“Reading a book like this sure puts life into perspective. All of the “gifts” mentioned in the book serve as a reminder to me of what is important. I heartily recommend taking time to jot down your thoughts at the end of each chapter and put the date next to them. Look back once in awhile at what you wrote and see if or how things may have changed for you.
I feel blessed to have read this book while all three of my sisters are still living. We have read it and discussed it together. We learned things from each other that we otherwise would not have known. While this book is a wonderful book for moving through a grief process, I found it to be a book of how my sisters and I can value, love and support each other even before we grieve the loss of one of us.”– Sylvia Breke
“I am about half way through the book and enjoying it quite a bit. I have learned several things about your family, which is interesting for me personally because I know all the people and places you refer to, but I especially like the book’s structure with its interspersed quotes. It’s a nice way to summarize the point of the stories you tell. In general, I am not a reader of inspirational books, although I do read a fair number of self-help books. This book hits on both those genres, and, for me, has been quite compelling to read. I thought I would glance at the first couple pages to satisfy my curiosity, but quickly found myself reading ‘just one more chapter!’”
John L. Hagen, CEcD
Economic Development Director
City of Surprise
“It is WONDERFUL! I finished your book. I read it every night before going to bed. I loved it … well done! So many parts brought tears to my eyes. I could really feel the emotions you conveyed. You are sending out such a good message Pat. We do need to cherish each other, be there for them and enjoy each day. It is easy to get caught up in life and forget. Thank you for writing such a lovely book!”
Diana L. DaGrosa, MSOM, L. Ac.
Bright Path Acupuncture & Wellness
“Thanks for sending the photo and thanks for your other gift, Gifts of Sisterhood, because you’ve definitely shared your gifts with anyone who has the pleasure of reading it. I’m enjoying it slowly, dipping into it whenever I have a few minutes, and your format lends itself to that very well. You’ve shared so much of yourself in the book … what has to have been difficult sometimes. You dealt with topics that are not easy to address, but that all of us have to face. Thanks for the positive and uplifting messages, I’ve sent a copy to Deanna, knowing she’ll doubly enjoy it, as she knew your sister as a friend.”
Rita F. Erickson
Research Specialist, ASU Institutional Analysis
“Thank you so much for your book. I haven’t been able to put it down. What a wonderful tribute to YOUR SISTER. I liked the part about her eyes … the twinkle in them … and she did do things her own way, didn’t she. I often feel I didn’t do enough for her during her illness. … We never talked about how she was feeling emotionally. … I remember a letter she sent saying her tough Irish spirit was going to help her beat this dreadful disease. How I MISS her. Cancer is not going away … I hear almost weekly, I swear, of someone new with some form of cancer. I know a brother and sister in their forties who are battling lung cancer … one a smoker, the other never smoked!! I am so happy for you and your book. Many blessings as you go about promoting it. Thanks again Patty … it is a TREASURE. Love, Mary”
-Mary Montcalm
High School Spanish Teacher
Workshops
“Thank you for your energetic and informative seminar and making the noon hour beneficial for so many working adults in downtown Phoenix. Our audience commented very favorably on your presentation and wanted us to make sure you return. We appreciated your time and efforts in providing our audience with a great learning opportunity.”
Chris Kyselka
Associate Director, Extended Campus Programs
Arizona State University
“Dear Pat,
Thanks for helping to create a dynamic Club Presidents’ Day for our members. The evaluation remarks re: your presentation reflect how positive the day was:
- ‘I liked the motivational speaker who offered real ideas that could be used by our people.’
- ‘Our speaker was wonderful and helped present many methods of evaluating and studying where we can help people improve.’
- ‘I got some great ideas this morning for solving a few problems. I really enjoyed talking to people new to me.’
It was obvious you enjoy what you do. I hope our paths will cross again. You are a wonderful force for good.”
Elaine Gunderson, Past President
Arizona Federation of Garden Clubs
“Patricia L. Brooks spoke at Phillips 66 Company’s Lunch & Learn speaker series about Putting Time on Your Side. She not only kept the audience attentive for the full hour, but many reported that they found the speech beneficial, rewarding and memorable.”
“Ms. Brooks’ enthusiasm and preparation were greatly appreciated and she would be welcomed back at Phillips 66 Company as a future speaker for the Lunch & Learn program. I would recommend her highly to any organization considering her talents.”
Jackie Aurilia
Communications Coordinator
Phillips 66 Company
“I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you again Patricia for the recent training session you did for us on Time Tested Team Building. Still three weeks after the session, I am receiving highly positive comments from members at our Facility Team that attended. I would recommend you to anyone interested in focusing more on their team building.”
Greg Maraston
Senior Facility Manager
Trammell Crow Company
“The feedback we received from participants indicates that your comments were exactly what they came to hear and that it was a valuable and productive session. Thank you for making our program such a memorable success.”
Jerry Robinson
Manager, Existing Business Programs
Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce
“On behalf of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, I would like to personally thank you for speaking at the Women in Business Hot topic and lunch. The luncheon was the most successful event I’ve seen recently. Your presentation was well received! I know from verbal comments that participants really enjoyed your presentation and gained alot from the interaction. Thank you for sharing your time with us.”
Alissa Pierson, Vice President
Communications and Special Events
Tempe Chamber of Commerce
“Thank you Patricia for the wonderful presentation you did for our Engineering Department here at the City of Glendale. The Stress Management seminar you offered us was well received by all that attended. Your program and handouts were useful. I would be happy to extend a reference for you at any time.”
Grant Anderson, PE
City Engineer
City of Glendale
“Patricia—Your seminar was the first marketing anything I had ever attended. I walked away from your teaching with a basic understanding of the marketing plan (the handout was extremely helpful and I refer to it often.) Thank you for building the foundation of marketing for me. The article on Goal Setting has been a great reference point (I had always determined goals in my mind, I just failed to write them down.)”
Diana S. Grijalva
Business Manager
The Academy Village