Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Goodbye Patrick.
Patrick
{who so thoughtfully confiscated my father's blackberry
for the duration of my wedding in 2006}
for the duration of my wedding in 2006}
I wanted to take a time out today from the usual blogging about design and babies to say goodbye to Patrick, my cousin Carol's husband. Patrick passed away today after suffering massive head trauma in a terrible car accident in mid October. On Monday my family went to say goodbye to him at the hospice, and I cannot begin to describe how it felt to see what the past six weeks had done to such a young, healthy man.
{Patrick with Annie}
I'd like though to remember Patrick as he was. A gentle, sensitive man devoted to his family first and foremost. I'll best remember Patrick down at our family's bay house, where he spent most weekends fishing. He was truly in his element out on the water. Patrick's gentle nature also made him particularly good with animals -- I was always amazed at how well even the more difficult dogs in my family responded to his soft touch and firm voice. He was also wonderful with my Grandpa in the last years of his life. Now that Patrick is released from the confines of a body no longer able to contain him, I pray that he is able to find peace, a few dogs (take care of Olivia and Gretel for me!) and a great spot where the fish are always biting.
A few weeks ago, Dave and I heard a verse from Jeremiah (31:1) that has stuck with me: “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.” The hardest part of the last six weeks has been watching my dear cousin and her sweet baby girl go through such heartache and stress. This has indeed been a trial by sword (and fire and whatever else). And I pray that God grants them both that rest and peace. I love you Carol and Annie!
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29 comments:
i will say a prayer for carol and her daughter. so very sad...
Averill, so very sorry to hear this. I remember seeing your earlier post about him. I will stop right now to pray for your cousin and her daughter.
I'm so sorry, Averill. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Averill,
Thinking of you and your family.
xo,
~R
So sorry to hear of your loss, Averill. Thank you for taking the time to share his story. My heart goes out to you & your cousin Carol.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss Averill. My prayers are with your whole family- especially his wife and daughter. xo
This breaks my heart. I will keep Carol and Annie in my prayers.
My cousin lost his 8 1/2 year old in June to a head injury accident. It's so sad. Having faith to lean on helps.
xo,
cristin
What a heart wrenching post and such sadness!
Thinking of you and the family! My heart goes out to those left behind.
V.
This is so heartbreakingly sad. I feel for your cousin and her daughter...and all the countless people affected. I will pray for them and their peace. So sorry your family has had to go through this.
So very sorry for you and for Carol and Annie.
What a horrible loss for your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All the best, Barbara
How tragic and heartbreaking. This is a beautiful tribute to him. Prayers for all who loved him.
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Oh Averill, my heart goes out to your family - especially Carol and Annie. I can't even fathom. Sending lots of thoughts to comfort hearts.
Oh no, Averill, this is terrible! I'm so very sorry for you and Carol and Annie and the rest of your family. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
How devastating for your entire family. When we experience such tragedy it reminds us to count our many blessings. I know I'll be giving my husband and extra hug tonight and reminding him how loved he is.
Heartbreaking. My sincere condolences.
Averill my heart hurts for your family. This is beyond sad and tragic. I pray that God wraps his arms around your sweet Cousin and holds her. I am truly sorry, Kathysue
I am so sorry for your family's loss. The husband of one of my best friends died in a car accident over 6 years ago, and it seems like just yesterday. My thoughts and prayers will be with your cousin and her daughter.
Averill, I'm so sorry about your loss. So terribly tragic. My heart goes out to your family, your cousin and Annie - they will be in my prayers. God Bless.
I'm so sorry, Averill. My heart breaks for your family and especially Carol and Annie. I add my prayer to yours that God grants them both rest and peace.
I'm so sorry to hear this but how lovely of you to pay him tribute like this. I will be sure to keep you and your family in my prayers.
I am soooo sorry to hear this...ALL prayers from Los Angeles to you all!!!!!! XXXXXXX
Emily
What a terrible tragedy! I can't even begin to imagine what your cousin is going through, but it's some consolation to know that her husband is no longer suffering. My thoughts are with your family.
This post made me cry. My heart goes out to you and your family, especially your cousin and her daughter. I can't even imagine. I will definitely keep them in my thoughts and prayers xo
I am so sorry to hear this news, I am keeping your family in my thoughts.
Janell
This is really sad news. My condolences to you, and your family. Especially Carol & Annie. Sending prayers for Patrick, and your family. xox
I'm so sorry to hear about Patrick. I'll be thinking about you and your family and sending prayers your way. Kara
And we love you, Avie! Thank you, thank you all.
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