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My dad called me yesterday afternoon and told me that my brother passed. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer, and was going through radiation and chemo. When I talked to him a couple of weeks ago, Pat was telling me that he was tired, but the cancer cells were shrinking, and the doctors were pleased with how well the treatments were working. He was 53.
My 18 year old niece found him in the bathroom already passed, and she called 911 and cleaned up before my sister in law got home.
My family was not that close, and growing up, I never really knew Pat, as he was 14 years older than I am. We did connect several years ago at the Myrtle Beach Bike week, and I spent several days with him. We did talk more, but not enough.
The last thing that I told him was when he got stronger, we were going to do a week long bike tour, most likely up to Sturgis, as brothers. I'm so sad that we will never get to do that trip.
Unfortunately, the trip I will be making will be down to North Carolina. I'll be leaving out on Saturday, not sure when I'm coming back.
I beg all of you to spend time with your brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers as you can. I wish I had spent more time with mine.
-------------------- Mark Kottwitz Kottwitz Graphics Ridgely, MD www.SeeMySignWork.com -------------------------- Imagination is more important than knowledge. -- Albert Einstein Posts: 746 | From: Ridgely, MD | Registered: Oct 2000
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Thank you for your words of encouragement to us in your time of great loss. May God comfort you and your family in the days to come.
-------------------- Bill Modzel Mod-Zel screen Printing Traverse city, MI modzel@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1356 | From: Traverse City, MI | Registered: Nov 1998
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My Condolences Mark, Your story is a little close to mine, My Brothers birthday was the other day, he would have been 61, he like me was a motocyclist, and he lived away for 40 years, he moved back home about 7 years ago, we had a chance to connect before he got sick with cancer, but nener took that trip together...he was 58 when he died.. again My Condolences.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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A sad story. May you be comforted by the prayers being offered.
Remember "flowers for the living". Say the needed things now before it's too late. Standing beside a casket is not the time to tell folks you love them.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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-------------------- Lynda Yoder Wayne Yoder Signs & Designs 4735 List Rd Grass Lake, MI 5176884951 Posts: 154 | From: Grass Lake, MI | Registered: Feb 2007
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Mark, I just saw this and I am very sorry about your loss.
As I lost my sister to cancer, at the young age of 43, she asked me to stay just a little bit longer when I was in Idaho, but my mother-in-law at the time said that my father-in-law couldn't stay with my son who was 4 any longer and I had to return home. I was devastated and so was my sister, but I knew that life went on, and we had a deep love and understanding of our Lord and the promise of the future that there is something wonderful beyond this life.
I have to keep that in my heart to comfort me and push away the guilt that now looking back stabs at me from time to time. It is not what she would want by any means and I was so glad that I brought my children out to see her for a long period of time and my brother, sister and Dad also were there. So, I guess I am just leaving this with a positive note to dwell and cherish the close moments and intentions and run with them; Peace to you,
Deb
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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Our prayers for you and your family. My brother and are not close and haven't been for years...years. I lost my late husband to melanoma 6 years ago. Cancer is an awful thing. What is worse, however, is not telling folks that you love them before you are called home!
Kerri Brownlee Glorious Graphics and Gifts Mayflower, AR
-------------------- Kerri Brownlee Glorious Graphics and Gifts 312 Hwy 89 N Mayflower, Arkansas 72106 Posts: 20 | From: Mayflower, Arkansas | Registered: Feb 2011
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Thank you for all the kind words. Its been hard, and I have done my fair share of crying, but I have been back to take comfort in everyone's words.
My Mom, Dad, and Sister were here when I got down, and we have spent some time talking, re-connecting, and healing.
Its been a hard road, but Pat's coworkers and friends have come by, and everyone has been wonderful.
And as a side note, I will be doing that trip now with a piece of Pat going. My sister in law were talking, and she is selling me Pat's bike, Wahoo. I told her that it will always be Wahoo, the only thing that will be added will be an "in memory of" decal.
-------------------- Mark Kottwitz Kottwitz Graphics Ridgely, MD www.SeeMySignWork.com -------------------------- Imagination is more important than knowledge. -- Albert Einstein Posts: 746 | From: Ridgely, MD | Registered: Oct 2000
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