#42- Pat "Shoney" Schoennagel- "Not many people can come an go in this world without experiencing pain, Lia did"

Fat Kid Podcast

Pat is a lifelong friend. He is also a husband, business leader, and father to three beautiful children. Two of which reside only in their family's hearts and memories.
Tragedy struck the Schoennagel's lives not once, but twice, and sadly claimed the lives of two of their beautiful children. While this story is hard to listen to, it also has a silver lining. Pat, his wife Melissa, and their son John refuse to "not live life "simply because that is what their daughter Lia would have wanted them to do!
Listen in as Pat and I have a genuine discussion about how he and his continue to thrive, despite dealing with the worst-case scenario, the sudden death of a child. They are so committed to honoring their stillborn son Christopher and daughter Lia, that they have heavily involved in a charity Lia's Wings that provides air transport for children and families who are in medical need. Pat's goal is to "be able to say yes to everyone".
Pat, thank you for taking the time to reconnect with me after so many years! Your family's story may be one of the most tragic, yet inspiring stories I have ever heard, and I appreciate you sharing it and living it the way you do. The world is better off with people like you in it.
Love you friend.