Monday, September 28, 2009

11/19/31-9/18/09

Joseph T. Patrick

Joseph T. Patrick, age 77, of Dauphin, died Friday, September 18, 2009 at his home. Mr. Patrick was retired from HARSCO. He was born November 19, 1931 in Tower City, the son of the late Robert and Verna Salen Patrick. He was a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Enterline, PA; the American Legion Post # 404 of Elizabethville and the United Steel Workers. Mr. Patrick served in the US Army during the Korean War.He is survived by his Wife of 52 years, Katharine M. (Reiner) Patrick; Son, Timothy A. Patrick of Halifax & grand puppy Koko; Daughter, Deborah K. Kinard & husband Kevin of Dauphin; Granddaughters, Katie A. (Kinard) Greenawalt & husband Eric of Harrisburg & Abbey E. Kinard of Dauphin; Two Brothers, Robert Patrick of Marysville and Marlin Patrick of Phoenixville; three sisters, Helen Bowman of Winter Park, Florida; Dorothy Ann Patrick of Williamstown & Marie McIntosh of Lewis Center, Ohio. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 4:00 PM in the Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home, Inc., 2100 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg with the Rev. Michael Petresky officiating. A viewing will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 3:00 PM. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.Memorial donations may be given to Pinnacle Health Hospice, 3705 Elmwood Drive, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Death

Death is a crazy thing. I never thought I was afraid of it, until most recently. As of last night, I was forced to deal with the thought of losing my Pappy. For as long as I can remember he's been an essential part of my life. From laying on the floor coloring with my sister and myself, living with us as we grew up, and being present for my wedding reception. Yesterday he finally was brought home from the hospital, just not on the terms which I would have rejoiced over. He has come home to be comfortable and with family. Hospice has joined our family to make his journey a little more peaceful than if he were hooked up to machines at a hospital. Eric and I went to see him last night and as I came in he was sleeping, hopefully with out pain. Since he has come home, he has remained a sleep and unresponsive much to all of our sorrow. Yes, I have had some breakdowns, but I try to remain strong for my family during this time. I guess if I write about it, I may accept it better.
To add to this traumatic time, my cousin's were in a horrific car accident on the way back from my uncle's viewing. They lost their grandfather and father. Their mother has a broken back and each of them have sustaining injuries. I guess what they say is true. When it rains it pours.
I leave for vacation on Sunday and all I can hope for is that when I return I still have time to say good bye. Not that I want to keep Pappy in his discomfort, but because all of this comes at a very difficult time for my family to accept death. I can only pray that he goes in peace and that the Lord guides him.