Patrick Swayze penned a memoir, ‘The Time of My Life’ before his death and although it won’t hit shelves until September, 29th, we have a sneak peek for you.
The book, co-written by wife of 32-years Lisa Niemi, was written after Swayze’s February 2008 diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer.
From Amazon:
In a career spanning more than thirty years, Patrick Swayze has made a name for himself on the stage, the screen, and television. Known for his versatility, passion and fearlessness, he’s become one of our most beloved actors.
But in February 2008, Patrick announced he had been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Always a fighter, he refused to let the disease bring him to his knees, and his bravery has inspired both his legion of fans and cancer patients everywhere. Yet this memoir, written with wisdom and heart, recounts much more than his bout with cancer. In vivid detail, Patrick describes his Texas upbringing, his personal struggles, his rise to fame with North and South, his commercial breakthroughs in Dirty Dancing and Ghost, and the soul mate who’s stood by his side through it all: his wife, writer and director Lisa Niemi.
A behind-the-scenes look at a Hollywood life and a remarkable love, this memoir is both entertainment and inspiration. Patrick and Lisa’s marriage is a journey of two lives intertwined and lived as one–throughout their years in Hollywood and at home on their working ranch outside Los Angeles, and culminating in the hope and wisdom they’ve imparted to all who know them. This book will open the door for families, individuals, and husbands and wives to grow, bond and discover entirely new levels of love and sharing, proving that life shouldn’t be lived as a series of endings, but rather as the beginning of greater strength and love.
Quotes from the book
On realizing he had limited time to live: “I began thinking to myself, I’ve had more lifetimes than any 10 people put together. And it’s been an amazing ride. So this is ok.”
On working on The Beast while receiving treatment: “I continued with therapy all the way through the shoot, but I never took any painkillers since they dull not only your pain but your senses.”
His pledge to wife Lisa, as the couple renewed wedding vows: “Together we’ve created journeys that were beyond anything we could imagine, yet you still take my breath away. I’m still not complete until I look into your eyes.”
What a love story. This couple really had something special. And how rare is it for a Hollywood leading man to actually be SO in love with his wife? What a great thing is that?
Patrick had it all, alright. And I think he summed it up best in the line above about having lived 10 lifetimes during his time on earth. He is so inspirational to those facing a similar situation. His wife is surely proud of him.
