Dr. Nakia Scott:

Madelyn Patterson’s New Book

It’s Okay To Ask: What Is That Sticking Out Of Your Neck?

By Damita Miller-Shanklin

I had the pleasure of speaking with a great person who has gone through a transformative journey and has a powerful story to share through her new book. The book title says it all and if you know Madelyn Patterson this book was written to help others feel comfortable when interacting with someone who has a tracheostomy aka as a Trach, and people with differences in general.

Patterson recently wrote a book that took her on a cathartic journey. The writing process was emotional for Patterson. She wanted to put parents at ease, especially when kids would ask about her trach and parents would tell the child not to ask. It made her feel invisible, and that experience made her decide to celebrate our uniqueness. We are all different, and that's okay.

Patterson turned her experience into a message of acceptance and celebration of diversity. But she was impacted by it. She said “ writing the book helped me realize that we should embrace our differences and be seen for who we are. It's essential not to dismiss someone's individuality and deny their identity.

Embracing our uniqueness is liberating, and it allows me to accept myself fully.”

But she was not always clear about her destination. Patterson was breaking up with a boyfriend and he turned violent and choked her. She was embarrassed for many years to tell anyone about how she ended up with the trach. She allowed people to think she had Asthma. She suffered in silence. She was angry and heartbroken that as a strong black woman a man had done this to her. But God reminded her “I have you.”

Patterson’s journey to selfacceptance made a turn during a medical crisis when she needed surgery on her throat. Her experience was life-changing and it reminded her that God made her just the way she is. Her trach has become a symbol of embracing herself. After that, she stopped being self-conscious about her voice, and she learned to let her light shine without apologies. She has felt God pushing her to be seen and heard instead of staying in the background. But God's message became clear, and she understood that he wanted her to share her story to inspire others. It reminded her of Matthew 5:16, “to let my light shine before others, so they may see God's love within me.”

Her faith has been her anchor during difficult times.It has taught her that she is not alone, that God is watching over her, and He has a purpose for every one of us.

You can purchase Patterson’s book which is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and her website https://www.ladymadelyn.com/ Patterson hopes that anyone who reads it finds hope, strength, and a renewed belief in the beauty of being uniquely themselves.

Lady Madelyn Patterson’s journey of self-acceptance and empowerment is a true testament to the power of faith and embracing one's uniqueness.