7 years feels like 7 seconds

7 years....and it still feels like yesterday although it is today....missing that laughter missing that b day party for mom yesterday...and knowing we would have all been there for it....just missing all of you....yesterday, today and tomorrow. LOVE you!

40th Birthday!

June 30th will be your 40th birthday.
I wonder what that party would have been like??!?!!?
Planning would be happening right now if you were here.
Happy Birthday week!

6 Years

WOW...... Time flies.

Decided yesterday not to mourn these two days anymore but to toast to your lives...Wasn't very successful last night but will try again today! I was toasting at Festival last night. A lot of people go to different camp sites and "pick" (play stringed instruments) This picture shows a group "picking" Incredibly the lead "picker" was a Filipino. His name was Rick (so close to Vic! lol!) ...I swear when he turned sideways it was like lookin at dad! Everyone that knew dad turned and said hey Fran he looks like your dad! How awesome was that It maybe me smile...I LOVE YOU guys and so felt those hugs last night at that moment.

One Hour Early

It's 23:10 on 3-Sept-10
I wanted to wait until 12AM to post but I have an early flight tomorrow.
One of my co-workers took me out tonight to see downtown Kuwait City.
It has a lot of cool high rises. We went up into the Kuwait Towers.
http://www.kuwaittowers.com/indexEN.aspx
They are pretty cool. With a restaurant and a "viewing sphere".
Nice view but the Arabian Gulf is not that appealing to me.
(Reminds me of Galviston, Texas)
In fact, the other day I walked the beach and there were a lot of dead fish.
Anyway, it's VERY hot and humid here 110 in the shade.
So, I don't want to hear any Jersey people complaining.
I go back to Iraq tomorrow. I was here on a business trip for 3 days.
Well, that's all I have. I wanted to let you know I was thinking about you.
Wish you were here.

love,
Me

PS. I ate Pringles to celebrate Mom's B-day :)

Hope your celebrating Mom's B-day in style! Of course you are what was I thinking? LOL!

Still missing you

I told my fiancee about Patrick last night.

Of all the friends I've lost, I wish he could have met you the most.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATRICK

HAPPY 38th BIRTHDAY !!!! We were just remembering the day 5 years ago I told you of all the days in June she had to pick today to have the baby! How you laughed! I can still hear it and me saying stop laughing it's not funny! I'm glad now....bittersweet day! I miss you and that laugh!!! Love you!!!!

Happy Birthday!

Talk About Memories!

I heard from Ray last night. (my Ray not your friend!) Although I do get some invitations from him on facebook and I have written to him several times your ray and I haven't talked in some time. Anyway my Ray apparantly searched me up and found me through Jenna...16 years! we've been "chatting" because he's so busy. Anyway...I instantly remembered when we drove you back to Roanake that Christmas you decided to come home with no thoughts on how you were gonna get back! LOL! I can still picture that view of the mountains from your window. The waterfalls....we just found some pictures of that recently.Tony fell in the water. Another scene I'm reminded of is the lights in Washington was it the Lincoln Memorial? I can still see it like it was yesterday! Oh the memories.......

You are on my mind

Maybe its all this snow....I keep thinking is this what Alaska looked like? Your name kept popping into my mind at random times all week. Don't know why....Different things, Different times, Different events....but still you were there....Love You

Late Night

It's 1:32 AM in Iraq. And I can't sleep. Do you believe it.... I-f_ing-raq!!
Sometimes I walk around and I still can't imagine myself being here.

They pray over the loud speakers and it always reminds me of the opening scene of The Exorcist.

Anyway..... I'm pretty bummed because I may not be able to go on my vacation 8 days from now. My new office mate is waiting for more medical tests before they will approve him to come over. If I don't have coverage.... I can't leave :(

I have airline tickets, hotel reservations, and Brian's schedule all planned out and none of them can be changed. I used my US Airways miles to upgrade us to first class on the way down to Mexico. I used my Priority Club points to get two free hotel nights at the ultra swanky Intercontinental Hotel in Mexico City. (Both "use it or lose it")

So....if you got any connections or can pull some strings....... hook me up!

OK.... that's all I have for now.

Missing hearing this....

and the sound of your voice.....

4 years

Either Vic is trying to beat me everyday.....or he is a day ahead in the time zone! He is right Facebook was meant for you! He got me on there today wishing mom a Happy Birthday now he gets me on here with you! I think I beat him though cause I told you I'd talk to you tomorrow before he wrote the facebook comment. But like I said he was right! How does he think of these things? Must be genetics...I being the oldest bequethed him some of my left over brain power and you I bequethed my loving personality. I think we got equal in the good look parts.....AWWWW I miss you so much and wishing you were here so we could continue this bantering.....

4 Years Already

You would be loving Facebook.

Party Today?

Guess your partying with MOM today for her Birthday. Tell her I said Happy Birthday! I'll talk to you again tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Patrick!

I LOVE YOU!

Thinking Of You

Just thinking of you and how the time has passed so fast still seems like yesterday when we had our final Christmas together. Your birthday is so close. I guess I'm being melancholy with Mothers Day just passing and Fathers Day coming and then your b-day. Oh well just wanted you to know I'm missing you guys a LOT.

Just Missing You....

Just missing you and mom and dad.....I even picked up the phone to call you, silly me. I had something I wanted to share with you. I did feel like you knew it and the sense of you surrounding me was so strong so I guess you know what it was. LOVE YOU ALL!
Fran

3 Years

Well - I was daydreaming at my calendar and realized that yesterday marked the somber moment when the worlds of many became just a bit less sparkly with your passing.

There are moments when I can't believe that you're gone. But I know that you are keeping a wise eye on all of us and that brings comfort to those moments.

Keeping you in my heart,

RD

just stopping by to say goodnight

I have a new friend in South Philly, just a few blocks from your old apartment. I drive by every couple of weeks, and look to see if there's a light on in your old windows.

I had your picture framed, the one you gave me when we met, and I hung it up right next to my piano, so I think of you and the crazy, scandalous lyrics you made up for the songs from Phantom of the Opera, every time I sit down and try to remember how to play.

Still thinking about you. Still talking about you. You are still one of the most influential people I ever met.

coqui !

well patrick...it hasn't been the same with you somewhere else. we're making the best of our time here, sharing our lives with one another, friends and family alike. it's still just an inkling "off", ya know? life is happening all around us and i just think about what it would have been like. i want to thank you, patrick, for watching over me and many others you dearly love. sometimes i think your guiding me and i could just close my eyes and walk blindly. from now on and until i join you, i shall do my best to make my Mom and You and Pop-Pop proud. i love you all. love your son,
grandson, nephew...tai.

2 YEARS?

It seems like yesterday.....All the memories of that day come flooding back.....All the pain and sorrow.....My heart was a little lighter when I read Tammy's message...I HOPE this stays on forever too....It helps to know their are others sharing the same thoughts and are still remembering. I to am having a hard time not talking to you....I picked up the phone to call you yesterday.....like we always did to remember mom on her b-day.....then I remembered. I LOVE YOU and MISS YOU SO MUCH.

I cannot believe it has been two years.

PK, you're with me daily - especially when I chat aloud about life - I know that even I might be alone in my room, I am not alone in spirit. Thanks for keeping me company.

Always missed and never forgotten.

Yours,

RD

I miss you

I think about you every day and I talk/pray to you a couple times a day. Life's definitly not the same without being able to pick up the phone and hear your voice on the other end but I know that you're keeping an eye on me and Nolan. I hope this website stays here forever because I'm able to bring up your picture anytime. I love you lots and miss you more all the time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATRICK

Well I tried to put balloons in here (didn't work but I'm lucky my computer is even working! Keyboard crashed last night!) LOL! 35? WOW! Well just a little catch up as I have to go to Tony Jrs. 2nd Birthday Party. I am going to be a Granny Again. Jenna is due...January. (That's right...Daddy's B-day is right smack in there with her due date! ) What is it with these kids, They can't pick a month without someones b-day! LOL! Well you both were always good about sharing! HAPPY BIRTHDAY
I LOVE YOU! Give mom & dad a kiss for me ok?

How you were named

Well it has been a long time.....I could not let this pass....You were named Patrick Joseph because mom felt you move for the first time in between St. Patrick's Day and St. Joseph's so tomorrow being St. Patrick's day March 17th and Monday being St. Joseph's Day March 19th means that Sunday March 18th was when mom felt you move for the first time. I always felt that was pretty awesome. So as you can see that's why I just felt this tremendous need to write today. I bought Tai and Marlana t-shirts awhile ago that say Patrick was a SAINT....I AINT! LOL! I hope that they remember to wear them tomorrow. I didn't get one for myself as you know I was and am the saint of the family.

1303

Hey, Patrick. I went down to 1303 last night. You weren't home. Not surprising as you hadn't lived there in a decade, but that's where I knew you, and that's your home to me. The building is still full of hipsters and art students and bikes and dogs. It makes me happy to know that people are still having conversations much like ours inside those apartments. It's been a year, and I still miss you, but now, when I think of you, I'm more often happy than sad. I hope everyone who loved you is well.

The Year

Well little brother.....It's been a year and a rough one at that. Went to Woody's last night and danced the night away ( I had pulled your flags out but decided not to bring them) good thing it was mobbed.....had my first shot/drink with Tony to. Went back today and it was a little more solemn....guess I was just so emotionally drained from crying so much yesterday. Bob dropped Kate off and brought baby Patrick in to see all of us for a minute that was awesome. It felt good to reunite and remember. I called Vic a little after midnight last night and I couldn't hear if he picked up the phone (to noisy)...never thinking he would that time of night anyway and as I held your picture I yelled in the phone...Patrick and I are at Woody's. This morning I see a text message
on my phone...Where are you and Patrick now? LOL! I bought a shirt so I could wear it every year now...Gonna see if I can have in memory of Patrick printed on it. I heard from Kelly...you look out for her new baby Isabella ok? When we went to Virginia there was a church that the presidents used to attend..I went to a service there and they had a special prayer request box for the daughters of the patriots to pray for your request for 1 month. I put in a request for Isabella that whatever her needs were that they may be met. Finally....this will be my last posting (unless something major needs to be posted) it's just to emotional. I miss you and love you so much....Give mom and dad a kiss for me...mom an extra one for her birthday. Love Fran

Woody's

Several of us are going tonight at 10:00 pm...and several more at 6:00 pm Mon eve. So anyone that wants to meet up with us either day or time you are welcome....I'll be at both. Today I will be toasting what would have been mom's 70th b-day and tommorrow raising my glass in memory of Patrick. If you can't be with us that's ok just raise your glass at 10 or 6 and join us in these celebrations from where ever you are. If you can can't wait to see you.............Love Fran

TO ALL:

Interested parties that may still sign on...Several of us are going to get together on Sunday Sept 3rd.(Which by the way was our mothers birthday) to remember Patrick. Officially being Sept 4th but it being a holiday and a Monday we chose the 3rd. Maybe we will start later and midnight will make it official.... Woodys was mentioned as being the place Patrick loved so I think that is where we are going. So if you want to stop by and have a drink, share a story or a hug....I'm sure there will be laughter to....as that was Patrick..Hope to see you there. Fran

The 11th Month

I was just telling someone how quickly these months have passed by. I thought I was going to get stronger with time like we did with mom...but I guess the shock of it all with you and dad is finally wearing off and I am crying more now then I did then.I think about you guys every day...I talked to Marlana via e-mail and I think we are going to go get really drunk on the 4th of Sept. Maybe we can get a tex-em hold-em game going.Have to call and see who wants to be there or should I say who can be there. Saw Kate and the baby awe....he is a little sweet pea for sure. Not a half-pint like his angel was.(lol) We had to cut our visit short cause Tony the Terror was making me nervous. You know he is going to be a proffessional boxer? He hits everything in site and uses sound effects....His Middle name will be Terror! He is such a beautiful baby and a lover boy...Gives out kisses to every girl he meets. Well until next month baby brother...I love u kisses to mom and dad.....

10 Months on the 4th of July..

Hey Patrick just checking in. Wondering the other night as I was watching the fireworks how awesome they must be looking down from heaven. Just to catch you up since your b-day...I took the baby to have a t-shirt made with his and mine picture on it...It says Rich and Famous. I'm rich he's famous! LOL! Dad would have loved it. Anyway...I also got a picture done for Dawn & Tony for a frame. Dawn said Fran...Tony said look at the picture it looks just like the one of Uncle Patrick with the cap on...(my favorite picture that is hanging on my wall) I am getting a copy and will post it with yours so we can compare.Then he looks at the t-shirt and says...He looks like Poppy there. We had his party and Dawn put 2 #1's on his cake...One for u one for Tony. I am hoping to see baby Patrick this weekend...but I am STILL sick. I am on my forth round of antibiotics. Feeling pretty good today first time in over a month. When I talked to the doctor again yesterday I said by the way I am still not smoking so it can't be blamed on that! Well I have to get the house cleaned since it's back to baby land again tomorrow . I love you,I miss you,Kiss Mom and Dad for me.......
PS: Just got back from visiting the cemetery....It was so hard. GOOD thing my family was with me.I noticed that you can have pictures mounted on the stones...That is my next project.

HAPPY BELATED, MY BELOVED FRIEND.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATRICK!!!

Well I have Tony today...already 6:00 am.He wants to say Happy Birthday to and say thanks for sharing your b-day with him. Here goes: n m.|u\uv]u]]]u o yyy xo;67 S hg?VBCCCCNBV |u\uv]u]]]u o Translation:Hi Uncle Patrick Happy Birthday to me and you! I am having my first party tommorrow at home. It's a bar-b-que that mommy and daddy are doing. Granny Franny is taking me to Chuckie Cheese for lunch and she said we can add a candle for you on my cake. I'll blow it out for you. Sorry 34 is to many to blow. Although Granny maybe can since she quit smoking 9 days ago.(Yes Patrick you can tell dad I FULLFILLED EVERY PROMISE I made to him now.)Well we have to go get breakfast now but wanted to say Love You! Here's Granny again.... Harry,Jenna,Tony and Dawn said tell you happy b-day. They are planning on going to visit you....(You know I can't.)I am sure you are having the BEST party today. Enjoy Little Brother. I am sending you your copy of the baby's first b-day picture. (You got it before Vic) I have to go now Tony is hungry he just ate dirt from my plant! LOL! Happy Birthday Dear Patrick I love You Miss You!