Obit: Kaelan Paton(Sandy&Caroline's grandson) 2009

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Joybell
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 06:57 PM

All my thoughts too. From another grandmother.
Joy

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's gran
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 06:57 PM

So sorry to hear your news. Every parent or grandparent's nightmare. My thoughts are with you.

Nigel

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: GUEST,Sheryl Kennedy
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 07:35 PM

Our thoughts are with you and your family at this unspeakably sad time.
Sheryl Kennedy and Family

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Barb'ry
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 07:42 PM

So sorry

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's gran
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 07:50 PM

Sandy and Caroline, I can't find the words... it's unbearable to think about for me; for you it must be sheer hell.

Charles

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: C. Ham
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 08:12 PM

What can one say? My heart is with the Paton family.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: JedMarum
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 08:41 PM

One of friends or perhaps a family member has posted this video.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's gran
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:04 PM

Nothing I can add, except more hugs and sympathy. Caroline may have been Kaelan's grandmother, but Kaelen seemed more like a son to her than a grandson; she took a very active role in raising him, and I remember her telling me about him with beaming joy. May those memories gather 'round once more.

The Housatonic will never seem so innocent again.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: GUEST,rumanci
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:15 PM

I am so sorry to read this. What a brave lad you raised.
Supportive thoughts and my heartfelt sympathy.
rum

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's gran
From: Janie
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:24 PM

Adding my thoughts, prayers and condolences.

There really are no words....

Janie

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 09:30 PM

My heart bursts. My ties go back to Sandy and Caroline whom I first met when my son Gideon was a babe in arms, 40 years ago. I've seen their boys David and Rob grow up into fine young men. I never met Kaelen but I heard David talking about him with such pride and love that the news is gut-wrenching. My prayers go out to all the family.

Love,

Jerry

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: GUEST,Marie Dufresne
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 10:02 PM

I haven't been visiting the mudcat often lately--there are absolutely no words --the Patons have been like family to us here in maine for so many years and so many good times.
Sandy,Caroline,David & Rob hearts and prayers are with you I know how precious family is to you --I am so so sorry

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: GUEST,Guest, Patricia
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 10:07 PM

There are no words. Prayers are with you, still praying for a miracle. Prayers for comfort for the family. What a tragedy. What a heroic boy.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: oldhippie
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 10:38 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Paton family at this difficult time.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 11:43 PM

Vanessa and I send our hertfelt sympathy.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Peace
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:26 AM

Please accept my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences. This is a terrible tragedy. I'm sorry.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's gran
From: Mark Clark
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:36 AM

Shock and sorrow here in Iowa. Sandy & Caroline please know that our prayers are with you.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Padre
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:39 AM

Gail joins me in sending our deepest sympathy to Sandy, Caroline, and the entire Paton family.

Tom McHenry+

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Barbara
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:40 AM

Oh my friends, my heart goes out to you. How terrible. I hold you in the light.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: nager
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 01:01 AM

Such sad news ... my deepest sympathy from Australia

Paul

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 01:14 AM

All my sympathy to the Patons.

"Farther along we'll understand why.."

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's gran
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 01:39 AM

There is nothing I can say that will comfort or ease the pain. I will never understand why young people are lost. And my heart rails against the injustice.

For each ecstatic instant
We must an anguish pay
In keen and quivering ratio
To the ecstasy.

For each beloved hour
Sharp pittances of years,
Bitter contested farthings
And coffers heaped with tears. [Emily Dickinson]

The sorrow and pain of his loss will be as deep as the joy of his life was high.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's gran
From: georgeward
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 01:45 AM

Dearest Patons,

It is no surprise at all that any one of you would try to help a friend in trouble. No surprise to anyone here, I imagine. May you find the strength to help each other through this. And may we find enough ways to help.

I love you all,

- George

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: eddie1
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 02:08 AM

One of the worst pains in the world is for a parent to haave to say Goodbye to a child, For a grandparent to lose a grandchild is a step even more painful. It's not "supposed" to be like that.
To the Paton family, I've never met you, never e-mailed you, never called you but, through the pages of Mudcat I feel I know you. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Eddie

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's gran
From: Anglo
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 02:43 AM

I can only echo George Ward. I just heard the news, and have very little to say except to add sympathy and condolence. I am reminded of Gamble Rogers, much older, who also drowned trying to rescue someone. And the song "Don't take the Heroes" but so often they're the ones to go.

John R

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: SylviaN
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 04:20 AM

My heart goes out to you.

Sylvia

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: sian, west wales
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 07:06 AM

This tragedy tears at the heart. I've never met the Patons but am eternally grateful for all they've done, and am keeping them in my prayers.

sian

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: bbc
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 07:13 AM

Here are a few photos I took of Kaelan at the Paton family reunion on Saturday, June 13, 2009--3 days before his death. The young folks sat together & they had a great time.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mudder_bbc/sets/72157619803374081/

My favorite memory of Kaelan was an evening when he joined Sandy, Caroline, & me for dinner & a movie. He was in 5th grade then, the same age as my students. He & I had a lengthy discussion about literature. He was informed, articulate, fun! He recommended a fantasy series that I, subsequently, read & purchased for my library. Many of my students have enjoyed it & I like to tell them that I bought it on a young person's recommendation. What a terrible loss this is!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: bbc
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 07:16 AM

Sorry, folks. I was hurrying & blew the link. This one should work:

Photos of Kaelan

Barbara

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: GUEST,Lorraine
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 08:27 AM

My thoughts and love to all involved. Caroline-Sandy if you'd like to just talk at any point please feel free to call. You have my numbers I think. I'll send them again in case. Hugs and love
~Lorraine

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: GUEST,Keith A o' Hertford
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 08:48 AM

I am so sorry for you all.
Vey best wishes,
keith.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's gran
From: John Minear
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 09:28 AM

Such loss is beyond bearing. May all of our thoughts gather round and help bear you up, now and later. John

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 09:37 AM

I don't have any words that haven't already been said.

Holding you in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Linn

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: fat B****rd
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 11:31 AM

Best regards and condolences from Charlie in Scotland.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Neil D
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 11:38 AM

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. So very sorry.

                                 Neil and Christina

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 11:44 AM

I am so sorry.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 11:49 AM

......Thinking of you all.

Peter

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Severn
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 11:50 AM

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the
family, as well.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Becca72
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 11:56 AM

Having just experienced something similar, I offer my heartfelt condolences and a shoulder to cry on if needed.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's gran
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:10 PM

I spent yesterday at the hospital with my Dad. I came home to find this and I am beyond grief stricken. As has been stated so eloquently by so many, to be a friend with these wonderful people is to be a part of a very large family of friends. Caroline and Sandy embrace you with loving arms and just pull you in. In my own case, they have become something we call "chosen family". I have sat in that wonderful house on Sharon Mountain, over a cup of coffee and watched Caroline dote on Linnea, and saw the pride in her eyes as she spoke of her grandkids. Knowing that this searing pain is something that they will have to bear, and that there is nothing that those of us who love them can do to ease it, is one of the worst feelings ever. What I can say to, beloved "chosen family" is that I share your grief, and you are in my constant and loving thoughts and prayers.

David, and family, I have always said I can tell a great deal about people by the children they raise. In the case of your parents and grandparents, it is clear they have raised exceptional children and grandkids. Look to the love they have given you for the strength you will need in the coming days, weeks, and months. And know that you carry with you the love and sympathy of all of us that your family has touched.

Mick Lane

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: gnu
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:12 PM

Thoughts and prayers.

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: GUEST,stallion
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:16 PM

Deepest sympathy from all of us

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: ClaireBear
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:46 PM

My heartfelt condolences. Prayers flutter on the breeze from California to you. May they bring a tiny spark of comfort.

Claire

P.S. This passage has helped me though some difficult times, although I have never had times as difficult as yours:

"The death of each of us is in the order of things: It follows life as surely as night follows day. We can take The Tree of Life as a symbol. The human race is the trunk and branches of this tree, and individual men and women are the leaves, which appear one season, flourish for a summer, and then die. I too am a leaf of this tree and one day I shall be torn off by a storm, or simply decay and fall — and become part of the earth about its roots.

"But, while I live, I am conscious of the tree's flowing sap and steadfast strength. Deep down in my consciousness is the consciousness of a collective life, a life of which I am a part, and to which I make a minute — but unique — contribution. When I die and fall the tree remains, nourished to some small degree by my manifestation of life. Millions of leaves have preceded me and millions will follow me: but the tree itself grows and endures."

— Herbert Read

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:55 PM

Hugs to the whole family, nothing more I can add, you are all in my thoughts x
Lucy

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:59 PM

Is that you, Hawker?


Someone asked me how much good a note in a thread like this, from a rank stranger, can do. I replied:

When I was new here, the Patons personally invited me to come to a festival. That's how they feel about rank strangers. :~)

I Flow blessings to all who have lost a dear one, young or old, recently or not so recently. This is a community that stays close in the hard times, and I give thanks to be a small part of it.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Morticia
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 01:06 PM

I am so sorry, my thoughts are with you all

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Tradsinger
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 01:17 PM

I'd like to add condolences and sympathy from England.

Gwilym

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 01:17 PM

I don't know what to say, Sandy and Caroline. I'm sure this is so hard on you. May the love of your friends and family give you comfort at this time.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Beer
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 01:18 PM

Been away all morning and someone just sent a p.m. for me to have a look. I just did, and I am very sorry for your loss. Strenght to all concerned.
Adrien

Subject: RE: Kaelan Paton Missing - Sandy & Caroline's grandson
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 01:39 PM

I'm very sorry to hear about this and can only send my sympathy to the entire Paton family. I almost lost my own life to deep water one time. We know that we all die sometime...but it's a terrible blow to lose a child or a grandchild. May you find strength and comfort to get you through this tragedy.

George