Happy 28th Birthday, Pete!!

I know there is a BIG celebration in heaven today because I am sure you have insisted on a good party. Why not continue the earthly tradition of celebrating your day?

Dad, Paul and I are here together in Fla, in our new tradition, helping each other get through this day. We remember the joy of your birth and the love you brought into our lives.

We miss you Pete. We love you forever. Happy Birthday, my precious son.

Love,
Mom

xoxo

Happy (a couple minutes early) Birthday Pete! Some of my best memories from UD come from your joint Birthday party with Zach and Rob! My love and thoughts go out to everyone... XOXO

Getting by with the help of Pete's friends

I am trying to help another bereaved mother who lost her 21 year old son unexpectedly before Christmas. I never dreamed of the pain that would surface or the scab that would tear off my heart in trying to help her. All in all, it is a good thing because it makes me reflect on how I made it to today.

My new friend has asked me how I got through Pete's loss and I tell her that it is the love of Pete's friends who have carried us and inspire us. We get glimpses of what Pete's life would be like when we join in the births, weddings, baptisms, and life events that you keep us connected to. Pete surrounded himself with an amazing group of friends and we love you and are proud of all of you.

Today's mail, on a gloomy winter day, brought pictures of flowers and seed pods from one of Pete's friends. A great lift to my day. And the planning committee for the May 30th scholarship fundraiser has brought laughter and delight into our world.

Thank you for caring for us and keeping Pete's memory alive.

Love,
Helene