"With Hope" Steven Curtis Chapman ... From Donna  9/5/2007
This is not at all how
We thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
And now you've gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
The pain of losing you, but ...
We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
(There's a place by God's grace)
There's a place where we'll see your face again
We'll see your face again
And never have I known
Anything so hard to understand
And never have I questioned more
The wisdom of God's plan
But through the cloud of tears
I see the Father's smile and say well done
And I imagine you
Where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
'Cause now you're home
And now you're free, and ...
We have this hope as an anchor
'Cause we believe that everything
God promised us is true, so ...
So we can cry with hope
And say goodbye with hope
We wait with hope
And we ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope

Happy 6 Month Birthday ... From Colleen 7/11/2007 
Hi Sweetie! Today, six months after you’ve gone to heaven, we celebrate your life. We celebrate the life you had with us on earth as well as your new life in heaven.
Your time with us on earth seems so short for me, I guess it’s human nature to always want more. But, in that time, you’ve given me so much. I’m thankful for all the times we had together, good and bad alike. We’ve experienced amazing joy, laughter and love. We’ve also grown through the trying times...the fear, the doubt and the pain. You’ve taught me so much about how to be a friend, how not to judge and how to give unconditional love. You’ve tested my strength, patience and love as well, and I’m a stronger person for it. I hope I was able to give you at least a portion of what you’ve given me.
Even with you in Heaven, I know you’re still here with me too...loving and helping me. Six months ago today was the hardest day of my life and every day that goes by still seems impossible. And yet, you’re still with me, teaching me to be stronger. (Pain is just weakness leaving the body!) Because I believe in you and in God, I know that you are where you need to be right now. It’s the only thing that makes you not being here bearable.
Please continue to stay with me as I continue my journey. Help me to learn what I need to learn, to give what I need to give and most importantly, to love.
I thank God for the gift of you, I thank you for your love. Always know how very much I love you! 

My condolences ... From Joey Sendon (Friend) 3/31/2007
It’s been close to twenty years since we last spoke but the memories don’t feel that far away. The times our whole crew was together still stand as the most fun I’ve ever had. We were all so young, alive, and carefree, just living in the moment. There was nothing like a weekend in Dover.

Memories ... From Ceir Coral (Friend's Little Brother ) 3/23/2007
Pat, When I heard of your passing through some of my classmates from Dover Class of '86...I didn't want to believe it.  I used to hang out (actually, tag along) with you, Cesar, Steve, Joey, Ray...or should I say, you let me hang with you all.
I remember the parties, the football games, and just shooting the breeze.  
Although our paths never crossed after high school, I always remember you guys and talk about the times we had with my wife and kids...it's obvious from the pictures and words on this site that you are loved and will always be remembered and missed!!
You and your family are in my prayers!!  Rest in Peace, my friend...and thanks for letting me "grow up" with you guys!
God took you home...because he needed you!
Love ya, 
Ceir 

Time ... From Cesar Coral (Friend since 7th grade ) 3/22/2007
20 years since seeing you and it feels like yesterday we were all in high school without a care in the world........
We lost touch but I always knew you were out there somewhere doing your thing and me mine.
Time goes by, we get into our daily routines and the day to day rigors of life, but memories are always with us and I have many!
Last I had heard, you were in PA.  I wish you had stopped by Joey's house so that we could have met up again.
When I found out about your passing, it was too late to say a last goodbye.
We're looking good in the confirmation picture, me in my light blue suit and you in your duds!
Say hi to Ray and Mike for me up there!
God bless you and rest in peace. 
Your friend,
Cesar

My Dear Son ... From Dad 3/5/2007

Patrick, We miss you and it's hard to understand why GOD has taken you away from us.  GOD must have needed a Irishman for the "GOD SQUAD".
We all loved you and should have done more to help you. I know our family should have done more, but we have a few problems of our own and did not come together like we should have.
We seem to have a major problem to forgive & forget, with the help of GOD we will get better in the future.  I  know that I caused 90% of the problem...and I'm sorry, I pray that GOD will forgive me, and inspire me to do better in the future.
Saturday, March 10th is the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Morristown. I plan to attend, but know it won't be the same without you, with your Irish wit, happy smile...and trips to the happy frog.   I'm going to bring a chair this year so I won't have to sit on the window ledge of First Morris Bank.
I watched the first game of the Yankees vs Minnesota yesterday. Of course the Yanks won 6 to 1.  All the regular Yanks had a hit.  After the 5th inning, all that hoped to be were playing...when you see number 91 & 89 playing you know the game is over.
I was very happy that Kathy Gratacos, gave us a CD. I know you loved to hear her sing.  I have been playing it in the boys club for us. I love the Ave Maria, O'Danny Boy, Here I am LORD and Amazing Grace.  They are beautiful, but they break my Irish heart.
Pat it will be two months since you left us. You were too young to go...you saw so much and have impressed so many people with the love that you shared. WE MISS YOU!! and WE ARE PRAYING  for you.  May GOD bless you always.
Love Always,
DAD

We love you {PAT} ... From Dad 2/13/2007
Patrick Michael, my son, my friend. The boy...I always wanted. It's been a month since you joined "GOD's SQUAD".
 We are happy that you are back home, and you're happy with our family & friends in eternal rest. Baseball spring training starts next week, and I will have you in the boy's room for the games. We can enjoy the games together. I remember the old timers game we attended at YANKEE STADIUM.  We had a GREAT TIME that day and also, the days we were at Bassett Pub enjoying each other's stories.  I was thinking this morning about the Saint Patty's Parade in Morristown, that was the first time you met Ellie, Tosha, Toya and Michael. You accepted them that day with  an open heart and arms and expressed that you wanted to be their big brother & friend. You lived up to that by always being available to them with a happy smile, good advice what ever problems they had you seemed to console them. We just want to say THANK YOU!!!
We had many good times at the Parades we went with Chip & Joe and friends. It seemed the sun always shined when you were with us, and we were always on the sunny side of the street. Colleen & Joe were down on Wedneday with Giuseppe. We met in the boy's room and talked about our favorite subject "YOU". 
We all love you & miss you Pat, but Chip has that special love for 
you. I have never seen a sister love a brother the way she loved you. With all your good times & bad, she stood by you with love, understanding and forgiveness.
May GOD bless her always. {YOU KNOW THAT FOR SURE} well, Pat...I have to stop writing for this time. But, I will never stop loving you & praying for you and to you because I know that you are on the {GOD's SQUAD Team}.
Love you always;
DAD & Ellie

Why Did You Have To Go So Soon ... From Michael 2/11/2007
Even though your life had to end so quick, our friendship and love for each other did not die. Why did you have to go away? I remember the day when you took me driving and dad was like dont let Michael drive Pat and you took me anyway. ( We had so much fun that day) Pat I wish I would have got your last phone call, I wish I heard your voice before you died. There are so many things that I wish I could of said to you. Pat we had so much unfinished business to do, I wish you could see my kids grow up, I just wish that we could just take a walk in the park and just talk about whatever. But now I know why GOD called you home, because he had a better job for you in heaven and thats being angel to people you never meet.  

A TRIBUTE TO THE FAMILY ! ... From Julianna 2/10/2007
TO ALL OF WHO LOVED PATRICK - HAVE FAITH IN THE LORD - HE WILL HELP YOU THROUGH THIS. PRAY TO HIM THIS PRAYER!
YOU, LORD, ARE THE LIGHT THAT KEEPS ME SAFE. I AM NOT AFRAID OF ANYONE. YOU PROTECT ME AND I HAVE NO FEARS.
I ASK ONLY ONE THING, LORD; LET ME LIVE IN YOUR HOUSE EVERYDAY OF MY LIFE TO SEE HOW WONDERFUL YOU ARE AND TO PRAY IN YOUR TEMPLE. IN TIMES OF TROUBLE YOU WILL PROTECT ME YOU WILL HIDE ME IN YOUR TENT AND KEEP ME SAFE ON TOP OF THE MIGHTY ROCK. 
TRUST IN THE LORD!! BE BRAVE AND STRONG AND TRUST THE LORD.
PSALM 27: 1,4,5,14
XOXOX
JULIANNA & FAMILY 

me and my uncle ... From Shane 2/9/2007
uncle pat, what can i say man, its been awhile, im a lot bigger since u last saw me.  probably about as big as u were the last time i saw you, probably a little smaller though.  i miss the times i missed is what i have to say i suppose.  i have flashes, the biggest of them being u throwing me when i was little.  you used to throw me so high up into the air, and i always knew u would catch me.  it was the most fun i had.  i remember sleeping in your bed, playing your nintendo (and that was back when nintendo was HOT!!).  any time i stayed at nana and pops i think i always stayed in ur bed, it was the fun room, it was our room.
remember aunt colleens wedding?  me u and kim at the bar?  we had a good time, now i know we were drinking grenadine, but at the time we were having so much fun.  we were hanging out with uncle pat, always "the fun uncle".  
a couple weeks ago, when i was asked to carry u into the church, i wasnt sure what to think.  i always loved u, i always missed you.  i hadnt seen you in awhile and now, i knew i would never see you again.  it wasnt a great feeling, but it wasnt all bad, i felt you, i felt you looking down on me, i felt you talking to me, i felt everything about you.
and that is what is important.   everyone feels you.  everything that may have not be finished in your time on earth, is coming together, you are not forgotten, you are not gone, i still feel you everyday, as does everyone else who u ever knew.  you are always present and that is very important.  i love you uncle pat!!!!!  
this song always reminded me of us.....and i still listen to it every night!!! 
grateful dead...me and my uncle.....
Me and my uncle went riding down
South Colorado, West Texas bound
We stopped over in Santa Fe
That being the point just about half way
And you know it was the hottest part of the day
I took the horses up to the stall
Went to the bar-room, ordered drinks for all
Three days in the saddle, you know my body hurt
It being summer, I took off my shirt
And I tried to wash off some of that dusty dirt
West Texas cowboys, they's all around
With liquor and money, they're loaded down
So soon after pay day, you know it seemed a shame
You know my uncle, he starts a friendly game
Hi-lo jacks and the winner take the hand
My uncle starts winning, cowboys got sore
One of them called him, and then two more
Accused him of cheating, well no it couldn't be
I know my uncle, he's as honest as me
And I'm as honest as a Denver man can be
One of them cowboys, he starts to draw
Well I shot him down, Lord, he never saw
Shot me another, hot damn he won't grow old
In the confusion my uncle grabbed the gold
And we high-tailed it down to Mexico
Now I love those cowboys, I love their gold
I love my uncle, God rest his soul
Taught me good, Lord, taught me all I know
Taught me so well, I grabbed that gold
And I left his dead ass there by the side of the road 
you are happier now then u ever were here uncle.......actually, i think that is kind of a funny spelled word, uncle.  i think brother is more like it, you were always a real big brother!!!!!   i love you!!!!

May you find Comfort ... From Donna 2/7/2007

For each thorn, there's a rosebud...
for each twilight — a dawn...
for each trial — the strength to carry on,
For each stormcloud — a rainbow...
for each shadow — the sun...
for each parting — sweet memories
when sorrow is done.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson

memories of a good friend! ... From Julianna Gratacos-Fernandez (A life time friend) 2/6/2007
I have wonderful memories of and with Patrick - if the walls in V.G. could talk - what they would say. Dee calling my mom to say - "Mary, they were at it again. she climed through the window." No one ever believed us - that we really did just talk.  Good friends are hard to come by. My 21st birthday party - a surprise party - I watch the video and laugh out loud. As you grow sometimes you grow apart, but my last run in with Pat was so special. It was as if we never missed a beat.  I got a big hug from him- you know the one- it made you feel warm all over. We taked like it was only a few days that we haven't seen one another.
I try not to think of the day I got the call because It makes me feel very sad inside and I try not to think of my last good-byes. I just remember that God is a  merciful god and there is a purpose for everything, not always understood. May God bless everyone who feels the pain of missing someone you love so very much. May he keep you in his mercy and may he shine his face upon you. I feel much better knowing Patrick is watching out for me! 
God Bless, 
The Fernandez Family
Julie, George, Rachel & Elijah :)
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

 Pat, we love you and miss you!!! ... From Dad & Ellie 2/6/2007
Pat, we love you and miss you, but we know you are rejoicing with your Heavenly Father and that you are at rest.
Your example will continually guide us and we feel your unconditional love always.
GOD looked around his garden and found an empty place. HE then looked down upon HIS earth and saw your loving face.
HE put HIS arms around you and lifted you to rest. HIS garden must be beautiful, HE always takes the best!!
HE knew that you would never get well on earth again. HE saw your path was difficult, HE closed your tired eyes, HE whispered to you "Peace be Thine" and gave you wings to fly.
When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain, we would not wish you back to earth to suffer once again.
Pat, you left us precious memories, your love will be our guide, it broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone... for part of us went with you on the day GOD called you home.
Love always & forever more,
Dad and Ellie

You will always be in my heart ... From LaToya 2/4/2007

Dear Big Brother,
I miss you terribly. I wish I could talk to you just one more time. If God told me I had one wish, I'd wish that I could spend one day with you. I'd actually ask for you back, but knowing that would be impossible, I'd take just one day. Do you remember Colleens great cooking and fun times at her house? I am still trying to figure out how she makes all that great food. Do you remember being at my graduation, running along the road so happy that I was finally out of high school (smile). We didn’t spend as much time together as I wished we could have, however the times we spent together was amazing. You always had a smile on your face and just were full of energy. The last conversation we had was a week after Thanksgiving Day, and I reminded you of my graduation date from college and you told me you will be there no matter what. You also said if I needed help with anything I could always call, however now if I need help, I’m going to send you a note to heaven by tying it on the string of a balloon and letting it fly. I know that you’re looking over me and is still coming to my graduation in spirit. I could go on and on all night, but it is late. I love you, I miss you. I cherish each and every memory I had with you. Love, Your lil sister
P.S. When you died from then on, you were my source of inspiration. You showed me how to love life and live life to the fullest. With your simplicity and honesty, you showed me a world full of love and caring. And you made me realize that the most important thing in this life is to continue loving without asking why or how and without setting any limit. Thank you, Patrick for every moment we shared.

I'm Free ... From La'Tosha 2/4/2007
I'M FREE
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God has laid you see
I took his hand when I heard him call
I tuned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
GOD wanted me now, He Set Me FREE!!!  

Memories ... From La'Tosha 2/3/2007
Damn, Pat I remember like it was yesterday looking for someone to make that Jolly Rancher. I mean we had dinner and laughed and that girl Leila(my girl) she was trying to keep us on our toes. We were celebrating my 21st birthday which should have been my first drink. Happy, trying to make it to Budd Lake, drunk with Angels looking over us. Then we get to the diner and why did the waitress not give you your milkshake of course we don't remember until we get home. Then you want to turn around and go and get the milkshake. Then to go to bed you bring me some tight gray sweat pants that I still have. Then in Hamburg with no doors on your Jeep, you take Michael and I on a road trip. Jeep on two wheels we are screaming and hollaring praying that we make it back. But, Michael and I know that we are in the hands of our big brother. Then we had to go and get Dad's car to keep Michael from getting into trouble. We have shared some crazy times together. Then, I knew that things were not getting better when I called you for Thanksgiving and you did not answer but I knew that you were tough and strong and would hold on. Never did I think that it was going to be the last time that we would see each other with you on the floor. If I could only turn back the hands of time. My heart is heavy because on January 11th I called Mom and it was a normal thing for me to do in the morning around 8:00am at work. Asked Mom has anyone heard from Patrick does anyone know whats going on she said no and that she would call Dad and ask him. Then at 2:30 I get the call that I can't stop thinking about. Then to come to the hospital and see those sexy blue eyes looking at me turned my stomach to see this was something so real. If I could have stopped to check on you. Just to think what would have happened. But, you know God has plans that we never understand for each one of us. There is nothing that he does that's a mistake. Memories great memories are what we have and what I will cherish forever. Know that I love you! Keep watching over me.

Remembering life with Patrick... From Colleen 2/2/2007

It seems like only yesterday that you were a baby in Mommy's belly.  It was a little scary to  think that I wouldn't be the baby anymore.  As soon as you were born though, I learned what a great thing it was to be a big sister.   You were so tiny (although at 8 lbs., not so tiny).  You were so perfect...a beautiful life, full of promise.
I remember you in your christening gown.  You were a little angel.  I was so proud of you that I bragged to everyone about you and even invited my second grade teacher to attend your christening.  I wanted to show you off, like somehow, you were my gift to the world.
As children, we would spend every Saturday morning watching cartoons while the rest of the family slept in.  I loved those times...our quiet times together.  Drinking tea, sitting under a blanket on the sofa, laughing.
As we grew older, you would walk the 2+ miles with me to watch my high school football games.  You were only 7 years old but you already had an amazing personality.  You kept all my friends entertained. 

When I got my driver's license I loved to drive you around.  And, since you were 'too cool'  to ride on the school bus,  it worked out well. 
I took you to your first concert for your 8th grade graduation present.  We saw REO Speedwagon at Madison Square Garden.  We took a bus into New York and made a day out of people watching and seeing the sites.  Those were the days before NY was 'cleaned up' like it is now.   But, we were so naive, we didn't even  question that it could be a little dangerous.  We  were together, we could handle anything together.
Once you got your driver's license, I taught you how to drive a stick shift.  We laughed so hard! 
As adults, I  loved going out with you to plays, to dinner or just sitting around talking.  You made working out at the gym fun...I looked forward to seeing you every day.  After your surgery, we were happy that you stayed with us while you recovered.  It reminded me of when we were kids again and had the time to talk for hours at a time.  Again, for the month before you left, we were able to spend time everyday together.  I will always treasure that time.
Patrick, as you grew into a man, I was so proud of the person you were.  You had an easy smile and quick wit that made everyone feel comfortable.  It didn't matter what their age, sex, race or life status, if someone was lucky enough to cross your path, you made them feel special.  You didn't always make the easy / safe choices in life.  Lots of times I wished you would but, that wasn't the kind of life that you wanted to live.  You were definitely going to wear out your body, not let it rust!  You did more, saw more, experienced more, lived more & loved more than most people twice your age.
I have been blessed to have had you in my life.  I know that you have other things to do now.  I don't know how to go through life without you.  I know your spirit is close and part of you will live in my heart forever.  I will miss you every day until we are together again.   Be well sweetie, I love you! 

Baby Brother ... Donna 2/1/2007   

Born September5,1967 Patrick Michael Carroll.The youngest of five arrived with great anticipation.What would he look like? How would our family dynamics change? His siblings were so much older and not  sure about  having a new baby in the house. We couldn't send him back so we welcomed him into our home and our hearts! He was a chubby baby boy with beautiful blue eyes, and even back then full of a wee bit of the devil. We didn't call him Patrick,we called him Pat or Patrick Michael when he was in trouble.(Which almost never happened)Uncle Pat as time went on.It wasn't that long that his siblings were leaving home to start there own lives.Pat was in and out of our lives throughout the years but always in our hearts,for he too had his own journey. His nieces and nephews loved when he was around for he had such a playful spirit,hiding and chasing the kids throughout the house with a nerf gun while wearing Mikes football helmet,teaching Kim and the cousins the latest rap song and dressing up and dancing with them,sharing ninja turtle mac and cheese...How did things change? Now that Pat's journey has lead him home once again,We hope he is at peace, for we have ALWAYS loved him!