A Tribute to a soldiers Mother / Bonnie Hobbs-Wade (Friend in Christ ) Dear Nadia, I have seen you on TV and in the Newspapers and I think that your fight should not be in vain. I pay tribute to Patrick as a Friend in Christ and wish to send you Blessings and Love for the hurt that you have in your soul for your Son. I can't understand why or how many more of our Sons, Fathers, Brothers, Sisters must die for Bush. If it was one of his would it make a difference? How many more Mothers will have to join you for your voice to be heard? That will just mean more deaths. The Lord did not mean for us to battle each other until death. Lord I pray for peace in Patrick and all others that has been killed in the line of dutys name.
Memories / Mark (Childhood friend )
"Nadia and Family, this message board is a wonderful thing. It has taken me awhile to truly put my thoughts together and memories to where I want to share of the love of a great friend. Patrick was one of my first friends and many who he knew later in his life may not have known him as I did when we were children. Patrick lived in the house behind my Grandma's in Sunnyvale on Roosevelt Street and always came to our family to share in with us and our parties, Christmas and Birthdays. Patrick and I would always play in Grandma's back bedroom with her multitude of thrift store toys that seemed like gold to us. We were friends, and the best kind of friends. Everytime My 2 Sisters Tammy and Wendy and my Cousin Kathy would be over Grandma would tell us to go into the back and get Patrick so he could join in the fun! Patrick always was a leader even as children, and so smart. He loved my Great Grandma and she loved him too. They always remembered Patrick at Chrsitmas with gifts, they loved him as their own. When Great Grandma died in March of 1985 Patrick and his Father Bob attended the funeral in San Jose and brought yellow roses, Great Grandma's favorite. He was always thoughtful and we have many happy memories of him in our childhood, always talented and speaking well of his Father and the many adventures traveling to see his Mother Nadia. He even gave me some Tahaitan Francs from one of his trips to which I still have and treasure to this day! He once had a yard sale and sold me a ventriliquist dummy to which at age 9 he wrote me out a receipt for the $7.00 I paid! He always knew how to take care and handle business, even as a child. I will always remember Patrick as a great childhood friend to which I share many memories and his dog LuLu!!!! His gentle Father Bob and beautiful Mother Nadia- My prayers are that God let him rest and that the world may know the sacrifice of this great person. My only goal is to continue to support Nadia in her efforts and Patrick's children in their future so they may know their Dad was a very awesome guy. My familys love to his." Mark Nelson of Sacramento, California
Sacramento Mom You dared to break the silence, You dared to show the coffin of your son Killed in Iraq, for all to see, You dared to say the war was wrong, Words from your dead son's lips.
Sacramento Mom, We need a chorus of Moms like you, We need a million Moms Marching in the streets, Crying, "Wake up! Wake up! Our young are dying, Their hearts, their souls, Their bodies scarred and maimed, Consumed in the deadly game of war."
Sacramento Mom, you give us hope. You refused to bury your son quietly. You and all the other Moms and Dads Who dare to speak out from their hearts Can help us put an end to war.
Ruth Shapin
This poem was inspired by an article in the Los Angeles Times (6/29/04) about Nadia McCaffrey, the mother of national guardsman Patrick McCaffrey, who was killed in Iraq. The poem was sent to the Sacramento Bee on July 2, 2004.
We are Made For This Times! / Clarissa Pinkola Estes
WE ARE MADE FOR THESE TIMES . . . by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Mis estimados: †Do not lose heart. †We were made for these times. †I have heard from so many recently who are deeply bewildered and concerned about the state of affairs in our world right now.
Ours is a time of almost daily astonishment and often righteous rage over the latest degradations of what matters most to civilized, visionary people. You are right in your assessments. †The lustre and hubris some have aspired to while endorsing acts so heinous against children, elders, everyday people, the poor, the unguarded, the helpless, is breathtaking. †Yet, I urge you, ask you gently, to please not spend your spirit dry by bewailing these difficult times.
Especially do not lose hope. We were made for these times. For years, we have been learning, practicing, been in training for and just waiting to meet on this exact plane of engagement. †I grew up on the Great Lakes and recognize a seaworthy vessel when I see one. †Regarding awakened souls, there have never been more able crafts in the waters than there are right now across the world. And they are fully provisioned and able to signal one another as never before in the history of humankind.
Look out over the prow; there are millions of boats of righteous souls on the waters with you. Even though your veneers may shiver from every wave in this stormy roil, I assure you that the long timbers composing your prow and rudder come from a greater forest. That long-grained lumber is known to withstand storms, to hold together, to hold its own, and to advance, regardless. †We have been in training for a dark time such as this, since the day we assented to come to Earth.
In any dark time there is a tendency to veer toward fainting over how much is wrong or untended in the world. †Do not focus on that. †There is a tendency too to fall into being weakened by persevering on what is outside your reach, by what cannot yet be. That is spending the wind without raising the sails. †We are needed, that is all we can know. †And though we meet resistance, we more so will meet great souls who will hail us, love us and guide us, and we will know them when they appear.
Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world within our reach. Any small thing that one soul can do to help another, to assist some portion of this suffering world, will help immensely. We know that it does not take "everyone on Earth" to bring justice and peace, but only a small, determined group who will not give up during the first, second, or hundredth gale!
One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. †Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times. †The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires, causes proper matters to catch fire. Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it.
There will always be times when you feel discouraged. †I too have felt despair many times in my life, but I do not keep a chair for it. I will not entertain it or allow it to eat from my plate. In my uttermost bones I know something, as do you. †It is that there can be no despair when you remember why you came to Earth, who you serve, and who sent you here. In that spirit, I hope you will write this on your wall: †When a great ship is in harbor and moored, it is safe, there can be no doubt. †But that is not what great ships are built for.
This comes with much love and prayer that you remember who you came from, and why you came to this beautiful, needful Earth. †Breathe in and breathe out light and love daily.
Happy Birthday ma "Petite Maman du Ciel" I gave you my only son on June 22, fallen in Iraq, he just turned 34, like you I will feel this pain for ever. I have forgiven they, who have killed him. I am at peace in my heart, and love is, to serve you, please, take good care of him until we meet again. I love you and pray to you so you give me your strength to fulfill my mission on this earth. In you Service, In your Light, In your Peace. Happy Birthday, je seme une pluie de petales de roses a tes pieds. Nadia
Nadia McCaffrey's son, Patrick, a member of the California National Guard, was killed on 22 June this year when his unit was ambushed in the city of Balad, 85 miles north of Baghdad. In January Mrs McCaffrey will join other American mothers whose sons have died in combat and travel to Iraq to meet relatives of Iraqis who have been killed by the US and British invasion.
"We will be mothers [speaking] to mothers," she said. "I don't know [why there is less discussion of civilian casualties]. It is very disturbing."
Mrs McCaffrey said her son, who left a widow and two children, often wrote to her about the Iraqi people, especially the young children who gave him flowers. When her son's body was returned to Sacramento airport she defied President Bush's wishes by allowing the media to film it.
She also talked of her son's despair at the US presence in Iraq. "He was overwhelmed by the hatred there for Americans and Europeans," she told one reporter. "He was so ashamed by the [Abu Ghraib] prisoner abuse scandal. He even sent me an email to tell me that not all the soldiers were like that. He said we had no business in Iraq and should not be there. Even so, he wanted to be a good soldier."
Mrs McCaffrey said she and the other mothers may not be able to enter Iraq because of the lack of security. If not, there are plans to establish a peace camp at Amman, Jordan's capital.
Thanks for getting back to me. I thought you might like to know that I've sent out your son's story to all of my email contacts (including friends, family and coworkers). I've had SO many people replying, thankful that I shared his story. Living here in central PA, we really lead sheltered lives. Now, we are all much more aware of the sacrifice that your son and many others have made for us. I've been trying to figure out why the balloon landed in my backyard. I was hopeful that Patrick had some ties to PA and that it was a sign to his family that he is OK. Maybe the only reason that it landed here was to open our eyes and to make us appreciate life!
May you find Peace,
Anna
PS The following is the email that I sent: (I hope you don't mind.)
On the 4th of July, a yellow balloon with a tag front - "McCaffrey, Patrick R., Sr. Tracy, CA", back - Bible verse "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends John 15:13" came down in our backyard. Greg found the balloon next to our back door. We initially thought that a local organization had released a bunch of balloons for a 4th of July celebration with the names of soldiers killed in action. Still, I kept the tag and brought it in to work to research on the internet. Today, I finally had time to do some investigating. I found an article about a soldier killed in Iraq on June 22. The article indicated that at Patrick McCaffrey's memorial service on July 2nd in Oceanside, CA yellow balloons were released by the children.
Can you believe that the balloon traveled across the country in 2 days and ended up in our backyard? I believe that everything happens for a reason. I found Patrick's mother's email address on the internet and sent her a note. Who knows, maybe he has a history in PA and this was a sign from him to his family?! Not knowing what to do with this incident, I thought the least I could do was relay Patrick McCaffrey's story. Please read his story at the following link:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/070604B.shtml
Remember all of those that have fought for our country today and in the past. Whether you agree with war or not, there are people giving their lives for our freedom! Patrick is survived by his parents, a wife, a 2 year old daughter, a 9 year old son and countless other friends and family. It is our obligation to remember him (and all of the others)!
First Thanksgiving [2004] without Patrick / Nadia McCaffrey (Mom)Read >>
First Thanksgiving [2004] without Patrick / Nadia McCaffrey (Mom)
Dear friends, I hope that your Thanksgiving was a wonderful one, last night my thoughts where with all of you, I am thankful to know you, I will never forget all of you, for loving me and supporting us. Thank you for Caring.
As the family seat around the thanksgiving dinner, we all tried to keep some sort of a smile so the day wouldn't turn into a dreadful day; at this precise moment the future appeared heavy and dark. The painful loss of Patrick was deep and obvious to each one of us, including Janessa. I finally got up from the table and reach for one of our favorite picture of Patrick that I placed at the center of the table next to the candle and the green beans. My granddaughter stared at her Dad's picture and decided to have a conversation with her father [of course, only Patrick's Spirit and herself knew what the conversation was about, Janessa became joyful], her ability to touch our heart became a beautiful scene of Hope and made this painful evening livable. We ended the day watching a forgotten tape that Patrick and Silvia made when Janessa was not even a year old, it really was precious to all of us to hear his laugh and talking to Janessa with his usual great big smile.
Sergeant Patrick McCaffrey / Chris Murphy (Friend)Read >>
Sergeant Patrick McCaffrey / Chris Murphy (Friend)
Sergeant Patrick Ryan McCaffrey Sr
.Sergeant Patrick McCaffrey, 34, of Tracy was killed in action by Insurgents, near Balad, Iraq; the first combat death in 58 year history of the California National Guard’s 579 Engineer Battalion from Petaluma. McCaffrey was ambushed and shot multiple times with automatic weapons; the attack came from both sides of his body, bullets pierced through the sides of his bulletproof vest. Even wounded, Patrick retuned fire, protecting his fellow soldiers, than collapsed next to T. Patrick McCaffrey died from massive internal bleeding on June 22 2004 at 11:45 am. Sergeant Patrick McCaffrey was attached to Alpha Company 579 Engineer Battalion; they are part of Task Force Tacoma, which is responsible for the security of LSA Anaconda. Patrick Ryan McCaffrey was born on May 26 at Stanford University Hospital in Palo Alto. Patrick grew up in Sunnyvale, graduated at Homestead High; he was the quarterback for his football team, the Mustangs, and later attended college at De Anza. Patrick is the father of 2 small children, Janessa, 3, and Patrick Junior, 9. He is survived by his wife Silvia and both parents Robert and Nadia McCaffrey, Patrick is an only child. Patrick joined the National Guard after 9/11, to serve the United States of America in a time of National crisis. Patrick was General Manager for AKINS in Palo Alto; he worked with Akins for 13 years.Quote:"Even though Sergeant McCaffrey was relatively new to the Army he had progressed quickly to a position of leadership and respect. He was a natural leader with his care for his fellow soldiers and the way others would look up to him for advice and follow his lead. He was a team leader, a position he was more than capable of handling. Sergeant McCaffrey’s contribution to the company as a Combat Life Saver was incredible. He constantly was ensuring that all the other CLS’s in the company had all the supplies in their aid bags and where ready. He provided care for the other soldiers constantly and was always providing tips to ISG about how the other soldiers could improve their health and well being When a CLS was called he was always one of the first, if not the first to respond. He looked after everyone in the company, always asking how everyone was doing and helping them with their problems. SGT McCaffrey was a hard charger and very proactive. His leadership has nothing but great things to say about him, and all the soldiers considered him a friend. Many of the soldiers considered him a close friend and will miss him greatly. Even though we are all stricken by his loss, it is really hitting us hard. He was more than just a friend to many of the soldiers, he was a brother". A close friend, a Brother and a fellow soldier: Chris Murphy. Close
The rest of the journee without you, sweet heart, I cannot wait to meet your bright Spirit again / Nadia McCaffrey (Patrick's Mother )Read >>
The rest of the journee without you, sweet heart, I cannot wait to meet your bright Spirit again / Nadia McCaffrey (Patrick's Mother )
An Archangel of Peace as left us, but not really!.. His presence is palpable and wise! We appreciate you, visiting with us, and I wish that I could hear you saying gently "I love you mom" I wish that the powerful feel of your presence would last longer each time, you spiritual touch is golden and sacred to me. I love you Patrick, more than life itself, Please watch over us and guide us to your sacred path. We will meet again soon. We all miss you so much, it's even hard to say. Be at Peace my son, I will be there for Silvia and the children. I am so proud of Silvia, she is doing very well. May God keep you and love you forever, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Our Lady of Light is now close to you and she will watch over you and guide your soul...Your Mom. Close
Hi Nadia I'm Steve Medina, I'm the person who wrote the poem " IN THE BROAD LAY LIGHT ". I was one of the Color Guards for the Veterans For Kerry march and I heard you and Cindy Sheehan speak. I was very moved. I feel like you do about the war in Iraq and I intend to do everything I can to help bring our troops home as soon as possible. That day after the Kerry March I came home and I was very troubled. I went out to an empty field and stool in the cool rain showers. I felt so bad about you, Cindy and all the other parents that have lost some of their children in a stupid war. That is the dream of a " CRUSADE" for a President that is an alcoholic and is suffering from illusion of grandeur. Who's own children will never have to suffer the horrors that your children have. A President that will that will never have to question WHAT his children died for. To make a long story short. I came back to the my home that day and I wrote and poem. It's call "ANGLE'S TEARS" Please put me on you e-mail list so that I might be able to help you in your cause some time.
IN THE BROAD DAY LIGHT
IF I DIE---PLEASE BRING ME HOME--- IN THE BROAD DAY LIGHT DON’T SNEAK ME HOME --- IN THE BLACK OF NIGHT SO JUST BRING ME HOME---IN THE BROAD DAY LIGHT
WRAP ME UP IN RED-- AND WHITE--- AND BLUE REMEMBER THAT--THAT I DIED FOR YOU SO JUST BRING ME HOME---IN THE BROAD DAY LIGHT
HAVE A BAND THAT PLAYS JUST FOR ME AS I TOUCH DOWN ON THE HOME OF THE FREE SO JUST BRING ME HOME---IN THE BROAD DAY LIGHT
DON'T HIDE ME FROM THE EYES OF MY COUNTRY AND LET LET THEM SEE WHAT'S HAPPEN TO ME SO BRING ME HOME IN THE BROAD DAY LIGHT
SO BRING ME HOME IN THE BROAD DAY LIGHT DON’T SNEAK ME HOME --- IN THE BLACK OF NIGHT SO JUST BRING ME HOME---IN THE BROAD DAY LIGHT
BE PROUD OF ME AND LET MY COUNTRY SEE THAT I’VE COME HOME-- OR WHAT IS LEFT OF ME SO JUST BRING ME HOME IN THE BROAD DAY LIGHT
MY FLAG COVERED BOX OF DEATH---IS ALL LINED UP WITH ALL THE REST IF MY COUNTRY JUST CAN’T SEE--IT WILL BE MUCH EASIER TO MAKE MORE LIKE ME SO JUST BRING ME HOME---IN THE BROAD DAY LIGHT
SO JUST BRING ME HOME---IN THE BROAD DAY LIGHT SO LET THEM SEE--- SO THEY CAN BE ---SO PROUD OF ME YES IF I DIE
ANGELS TEARS
TODAY I STOOD IN A CROWD THAT WAS BOTH HAPPY ,SAD AND LOUD.
I HEARD FROM MEN AND WOMEN WHO WERE PATRIOTIC AND OH SO VERY PROUD.
I HEARD A MOTHER WHO HAD LOST A CHILD THAT SHE WOULD NEVER SEE AGAIN I SEEN AND FELT THE HURT AND SORROW OF THIS PARENT’S PAIN
I HUGGED A FATHER WHO HAD LOST HIS SON IT MADE ME FEEL SO GUILTY THAT I STILL HAVE ONE
I SEEN AN HEARD A MOTHER IN ANGER AND WITH A CRY AND HER VOICE WAS BREAKING AS SHE QUESTIONING WHY
ALL THIS HURT AND SORROW THAT MAKE THESE MOTHERS CRY ALL THIS AND IT ALL WAS CAUSED BY ONE BIG LIE
AND WHEN MY HEART COULD TAKE NO MORE THE HEAVENS OPEN UP AND THE RAIN BEGAN POUR
I STOOD IN THAT COOL,CLEAN AND CLEANSING RAIN THAT CAME DOWN AND TOOK AWAY MY PAIN
TO OTHER IT MAY HAVE BEEN JUST MORE COLD RAIN TO ME IT WAS ANGEL’S TEARS SENT DOWN TO EASE THE PAIN
THEN WHEN I CAME HOME TO AN EMPTY FIELD I DID ROAM I COULD SEE FROM NORTH TO SOUTH AND EAST TO WEST
THE RAIN AND CLOUDS HELPED MY TROUBLED SOUL TO REST
THE ANGEL’S TEARS RAN DOWN MY FACE THEY MIXED WITH MINE AND GODS GOOD GRACE
A Bright Light you Initiated... / Cynthia Xxx (friend)Read >>
A Bright Light you Initiated... / Cynthia Xxx (friend)
A Bright Light you initiated* Continues Cultivate past Darkness* I Humbly Light this Sacred Candle in your Honor* In true Faith and dedication* In Loving commitment of Living my Pupose in Creating a Peaceful World* Cynthia Close
Although we never met, I feel as if I've known you for many lifetimes. I honor your incredible and courageous spirit. You have taught me the power of selfless service and of forgiveness. And I know as sure as I'm sitting here, that you are watching over, protecting, and guiding all those you love and all those who seek peace, comfort , and courage in this world. Thank you for touching my life. Thank you for coming here on Earth to do the work of the Holy Spirit.
A Mother's Love, for Nadia and Patrick. / Walter Bowman Littrel Read >>
A Mother's Love, for Nadia and Patrick. / Walter Bowman Littrel
By Walter Bowman Littrel. The miracle of Birth brought us here. That spark of mirth and baby's tears. As seeds can make a family tree. A mother's love made you and me. Who are we, but for our kind. But seeds for love and peace of mind. Forgive our hurt, endure our pain. As cool sips of water, fall with the rain. In the end when life is done. Around the bend what has been won? Did we pursue a life of greed. Or plant a garden for future seed? What meaning has life? We may ask. To share our love is our task. Now is the time! This is our day! Fields of flowers show us the way.
Veterans Day Observance / Nadia McCaffrey (Mother)Read >>
Veterans Day Observance / Nadia McCaffrey (Mother)
JOIN US FOR A MEMORABLE
VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2005 8:00 P.M.
In observance of Veterans Day, we will welcome two guests to speak on the war in Iraq and its effect on American society.Ray McGovern, who served as a CIA analyst for 27 years, was responsible for briefing the V.P. George Bush.He is now co-director of the Servant Leadership School, an outreach ministry in the inner city of Washington, DC.Nadia McCaffrey, who comes from an activist family – her grandparents having served in the French Underground during World War II and hid Jews fleeing from the Nazis – was the other who defied President Bush and allowed the media to view her son Patrick’s coffin as it returned from Iraq.She has since gone to Iraq and met with other mothers who have lost sons and made a documentary, “Journey to Peace.”We will have the honor of viewing the documentary at the oneg following services.
Tributes and Condolences
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