Our Back Porch

Yesterday would have been my nephew, Patrick's 30th birthday.  It is going on four years since his unexpected passing.  Some days, it seems like I just saw him, others it seems a lifetime.  However, knowing that he is in the presence of our Lord gives me great comfort and peace.  I know that I will see him again someday when I no longer walk this earth.  Last year, I shared pictures of Patrick with you.  This year, I'd like to share the poem my sister wrote in the darkest time of her life.  This poem was read at Patrick's funeral by my youngest niece, Patrick's youngest sister, Kristin.  At the end of this post, I will provide a link so you can revisit ( or visit for the first time) 

the photos of my most creative, talented, loving only nephew.

Eyes Like Mine

There was a boy I met one day

And on that day I did wondrously find,

As I was looking into his eyes

I was looking at eyes like mine.

There was a boy I met one day 

And on that day I did wondrously find,

As I was looking into his heart

I was looking at a heart like mine.

There was a boy I met one day

And on that day I did wondrously find,

As I was looking at his joy

I was looking at a joy like mine.

There was a boy I met one day

And on that day I did wondrously find,

As I was looking at his pain

I was looking at a pain like mine.

There was a boy I met one day

And on that day I did wondrously find,

As I was looking at God's Grace in this beautiful boy

I was looking at a Grace like mine.

I went to meet the boy one day 

And on that day I did wondrously find, 

He was not there; he had gone to Heaven 

A Heaven that would one day be mine.

So when I long to see those eyes 

Those eyes that look like mine, 

I'll know those eyes are on Jesus

And one day, so will be mine.

Poem by Melissa K. Hand 

In Loving Memory of Her Precious Son

Charles Patrick Mangino

February 16, 1979 – July 9, 2005

Please pray for my sweet bloggy friend, Becky, who just lost her precious son last week, unexpectedly.  She is the one I posted about last week, that many of you have already been praying for.  Thank you for all that have visited her and shown great compassion and love for her through this!  Please continue to remember Becky and her sweet family through the most difficult and dark days ahead!

Here is where you can see more pictures of our precious Patrick.....

http://ourbackporch.blogspot.com/2008/02/this-post-is-dedicated-to-patrick.html