To Know Him Was To Love Him

E. William Patterson

"Papa"

May 5, 1924-February 22, 2008

I loved my Papa more than words can say..

I will think of him and remember

the good times every day..

An Old Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there.. I do not sleep.

I am the thousand winds that blow...

I am the diamond glint on snow...

Iam the sunlight on ripened grain...

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you waken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of gentle birds in circling flight...

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry-

I am not there... I did not die...

Papa

I love this man so very much! He tells BIG stories.. bigger and better than real life.. he's colorful.. he is a father, grand father and great grandfather.. he has done everything from making false teeth to being radio personality.. he has done it all! The time has come for him.. he is in final stages of kidney failure and his heart is only working 10%. Yesterday the doctor said he doesn't have much longer to live. I went and visited my Papa last night.. and its so crazy.. cause his mind is there.. he talks and makes perfect sense, but his body has checked out of life.. the only reason why this man is still living is because of his mind.. in his mind he will live to be a 100 yrs old... we have been down this road before.. and he always bounces back.. always, but this time is different.. he is really sick! My heart aches for him.. I could only imagine the fear he must feel!!!

I pray that the fear leaves him and that he gives in.. I pray that he doesn't feel any pain.. I pray that he realizes that he will once again be reunited with his one true love.. its been a long 26 yrs since my Grandma passed.. and she is waiting for him!