One year ago today, I sat with my brother as his soul entered paradise. When he was buried, a bald eagle was seen soaring up above. Ever since, when I see an eagle, I think of Pat. Eagles culturally are seen as symbols of courage and freedom. Pat was incredibly bold the way he lived his life and now he’s more free than he ever was here. Today, my husband was leaving a park near our home and spotted a bald eagle, which for our area is not common. Thanks God.

My parents once again came across some of Pat’s writing. I’ll leave you with this short poem he penned.

In all the days of pain and sorrow

A broken heart is soon to follow

Through eyes of love I cannot see

A tortured soul forever to be

A beautiful mind was found and lost

In mortal man, life is cost

So close behind darkness falls

In silent whispers someone calls

Depths of hell come to swallow

Weary souls that do not follow