It's Just So Sad

I don't know what to say. And I don't know how to feel.  But while "sad" doesn't come close, it is a big part of it.

Some people become a part of our lives for a short time, but during that brief time they have a big impact.   Patrick was such a person in my life; in our lives.

Yet, he had been out of our lives for several years now.  It's likely I would never have seen him again, nor spoken to him.  His relationship with our family was over.  After a few months of hosting him in our house, he was no longer "part" of our life. 

Yet, because of those months, he would forever be part of our past. And now, the past is all any of us have with Patrick.  There will be no future. 

I'm sad for many reasons, and for many people.  I am sad for Leah, because I'm her father and I know she's hurting.  And I am sad for Sherry, who spent much more time with Patrick during those few months than I did.  And to those who cared for Patrick, I don't know what to say.  But I feel -- well, I feel this.  And I feel for you.  And at this point, I guess that's all I can do.

And it makes me sad.

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