Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Happy Holidays To All

I would like to take the oppurtunity to wish our family and friends a happy and healthy holiday. I would also like to thank you all for being such a big part of our journey. There are still some days I can't believe that Pat is gone. There are some moments when I literally can't breathe because I miss him so much. The night time seems to be the hardest. Every night when I walk the dogs, (Pat's nightly ritual) I stare up at the sky and hope that he can see us. That is when I talk to Pat the most, letting him know how much he is truly missed. Our children are doing well, taking such good care of me and of each other. Pat is part of our daily conversations, lots of laughter and of course tears. I will be signing off, making this my last blog. The timing seems to be good, a new year, many things to be thankful for, many things to look forward to. As I say so long for now, please know we never could have made it without all of your love and support. Thank you for giving me an outlet, thank you for your genuine love and prayers for Pat, myself and our kids. As you enter 2008, do so with the knowledge that your life can turn on a dime, there are no guarantees, live your life with passion, love with all you've got, and never,never hesitate to let someone know how much they mean to you! Please keep Dave's sister Marianne in your prayers as she begins her battle with the "C" beast. Remember I'm just a phone call or an email away, you can't get rid of me that easy! A big hug from our family to yours. God bless you.
xoxo,
Jules

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Julie to you and to your family.
First I would like to thank you for sharing your journey and that I am sorry to see your blog go. But I understand. I believe there is a time for everything also.
When you allowed us to share in your journey with Pat and the battle: It opened a door for me that I thought was closed.
You inspired me through your blog, raw emotions and all. Yes, it was an outlet for you and it was for me too and it has inspired me enough to start taking classes for my degree in journalism again.
I wanted you to know that I am sorry that I learned the things that I did; in lieu of the loss of Pat. And for one of the good things that came from this is that I learned if one can allow themselves to see death for what it means and embrace it, there is peace. Thank you!
For those of us who have been left to deal with the loss of a loved one; It is a roller coaster ride and no one knows when it ends.
Julie, please send me your email address as I don't have it. Mine is timeisarte@yahoo.com. I would really like to keep in touch with you. So I hope to hear from you.
May your memories warm your heart this holiday season!
xo
Lis

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Julie to you and your family.

Bill and Susan Hoyem

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Julie and kids....I have to say, I don't know what made me check the blog just now, guess I just needed to see if my "hero" (that's you, Julie case you didn't know) had posted any thing new. And, you had today. I think I need your strength and will my friend. You delevered with your wisdom once again with the word! Thanks for that. I'll miss the "blog" as well, but understand a new year is upon us and a new everything. I wish you and the kids all the best. I loved walking the dogs at night too......I also looked up at the sky while Dewey rushed to his spot to chew on his favorite plant, then pee!!! I thought of Pat, you and the kids and how life works while Dewey chewed and Joey (limping) waited. I think Joey knows the answers as well as Dewey. Dewey: Live life with purpose, you never know when the "bush/plant" is gone. Joey: even though you got hurts (bad hip/leg), let others enjoy, you had your turn, don't be in too big of a rush to not enjoy happiness in others! Very smart dogs Julie! I miss thier sweetness! I know this Christmas is tuff, but I juat know Pat is on those walks....talk away under stary nights, he's listening.
Love-Teri

Anonymous said...

I just need to add one more thing...since it's Christmas, do you think you could call it the "Glog" instead of the "Blog"?, just wondering. Ha:)

Anonymous said...

Julie and family. Very sorry for your loss. I'm very proud of Pat for his fight and you and your family for fighting on as best you can without your fearless leader. May 2008 bring you many blessings. Have a wonderful Christmas with your kids and know that Pat is always with you and in our hearts.

Anonymous said...

My dear sweet Julie,

This has been a journey that none of wanted to take. However, you and Pat have walked this journey with so much strength and wisdom, but most of all with so much love. We have all been so inspired by the two of you and your children. So many lives have changed because of what you have taught us. None of us know the pain you suffer every day but we do know the way you are handling it is, once again, amazing! I am sorry to keep using that word but it just keeps popping into my head. You loved Pat so deeply when he was here and that love just keeps getting stronger and like you said, it just has to reach from heaven to earth now. You, Brady, Brock & Chloe will always have Pat with you in your memories and in your hearts and you will find joy again in your lives. I know that you have already started the next long journey and are looking forward to a wonderful life together.

Love,
Mom

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Julie and family. Thinking of you today and every day. Thank you for all your insight and special words posted on this blog. They were very special to a lot of people.
Just like you to be giving so much in your own time of need.
I love you.
Jill V-B

Anonymous said...

Hi Julie,

My name is Hardip and I learned of your husband's site from the message you posted on Evan's site. I too read about the Cousineau family regularly, and went back and read all the entries you posted during your husband Pat's illness. First, let me extend my sincerest condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry about the loss you and your kids have suffered. I cannot even begin to imagine what you all are going through. I do know from the brief glimpse into your life that I got from your posts that your husband was a man of strong character and gave his all to his fight against cancer. You too seem like an incredibly strong woman who loves her husband dearly.

My husband was diagnosed with CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) in September 2005 and underwent 6 months of chemotherapy and was in remission for 1.5 years. We spent time then at the City of Hope getting second opinions, etc. The cancer has now returned, and we are waiting to see whether it is the same cancer or whether it has mutated into something else. Like Pat, my husband too is young at only 44 years old. We have two young kids and a third one that will be making its debut at the end of January 2008. Needless to say, it is scary to think that we are getting on this roller coaster again.

One of the options our oncologist mentioned is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Everything is still premature as we don't have the final report yet, but we will be going to the City of Hope for second opinions, treatment options and will consider doing a transplant there if we need it.

So, I was hoping to ask you some questions about your experience at the City of Hope if you are able or have time. Maybe we can chat on the phone some time? Or, I am in Irvine and am available to meet for coffee or lunch as well. Please let me know if you are available for a phone call or a meeting. My email address is: hpassananti@yahoo.com

Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday season and praying that God gives you all strength to get their this difficult time.

Warmly,
Hardip
hpassananti@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Dear Julie,
It's true, the holidays come and go so fast, and everyone is busy with life, but still all who know your family carry you in our thoughts and know that you continue to deal with your loss on a daily basis. I don't know how long you will continue with your blog but I wanted to at least check in and say hi, let you know we are here if you need anything and wish you and the kids a Happy New Year!
Love,
Brenda, Ron, Regan, and Madison Grishaber