Patrick Surrena - Mighty Warrior & So Loved!
Donation protected
Patrick John Surrena... Husband, Dad, Big Brother, Son, Grandpa (Papa), Uncle... Veteran, Mountain Man, Marketing Man, Exceptional Photographer, Storyteller, Story Listener, Hot Air Balloon Flyer, Drummer and it goes on and on...
On July 23 this wonderful warrior of a man concluded his earthly tenure... not by his choice, of course. His body found it time to depart - his spirit, soul and mind were not in agreement.
After a long battle with various complications from diabetes and some unwanted health issues, this much loved fella moved on.
As you know... the cost of a loved one's passing is exceptional...
If you are able to contribute in any way, small or large, to help defray the financial cost of these crazy amounts of bills that Eileen and their girls will have to incur... we thank you! The goal set is modest... the looming reality is large. All of this is done though a veil of sadness and loss that all of us know and understand.
The love that this man conjures is a testament to his smile, the heart and soul that created it... the laugh that expressed it... the booming voice that shouted it.
Thank you... and love - The Surrena Family... Eileen, Erin, Katie, Trish... Suzanne, Mary, Sheila & Matt... xo.
Post Script...
This short overview is just a sliver of the emotions felt by so many... and will be felt by so many more over the coming days and weeks. More of those thoughts are below...
The hospital room was filled with family - we cried, laughed, told stories, raised a glass (or three), played music. Everyone had a very cognizant conversation the day prior... gave love, last thoughts, kisses, quiet moments the day of... he waited - so is our interpretation, to let go so we could all say goodbye. His warrior soul would allow nothing less... it's all we could have hoped to give ourselves a bit of solace. Thank you Pat! xoxo
His lovely wife Eileen and daughters Erin, Katie and Patricia are an amazing testament to what he has left us with. The joy he shared with Eileen (a combination of two people that pre-dates your aged author of this tribute) is a smile from the universe. The girls they raised, and the children they have given them, and us, is a legacy that now lives on.
As is the case with moments like these - the memories,stories, love, joy, sadness, mostly love & joy, are what we celebrate... in between random blasts of tears, hugs and "it's not fair... it's not right... why now??"
On Friday, August 9 we will give a proper and formal, fun and sad, laugh and tear filled goodbye.
The reality is, however, when all of this mellows down and we turn our thoughts inward, the costly costs of hospitals, cemetaries (with military honors!), the attempt at rehab etc etc all come to light... and a very large looming real light.
So with this in mind, we ask - keep our dearly departed in your heart, thoughts and prayers. Give a smile to a photo, remember a thought, share a story... or keep it to yourself and give up the love to Pat.
Much love to you for taking the time and effort.
Much love to Pat for being himself - which brought so many hours of joy, smiles, love, laughs, crazy mountain driving, quiet moments, hugs, kisses, stories, ease and now, a sense of remembering that we wish wasn't a memory. "just another day at the office".
On July 23 this wonderful warrior of a man concluded his earthly tenure... not by his choice, of course. His body found it time to depart - his spirit, soul and mind were not in agreement.
After a long battle with various complications from diabetes and some unwanted health issues, this much loved fella moved on.
As you know... the cost of a loved one's passing is exceptional...
If you are able to contribute in any way, small or large, to help defray the financial cost of these crazy amounts of bills that Eileen and their girls will have to incur... we thank you! The goal set is modest... the looming reality is large. All of this is done though a veil of sadness and loss that all of us know and understand.
The love that this man conjures is a testament to his smile, the heart and soul that created it... the laugh that expressed it... the booming voice that shouted it.
Thank you... and love - The Surrena Family... Eileen, Erin, Katie, Trish... Suzanne, Mary, Sheila & Matt... xo.
Post Script...
This short overview is just a sliver of the emotions felt by so many... and will be felt by so many more over the coming days and weeks. More of those thoughts are below...
The hospital room was filled with family - we cried, laughed, told stories, raised a glass (or three), played music. Everyone had a very cognizant conversation the day prior... gave love, last thoughts, kisses, quiet moments the day of... he waited - so is our interpretation, to let go so we could all say goodbye. His warrior soul would allow nothing less... it's all we could have hoped to give ourselves a bit of solace. Thank you Pat! xoxo
His lovely wife Eileen and daughters Erin, Katie and Patricia are an amazing testament to what he has left us with. The joy he shared with Eileen (a combination of two people that pre-dates your aged author of this tribute) is a smile from the universe. The girls they raised, and the children they have given them, and us, is a legacy that now lives on.
As is the case with moments like these - the memories,stories, love, joy, sadness, mostly love & joy, are what we celebrate... in between random blasts of tears, hugs and "it's not fair... it's not right... why now??"
On Friday, August 9 we will give a proper and formal, fun and sad, laugh and tear filled goodbye.
The reality is, however, when all of this mellows down and we turn our thoughts inward, the costly costs of hospitals, cemetaries (with military honors!), the attempt at rehab etc etc all come to light... and a very large looming real light.
So with this in mind, we ask - keep our dearly departed in your heart, thoughts and prayers. Give a smile to a photo, remember a thought, share a story... or keep it to yourself and give up the love to Pat.
Much love to you for taking the time and effort.
Much love to Pat for being himself - which brought so many hours of joy, smiles, love, laughs, crazy mountain driving, quiet moments, hugs, kisses, stories, ease and now, a sense of remembering that we wish wasn't a memory. "just another day at the office".
Organizer and beneficiary
Lolas Cafe
Organizer
Ladera Ranch, CA
Erin Scarbrough
Beneficiary