That patient was Tom Petty's father. I was a huge fan of his son, and of course our first visit turned to his son's career and Mr Petty told me of his falling out over his son dropping out of school, of how proud he was of him for proving him wrong, and how he wish they had never become estranged. His exact words were "Sometimes I think he made it big just to show me".

During my "presentation" to my professor, I included that story and was surprised to find that my professor was an even bigger fan than I was. I was even more surprised when this man asked MR Petty if he would mind if he contacted his son and told him of what he was facing, so that maybe they could reconcile.

A few months later Tom Petty accompanied his father on a clinic visit. I was incredibly impressed with what a normal, down to earth guy he was..and how nice he was to everyone around him. Unfortunately, his father's diagnosis was not good and he eventually passed away. But Tom Petty showed his appreciation for the opportunity to reconcile with his father by taking my professor with him to the Grammy awards that year.

That is my memory of Tom Petty. A local boy who made good but stayed "local" to his core. I hope he is reconciled with his dad again.