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Patrick
was a wonderful person with a big heart that was always trying to help
others in every way he could. Patrick was very generous, kind, and loved
to visit and chat for hours with friends. His most valued possession
that he owned was, by far, his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He would
actually get tears in his eyes when he'd talk about the joy and independence
he felt when riding his bike. He loved sharing that joy with friends,
and I even took my first motorcycle ride in my life with Patrick just
about three weeks before his untimely death.
I was scared to death most of that ride, but Patrick was extremely cautious
and careful, and every couple of minutes he would reach back and pat
my arm or squeeze my hand to let me know it would
be O.K. He was so happy and thankful that I was willing to share that
experience with him, and kept thanking me, for letting him share his
joy for riding with me, his friend. It was just about a week before
he was killed that he had thanked me, for final time, and said, "I
love being able to share that thrill, that ultimate freedom with the
people that mean so much in my life, with my friends. We'll go again,
April." Of course, he never got a chance to take me on another
ride, for he was killed a few days later. I miss Patrick's friendship
in
my life, his frantic knock before he'd call out, "April, open up,
it's me, Patrick." My friend would show up anytime, it was sometimes
difficult to anticipate his arrival, so early on I just learned that
his visits were to be simply a pleasant surprise. And, for the most
part, they always were. I miss my friend soo much, he never seemed to
have a very high self esteem, for some reason even though he was a very
good man he didn't ever seem to like himself very much. I only hope
that now, he has been able to somehow find that eternal peace and
acceptance within himself that always seemed to elude him throughout
his life. Patrick, you were a good man, with a kind heart, and you are
missed very much, not just by me but by many other of your friends that
you have touched the lives of during your life here on earth. God Bless
You, my friend. I truly hope you've obtained the peace and acceptance
within your heart that you so desperately needed and couldn't accept
throughout most of your life. You did touch at least one life, for the
better, just as you had mentioned once would be your dream
come true. Yes, Patrick, at least once in your all too short of life
here on earth, you did signifigantly touch my life for the better, bringing
me friendship and joy, and being my good friend. I thank you so much
for being my friend, I will always treasure your memories, and will
never, ever forget my good friend, Patrick Dean Eason.
Written
by April Langrud
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