Patrick (after)

Well, we've recovered from Patrick's death. However, whenever I pass by his apartment complex, I get a sudden urge to cry as I miss him so much. Chris loved the dog tag I got him for Christmas with Patrick's picture engraved on it. It's awesome. The Eminem song I'm listening to, When I'm Gone" was playing when I picked up Chris from school the day we learned of Patrick's death. Although it doesn't pertain to "trick" or his life, it holds special meaning to us. Mainly the part where he says:

"When I'm gone just carry on

don't mourn, rejoice everytime you hear the sound of my voice.

Know that I"m lookin' down on ya smilin' and I didn't feel a thing so baby don't feel no pain just smile back." It is still strange to not have him come knocking on our door looking for Christopher or the girls. I hope his parents and siblings find peace soon.

We had a great holiday. Friday night the kids all went to their dad's houses and opened presents. Saturday we opened ours here and Sunday we drove to West Palm Beach to Dan's brother's house. Nice time there too.

Patrick H. Strain

It's been 2 weeks now since Patrick's death. We still have a hard time believing it.
Patrick H. Strain was 14 years old. He was Christopher's best friend, like a brother to Amber and Samantha and like a son to me. He was at my house almost every day doing something or other with the kids. He was full of life and energy and always will to do what it takes to earn the money he would need for things. He mowed lawns to earn money for a motorized Razor scooter that looks like a motorcycle. On Saturday, December 3rd, he had enough money and purchased the scooter. He showed up here bright and
early to show it to Chris, but he was at a friends. Later that day, he came back and was able to show it to him. He was so excited. Patrick was here for a while showing Sammie how to hold and play a few strings on the guitar, joking around and talking to Chris. Later, they went to hang out by the pool and Chris invited patrick to come back over. Trick went home to get his scooter at around 8:00pm. When he didn't return that night, we assumed it was because his mom had probably wanted him home
The next morning, I had to meet Chris at school for his doctor's appointment. He asked me if he could go home and I had said no because he already missed school. Then he informed me of Patrick's death. He had been on his way back to our house Sunday night when he was riding in the parking lot of his apartment complex. His scooter had no lights or reflectors and he was struck and killed by an SUV. He was pronounced dead at 8:45pm at Wuesthoff Hospital. We were shocked! I picked up the girls later that day
and took them to a small park where I could break the news to them. That was very difficult to do. The next day, we set up a vigil site on the corner of the complex where he lived with his parents and brother. The news filmed some of it too. We visited each day until his funeral service and just talked about him, looked at photos, lit candles and more. Friday, December 9th was his funeral service @ Florida Memorial Gardens. It was a beautiful service.
Chris spoke, Samantha spoke and Amber sang (with no music) a few lines from Wake Me Up When September Ends. It was so sweet. There was a bagpipe player and the family released 4 doves after the service. They flew around 4 times and one broke free and came back one more time..we know it was Patrick!
He will be so missed by everyone who's life he touched. Such a tragedy at such a young age has effected us all. We love him and will always remember him