Life's Big Lesson: Tales from the Butcher's Daughter is the first of two memoirs of a little girl growing up in the depression era and World War II in a dysfunctional family. The stories describe how she learned what she considers the most important lesson for living: How to love and be loved in return. Her forty plus years in education and psychology provide rich background to understand her adventures. Dr. Patterson includes two chapters that present original theories of spiritual development and a chapter on relationships. Her stories entertain, inspire, and evoke compassion. Always empathetic and sometimes whimsical, these adventures demonstrate a lifestyle filled with introspection and courage. The follow up volume of her memoirs Life's Little Lessons: More Tales of the Butcher's Daughter will be published later.