The Unforgettable Michael: Patricia Altschul's Enduring Tribute to the Man Who Was Family

There's a quiet strength, an almost palpable grace, that comes with navigating life's public eye, especially when you're a figure as iconic as Patricia Altschul. And while her latest literary endeavor, 'The Art of Southern Charm,' promises its fair share of exquisite tips on entertaining and decorating, for once, its heart lies somewhere deeper, more tender. It’s not just about the art of a perfect party; it's about the profound art of remembering, of honoring, someone truly irreplaceable – her late, beloved butler, Michael Kelcourse.

Michael, you know, wasn't merely a household staff member; he was, to put it mildly, a phenomenon. Fans of Bravo’s 'Southern Charm' adored him for his sharp wit, his impeccable service, and that ever-present, wry sense of humor – a perfect foil, perhaps, to Patricia’s own spirited candor. He became, in truth, as much a fixture of the show as the historic Charleston backdrop itself. Then came the devastating news: a spinal cord stroke in 2020, a sudden, brutal curveball that, ultimately, led to his passing in May of 2022. It was a loss, you could say, that reverberated far beyond the Altschul household.

For Patricia, however, Michael's departure was — and honestly, still is — an intensely personal void. Their connection, as she often shared, transcended the typical employer-employee dynamic entirely. He was, to her, family. A confidante, yes, but also a friend, a steady presence, someone she could truly rely on through thick and thin. This wasn't just a man who kept her household running smoothly; it was a man who understood her, who anticipated her needs, and who shared a unique, unspoken language of loyalty and affection.

And so, 'The Art of Southern Charm' serves, in part, as her very personal memorial. It’s where she dedicates pages to his contributions, yes, but more importantly, to the essence of who Michael was. She recalls his 'marvelous sense of humor,' his penchant for sarcasm – a quality she clearly appreciated – and that undeniable loyalty that characterized his service for so many years. It’s a testament, you might say, to the power of a bond forged not by blood, but by genuine esteem and shared life.

Even now, months after his passing, the pang of absence remains vivid for Patricia. Losing Michael, she admits, has left a 'big void' in her life – a void that, let’s be honest, won’t ever truly be filled. There are people, after all, who leave such an indelible mark that their absence feels like a missing piece of the very fabric of your daily existence. Michael, for Patricia, was unequivocally one of those rare individuals. His legacy, both on screen and in her personal life, well, it endures. It really does.