As always you and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers. I really wish there was more to say in words to convey just how much you and your family are thought of and prayed for.
I happened to read the post prior to trying to go to bed last night. There were a few moments I was able to reflect upon many things in life, as I was not really able to get to sleep.
Of all the things, different names kept popping up in my head for your and Barb's pup. Everything audio related that is cute, to everything "Lugnut" moniker that came to mind as well.
Now, I honestly have not posted much on the thread, but rather emailed you personally as I am not as eloquent with words as just about everyone else posting at this point.
However, you have been more than brutally honest and open with us, and I too feel you deserve the same back from us.
From the very beginning of this thread, to current day, the way you have handled yourself with grace, dignity, selflessness, the concern for others, and how they move forward with their lives will not pale or fade with time. My thoughts as I layed in bed kept coming back to your demeanor, your guidance, strength, inner peace and where you derived this from. Coupled with the known fact your reluctance to "witness" (please forgive me if too strong a term) or perhaps desire to show the devout faith you possess from fear of turning others from the thread. Please take solace in the fact, those of us that understand where your destination lies will shed tears for you and your loved ones, both tears in sorrow to see you go, tears of thankfulness to have been blessed to know you, tears of comfort to know you are without pain and in a much better place, tears of realization that you helped direct us back onto the correct path in life reminding us what is important.
Again please forgive me for my rambling, for I feel my thoughts are never even close to being so composed and organized as yours, Pat.
With all that in mind, as well as much, much more that my overactive imagination would take me days to try to convey... I seemed to "land" on a name for the pup.
It kept coming up in my mind, as to, what has Pat obviously possessed from the onset of his unfortunate news? Whom has Pat turned to for stregnth, comfort, inner peace, (as well as Barb, family , & freinds)? Whom has Pat referred to as a bigger part of this working through him to convey to us all? Whom will Pat be in the presence of after he has passed? Whom has Pat subtely been re-directing some of us, leading others of us to? What would Pat want us to fill our lives to lead us in the right direction after he has passed?
Now, I don't want to be overly "religious/zealous/etc." however, again, Pat has been openly honest with me, and I will do the same for him. Before it is too late for Pat to read how he has redirected/reminded me personally and I regret not saying so.
Whether the above questions are taken from a Biblical / Religious / Christian perspective or just what Pat seems to evoke in the most common sense of the word... the word/name that kept coming to mind for your new pup is:
Spirit
As you know, you have this in spades Pat, on all levels. Now, whether or not it is fitting for Barb's pooch is up to both of you. I hope my ramblings made some sense.
As always, I will be praying for all of you. Go ahead, angle for that "lake front property" as I think you may already have the land waiting for you!
May God Bless and keep you and your loved ones in comfort and peace.
With love,
Kirk
