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Artist Who Lost A Friend Creates A Comic Tribute That’ll Inspire You To Drop Everything And Start Living
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Artist Who Lost A Friend Creates A Comic Tribute That’ll Inspire You To Drop Everything And Start Living

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Ever feel trapped by life? Ever wanted to quit your job, sell your car, and hit the open road with nothing but what you can carry on your back? Well as you can see from this inspiring comic tribute, the late Patrick Joseph Falterman II did just that.

Patrick, who ran a website called hitchtheworld.com, recently died after the plane he was piloting crashed in Liberty County, Texas. He was only 26-years-old but he managed to fit more into his short time than most people do in a lifetime. A friend of his, an artist named Cale behind a website called Things in Squares, decided to create a comic about Patrick to honor his adventurous spirit and positive outlook on life. From hitchhiking through Latin America, busking on the streets in Brazil, and sailing down the Amazon on a home-made raft, Patrick lived a carefree life that most of us only dream of. Read about his story below to learn more about his amazing escapades. They’ll make you want to travel, but even more importantly, they’ll make you want to live.

More info: Things In Squares | Facebook | Hitchtheworld.com

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Giedrė Vaičiulaitytė

Giedrė Vaičiulaitytė

Author, Community member

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As a writer and image editor for Bored Panda, Giedrė crafts posts on many different topics to push them to their potential. She's also glad that her Bachelor’s degree in English Philology didn’t go to waste (although collecting dust in the attic could also be considered an achievement of aesthetic value!) Giedrė is an avid fan of cats, photography, and mysteries, and a keen observer of the Internet culture which is what she is most excited to write about. Since she's embarked on her journalistic endeavor, Giedrė has over 600 articles under her belt and hopes for twice as much (fingers crossed - half of them are about cats).

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Giedrė Vaičiulaitytė

Giedrė Vaičiulaitytė

Author, Community member

As a writer and image editor for Bored Panda, Giedrė crafts posts on many different topics to push them to their potential. She's also glad that her Bachelor’s degree in English Philology didn’t go to waste (although collecting dust in the attic could also be considered an achievement of aesthetic value!) Giedrė is an avid fan of cats, photography, and mysteries, and a keen observer of the Internet culture which is what she is most excited to write about. Since she's embarked on her journalistic endeavor, Giedrė has over 600 articles under her belt and hopes for twice as much (fingers crossed - half of them are about cats).

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sunnyrei82
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, I know this might sound strange but... I feel happy for Patrick. He did what he wanted. He reached his goal. So it was time to leave this life. Yeah, yeah... there are a lot of other places to go and see... but HE wanted to see the Amazon, THAT was HIS goal. So, congrats, Patrick. You reached your goal/mission in this life.

Daria B
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A new Kerouac. His death is such an irony. He went through all those dangerous things and survived - he took a "safe trip" in a plane and died.... At least he achieved what ha wanted. May he rest in peace.

Jaz Nguyen
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree with Sunnyrei82. I'm happy for Patrick, he did what he wanted and experienced what he could in his short lifetime. He reached his goal, while others are not always able to. Was a beautiful & inspiring story.

Cassie
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would say, "rest in peace, Patrick" but I'm sure he'd rather be exploring. :)

Indian Gallivanters
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This story gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes. It is so inportant to realise and fulfil your dreams with whatever time you have in hands.

Sheryl
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great artwork and great but sad story. There are so many people would like to go traveling, leaving their monotonous lives but don't dare

--
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

such an inspiring man, I'm glad he achieved what he wanted to do most, and that he has such a wonderfully talented friend to share his story with the world and remember him by

Maristela
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm Brazilian, the Amazon is kind of only a thousand kilometers away from me... nevertheless , people's dreams are different ... what is alike is that we all have dreams just awaiting to be brought to life.... thank só much for this story... l will show teach it in my English classes. Namaste

Marjon Perez Alcisto
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This gave me goosebumps. I thought, maybe Patrick went to another adventure, an eternal and blissful adventure. Keep exploring people!

Louise LeGresley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very touching and inspiring. It's true we waste so much time with meaningless things as our lives just waste again

Clarke Dennis
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently just lost one of my best friends to cancer, he was 24 years old... I got inspired to make a comic on his life and the good times

Byron X.
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although Patrick found his dream in amazon, I believe people need accompany to share and talk to. I'm happy he finally come back, and so sad he didn't have time to live his new life.

Iapetos
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No offense, I appreciate people who live their dreams and I can recommend it to everyone, but I'd rather prefer small steps. The Amazon is a really, really dangerous place if you don't know what you're doing. A swallow of water can kill you - bacteria which resist every known medicament. Plus, a lot of poisonous animals that may attack when they feel threatened.

varwenea
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't feel sorrow, I feel joy. Patrick did an amazing trek that thanks to his friend, we know about it now. Not everyone has the audacity to live such a life and I am glad he did!

Evil Smiley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. I was surprised with how he died. But at least he was able to fulfill his dreams. Life is a gift. Enjoy it!

Lsj4vt
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is truly an AMAZING tribute! Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Phillipe Knippel
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Patrick was a happy guy i guess. What a nice friendship between you bouth.

Seraphinne
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here's such an inspiring man. and he died. So the lesson would be to start living to our fullest as we never know what could happen.

Elaine
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't like the language, but it's SO SAD and SO INSPIRING!!!!

Ignacio Sánchez
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

La vida es hermosa, si realmente tenemos el valor de tomar las riendas de nuestro destino. El como pocos lo hizo y ha demostrado que. Si quieres conseguir lo que pocas personas consiguen tienes que hacer lo que pocas personas hacen.

Wayne Beesley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Excellent story but the needless swearing not so cool - especially the horrible m***a f ....

十言九妄
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A new Kerouac. His death is such an irony. He went through all those dangerous things and survived - he took a "safe trip" in a plane and died.... At least he achieved what ha wanted. May he rest in peace.

rishi_ragunathan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such an inspiring friend. I would even love to see him on the other side with you my distant friend :)

Ehsan Es
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Click middle mouse → let it scroll down slowly → lay back and enjoy/get inspired!

Nicole F
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry to be the bearer of an opposite opinion, but having lived like Patrick ( in safer countries, its true, but I m a girl), I can honestly say that the death of a 26 year old is nothing to romanticize. Nor is his journey. When things start to get really cold, really messy, you get sick, you are afraid, you are hungry and have no strength to get up, then the whole notion of a warm room, a blanket and a hot coffee sounds like heaven and a luxury. So instead of dreaming of amazonian trips and feel its ok to die at 26 because he did that, how about thinking that a) we can feel free AND grateful for what we have. b) his genes were lost and that is a damn shame c) he never got to experience so much more d) if he had not gone away, he would not have to return to texas with that plane e) the return in itself is not explained.

Nicki Mlodik Slattery
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful story and wonderful tribute. A reminder for all of us to make it happen sooner than later. We all quietly assume we have 80-90 years...until we are shown otherwise and it's too late to change the story, well done!

Keanureaves
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow.... My artist heart is just blown away, this is beautiful and well put. RIP Patrick and thanks to you and your friend, you've inspired me. Congratulations Patrick for actually fulfilling life unlike many, a traveler and a friend to me whose gained the most experience.

Panela M M Noguera
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

people live the save way more than 80 years, and that will never compare the patrick life 26 years.

Oana Puciu
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a f*****g ridiculous stupid death after all the adventures he dies in a plane crash in TEXAs.. why oh why he came back to there?

Jace
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not commenting about the comic, just the article title: Drop everything and start living? Boy if that isn't a confusion of choice and privilege.

mahsima
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I planned for many adventures and it gets late to make them happened, sometime its too late even when v r still alive!

iblowsheep
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Inspiring? The dude died at 26. did he repay the debt he had acquired or did he just walk out in it too? how did he pay his way? I mean most of these "adventurous vagabond" stories get all romantic about the free spirit and B.S. and leave out that the person us basically just a bum. i doubt this guy was any different.

sunnyrei82
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, I know this might sound strange but... I feel happy for Patrick. He did what he wanted. He reached his goal. So it was time to leave this life. Yeah, yeah... there are a lot of other places to go and see... but HE wanted to see the Amazon, THAT was HIS goal. So, congrats, Patrick. You reached your goal/mission in this life.

Daria B
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A new Kerouac. His death is such an irony. He went through all those dangerous things and survived - he took a "safe trip" in a plane and died.... At least he achieved what ha wanted. May he rest in peace.

Jaz Nguyen
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree with Sunnyrei82. I'm happy for Patrick, he did what he wanted and experienced what he could in his short lifetime. He reached his goal, while others are not always able to. Was a beautiful & inspiring story.

Cassie
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would say, "rest in peace, Patrick" but I'm sure he'd rather be exploring. :)

Indian Gallivanters
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This story gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes. It is so inportant to realise and fulfil your dreams with whatever time you have in hands.

Sheryl
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great artwork and great but sad story. There are so many people would like to go traveling, leaving their monotonous lives but don't dare

--
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

such an inspiring man, I'm glad he achieved what he wanted to do most, and that he has such a wonderfully talented friend to share his story with the world and remember him by

Maristela
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm Brazilian, the Amazon is kind of only a thousand kilometers away from me... nevertheless , people's dreams are different ... what is alike is that we all have dreams just awaiting to be brought to life.... thank só much for this story... l will show teach it in my English classes. Namaste

Marjon Perez Alcisto
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This gave me goosebumps. I thought, maybe Patrick went to another adventure, an eternal and blissful adventure. Keep exploring people!

Louise LeGresley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very touching and inspiring. It's true we waste so much time with meaningless things as our lives just waste again

Clarke Dennis
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently just lost one of my best friends to cancer, he was 24 years old... I got inspired to make a comic on his life and the good times

Byron X.
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although Patrick found his dream in amazon, I believe people need accompany to share and talk to. I'm happy he finally come back, and so sad he didn't have time to live his new life.

Iapetos
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No offense, I appreciate people who live their dreams and I can recommend it to everyone, but I'd rather prefer small steps. The Amazon is a really, really dangerous place if you don't know what you're doing. A swallow of water can kill you - bacteria which resist every known medicament. Plus, a lot of poisonous animals that may attack when they feel threatened.

varwenea
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't feel sorrow, I feel joy. Patrick did an amazing trek that thanks to his friend, we know about it now. Not everyone has the audacity to live such a life and I am glad he did!

Evil Smiley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. I was surprised with how he died. But at least he was able to fulfill his dreams. Life is a gift. Enjoy it!

Lsj4vt
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is truly an AMAZING tribute! Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Phillipe Knippel
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Patrick was a happy guy i guess. What a nice friendship between you bouth.

Seraphinne
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here's such an inspiring man. and he died. So the lesson would be to start living to our fullest as we never know what could happen.

Elaine
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't like the language, but it's SO SAD and SO INSPIRING!!!!

Ignacio Sánchez
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

La vida es hermosa, si realmente tenemos el valor de tomar las riendas de nuestro destino. El como pocos lo hizo y ha demostrado que. Si quieres conseguir lo que pocas personas consiguen tienes que hacer lo que pocas personas hacen.

Wayne Beesley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Excellent story but the needless swearing not so cool - especially the horrible m***a f ....

十言九妄
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A new Kerouac. His death is such an irony. He went through all those dangerous things and survived - he took a "safe trip" in a plane and died.... At least he achieved what ha wanted. May he rest in peace.

rishi_ragunathan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such an inspiring friend. I would even love to see him on the other side with you my distant friend :)

Ehsan Es
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Click middle mouse → let it scroll down slowly → lay back and enjoy/get inspired!

Nicole F
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry to be the bearer of an opposite opinion, but having lived like Patrick ( in safer countries, its true, but I m a girl), I can honestly say that the death of a 26 year old is nothing to romanticize. Nor is his journey. When things start to get really cold, really messy, you get sick, you are afraid, you are hungry and have no strength to get up, then the whole notion of a warm room, a blanket and a hot coffee sounds like heaven and a luxury. So instead of dreaming of amazonian trips and feel its ok to die at 26 because he did that, how about thinking that a) we can feel free AND grateful for what we have. b) his genes were lost and that is a damn shame c) he never got to experience so much more d) if he had not gone away, he would not have to return to texas with that plane e) the return in itself is not explained.

Nicki Mlodik Slattery
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful story and wonderful tribute. A reminder for all of us to make it happen sooner than later. We all quietly assume we have 80-90 years...until we are shown otherwise and it's too late to change the story, well done!

Keanureaves
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow.... My artist heart is just blown away, this is beautiful and well put. RIP Patrick and thanks to you and your friend, you've inspired me. Congratulations Patrick for actually fulfilling life unlike many, a traveler and a friend to me whose gained the most experience.

Panela M M Noguera
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

people live the save way more than 80 years, and that will never compare the patrick life 26 years.

Oana Puciu
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a f*****g ridiculous stupid death after all the adventures he dies in a plane crash in TEXAs.. why oh why he came back to there?

Jace
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not commenting about the comic, just the article title: Drop everything and start living? Boy if that isn't a confusion of choice and privilege.

mahsima
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I planned for many adventures and it gets late to make them happened, sometime its too late even when v r still alive!

iblowsheep
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Inspiring? The dude died at 26. did he repay the debt he had acquired or did he just walk out in it too? how did he pay his way? I mean most of these "adventurous vagabond" stories get all romantic about the free spirit and B.S. and leave out that the person us basically just a bum. i doubt this guy was any different.

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