Hi ya ~

Tis another sad day ~ my sweet Patrick lost his "Pop's" today. He had been in the hospital since Thanksgiving and praise god that Patrick was able to go to New York and visit with him for a week before he passed away ~ he had just returned home on Tuesday and Pop's died today (Thursday). They were able to talk about old times, to say things they have been meaning to say ~ and Pop's handed down to Patrick some very old trinkets that have been passed from one generation to another. Not sure how many of you know that Patrick is a 5th generation ~ Patrick Joesph Carey ~ His Great Grandfather and Grandfather were police officiers (back in the New York keystone cop days) ~ and he even received an old billy club and watch, which was engraved.

It has been a honor for me to get to know Patrick's family ~ they are all beautiful souls. We fly out to New York tomorrow and will be gone til Tuesday. Pop's was the type of fellow that was always ready with a story, something humorous from his past. He loved to hunt, fish, target shoot, play pranks on the grandkids, and on most weekends could be found at gun & knife sportsman shows selling his wares. He cherished family and friends ~ and they are blessed to know that he died peacefully in his sleep.

I know many of us have lost loved ones and we carry that heavy heart from time to time ~ I, myself, lost both my parents 4 months apart, and because it was winter we had a double burial in the spring. Sounds very sad, but it was very beautiful. You gather around you all the people that you love and you grieve, laugh, cry, and share stories ~ and by doing that you honor that person's life. We appreciate all the kind words, prayers and cards that have been sent our way. A message passed on to us from my brother, Michael, pretty much sums it up this way ~
" All things must end, and we all must pass someday. Give thanks for the memories, because in the end, thats all we ever really have. As long as he lives in your heart, he is eternal."

~ Hug Your Loved Ones Today ~
~ Remember Those You Lost ~

~~ God Bless~~
Patrick, Bren & Family