Remembering Rob2...
As the days go by, so many people have called, sent emails, ecards &
cards in the mail, from people all over the world. People have stopped by
& visited & helped the long hours to somehow slip by. I want you
to know how much this means to me. Thank you so much from the bottom of
my heart (met hale mijn hart). Many people are out there grieving...some
for me, some for Rob, some for their own loved ones who have gone on before
them. May we always remember these people in our prayers. When our own hearts
are heavy, we actually know how others feel. Please continue with your prayers.
They are so needed & appreciated. God bless you everyone. Patsy
><((((º>.·´¯
Dearest Patsy,
I have composed a poem for you, not to make you feel sad, but to let
you know that you do have people out here that doesn't even know you, but
they love you and pray for you, and Patsy, we also know and understand
the horrible pain you are going through right now. If there were anything
I could do to help you in anyway, I would. All you need to do is ask. God
Bless and keep you. Here is your poem:
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Patsy's and Rob's Poem
May your day be filled with loving family and friends,
And you can make it out that door, and feel the cool, cool winds.
Although your heart is broken, and you feel it will never be the same,
Your heart will heal, but never as good as it once was, you will return
to your everyday life, but with a flicker, not a flame.
And as much as you loved him, for he was a great man, it will be different
than it was before, but you must go on, not just for you, but for everyones
sake,
And Patsy, Rob will be waiting for you, when it is your time to go home,
and he will embrace you and be out of his chair at Heaven's Gate.
Composed and Written By: Pat Anderson,
For: Patsy and Rob
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Patsy, I hope you like the poem, and you will stay in my prayers.
A very loyal reader and e-mail friend.
Blessings & Love & Hugs being sent your way.
Pat Anderson
><((((º>.·´¯
December 14th I lost my father, so I know some
of what you feel. My dad was 94, lived
a long life,and is now no longer in pain from his cancer. It was Just
this week that I got back into my
email, and discovered your loss. I was raised in Alaska and a good friend
gave me a card in condolence
that helped me a lot. See there is an Indian/Eskimo legend that
tells us that what we see in the sky at
night is not stars like we are told, but the lights we see are openings
in heaven where the love of our lost
ones pours down and shines upon us to let us know they are there and
that they are happy.
Hope this helps in some small way. From one who knows, Penelope
><((((º>.·´¯
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please take comfort
in the blessings you have already had with your love. Many people will
never know the happiness you two shared together. And will share on the
other side. Losing a loved one is terrible, but you do have the knowledge
of God and his wonders. I am sure that your Rob wouldn't want you to grieve
forever. Continue to talk to him in heaven...God and he will communicate
with you in strange and wonderful ways. Please know that others care and
will keep you in our prayers.
Sue R-C -- North Carolina
><((((º>.·´¯
My heart goes out to you and yours during this
difficult time. I pray that you will soon find the joy and peace of the
Lord to sustain and keep you. Please know that many people are praying
for you. The joy of the Lord is your strength. The Lord your God is your
rock and your salvation. Do not let your despair and mourning take over.
God will replace it all with His peace. Selah! (Let it be so) and Amen!
(so be it) ~ Your sister in Christ,
Rebecca (aka. Respect2Glory)
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Friends,
I have fallen very behind on reading my e-mail's and have just read about
the funeral. My deapest sympothy, love, and prayers head your way
as you face this new year and this new life. About 13 years ago I
lost my grandfather. He lived in Oklahoma as my husband was in the
army and we were living in Washington state. We had not been there
very long when my grandfather passed away and I was not able to go to Oklahoma
to say my goodby's. A week after his funeral, I was reading the newspaper
and for some odd reason I looked at the obituaries. I had no reason
to, I knew almost no one in the area. Right there before me was a
gift which can only be explained as a gift from God. A wonderful little
"poem" which I have actually sent to either you or your mother at one time
or another, probably one or two years ago. But it seems more appropriate
now more than ever. Dear Friends, I hope you find as much comfort in
it as I have found many many times through all sorts of different trials
since grandfathers passing. Bless you all. Lealani
I asked God to take away my pride,
And God said “No”.
He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole,
And God said “No”.
He said her sprit is whole her body is only temporary
I asked God to grant me patience,
And God said No”.
He said that patience is a by-product of tribulation,
It isn’t granted, it’s earned.
I asked God to give me happiness,
And God said No”.
He said He gives blessings, Happiness is up to me.
I asked God to spare me pain
And God said No”.
He said suffering draws you apart from worldly care and brings you closer
to Me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow,
And God said No”.
He said I must grow on my own, But He will prune me to make me fruitful
I asked God if He loved me,
and God said “Yes”,
He gave his only son who died for me, and I will be in heaven someday
because I believe..
I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me,
And God said
“Ah, finally you have the idea!”
><((((º>.·´¯
he is safe in his arm and looking down on you
asking God to give you peace may God bless you and happy new year
Laquetta G
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Patsy,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I understand and feel your
pain. You see I lost a son five years ago, I still grieve for him,
but as time goes by it gets easier. It will be awhile, but with God's
help we all can endure the impossible, he promise he would not leave us
comfortless, Jesus is always there with us, I know its hard right now and
you are going to miss him, look to hills from whence cometh your help, The
Lord is our Shepherd..
With deepest sympathy and much love to you and your family
Donnie
><((((º>.·´¯
Hi Patsy, I am deeply saddened to read Rob
went home. I know your heart is heavy, but lean on Jesus he will carry
you through this. God is good and he will send you a comforter. He will
never leave you comfortless. I lost my daughter to a one car accident eight
years ago and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about her.
Some days I'm sad and other days I'm real sad, but I know she watches over
me. So be strong, put your trust in Jesus and he will see you through.
God Loves you and so do I. Shirlette.
><((((º>.·´¯
I am so dreadfully sorry to hear that Rob passed
on to be with our Father,
he is walking the streets of heaven in no pain with out any outside help.
I
know that you are suffering and I will keep you in my prayers tomorrow
at
church. Judy
><((((º>.·´¯
GRIEF AND LOSS RESOURCE CENTRE
http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/grief/griefA1.html
><((((º>.·´¯
I just joined your site and I am sorry for your
loss. May you find comfort in knowing the Lord is with you and is holding
you in the palm of his hand. Rose
><((((º>.·´¯
Re: Rob went to Heaven today...
I am so sorry to hear that. I will be praying for you and your
family.
April G Colorado Springs, CO
><((((º>.·´¯
Dearest Patsy :
My heart goes out to you ! And my prayers are going up for you
even as i write this ,even thow we havent met i feel as thow i have been
part of your life for along time now and truly deeply pray for the God mercy
and strenght to be with you threw this time in your life. Its never easy to
lose anyone and i too have lost many in my life , my mother when i was 8
my father when i was in my late twentys and my frist husband also took his
life. So what i want to say to you even thow its hard in words here if i
was there i would give you a hug and tell you everything will be ok , its
not ok that Rob passed away but i can reassure you that everything will be
ok in time . Chin up hun , God has a reason even when we cant see it , He
"God " has a major plan in your life and you have only come to another fork
in the road . I'm sure your wondering why you have to tour it alone but in
time it will come to you and you'll know. Your in my prayers I send you my
loves and huggs . please feel free to write me when you have time or even
just want to chat . And remebere there is always a silver lining around every
cloud !!
Huggs & Loves Dawn:)
><((((º>.·´¯
Hi Patsy,
I am very sorry about your Rob. I'm glad that he was able to know that
you got there when you did....I'm glad that he heard your voice.
When a believer leaves for heaven you know it's joyous occasion, as well
as a sad one.
The hardest thing is understanding. Peace passes all.The peace
that passes all, all your understanding , shall guide your heart and mind
thru Christ Jesus.
Fred Hammond sings this song- Where the Spirit...Where the spirit
of the Lord is, there is liberty. Where the spirit of the Lord is, the captive
are set free. The wounded are made whole, there is rest for
your soul.....Where the Spirit is..... Where the spirit is....Where the
Spirit is...there is liberty!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I ask that you wrap your arms around Patsy and NEVER let
go. I ask that you ease your hurting heart. It's a mixed feeling losing Rob,
the love of her life and yet knowing that she will see him again
because he is there with you. Give Patsy the strength to get up in the morning
and to take on the day....and the peace that she needs to lay her head down
at night. I know that you are a God of love, mercy, and stregnth.
Thank you Lord for your love , your word , your truth and mercy.
Your word tells us how much you love us Jeremiah 29:11, Ps 139. You know
everything about us and you want us to know that your love for us
is endless. I pray for blessing in all that she does. You know her
heart and pain...hold her Lord and NEVER let her go. In Jesus Name I Pray
Amen
I know that Rob is with Dad Warrner, he went to be with the Lord
last December 8th, and Pastor Cam who went on ahead December 2001. No cliche's
Patsy...I hate those anyway! cry when you want to, laugh when want
to, smile when good memories prompt you and scream if you need to....
When someone describes their spouse as " the love of their life" I
know they will NEVER forget them. E-mail anytime! Paulette
w
><((((º>.·´¯
I didn't know your husband, but your words describe
a wonderful man. My sincerest condolences.
Sincerely, Cheryl K in NJ
><((((º>.·´¯
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss, I just
loss my father in a similar matter Dec 21st. I got a call at 2:15 am that
he was being rushed to the hospital, with no heartbeat or pulse, I was walking
up to the front door of the hospital when I got the call that they pronounced
him dead!! That was the hardest thing I have ever been through. Good luck
and you will be in my prayers. If you need a friend to e-mail to, I will
check it often. Your Rob and My Father are together watching over us right
now and they don't want us crying over them, be strong!!! Please feel
free to e-mail me if you need a shoulder to cry on!!!
Traci G
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Patsy. Although I don't personally know you,
I wanted to let you
know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love in
Christ, Shunda F
><((((º>.·´¯
My thoughts and Prayers go out to you. Jim &
Sharon C
><((((º>.·´¯
My prayers are with you......Cathy
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Patsy and family...I am so sorry for your
loss and no words can help pull you and your Family thru this lost..I
can only keep you all in our prayers so you can all get thru this lost....He
will always be with you all as you sleep and as you go on in your everyday
life I assure you...You may not be able to see Him physically but as you
walk thru life you will laways feel him...God Bless all of you Lots
Of hugs......................Kathy
><((((º>.·´¯
May the memories of your loved one give you comfort
in your grief...
May the beauty of the world around us give you peace.
Dorcas P
><((((º>.·´¯
Hope this helps Mom, I love you...Kay xoxox
There's an elephant in the room.
It is large and squatting,
so it is hard to get around it.
Yet we squeeze by with,
"How are you?"
And "I'm fine..."
And a thousand other forms of trivial chatter.
We talk about the weather.
We talk about everything else -- except
the elephant in the room.
We all know it is there.
We are thinking about the elephant
as we talk.
It is constantly on our minds, for you see,
it is a very big elephant.
But we do not talk about the elephant
in the room
Oh, please, say her name.
Oh, please, let's talk about the elephant
in the room.
For if we talk about her death,
perhaps we can talk about her life.
Can I say her name and not have you look away?
For if I cannot, you are leaving me alone,
in a room... with an elephant.
><((((º>.·´¯
Tre-Angeli on Grief
http://www.tre-angeli.com/Grief/
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Patsy
I was so sorry to hear of Rob's passing. But you know, as a Christain,
that he will be waiting for you when it is your turn to go home. You
must remember, God has a purpose for you here on earth. Your websites
have been a boon to so many. I will constantly keep you in prayer and
pray that God sends comforting angels to hold you close when the pain becomes
to hard to bear. You are loved by your readers so much. Betty W Ipswich,
MA
><((((º>.·´¯
Hi patsy, you don't know me, but I know how you
must feel ,I know you will miss him very dearly, but he will be with God
and be safe and also he will always be with you in your mind and heart, I
am so sorry patsy, I know that if something should happen to my husband I
would want to go with him also, its going to take a while and you will never
get over it but eventually you would be able to cope with it, again I am
so sorry for you and rob....
Mary H, one of your readers.......
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Friends,
I would like to extend my deepest, most heartfelt sympathy to you and
your family .
May God bless and comfort you at this time. God says in his word, "HE
WILL NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE US......"May you find the peace and love of
God to get you through these difficult days. My prayers and thoughts are
with you.
With love, Judi H Jonesborough, TN, USA
><((((º>.·´¯
I don't know you personally and you don't know
me but I subcribe to your newsletter. I think it's wonderful, GREAT,
ect. Anyway I just wanted to give you my condolences in this heartbreaking
time. Also I hope that anything I said here doesn't offend you in anyway.
Sincerely yours, Jennifer M
If you ever need to talk just know that you'll always have a friend right
here:
my home address, --- Cedar Bluff, Va.
><((((º>.·´¯
I am so sorry for your loss. I too just lost a
lovd one recently. It hurts and it will hurt for a long time. Prayers are
with you on your behaf. May you be comforted by those who love you and your
loved ones.
Sincerly, Tabitha W
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Patsy,
Words cannot come to me to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss.
I wish you every blessing that God may grant you to help you get through
this horrible time.
I do write often but have been getting your newsletters for several years
with a variety of email addresses
but if I can ever be of any use to you please email me at my ISP:
Again, God Bless You and your family at this time, Love and Kisses Liz.
><((((º>.·´¯
Sorry about your loss God be with you and
yours at this time God is a good
God all the time, Sharon
><((((º>.·´¯
In Memory of Rob
THIS IS FOR PATSY, KAY, AND ALL OF YOUR FAMILY.....Virginia C
He Is Just Away
I cannot say, and I will not say....
that he is dead...
he is just away!
With a tilt of his head, and a wave of his hand.....
he has wandered off to an unknown land......
and leaves us thinking, how fair, that land must be.....
since he lingers there.
Always know...
do not fear....
he loves us, there,
as he loved us here.
And therefore I just cannot say....
that he is dead.....
he is just away!
He would not want the ones he loves
To grieve in any way
So I must not think of him as dead
But that he is just away
Away upon a journey
To a land that's bright and fair
I know I'll always want him here
But he is happy there
Then memories of him will give me
Some comfort day by day
As I recall--He is not dead
He is just away....
><((((º>.·´¯
Dearest Patsy,
I am sending prayers to you and your family. I will hold Rob in
my thoughts.
Hilary
><((((º>.·´¯
MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO U AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY.
I WILL PRAY FOR ALL OF U.
FOR I KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE I WENT INTO CARDIAC ARREST MY SELF LAST
JAN. I
WILL PRAY FOR U . MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH U AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Patsy, Kay and Family,
I am writing to express my condolences and prayers for healing after
the loss of your family member, Rob. I can still feel the pain of the
loss of my husband in 1999, and therefore can imagine how difficult this
time must be for you. I wish I could tell you that time heals all wounds,
but that would only be empty words. Some wounds are not meant to be healed...only
endured.
What I can tell you, though, is that God will give you the strength to
bear the pain, as HE sends aide by way of angels, family, friends, and wonderful
memories to uphold you. He will help you find meaning in the suffering
of loss, as He heals you one day at a time...one moment at a time.
What a blessing it was to read that Rob is in the mighty and loving arms
of Jesus, and that you express so gratefully the privilege of having had
the wonderful years you did have together.
Be gentle with yourselves, and each other, dear ones. Continue to
look to HIS message of LOVE to bring you understanding and comfort. The
sun will come out again in your lives. The reasons to smile and laugh
and live will return to you, because HE LIVES...and so does Rob. May
they both continue to watch over you, and provide for every one of your
needs.
Sincerely, Gabrielle
P.S. There is a saying that I have written and posted to my refrigerator:
"I am wounded, but not slain. I will lay me down and bleed awhile,
but then get up again!" I'm not sure of the author of this quote, but
it is a continual source of hope to me, when I get impatient with myself for
not "getting up" right away! Remember...we all need time to bleed!
Allowing yourself that time will strengthen you so you can eventually get
back up - stronger than ever!
><((((º>.·´¯
I was so very sorry to hear of your loss! you
are in my familys thought's and prayers!!! it will be loveof your family,
and friend's who will get through this most difficult time. god bless you
and your family.
><((((º>.·´¯
Dearest Patsy and Kay,
It's with my deepest thoughts and prayers for you
both at this time that I read your email about Rob's
passing. I'm truly at a loss for words, but I did want
you to know that you're in my prayers ... and do take
great comfort in knowing that Rob is in good hands
and will always be 'the love of your life' Patsy in that
special place in your heart.
Warmest Thoughts and Prayers,
Hanne A Swanszine - Dedicated to Inform, Inspire and Enrich
http://www.swanspond.com
><((((º>.·´¯
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts
are with you and your family.
Deb C Vancouver (one of your website readers)
><((((º>.·´¯
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loving
husband. I can only
imagine how painfull it must be to lose such a wonderful person. As
tough as it is I know you will survive because you are a strong will
person and God is with you. Please be assured that my prayers are with
you and your family. One of your faithful & caring readers Betty
R-L
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Patsy, It's 8:39 am, monday morning, I'm
barely awake and yahoo says I have one new message in my inbox, so I go
to mail, theres this letter from your daughter explaining about your precious
Rob. I absolutely fell apart, Hun I dont know You nor your husband but I
can't even start to imagine the pain you must feel , until one has been
there, one doesn't know, my best friend is going thru the same thing right
now, but it broke my heart to hear about your loss, Im not one to give advise
or say the pain will go away but, I can say from losing my dad in 1975 that
they're not really gone because they're everywhere, your precious Rob will
always be with you, you will hear his voice you will sense his touch, you
will smell him, so how can he be truly gone. And when these things happen,
enjoy them, its our way of taking time to enjoy all the memories we have spent
years making, The only thing I lost when my dad passed away was time with
him to make more, Since I have theese memories tho, believe me I make use
of them ,It sure helps me with my loss. If in the future you are lonely, Just
drag out your memory book(mentally), and take a wonderful stroll, and soon
you will find a smile on your face. I have no idea if you will get this letter,
but if you do and there's anytime you are lonely, i am almost always on my
computer all nite ,and if you ever just need someone there holler at me ,im
a 54 year old tenderhearted grandma of 3 girls, so holler at me anytime just
to pass the time, and my prayers are sincerely with you, love sue t
><((((º>.·´¯
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I Must admit
I myself cried reading the email. His weekly letters meant so much
to me. At this time may God grant you the strength to get through each
moment of each day as you do what you must do. Remember that your memories
have become even more cherished now. Lean on the Lord and remember.....He
never gives us more than we can handle at one time. Much love. Pat
><((((º>.·´¯
Dearest Patsy and family,
I send my sincere sorrow to you for your loss. I pray for you all,
and send lots of love for healing.
Your friend, Stephanie
><((((º>.·´¯
To Patsy, I wanted to remind you that God is in
control and that he loves you.
-John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him,
should not perish, but, have everlasting life.
My prayers are with you and your family. love, Phyllis
><((((º>.·´¯
patsy. our prayers @ sympathy goes out to you and
your family. i know you have a great loss. you seemed so happy with rob.
he was a wonderful person and caring. i know it breaks your heart but sis
your loss is heavens gain. rob is in a better place no suffering and
pain. but you can meet rob .if he could speak he wouldn't want you greaving
for him. i know your feeling. i lost a 16 yr old boy. we pray for god to
comfort you an help you in the rough times ahead. we love and care for you.
glenna
><((((º>.·´¯
There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose
your heart’s desire. The other is to gain it.
-George Bernard Shaw-
Dear Patsy,
You have had both of these tragedies!! The pain of your loss will
never go away, some days it will just be easier to bear.
You were very lucky to have had such a wonderful love, few people can
honestly say they were that lucky.
My prayers are with you. Blessings always Moondragon
Cheryl B
><((((º>.·´¯
HELLO,
MY NAME IS KAREN G FROM BOSTON. MY FRIEND DIED OVER THE BEGINNING OF THE
YEAR. A LOSS IS HARD TO TAKE, BUT SOMEHOW WE KEEP ON GOING. TAKE
CARE
KAREN G
><((((º>.·´¯
To Those I Love
When I am gone, release me, let me go,
I have so many things to see and do
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that we had so many years
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness
I thank you for the love you each have shown
But now it's time to travel on alone.
So grieve awhile for me, if you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust,
It's only for awhile we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,
I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All of my love around you, soft and clear,
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say, Welcome Home.
My hope and prayers are with you, Sandra
><((((º>.·´¯
HUGS,THOUGHTS AND LOVE TO YU AND YOUR FAMILY AT
THIS TIME. SO SORRY TO
HEAR THE NEWS.
><((((º>.·´¯
Thinking of you and yours today. Wishing for healing
and restoration of wonderful memories and that pain slows and moves slowly
into the background. I know it will not go away, just want your memories
to soothe you. Maureen in Michigan
><((((º>.·´¯
Patsy and Kay,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father and husband. He will
sincerely be missed.
Linda
><((((º>.·´¯
Please include me in the thanks of wonderful newsletters
you do. Rob's
recipes were written the way I do mine. Love you both. Please
rest a
while, and we will all set aside time to remember our departed loved ones.
Take care, Donna
><((((º>.·´¯
My husband died a week ago Friday. Know that Patty
is in my prayers and I will surely try and send some help when I am able
to think again, I do so enjoy her chocolate recipes and share them with all
my chocoholics.
Thanks Amber H
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Patsy,
Sorry to hear about Rob passing away. Our minister always
says that
when one door closes another one opens. I do believe in that.
I had
subscribed to Rob's e-mails and was enjoying it just like I enjoy yours.
I know it will take time for you to get over this but with God watching
over you, he will take care of that. I am looking forward
to when you
will be back on line again but Kay is doing a very good job.
Until I
hear from you again may God bless you with all his care.
As ever with blessings,
Lois M from New Jersey
><((((º>.·´¯
dear Patsy,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You have my deepest sympathy.
My prayers are with you!
Sincerely, Marilyn
><((((º>.·´¯
God bless you as you go through this trial.
May you always know he is right beside you to walk with you. Love and prayers.
Gloria S
><((((º>.·´¯
God bless your family.
Hi i just wanted to show my respect to your family. On november 6, 2003
we lost a cousin to a brtual homicide, he was a good man only 30 years
old he always stayed to his self he was robbed at mcdonalds for 62.00
and killed.Well enough about me, i will keep you in my familys prayers
.
Thanks, elisha r
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Patsy;
Know nothing can replace the loss of a loved one. The love you shared
and remembering the good times will aid in recovery, though that may be months/years
down the road. Please accept my sincerest condolences and a few poems
that I wrote when thinking of friends, my sister and son who're lost to
me
Yours in trying times, Ghostwriter
~
One More Time
Let me hold you in my arms, humor me one more time.
To tell you what you mean to me and feel your cheek to mine.
Simple words and phrases seem to mean so little now;
Times we've shared shrink to this one moment, somehow.
To convey without words how much your friendship's meant to me.
Love and laughter rings in my heart, and there they'll always be.
Soon I'll look up at the stars -- like eyes they shine at night,
And wonder with a smile if those are yours that gleam so bright.
Years from now I may be alone and I'll come across this rhyme,
And give anything and all I own just to hold you one more time.
~
Leaves of Green
Do not weep for me, for I walk on a separate plane;
Instead please plant a seedling, and call it by my name.
Love and care for it dear, as you did for me in life;
Watch it grow as I watched you, all throughout my life.
In the Spring when all is new and bursting at the seams,
I shall look down and smile, upon my leaves of green.
><((((º>.·´¯
oh my gosh.......
i know there are no words of comfort losing ones you love...... please
know you are in my thoughts and prayers..... time does slowly ease the
tremendous pain. love to my dear friend, michele
xoxox i will write more later!
><((((º>.·´¯
Life is like a Mountain Railroad
http://www.rdmnxdesigns.com/railway.html
><((((º>.·´¯
Take My Hand
http://www.ishaah.com/Takemyhand.cfm
No matter what we go through in our life God is
always there by our side and he loves and comforts
us. Just hold on!!!! My God bless you always.
Love Selena
><((((º>.·´¯
Hospice Foundation of America Grief Resource
http://www.hospicefoundation.org/grief/
Of all the experiences we confront in life, the toughest
to face is the sudden, unexpected loss of someone we love. Loss in itself
is painful enough, but sudden loss is shocking. The shock doubles our pain
and intensifies our grief.
Even if on some level we understand that no one lives forever, actually
losing people we love is unimaginable. When we know someone we love has a
fatal disease or when we have nursed a loved one who is very ill, we have
a chance to begin to prepare for the loss-at least a little. However, the
unexpected death of a loved one-regardless of how that loved one dies-can
leave us stunned, lost, and overwhelmed with pain. We may not know where
to begin to cope.
Sudden loss gives us no chance to prepare. It is not unusual that we feel
cheated by a sudden death, cheated of a chance to say the last words we would
have liked to say or to do some last act that would have had meaning to us-like
a hug, a kiss, a walk hand in hand. Missing out from having a way of saying
some kind of good-bye can leave us feeling especially bereft for weeks or
even months. Feeling cheated in this way can add to our grief, anguish and
despair.
Besides our feeling cheated by it, sudden loss can make the world feel shaky
or less safe. This is a natural response to any unexpected and traumatic event.
When we feel as if someone we love is suddenly "yanked" out of our lives,
we are left feeling that the world isn't a safe place. We may then become
fearful and uncertain, or angry and frustrated. This loss can negatively color
our view of life, but hopefully only temporarily.
When we face a sudden loss, all at once we have three overwhelming tasks
to deal with: Our grief over the loss of our loved one, the absence of this
special person from our daily lives, and the changes in our lives that are
caused by this loss. Each is a big task to take on, and each will become a
part of our mourning and healing process.
Although it may be hard to imagine at the moment, we must remember that
people do recover from sudden losses, and that we too can ultimately move
through this terrible pain and begin to heal.
It helps to bear in mind that emotional pain isn't constant, and that we
don't have to grieve forever. We will love forever, whether our loved ones
are with us in body or not, but we do not need to grieve to honor that love.
We can just love.
In talking to many people who have suffered sudden loss, I have learned
that there are several important, possibly universal, ways to help yourself
heal:
Love yourself and take special care of yourself through your grief.
Do your mourning now.
Being strong and brave is important, but I always tell those I counsel to
never miss an opportunity to cry. That is not self-indulgent, but simply sensible
and honest in dealing with your emotions.
Expressing your feelings will help you heal, as feelings expressed disappear.
Feelings repressed don't. So give vent to your feelings.
Get support from other people-
counselors and support groups like widows groups, bereavement groups, The
Compassionate Friends, or suicide survivors. You may find them through a hospice,
your church, or a community or social service agency. You will not only help
yourself, but you may also help another and that can be a great source of
strength, joy and recovery.
And most of all, trust that the person you loved and lost would want you
to recover from losing them, and would want you to remember and honor them
by living a fulfilling life.
*This article is from HFA's newsletter, Journeys, April 1996.
><((((º>.·´¯
Counseling For Loss & Life Changes (CLLC)
http://www.counselingforloss.com/
><((((º>.·´¯
All Is Well
Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped away into the next door room,
I am I and you are you...
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in
the usual way which you always used. Put no
difference into your tone, wear no forced air
of solemnity or sorrows. Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile,
think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the
household word that it always was. Let it be spoken
without effect, without the ghost of a shadow on it.
Life means all it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was,
there is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be
out of mind, because I am out of sight? I am but waiting
for you, for in the interval. Somewhere very near just
around the corner... All Is Well...
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Patsy, I was so sorry to hear of Robs death.
I haven't been on the computer for awhile and when I did that was the first
message I saw. There is nothing anyone can say to ease the pain, just
know everyone loved Rob and we all love you Patsy. Take care of yourself
and I wish you all the best. Your friend, Janice
><((((º>.·´¯
Sung at Rob's graveside service...
Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer
http://people.uleth.ca/~anderson/hymns/103.htm
><((((º>.·´¯
Sang at Rob's funeral service...one of his favourites.
Onward, Christian Soldiers
http://people.uleth.ca/~anderson/hymns/246.htm
><((((º>.·´¯
Patsy,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. During times like these one can
only turn to the Lord for comfort. I can only imagine the pain and sense
of loss you must be feeling. Rely on close friends and family for they
will be the Lord's messengers in your time of need. Again, I am so
sorry and offer my deepest condolences. I will keep you and yours in
my prayers daily.
Praying for you, Maggie
><((((º>.·´¯
OH Patsy,
I just finished reading the memorial page you put together for Rob. (Thank
you for thinking of us during your terrible time of grief!) The tears scrolled
down my cheeks faster than I could scroll down the page. As one of
Rob's early subscribers to his "Live and Let Live" newsletter, I feel like
he was a personal friend. The seriousness of his earlier illness in
Holland, your move back to Canada, and all the other events in your life's.
We had sent several personal e-mails between us and I feel his loss deeply,
but no where near as deep as you must be feeling it.
Whenever I've written to you, you've always been kind enough to reply.
With this note there is no need for you to reply. Words are only that...words.
If I might be bold enough to say that in some ways Rob was lucky. He
made the move to Canada, he was able to marry and live with the wonderful
woman he loved above all else and he had a world full of friends!
I am proud to consider myself one of them!!
May God bless you and yours at this tough time and carry you in his hands
when you aren't able to carry yourself. I know you'll understand this
because Rob did!!! Heaven has gained another angel and I'll be able
to see him face to face some day. He and I will both be walking!!!!
Thank God for his mercies!!!!
My Love and hugs
Shari M Windsor, ON
><((((º>.·´¯
Patsy,
I am so, so sorry for your loss of Rob. I have so enjoyed visisiting
his site and reading his e-mail letters. What a kind and funny man
with so much heart. I am sad to lose him, even though I never met him.
He is at peace and I pray for peace for you at this time of deep sorrow.
You are in our prayers.
God Bless You, Sheri V
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Patsy,
My heart breaks for you at this time of overwhelming grief and sorrow at
Rob's
passing....He was a wonderful, witty writer for all of his subscribers at
his
"Cooking Pot", and he was a loving husband and companion for you.
We will all miss him daily and remember him always. My thoughts and
prayers are
with you, Patsy. May our Heavenly Father provide comfort to you as
he welcomes
Rob home. Sincerely, Kathy S
><((((º>.·´¯
Patsy, I'm so sorry. My heart hurts for you.
Natalie
><((((º>.·´¯
My heart goes out to you. I will miss his
thoughts and sense of humour. He
reminded me so much of my father. I hope there is a lot of curry for
him in
Heaven :>). I know it is a better place with him there.
Hugs and prayers from-
Nancy in Idaho
><((((º>.·´¯
OH PATSY, MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU.
GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH TO GET THROUGH THIS., KATHY IN IOWA
><((((º>.·´¯
I pray for your peace. It will take a while
before you even remotely find a ray of light. Just know that you are
in so many prayers. God is so wonderful and he will see you through
this. I will pray that you feel not only God's love but Robs love too.
You know how blessed you were and in this time of sorrow please accept my
prayers for you and your family. I can't begin to know how you feel,
I have had losses in my life just not a spouse, I will just pray that you
find all the love and comfort you need during this time. I pray that
you don't let anyone tell you how to deal with things. Just do
what your heart tells you and go where it leads you. God is with you.
With deepest sympathy,
Cheryl T
><((((º>.·´¯
i am so sorry to hear about this. i just signed
up for is emails. i love to
cook and so happy to see someone else loves to cook too. oh my now what will
i do i hope you will find time to keep his page going. thanks so much for
emailing me. jackie k
><((((º>.·´¯
May I send you my deepfelt condolences.
Joe D
><((((º>.·´¯
My prayers are with you...thanks for all the wonderful
recipes, etc..He will be missed by all.
><((((º>.·´¯
Hello Patsy,
I am so very very sorry to hear about your darling husband!!
I think it was a privilege from the Lord that you were there with him..and
spent some time with him after he went to be with Jesus. The Lord always
knows what we need..and although this is the worst day of your life..I know
you will always remember that you were with him..holding him..looking at
him..smiling with him through your tears..The Lord will help you get through
this if you will let him..rely upon Him..he is there for you..We will never
know why this has happened until the day we see Him face to face..trust that
the Lord knows..the best for Rob.
Let the Lord wrap his arms around you now..and feel the love surrounding
you..from the Lord..the Giver Of life..the Alpha and the Omega..and from
your friends..and your family. They will all sustain you..and keep
you with a smile on your face..
I will be praying for you also..I am so saddened by your loss..but take heart
Patsy..Rob is in a beautiful place..a wonderful place..a place that we cannot
even picture in our minds..One where there is no tears..no sadness and no
sickness...where he has received a brand new body..a healthy body..and one
day..when the Lord wants..you will be there with him..enjoying all the wonderful
blessings of Heaven..
God Bless You Patsy,
Elaine
><((((º>.·´¯
Patsy I just got on the internet just now I looked
for your phone number and cant find it. I cannot tell you how sorry I am.
You know it has been my desire to come meet the both of you. My heart is
breaking I would give anything to be there for you now. I will be saying
prayers for my dear friend, You must not give up now Rob will be watching
from Heaven. I will now treasure my picture all the more. I loveyou and if
you need me let me know. Send me yor phone number again and when you feel
up to it I will call you. I LOVE YOU AND YOU ARE NOT ALONE MY PRAYERS AND
HEART ARE WITH YOU. I AM SORRY I DIDNT GET ON SOONER. MARIE
><((((º>.·´¯
Dear Patsy; My deepest sympathy is extended to
you on the loss of your beloved Rob. I was only a subscriber
for a short time, but I felt like I had been a long timer. Gold bless
you in you time of need.
><((((º>.·´¯
am so sorry please accept my condolences
JHenry
><((((º>.·´¯
I am so very touched by your e-mail. I did'nt
know your husband,but I greatly enjoyed his newsletters. I sat here and cried
and wished I could comfort you. Please know that my prayers are for you and
your family and God bless you all.
Diana I
><((((º>.·´¯
I am so sorry to hear about Rob. I lost
my husband 6 1/2 years ago, so, I know what you are going thru. We
were married for almost 23 years. It was such a great loss. If
it is any consolation........you will make it thru this, but you will never
forget. May God bless and keep you. Loretta
><((((º>.·´¯
Dearest Patsy, How my heart aches for you. I
didn't know you all, but i felt like you was a part of my family. If it helps,
i'm crying for you, as i write this, as i'm sure, most everyone are. He must
have been a wonderful man.What a legacy he left, with the way you feel about
him. I don't understand it Patsy, but i know, God takes the best, for his
flower garden, and Rob was surely the best. I know your heart aches, but
if it's any consulation, i know our days on earth are numbered. Before long,
we will all be together in Heaven.You will be with your Rob. Please try to
just find comfort, in the life you shared. and whatever you do, go on with
your life.God took him, but God doesn't want you heart broken. He will help
you thru this. I know, you know all this honey. I just want you to know,
that everyone cares, and our hearts ache for you.You aren't alone.We love
you and Rob, and will forever pray for you and your loss. Sincerely Beverly
B
><((((º>.·´¯
I'm so sorry to hear this. I know this had to
be a hard letter to write to all of us. Our Lord is only a prayer away and
it seems as if you both had a good relationship with him. I'll keep you in
my prayers.
God bless and keep you. A new reader, Wanda T
><((((º>.·´¯
So sorry to hear your news! we will keep you and
your family in our prayers. Yours, Joy
><((((º>.·´¯
Patsy,
I am so sorry to hear of Rob's passing. I have always enjoyed The Cooking
Pot and Rob's sense of humor and common sense. He will be missed, but
I bet God has him in a chef's hat already!
Please know he will be prayed for, as well as you and your family.
Sincerely, Vicki H
The Colony, TX
><((((º>.·´¯
Patsy: I am so sorry. I haven't
suscribed to his newsletter for very long, but long enough to really
like it.
May God bless and keep you.
Wilma S, a reader
><((((º>.·´¯
I have to tell you how sorry I am for you and
to tell you that my heart goes out to you and your whole family in this time
of loss. I know that all of us who read Robs cheerful, everyday talks were
always made happy by them. Not only for the wonderful recipes but for his
thoughts and outlook on life. I'm sure that your going through such a terrible
time but maybe it will comfort you to know how Rob did make so many of us
smile and brightened our days. Sincerely, Nanette O
><((((º>.·´¯
Patsy
I did not subscribe or know about Rob's site "Live and Let Live.
How can I subscribe to it. I would like to read his full story.
He was a good person and a funny one in his Rob's Cooking Pot.
I loved those e-mails from him
Thanks Sue
http://clix.to/RobDerksema
><((((º>.·´¯
Patsy,
You and Rob had a wonderful life and you can always
remember him
through all that you did together. Never forget the good times that
you
had. He was good to everyone that he came in contact with. God
had him
finish his work here on earth and now he has another job. He will prepare
a
place for you in heaven. You just have to get on with what it is that
God
wants you to do so that you too can go and be with Him in heaven when that
job is done. You are a good lady and I know that God has alot planned
for
you to do here on earth.
Rob is probably running a race there in heaven
now that he has two
good legs to use and all is healed and perfect in God sight. God is
so good
to all of us and whatever path he chooses for us we need to pray for the
strength and courage to undertake them. I know that those are just
words
but it is so true. God has a master plan and every day we must pray
that we
do what it is that He has planned not what we think or we plan. God's
way
is always the best way!
I don't know if you got my last prayer request but
my friend died this
past week. SHe was only 39 years old and had one daughter named Heather
Cattrell. Her daughter is having a really hard time and being in the
7th
grade doesn't make it easy. This is the time a girl needs her mom the
most
and will not have her around. Please keep that child in your prayers.
It
is so hard for her to accept. We as adults know how hard death is for
us
let alone that young girl.. She will have to walk the isle at her marriage
without her mom at her side and she will have to face so many things without
a mom. No one can take the place of a loved one. We all know
that too well
and they leave a hole in our hearts. So please pray for her that she
accepts the death and that God giver her the courage and strength that she
needs to carry on. I know that this is not a good time for you but
it
happened to her and she needs that prayer too.
I will constantly keep you and your family in my
prayers. Your
daughter Kay is so wonderful to take over for you like that.
I know you
must not feel up to doing much but Rob would have wanted to you carry on.
He loved you and you Him. So many of us don't have someone that loves
us
that much. It was so nice to have had that love than to never have
known it
at all. My husband tries to hurt me instead of helping me. He
helps
everyone else but me and everyone sees that. They all cannot believe
what
he does. When I was sick you Rob was there for me not my own husband
so I
too will miss him telling me the things that I needed to hear. He helped
me
alot and I too will miss him. He was strength when I needed it the
most.
He told me to let the people from your website have my e mail and that they
would pray and there would be so much love there that it wouldn't matter
if
my husband was there for me or not. It must have been so wonderful
to know
that kind of love. A love that I will never know or see. I see
how short
life is and it hurts to know that my own husband doesn't really care about
me. Then to see you and Rob and then have Rob taken away suddenly hurts
all
of us that knew him. He was truly one wonderful man and he really helped
me
get through my rough times around October of last year when I had to have
back to back surgeries. He was so wonderful and I know how hurt to
are to
have lost him. God will give you strength to carry on the work that
He
wants you to do and to carry on with Robs newsletter to. He helped
all
handicapped people even if their handicapps weren't they type to keep
them
in a wheel chair he still accepted them into his realm of handicapps.
IT is
hard to have lung troubles and not be able to do what you need and want to
do. Rob understood that too well from being in that wheel chair.
God
teaches us all kinds of things and Rob was able to teach all of us something
about love and careing and cooking too!! He was so dedicated to what
he did
and that's the secret to being all that God wants us to be. He understood
handicapps no matter what they were and he helped those of us who were
having trouble to realize that the only handicapp is not try and not doing
and not being the best that one can be. He will be remembered for a
long
time to come.
I think that it would be a real tribute to him if
you were to try to
write his newsletter and keep it going for handicapped people. He loved
those of us with handicapps of any type and welcomed us into his newsletter
and let us all feel the love and caring that he had in his heart. You
could
take care of it for him too between you and your daughter as a tribute to
him. I know he would have wanted those who subscribed to his newsletter
to
be taken care of. Just a thought. It may be too much for you
but it would
be a great tribute to let those of us who wanted to to write a little bit
about him and send it to you and you could publish what we knew about him
and how he affected out lives. I know that I wasn't a subscriber for
very
long but he always made me feel the love of God through him.
He was a good
and loving and caring man and you too are that type of woman. I know
that
God has plans for you and you will sort it all out once the grief is past.
Take care of yourself Pasty as God has great things planned for you to
continue your husbands work and yours too. God bless you as you go
through
these trying days and please keep that little girl in your prayers.
That is
just too great of a burden to put on a child. Her father left her and
her
mom when the girl was 5 and brought a sexually transmitted disease to the
mom. So the girl really does need the prayers. Please please
even though I
know this might be a bad time to ask please pray for her. Children
shouldn't have to go through so much so young. God be with you and
watch
over you and send angels to protect and guide you.
With Christian Love
Mary USA West Virginia
Remembering Rob3...
http://www.pakadevasfreebees.com/RememberingRob3.html
Patsy rpkdv@nf.aibn.com
