Born in 1940 to an unwed mother and orphaned at a young age, Standing Pat tells the remarkable story of a girl growing into womanhood determined to make a difference in her part of a troubled world. Her stubborn resilience was called upon early when her mother died of cancer, and at the age of seven, the author was asked to make the decision whether to move into an orphanage or to the home of extended family. What follows is her memoir, a kaleidoscope of life experiences including her roles as nun, teacher, and farmer, building and living in a wigwam, a murder trial, health crises, world travels, widowhood, and activism. Now in her 80’s, the author reflects on a lifetime of challenges, opportunities, and losses, but throughout, her choices embody the sentiment to bloom where one is planted. Pat’s steadfast devotion to providing service, challenging authority, and doing the right thing all intersected with the current issues of her day - racial discrimination, poverty, war, child abuse, and the climate crisis. In a world where it is easy to dismiss the difference one person can make, this book will inspire readers to examine themselves and find opportunities in their daily lives to help those nearest them.  ~ Peggy Nestor