FAQ

Q:  Are you sure you're not making this up?

A:  This story is 100% completely true!  In fact, most of Patty's crazy actions have been omitted from the contents of this book as they are too outrageous to believe.  In order to keep the story moving, I have left out a lot of the details.  You wouldn't believe me anyway!

Due to Patty's nature and her instability, it is impossible to predict her next move.  Consequently, we must plan for the worst and hope for nothing.  No matter how prepared we think we are, she continues to surprise us.  You just can't predict CRAZY!

Q:  Where is Steven now?

A:  On October 17th, 2008, Keith Barker was granted temporary custody of his son Steven Barker.  Keith no sooner left Springville than Patty fired her attorney, hired a new one, and began the appeals process.  For now, Steven lives with his father, mother Beth, and sisters Brooke, Grace, and Ruthie in their family home in Utah.  The big fight is yet to come!

Q:  Where does Patty get her money?

A:  That's a good one!  Patty lives at home with her parents.  They take care of her physical needs--they provide a home and food, etc.  Until recently she also received approximately $600.00/month (tax free) child support from Keith.  She has a job as a registered nurse which probably pays fairly well.  But mostly . . . she is in debt up to her eyeballs!  She just hired her fifth attorney so her legal fees have to be astronomical.  She continually complains that she's going to have to declare "bankruptcy" because Steven's medical bills are more than she can keep up with.  If that turns out to be the case--I suspect that you and I (in a round-about way) will be paying for her irresponsibility.  FYI:  During the last court battle Patty was ordered to pay child support to Keith for Steven's care.  They're still waiting for the check!


Q:  Was Keith's mission companion sent home from his mission for breaking the mission rules?

A:  No.  However, I do believe that he felt guilt, as he called the house often after Keith was sent home. I was not happy to hear from him and couldn't help but think of his own mother--who was happily at home thinking about her wonderful son and what a terrific job he was doing in the mission field!  I doubt his parents ever knew how close he came to being sent home.  While I cannot in any way blame him, I do feel that if either boy had obeyed the mission rules, this incident would not have happened.  The rules are there for a reason--had they followed them, Patty would have been nothing more than an unpleasant memory.

I believe that CRUSH would be beneficial reading for anyone before they go on a mission.  These kids leave home at the age of 19 with the idea that they are going to change people's lives, all for the better.  They are not prepared in any way, shape, or form, for the likes of Patty.  Had Keith known people like Patty were out there, perhaps he would have been more cautious and less susceptible to her play for pity.