Sara wrote up a couple of thoughts about this weekend and the passing of her grandmother and wanted me to post them here for everyone to read. A lot of the people it addresses are blog regulars - feel free to pass it on to the folks who aren't, though.

This year started out rough. The first day of the new year my grandfather died. I loved him very much and he was a good man. We all miss him very much, but one of the hardest things about that whole experience for me was watching my grandma who loved nothing in this world more than him deal with that loss.

I have always been close with my grandma, but in the past three years especially we got to be really, really close. So when she passed away three months after my grandpa (and kind of unexpectedly) it was really sad for me and my whole family! We will always miss her.

As hard as this weekend was for us it was not nearly as awful as it could have been and I just want to say thank you to everyone who had any part in making me and my family feel loved:

First of all to Patrick who not only held my hand and hugged me when I cried but did anything and everything he could to make me feel better. From taking me downtown for hot dogs and a long walk, to leaving work early to come be with me, to going to see my grandma in the hospital, to cooking me and my family dinner, to staying up to late when he had to work the next day, because I wasn't ready for him to go home yet, to dealing with my frequent breakdowns and mood swings. Not only did he do all of that and more, but he also ended up having to perform the actual funeral ceremony. Our friend/minister Fred was supposed to do it, but on the day of the burial his wife Jen went into labor so he couldn't be there. Patrick stepped in and it ended up being perfect and I am so glad it turned out the way that it did. Someone who attended the funeral said they thought it was meant to be for Patrick to do it and I think she was right.

Also to Fred Turner for always being so kind to my family and for just being Fred. I know if he had done the funeral he would have done an amazing job. He truly has a gift. Not just with speaking, but also just with people in general. He is so genuine. When you talk to him you know he is really listening and interested in what you are saying. Like you are the most important person.

To Jen for first of all sharing her husband when she was 9 months pregnant, about to give birth at any second. Not only did she share him willingly, but she was so sweet and caring at every interaction. I could only hope to be that selfless on any given day - let alone when I am about to have a baby.

To my two best friends in the world Jennifer and Brooke. I love you both so much!! Thank you for the phone calls and the prayers. I don't know what I would have done without you this weekend. Funerals are never fun and you have attended two in the past three months. I know you both are always just a phone call away if I need anything and especially at times like this. Thank you so much, you don't know what it means to me to have friends like you, that I know I can always count on.

To Erin and Freddy, I love you guys so much. Erin and I are so much alike, but it took a while for me to find out because we're both really shy and quiet when we first meet people. But now that we have gotten to know each other I've realized that Erin is one of the sweetest people in the world. She has such a big heart! Freddy is so endearing. Everyone who meets him loves him. Including my grandma the first time she met him all she did was flirt with him.

To the Peachers for always making me feel like family and always having just the right thing to say.

To the Schneiders for also making me feel like part of your family. You have an amazing way of making people feel loved.

To Connie for letting Patrick leave work early and not even thinking twice, and to Sue for being so compassionate and loving all the time. Patrick is the best person I know and I see where he gets it. He is so much like both of you. I love you.

To Matt Mckay - thank you for your support and love. When you were standing next to the casket with you hand on Patrick's shoulder praying for him I almost lost it. That was awesome.

To Greg Gilmore. Patrick and I were talking about how you are a more behind the scenes guy and some of the stuff you do might get overlooked sometimes, but you are so amazing. Thank you for everything, but especially the time you gave. It was so good to have you around.

To Greg Chandler. Just seeing you and getting a big hug always makes me smile. You have a way about you that is very comforting.

To the Fosters. Bret and Sally are two of my favorite people. So sweet and so fun. Thank you for being such great friends and thinking about us when you also have a lot going on.

To Danny Corolo for rushing over to the funeral home after receiving an email. That was so sweet that you made time to come even though you knew nothing about it until that day. It meant a lot.

To Charlie Younger always being concerned with other people and being so kind.

Also I know there are many other people who prayed for my family and thought about us all week and longer. I know Fred put together a prayer team of 50 people to pray for my grandma. I don't know who all of you are, but I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

-Sara


Sara-
Hi. You dont know me, and I havent seen Patch in 10 years probably but I wanted to tell you that I am sorry to read about your losses in the past months. I also wanted to say that I am so glad to know that Patch has someone so wonderful and caring as you to love him. I went to KCC with Patch and adored him from the minute I met him. He is so wonderful and I know that you must be too. I will say a prayer for you and your family. Take care and best of luck in everything!
jesse  


Thank you, Jesse. You're awesome. I'll make sure Sara sees this.  


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