Life’s short, dad plays his part

A FATHER is determined to leave a positive legacy after being diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Wayne Patterson, author of The Fat Rabbit series, is making every day count after last year being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) at age 58.
MND has no known cause, treatment or cure and attacks the limbs and breathing but leaves the mind intact.
“MND can start with the feet and work up or at the throat and move down, which is how it is affecting me,” Wayne said.
“My voice is deteriorating and will soon go forever. I may not live to see my grandchildren or be able to pass on stories that my children have grown up with.
“But my creed has always been to make the best of the hand that you have been dealt.”
Wayne decided to pen an eight-book series, The Fat White Rabbit, based on a character he created at age 15 as a legacy to his children and an opportunity for other parents, especially dads, to read to their kids.
“Life is precious and short, the years when your children are young especially so,” Wayne said.
“One of the most valuable things a dad can do is read to his kids.”
The Queensland launch will be a book signing at Annie’s Books at Peregian, 10am on Sunday 20 March.
Every Sunshine Coast kindergarten and primary school library can collect their one free copy from Annie’s and books can be ordered online on Fat Rabbit’s web page at www.carrottopisland.com.au with all proceeds going towards MND Research.