Thanks to all of you from Wesley

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: Llanfair
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 01:11 PM

I'm so sorry to hear the news about Patrick, and my best wishes go to Brendan and his mum and dad.

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 01:09 PM

Though sad fate our lives may sever
Parting will not last forever
There's a hope that leaves me never
All through the night

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 01:08 PM

Dear Wesley and Bretta. Our deepest condolences.

Rick and heather

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:56 PM

I'm so sorry about Patrick. Brendan (the navigator) will be piloted by a special angel called Patrick. Yours, with heartfelt condolences Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: Sorcha
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:53 PM

I can't give anymore, heart probs and meds, but Mr. gives every time he is allowed. Will do what I can, in Patrick's name.......

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:32 PM

As some of you know, I was invovled with Red Cross for the last three years and I would like to add a word about donating blood, at least in the USA.

In the USA, the Red Cross covers about half of the blood supply and may be the ONLY place to donate in your area. You can find a donation site near you by calling:

1-800-GIVE LIFE.

To donate, you must be in good general health, weigh at least 105 (or 110) lbs (they keep changing it), and have not given for at least 56 days. There are some medications that disqualify you from giving, but these change often too and although you may have been deferred in the past, you may be able to give now. Call ahead once you get the donation site info and ask about your meds. You might be surprised what you can be taking, and still give.

Blood IS always in short supply around the holidays due to poor weather canceling drives or limiting turnout, the crazy busyness of blood donors like the rest of us, and the increased need due to accidents and other holiday stressors.

The good news is, blood is shipped where it is needed, when supplies are low. So you can help where you are, knowing that it will go where it is needed most.

And you cannot get AIDS from donating-- it is safe and more painless than a blood test, because these nurses who stick you are REALLY GOOD. And afterwards you can visit with other donors as you munch cookies and share a bit of why you are donating... it's good to talk about this, you know.

Some of you will not be able to donate, and this means you have an extremely powerful opportunity-- you non-donors can be the best possible recruiters of other donors, because you are so motivated. Each unit of blood is processed, broken down, to be able to save up to four lives-- just think the impact you can have. And although it can take time to set up a new blood drive, MANY workplaces can support in-house drives with a bit of planning. Memorial drives are a regular feature of some workplaces.

Finally, another powerful opportunity to increase the blood supply belongs to you each time you perform. Use that microphone to tell about Wes, the Mudcat, Patrick, and the importance of donating blood.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:28 PM

Bless you all. This is a strange mixture of joy and sorrow. Keep both your children close. And love each other.

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: kendall
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:26 PM

He did not die..he only moved to the next level.

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: Morticia
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:17 PM

Wes and Bretta, thank you for letting us know and my heartfelt sorrow at your loss.This happened to a friend of mine a few years ago and I know the strange mixture of heart break and joy you must be experiencing.I was certain little Carrie's twin was with her, I could always feel her in the room and I am certain that Patrick will always be with Brendan.My dearest love to all of you and please, let me know if there is anything at all we can do for you. I'm not going to blow my candle out tonight....I will keep it lit one more night and sing all the lullabies I know for Patrick and Brendan. with love and sympathy
Terri

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: Sorcha
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:17 PM

Oh Wes, I am so sorry. Your attitude is wonderful, hope you can keep it up. Don't forget to include Patrick in Brendan's life as he grows older..........Patrick, you go on home, now, and come back some better time. We all love you, and will pray for your peace.

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: annamill
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:15 PM

I'm so sorry Wesley. You and Bretta have my tears and my love. I know having Brendan to love will help.

Love, annamill

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:13 PM

Oh, Wes, thank you so much for letting us know. I am so sorry it turned out this way, but it sounds as though you are doing a beautiful job of it and Brendan will be the better for it. How wise and wonderful you've been in helping Patrick to let go and how difficult it must be. Good to know you have a good support system there.

If you'd like to PM me your email addy, I've a couple of lullys my mom used to sing to me, one of them Irish. I'd be happy to send you a midi.

In sorrow mixed with elation for "Sneezy", with care and love,

kat

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: Ebbie
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:12 PM

I weep for you and smile, too. I love your imagery and believe it too- he's not far away. May blessings be poured upon you.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 12:08 PM

Wesley, and Bretta,

Our hearts have been burning for you all, and I know that this will continue... the candles have been as much for you and Bretta and Brendan as for Patrick. Please call upon any of us at any time for any support you need. I'll send you a note in e-mail so you'll know how to get hold of me if you need to... to brag about dear Brendan or cut another chunk of grief off to chew.

God bless you all, dear, and thank you for letting us know about the loveliness of Patrick's passing as well as the hurts.

All His Love--

~Susan

Subject: Thanks to all of you from Wesley
From: Wesley S
Date: 26 Dec 00 - 11:55 AM

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of the messages, prayers and candles sent our way. It's made a most difficult time a little easier.

Our son Patrick died in our arms a week ago today at 5:30 AM. His little body put up a grand fight but it just wasn't meant to be. He got the very best of care fron his team of doctors but there are some things that medicine can't do. It was our very first time to hold him after his birth. We let him know that it was time for him to let go and stop fighting. We also informed Patrick that we expected him to be the guardian angel for his brother Brendan and that Brendan would need his very special help from now on. As you can imagine this is the toughest thing Bretta and I have ever faced.

We had a beautiful memorial service/celibration last Friday afternoon. One of our very good friends Rev Linda McDermott led a touching service of songs and stories. My friend Jack sang a medley of "Precious Lord Take My Hand" and "Jesus Won't You Come By Here". Then Linda's husband Tom McDermott sang an irish lullaby that included Brendans name. The group I sing with The Crossroad Singers finished the service with "May The Lord Bless You And Keep You" followed by "Go Tell It On The Mountain". We also included the one bedtime story that I read to Patrick called "Old Turtle". We've been surrounded by love and care while we've been walking this road. Our family, our church family, and both of our offices , not to mention you guys have just been great. We'll have to deal with this hour by hour and we realize there will be some emotional land mines to deal with in the future. But we have an excellent support group to help us get through this time.

Eveyone asks us what they can do for us. Give blood. Patrick used up quite a bit of it the short time he was here and with New Years Eve just a few days away the hospital in your town is going to need it. We were also touched to find out that Linda is setting up a fund to make a stained glass window that will be a tribute to Partick. It will be installed in the chapel when they complete the expansion of the mission at our church. It houses an infant formula program, food bank, clothing bank ect. They also plan to hold 12 step meetings there. I'll be helping to get those started.

On the other hand Brendan is doing just great. He'll be coming home in about two weeks. He's almost four pounds now. My wife nicknamed him Mr Magoo but his wrinkles are starting to fill out. I've changed two poopy diapers so far - just 500,000 more to go. He has the most beautiful tiny sneezes and yawns. We were able to spend three hours on Christmas just holding and loving him. He is an incredible blessing to us. We are determined to not let Patrick's death be "the elephant in the living room". We will deal someday with a suitable explanation for Brendan about these events. In the meantime I'll get the wonderful opportunity to sing lullabies to my son. Suggestions welcomed - especially Irish ones.

Thanks again for your support my friends - but it's time to blow out those candles. Wesley