. Poverty, alcoholism, incest, and poor parenting were the underpinnings of Patricia's life, leading to her own issues with alcohol. Eventually, with a 12-step recovery program, her life became a powerful, positive example to others. Her story is also a roadmap for change, and that was no easy task: the transition from self-loathing — the nemesis of the human experience — to self-love was painful but one that had to be taken in order to not only survive, but to also, finally, appreciate the gift she is and was created to share with others. Change is always possible... change is necessary.
