Unpacked Sparkle: A Story of Grief and Recovery

Unpacked Sparkle chronicles Patrick Roland’s transformative journey upon finding his partner, Pack, dead in January 2017. The journey begins on the day of the funeral which he was not allowed to attend by Pack’s homophobic family, and details a nearly two-year journey back to a now thriving, joy-filled life. This story discusses addiction and recovery from it, grief and the journey to the acceptance, the family dynamics and DNA that resulted in a life-saving bi-polar diagnosis, and the importance of civil rights and marriage equality. This miraculous journey is threaded together by a tapestry of amazing friends who helped Patrick find his way back to happiness, where he continues putting his hand out to other in search of their own sparkle. The author hopes that by sharing his experience and strength with readers, they will find hope. He believes everyone deserves to sparkle. Let’s take this journey together so you can unpack yours.