Friday, December 23, 2011

Final Days

It's late, but I wanted to write and quickly update all of my faithful readers (all 12,000+ of you who checked the blog in the last 24 hours!!!) We met with Patrick's medical team today to discuss the recent findings and to decide where to go from here.

The short of it is that Patrick is not slated to get better, instead he is expected to worsen and pass from this life into the next in the near future. When, we don't know. But there are no signs of improvement, and he is deteriorating rapidly with each new day.  NIH has done absolutely EVERYthing in their power and in their scientific imagination to heal Patrick. They have run more tests than any normal hospital would ever run, to determine what exactly is killing my sweet Patrick. He has a complicated disease, and they don't know how to fix it.  So, we are following Patrick's request, and not extending his life using extraneous measures. It breaks my heart 1,000 times over to have to say that, to have to anticipate my final goodbye to the love of my life, and yet, I know there is nothing these brilliant, yet kind doctors can do to make him better. We continue to pray for God's miraculous healing upon Patrick's strong, but now feeble body. I believe that God can heal, but I also don't know that He will in this case, and I need to be okay with that right now. Please pray, on my behalf, please have faith on my behalf, and please honor Patrick on my behalf.

His dad arrives from China late Friday evening, so we are keeping him stable, connected to all of his feeding tubes and IV fluids until Saturday morning. At that point we will make him as absolutely comfortable as possible, dress him in real clothes, and soften the scary ICU room a bit so that our dear Cecilia can come in and see him, and say her goodbye. We're going to give him a high-dose of steroids, in the hope that he will be able to muster some new, temporary strength and awareness. We would love to be able to say farewell to him while he still knows who we are. We'd love to hear his voice once more, if there's any voice left to give. And mostly, we just want him to know how much we all love him, will miss him, and are glad that he will be resting in the firm, loving arms of our God very soon.

So, if you would like to come see Patrick and say goodbye to him, please do so in the next 24 hours. Come Saturday morning, we are asking that you respect our privacy for a few days, as we, his family, say our personal goodbyes, grieve privately, and enjoy our last hours with him. (Granted, it's Christmas Eve, so I'm sure you have other fun places to be anyhow.)  If he's still hanging on with us, come Monday, we may open up his room for visitors again, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your overflowing love for Patrick and for our families. Thank you for your support and prayers through all of this. It's the hardest season I have ever had to face or endure in my life. I dread the morning when I have to wake up as a single mom, and face each day without him by my side. For now, I'm spending as much time as I can with him, and hoping that he knows how much I love him, and how much I will miss his presence in my life.

If you have logistical questions, or are trying to reach me, please contact Patrick's sisters JoAnn (703)731-3958, or Christine (571)214-7840, my sister Amy (508) 377-2088, or our priest David Hanke (571)521-9081 for now. I'm not really able to respond to much of anything these days, so bear with me and my absence from all things normal for now...

My sincere love to each of you this night.

119 comments:

  1. You are loved, and it shines through this darkness powerfully.

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  2. And so we will all continue to pray, for whatever may come. May God grant you strength and peace.

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  3. As I prepare for my shift on the prayer vigil schedule, I am sobered by Julie's blog. I shared Patrick's battle with my co-worker today, also named Patrick, who has a wife that is undergoing treatment for her illness. I talked with Reverend David Glade who is also aware and praying for Patrick. My small group is praying for Patrick too. I know that things are grim now that the "terminal" word has shown up, yet I still hope. I pray that Julie and family as well as Patrick are sustained with the energy they need during this dark time. I will be praying for the Lord's hand of providence and mercy to comfort Patrick, Julie, Cecilia and family and close friends. I long for a miracle as you all do. However, I will entrust this matter to our Lord. Patrick is in the care of our Lord and I will pray that the doctors will be guided by our Lord as well. Dear Jesus, please be close to the Kellys now. Bring healing to Patrick's body. Amen. It would be sweet to see Patrick restored to health. Your will be done Lord God. We wait and hope for your healing. Glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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  4. Praying for you all. Know our love and concern. Bishop Julian and Brenda Dobbs and all throughout the CANA family.

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  5. I can only imagine what you and the rest of Patrick's family are experiencing; other than to put myself in your shoes. It hurts more than I can say. Patrick is extremely blessed to have found you. You are truly a Kelly.

    May God continue to bless you and give as much love and comfort to you as He will comfort Patrick . I fully expect Patrick to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant".

    Patrick Soehl

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  6. Again Julie, I am amazed by your strength in all of this. Cecelia is a very lucky girl. I will be praying for Saturday that it might be a peaceful time for your family. I know that Patrick is full of your love for him. It is impossible to miss, even miles away. Luv, Rachel and Mark

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  7. May God still your heart as only he can. Tears and prayer for Patrick and your family.

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  8. Julie, I am still praying for you, Cecelia and Patrick. You are not alone. You are loved and Patrick I'm sure knows how much you love him.
    "Be strong and courageous in the Lord. Do not be terrified."

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  9. Catherine and Sean BurkeDecember 23, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    We are praying praying praying..may the Peace of Christ that surpasses understanding be with you and Ceci and the rest of your family....

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  10. Patrick, Julie, and Cecilia, you are in our daily thoughts and prayers.


    We thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for all who hallow pain by experiencing it faithfully; for sufferers whose thought is always for others; for those whose faith brings light to the dark places of life; for those whose patience inspires others to endure. And grant, we pray, O loving Father, to all who are bound together in the mysterious fellowship of suffering, the sense of comradeship with each other and with their crucified Savior granting them in this life the peace that passes all understanding, which the world cannot give nor take away, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.

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  11. Oh Julie,

    We love you and love Patrick. We have been praying and our church family has been praying. Your updates show so beautifully your love for Patrick and your understanding of God's mystery in this unfathomable situation.

    We don't know why, when, what-- but we do know WHO is in ultimate control. Thank God that He created eternity.

    On this side of eternity, this brief journey through what we call time, know that we are here for you holding you up in prayer, especially in these next days as you walk through the valley.

    Please give Patrick a big hug for us. Remember our trip to Arizona, hiking, talking, connecting. Tell him we will see him-- here on this earth or on the other side of the veil.

    Bill and Cindy Evans
    540.421.6476

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  12. Julie - as you can imagine, I like all of you, are stunned by this whole thing. But as you have declared, our God is sovergien and has all of you in His care. May you and your family know His peace and comfort through each step of this journey.

    Thanks be to God ~ Patrick has a personal relationship with the Father and you know He has prepared a place for him. Larry & I have you in our prayers. Hugging you with my heart - Jackie Shrum

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  13. Julie and family,

    Sometimes we don't understand why God chooses some and not others to leave this earth early. Over the past few weeks it has been clear to me that He had a plan and we must pray that He will put Patrick in a better place as Patrick has suffered enough.

    Patrick's leaving us will put left a huge hole in my heart and I will continue to pray for you and your families. I wish I could be there, but I want to remember Patrick with hair (I wasn't much of a fan of his bald head, although I did like the hats!!), that wonderful smile (ususally when he was being cute and clever) and his laugh!

    I pray that he finds peace and happiness soon and that God provides you, Cece and your families with the comfort of knowing that he is truly in God's hands.

    I will miss Patrick!

    Mary Kay

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  14. heartbroken for you, cecelia, and the kelly family. we will continue to pray for you all.

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  15. Grieving with and for you, Julie! Your prayer vigil filled up so quickly - such a beautiful testament to your faith! You have been on my heart continuously for the last weeks, and I fall at the feet of the King, asking Him to heal all the brokenness as only He can. I love you! Jennifer Taussig

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  16. "But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:1-3

    My precious friend, my heart is breaking with you. Love y'all so very, very much, and praying that the peace of Christ overwhelm you in these next few days.

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  17. Dear Julie, We are with you in all ways that we can. Our hearts break, our spirits are heavy and yet we pray that Patrick's spirit is given peace in these next days and that your spirit - and those of Patrick's family - is given the strength and the grace to endure the unspeakable. We love you and love Patrick. These past days, we've done little but remember our lives together in Durham, little moments that we cling to now as reminders of who Patrick is to us and what he has and always will, mean to us. We love you both.

    Lord, have mercy.

    Silas and Laura

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  18. Thoughts, prayers, tears, faith and honor (as you request) continue to be with all of you. Thank you for working so hard to minister to 12,000+ even in this time of immeasurable hardship and pain. Your courage is beyond comprehension and your transparency so greatly respected, appreciated and admired. Jennie Swisher

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  19. Found you from another blog. Praying for you, for Pat, for his Dad's travels. May you feel God's love surrounding you and bearing you up.

    -Beth in Atlanta

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  20. To Jesus Christ, the light of the world, we pray: Come and reward your people's hope! You come as the sun of justice to drive away the darkness of death: sustain in hope and faith Patrick and his family as they watch beside him.

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  21. Julie- Wishing we could be by your side to hold your hand, hug your neck, and just be with you over the next few days. We love you and Patrick dearly and pray for the peace and strength that only our Heavenly Father can provide. Our hearts grieve and are heavy- we've cried right along with you over the last week. I hope your time with PK is sweet and peaceful this weekend. All our love- Jen and Brian

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  22. You are in our prayers. Thanks for the update. May the holy spirit comfort you through this times and may God's will be done in Patrick's life. My heart grieves.....

    With lots of love from Midland TX...... Bose.

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  23. dear jesus, thank you for our brother patrick and his beautiful curious fun heart. thanks for fabulous memories together and how our lives have been changed because of his. we can't help still hope for a healing miracle and we will pray without ceasing in the next few days. thank you for his amazing wife, lovely daughter, incredible sisters, and wonderful mom, please jesus, comfort them, give them the portions of strength and peace they need. in your name we pray, amen. osters

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  24. We continue to pray with you for a miracle, Julie. Patrick, Cecilia and you are constantly in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. We thank God for the miracle of Patrick's life and the incredible hope and promise we have in eternity with Him...free of pain free of suffering, where Patrick can be the strong man that he always knew himself to be (more than that one strong peck! :). Praise God for Patrick. Praise God for you and CC. Praise God for your incredible faith and courage.

    Mike and I are so glad and thankful to have had the chance to see you guys yesterday. I hope that the room continues to be FULL of love from friends, family, caring doctors, God's angels. May God's love and peace reign in your heart and mind over these next few, precious days. We love you guys.

    - Julie, Mike and Annabelle

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  25. Oh, Julie... holding you in our hearts and prayers. Our hearts are breaking with your's... We can't imagine how you are walking through this, but rest on the knowledge that God is walking with you through the valley of the shadow of death... We've experienced that in our own lives as well. May He comfort and strengthen you as only He can... May He bear your sorrow and carry your grief in this darkest of times... may He hide Patrick in the cleft of His Rock, and gently shelter you, Cecilia and all your families in the shadow of His Mighty Wings... Peace and grace to you, dear ones...
    With love, Jessica Cooper and family

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  26. Oh, you dear sweet woman. I am a friend of a friend (of a friend, possibly)and my heart just breaks for you. I am slated to be praying for you all on Christmas day, but I will be in prayer for you before then as well. It's so wonderful to have this (growing!) community of love and support. God's love be with you-
    Mary Bigelow

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  27. I am so inspired by your strength. I pray that God be with you in Patrick's final days, as well as the days that follow.

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  28. Tears and prayer from Milwaukee.

    God have mercy.

    -Robyn Beckley Vining

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  29. Dearest Julie and family, I am on my way to NIH this afternoon to physically embrace you. I have no words to express my grief and my desire to comfort, what little I can. I am fervently praying . . see you soon.

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  30. Heartbroken for you and your family. Prayers ascending for all in this time.

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  31. Sending prayers. Peace be with you.

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  32. O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
    Our spirits by Thine advent here;
    Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
    And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

    O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

    Love and prayers to you. You will be close to our heart this Christmas.

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  33. Asking for Peace, Prayers and Comfort to be with your sweet family during these difficult day. May you feel
    the lords comfort in your heart

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  34. A friend of Ali and Preston, I have been praying for you, Patrick, and your family. Your faith during this extraordinarily difficult time is such an encouragement to read about. Remember that it's ok not to be strong for others all the time, too. Praying for comfort and hope for your family.

    In Christ,
    Lizzi Winter

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  35. Julie, Cecilia & Patrick,
    You have been in my constant thoughts over the past few days. Our family sends you blessings and strength in this very difficult time.
    I worked with Patrick at Touchstone and found his smile and warm spirit a joy to be around and I know he will missed.
    Patrick - "may the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you, guide your way on."
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdAdLIMu7Kc
    -Dreama Lee and family

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  36. Oh Julie ! My heart is aching for you and your family. I am part of your extended family in Tennesse, My wish for you is to feel the strength of Gods loving arms wrapped around you as he prepares you for what he has planned for Patrick. I know Patrick is feeling Gods presence and wants the same for you.My love to you all.

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  37. Julie, Words cannot describe how much my heart goes out to you and your family. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your journey with us through these posts.

    Alex "D"

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  38. your faith love and bravery is astounding. we continue to pray for EACH and everyone of you.

    The Storm Family

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  39. I don't know you or your family. But a friend posted the blog link on facebook. I wanted to tell you I am praying for each of you. There are truly no words for what you are going through, but take comfort that God is weeping with you all right now. Your journey breaks my heart and I will weep with those who weep. Praying for your hearts. God is carrying you right now. Allow that. I can't even imagine what you must be feeling. Know you are so loved beyond any words.

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  40. Please take some comfort in the thousands of people who didn't even know you a week ago, but now have a personal connection through the sharing of your blog. I ran across this via a friend on Facebook, and I find your strength completely inspiring. God bless you and your family in this time, and during this time of year. Please know that you and your husband have put life into perspective for so many folks. May it be one of his and your greatest accomplishments. Take care.

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  41. "One short sleep past, wee wake eternally,
    And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die." (John Donne). How mighty is our blessed hope - our certain hope! - in the One who told Martha He was The Resurrection and The Life. There are no words other than these that bring any comfort to us as we have grieved for Patrick: struck down, almost paralyzed in grief and prayer this week. Fifteen years our son has known Patrick, and so have we, ever since Kim Greene suggested them as roommates at JMU. The Lord is surely with you, Julie, we see His fingerprints in all your journaled entries. Cling to Him, commit Patrick to Him, and let our united faith carry you through these days. - Much love, Tom and Sherry Oster

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  42. There are no adequate words. I lost my mom 7 years ago and the grief felt like a bottomless well at times. The Lord was there. In the final days, and the days that followed.
    Praying for you all. Grace grace grace to you.
    -Katherine (Smith) Edwards, friend from JMU

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  43. Praying for Patrick and your family. There are no words that could possible describe what you are going through right now, but please be comforted in knowing that God is with you now and always. May He be your pillar of strength through this extremely rough time. I pray that Patrick is comforted knowing that when he does pass from this life to his next that he will be with God our Father and he will be in a new and perfect body. We will continue to pray for strength for you and your family.
    God Bless!
    Toni Greenwood Jones

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  44. For Unfailing Strength


    Do not look forward to what may happen
    tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares
    for you today will take care of you tomorrow and
    every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
    Be at peace, then. Put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: "The Lord is my
    strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me, and I in Him."


    xoxoToni Reber

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  45. Hi Julie,

    We don't know each other but we have common friends from Duke and my husband knew Patrick at JMU. We are praying for a miracle for Patrick.
    Psalm 33 18-22 says:
    "Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you."
    We pray you'll find comfort in our Lord, knowing that His eye is on all three of you.
    Jacque Armentrout

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  46. julie - i found your blog through a friend and have been thinking of you, your husband, and daughter often. your strength is inspiring and your daughter is incredibly lucky for that. please take some small measure of comfort in knowing there is an abundance of love surrounding your family during this dark time.

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  47. God Bless you and your family. I am praying for you. Heaven is For Real is a very special book and may help you in this difficult time.

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  48. May the Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Emmanuel be with you all!

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  49. No words can express my feelings for you and your family. I hope everything goes as well as can be expected and that Patrick's suffering ends soon.

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  50. Julie,

    You, Patrick, and your whole family are in our constant thoughts and prayers.

    Julia and Eric Stogoski

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  51. Julie,
    I knew Patrick in college at JMU. Even then his love for the Lord was obvious. I am so thankful that he found you, and that you have shared beautiful years and a lovely daughter together. I join you in hopeful prayer.
    Love, April

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  52. Julie, Touchstone was a special place for many reasons, but one of those many reasons was Patrick. I came to Touchstone a month or so before Patrick came back to work and from that very first day, I heard about Patrick and how excited the entire company was about his return. I see that same TS spirit now in the support of your family and the TS community's desire to ease the heartbreak that is occurring. Know that the TS family is here (loud and clear) and that all of us who were fortunate enough to work with Patrick will hold him in our hearts and prayers now and all three of you there going forward.
    Bless you for the life you gave to Patrick and for the joy I'm sure he sees in Cece.
    We love you all and our hearts are full of grief over Patrick's illness. He is a very special man -- always will be for those of us who know him. Know he will live on through us as well.

    Praying for you by the minute,
    Carmie Rogers

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  53. Patrick, I have been thinking of you and your family and sending warm, comforting, peaceful thoughts your way.

    Elizabeth, Matt, and Ella McFarlane

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  54. Julie- I had the privelage of working with Patrick at Touchstone- what a genuine, kind and caring soul. Please know that you, Patrick, and your daughter are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Brandi (Miller) Greygor

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  55. Patrick may not be able to talk to you right now but he is there to listen to you. No matter what the outcome is he will always be there for/with you! Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this trying time!! We wish you all the best!!

    Friends of Amber's in NC, The Bell's

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  56. I hold you, Patrick, Cecelia and your family and friends up in prayer. May knowing that you are not walking alone bring you some comfort.

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  57. Was brought to your blog by a friend. Wanted to send you my prayers for peace from Georgia. I cannot imagine what you are going through but your strength to keep this blog updated is admirable.

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  58. We have no other words than to say we are so sorry and we are praying for you. We are praying for a miracle, and for the presence of God to give you peace and comfort as the days unfold ahead.

    John & Caroline Inazu

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  59. Learned about you from Kristen Diehl, an old colleague. May you be surrounded with love in these most difficult days.

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  60. Hi, I am a friend of Mike Abbamonte's..praying for you and your family in this difficult time. May God hold your dear husband in His hands and give him comfort. Stephanie Cumpston Richmond,VA.

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  61. I'm an old book girl who is praying for you all. I'm so sorry you are facing this and only hope your faith continues to sustain you and that you all say your good byes peacefully with him being strong enough to speak to you. There are no words really, but wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts.

    Holding you close in prayer,
    Heather (Fuerniss) Schneider

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  62. And I second the comment about the book Heaven is for Real...amazing, easy read for anyone who loses someone.

    Heather

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  63. Julie we have been so blessed to have known Patrick from our DC days and then to have had the wonderful privilege of being neighbors in Durham, and then the joy of sharing the adventure of parenthood together with Shepherd and Cecilia. So many sweet, fun, tender memories--our stories will forever be bound together and we thank the Lord for that. We continue to pray...for a healing miracle...for a Lazarus-style miracle...but we also submit to the Lord's plan for your family even though our heads don't agree with it and our hearts hurt right now. Know that we stand with you, PK and little Cecilia. May the Holy Spirit fill you with the Lord's comfort and peace.
    Much love
    natalie, dave, shepherd & rock

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  64. So saddened by this news; may God be glorified even in the midst of this tremendous heartbrake. Blessings and love to you and his family.

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  65. Julie, praying for comfort and peace for your family.

    Elizabeth Parish

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  66. His Love Endures FOREVER
    Praying,
    EJ and Ali (Burke) Fogarty

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  67. Julie:

    Michael and I pray and grieve and expect a miracle with you! This is something I've kept on my desk since my last prolonged illness and I pray it every morning and often throughout the day. Now I'm praying it for you. We love you!

    Vickie

    I silently pray,

    "Lord,
    give the grace
    for me to
    carry all of this."

    It seems I hear
    a whisper in response,

    "Ask instead for the
    grace to let
    Me carry you."

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  68. Julie, many of us are walking through this with you in a small way, and as you already know, our Heavenly Father walks with you most of all. I lift you and Patrick and your loved ones in prayer.

    Elizabeth Brill

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  69. Heavy of heart. Sending you all love and prayers.

    Dan T.

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  70. Grieving deeply with you.
    Yes, grieving in hope...
    But for now, simply grieving.

    Peace of Christ,
    Jeff and Sharon Bjorck

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  71. Revelation 7:15-17
    And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

    David Chapman, Charlotte, NC

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  72. Dear Julie, I don't know you but I've met you through your blog when a friend posted it on Facebook. Your words are so eloquent and your faith is evident. Through your pain and grief, you have witnessed to many, many people. As I was putting my 2-year-old to bed tonight, I prayed for you, I cried for you, my heart broke for you. I cannot imagine what you are going through, and the thought of a daddy and his 2-year-old, and a husband and wife, having to say goodbye to each other just crushes me. We may not always agree with God's plans but you have taught us the importance of submitting to them and trusting that good will come from them. Your daughter is very blessed to have such godly role models as parents. I pray that your husband's legacy as a follower of Christ will remain in the hearts and minds of all who know and love him, and even those of us who don't know him. May God surround you and your family with peace, strength, and comfort. God bless you.
    ~Kim Donahue

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  73. a musical piece for you... sometimes words fail and are not enough to convey the depth of emotion we feel... where words stumble and falter, and understanding is seemingly unattainable, music can sometimes carry us onward, articulate that which can not be said, provide a space for the mystery to abide within us, unfettered, and, for those moments, we remember and we are free.

    the title is "god moving over the face of the waters," and you can find it by following the link listed below:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Uh2fYoKlKY&feature=related

    though i dont think i ever had the pleasure of meeting you, you are quite amazing... and patrick was blessed to have found you.

    seth b.

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  74. Dear Julie,

    You and Patrick are in my prayers tonight. I remember praying for him in 2003... I was one of his dad's students who was told of his illness back then. To think now that God had you and Cecilia in store for him, to bless him and love him... You represent a miracle. Tonight, we pray to the God of restoration and resurrection -for Patrick's life- and also for your strength and comfort from God. Know that so many will go on praying with and for you no matter what comes, in joy or in sorrow.

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  75. Thank you for allowing those unknown to you to enter into your story, Kellys. Jesus is present amid all of this suffering, and He loves you and your family so dearly. Moreover, he has called forth a great cloud of witnesses who weeps with you and hopes with you.

    Lord, have mercy!

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  76. Praying for you here in Spain... Tamara Ritsema

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  77. I don't know your family but I did attend Freeman quite a few years ahead of Patrick. I wanted you to know my whole family has you in our prayers. (My 12 year old just now said a special prayer) Praying for God's perfect peace to surround Patrick and your Family.

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  78. Praying for you here in India.
    Bhatnagars.

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  79. I am so heartbroken for the grief you must feel right now. I am praying to our Savior for your beautiful family earnestly!

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  80. Praying for you all here in the U.K

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  81. I have never met you and will never meet you until that blessed day in Heaven, but please know that this family in Christ is praying for you.

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  82. You have made the world a better place by sharing your story and your pain. I can't imagine what you're going through, but I pray you have the strength to continue your journey. My heart aches for you, but know that you are not alone. Many, many people care. Sending love and prayers your way.

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  83. praying for you every hour. having faith on your behalf that God can still do miracles. may this be a Christmas where just like Mary you see Christ and his mighty glory do the unimaginable. may God's sweet hand be on your heart and heal your husband.

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  84. Sorrowing with you at this time. Praying for healing and courage and peace. May you be overwhelmed by Christ's love and comfort and power. You will be very much in my thoughts and prayers.

    In Xp,

    Kimberly Spragg

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  85. Sometimes (okay, most) I ignore the emails that don't have a certain name, don't even open them, because much of it is junk mail or "just so you know" info, nothing really important, nothing from those I know personally . . . . Then, I had an email that I clicked on "just becasue" that led me here. Praying for all of you during this time; praying that God's will be done; praying for Patrick's healing, for your strength, for peace for all in your hearts; praying that whatever may happen will strengthen all of your relationships with Christ. There's nothing I can personally do or say, but I know He can, and I have asked and will petition prayers of saints near me as well. God IS with you . . in christian love, Mrs. Hutchinson

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  86. Julie, I am awed by your strength in the face of such huge sorrow and loss.
    I continue to pray for you and your sweet Patrick, and little Ceci.
    Love,
    Monique

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  87. My little two year old girl prays for your family every night. How great is our God. You don't know us, but you have touched the lives of many of our friends. Bless your family.

    Love,

    The Pearsons (Birmingham, AL)

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  88. I knew Patrick from our days at Touchstone and he will always be remembered as a kind, caring, intelligent and thoughtful man. Wishing the Kelly family strength to make it through this extremely difficult time and wishing Patrick peace.
    Warm Regards,
    Alpna Arora

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  89. Praying for you in Cali with a bunch of friends. Love you. - Jamie Rogers

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  90. Dear Julie, Cecilia, and Patrick,

    Please know that Maryann and I continue to lift you up in our prayers.

    May God grant you His special blessings in this hour of need.

    Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    Bill and Maryann Roper, Chapel Hill

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  91. Dear Julie,

    You, Patrick, Cecilia, and your entire families are in my prayers--today, at Christmas, and in the coming weeks. Our Good and Gracious God is with you--may His strength and Grace support you at this time.

    All my love,
    Julie Grisolano

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  92. Praying this day that your family has Patrick aware, and for Ceci's goodbye.

    We carry the weight alongside you, grieving, loving, praying, hoping, and wishing you grace and peace amongst it all.

    Shalom,
    Robyn Beckley Vining
    Milwaukee
    (JMU)

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  93. stacy fletcher gunterDecember 24, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    we're praying for the god of comfort to be present with you all, for angels to come minister. we're praying for you as you guide lil cece, for her gentle spirit to connect with her dada's same gentle spirit. we pray for patrick to be able to say his good-byes in whichever way he is capable now, whether it's obvious or not. i pray for your strength when you need it and your people to hold you up when you must crash. we're praying for his sisters and parents as they rejoice in a life well-lived and mourn at the passing of their dear boy. much love to you each.

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  94. Our whole family has been praying for you and your family as you go through this hard hard time. We are so sorry.

    Becky for Charlie, Hannah, Peter, & Isabel Cate

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  95. I was a classmate of Patrick's at Freeman-class of 1996. I am praying for God to wrap his loving arms around you and your family and comfort you in this difficult time. May the Lord's healing hands be upon you and fill you with his love.

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  96. Julie, praying for your strength, peace, and courage. We continue to pray for Patrick's healing, and peace for him. God bless and keep you and Ceci in his merciful loving care.
    Georgia & Jerry

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  97. Praying for you guys and that you may you feel God's peace during this difficult time. We are also praying that Patrick is able to be somewhat aware today and tomorrow and that you are able to have some quality time as a family. May God's presence surround you and bring you strength.

    --Gayleen and Brian

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  98. I don't know you personally, but through a friend. Praying for your family during this season.... for a miracle... healing... peace... and continued trust in God that he is holding all of you.

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  99. Chris ( Davis ) StricklerDecember 24, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Alina came home from college and shared this blog and Patrick's condition with me. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family! Words can not express our deepest sorrow. We will be praying continuously! I will never forget when I was a single parent and you and your sister Amy watched Joanna and Alina for me. They still talk about it and all of you and the missionary book Amy read them. You and your family were such a blessing to us way back then! May our Lord bless you, your little one, and your husband and may yo all feel His presence and peace!

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  100. Been praying for you ever since I saw this yesterday. My heart is heavy this Christmas Eve night and I continue to pray for strength and endurance in the face of fear.

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  101. Praying for you and your sweet family. You may not realize that, through sharing your story, you are reminding all of us what is truly important this holiday season and always. I have a feeling that this was a life and love with very few regrets...and that Patrick is so proud of you and Cecilia. He will be leaving his thumbprint on the world, and it will be better for having had him in it. May God give you, and the rest of his family, the strength to move forward when time seems to stand still. So many people are praying for you all.

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  102. Julie,
    My heart goes out to you and your family! Your love and devotion to our saviour Jesus and to your husband Patrick are evident in your blog. I pray that God will continue to give you the strength you need every moment of this experience.

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  103. Julie, Patrick and Cecilia:
    I just got in from Truro Church, and was thinking of you all. I was pondering what Christmas must be like in Heaven (why wouldn't they celebrate Christmas in Heaven?) and it must be beyond all imagining... Keep trusting in our Lord Jesus and His unimaginable goodness.

    Shalom,

    Ralph Davis

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  104. Praying for you in Arizona on this Christmas morning. May God bless you and keep you all in His care.

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  105. Praying that God will comfort all of you on this day...

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  106. I just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you all on this Christmas Day.
    --Renee

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  107. My heart breaks for you all. I cried just reading your message. I pray for all as you go through this unimaginable time and during this time of year. I will continue to pray for you, Julie and little Cici. Thank you for enabling me to appreciate every special moment that I have with my family. I am so sorry, Julie. Please know that we will be praying for you all.
    Love,
    Katrina Brown
    Booz Allen Hamilton
    RTP, NC

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  108. Hi, Julie.
    I've thought of you and silently prayed for you so often these last few days. I also know how hard it is to be a mom, to take care of a husband with brain cancer and to desperately try to hold it all together during the holidays (my husband was diagnosed Dec. 23rd last year). I pray that tonight you'd be able to let go and simply know that you are HELD.
    In Christ's love,
    Trish Stevens
    Waynesboro, PA

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  109. Sending prayers from Ohio for your precious family as you say goodbye. I cannot imagine such heartbreak, but I know that little Cecelia will one day know how much her Daddy loved her, and will meet him again in Heaven.

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  110. I just learned of your situation through Southwestern's request for prayers for Patrick. I sold books in '97 before you guys. My wife and I had to take our 2nd child off life support in 2003. You will be forever changed, but thanks be to God that our saviour, Jesus Christ, is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I'm very sorry for you and what you must endure, but the Lord's mercy is great and He already has a plan to meet all of your needs. Thank you for your faith and I have, and will be, praying for you and your family.

    Brother in Christ,
    Joshua
    Saraland, AL

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  111. Patrick and Julie,
    Though we do not understand and things do not make sense, the one thing that we will do is trust Jesus. You are in our thoughts and we are praying for you. In Christ, Kevin

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  112. So sorry for your suffering and grief. Know that many people are sending you light and love and peace in the hopes of making the way ahead just a bit easier. Blessings.

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  113. Thinking of you all this night. My heart is breaking and simply can only offer you the hope of Christ. In the dark night of the soul, he is there. Praying peace to you this night. --Mindy in Portland

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  114. Praying that it went well on Saturaday and your Christmas was touched by miracles.

    Cindy and Bill Evans

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  115. Praying for you and your family through this difficult time. No words of wisdom, just breaking on your behalf and praying for grace and peace for each moment as it comes.

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  116. Julie and family:

    The Body of Christ is with you in this journey and praying that the Lord strengthens you/your family and gives you His peace and comfort. May Isaiah 26:3 bless you.

    God bless, Todd

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Thanks for your prayers!