Yesterday was one of those days that seemed so long but once it was over it seemed to fly by. It began like last 3 days did. I didn't sleep well and I was looking for a nap around noon but that didn't happen. Diane and I had to be at the funeral home @ 4 to get things ready. It also gave us time with Cody before anyone else got there. Although they did a good job fixing him up he just didn't look like our Cody. I can't say as I expected him to. I don't remember anyone every looking like themselves at a funeral. I took a box of his toys so we could display them the way he would have wanted. The people loved them.
The people, oh there were many people. The funeral director said that 200 had signed the book but he thought that at least 350 came in to see our Cody. The line wrapped out one room and up the hall to the next room. It made us feel good to see that many people had taken time to drop in. We had people from Florida, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Washington State, Maryland and West Virginia. I'm sure there were more but I can't recall. I have a feeling today we will have many more people. I was surprised at all the people that brought their children from Cody's school. I just though that most would find it hard to let there kids see him. I think it was important for everyone who this little warrior. It is plain to see that he has touched many people in his short time.
Again I didn't sleep well. I was exhausted when I went to bed @ 10:30 last night but soon started tossing and turning around 12:45. I think my body is going to have to learn to sleep again after these past 5 years. We have to be out the door at 9 and @ the funeral home by 9:30.
The kids were pretty good last night. I warned them to be on their best behavior or they would be sent home. They were very respectful for the most part. It was hard for both of them to see Cody like that. Daniela commented that his hand was stiff and cold. She then started to cry. I did also. I'm very proud of Diane. Although many tears were flowing, she held up very well. I think the constant line of people that we were greeting helped her.
So now I get ready for another long day.
Deck Ape
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About Me
- Deck Ape
- I grew up, ah, got older in Ford City Pa. A small town 45 minutes up the Allegheny River from Pittsburgh. Growing up a true 70's child I really thought that the Steelers were suppose to win the Super Bowl every year. :D Being the free spirit that I am I couldn't wait to get out on my own, so I joined the Navy. I flew out to the Philippines and met my boat the USS John Paul Jones DDG32. From there we sailed back to the states and spent most of the rest of my tour between San Diego and Long Beach. Since getting out I married twice, had 6 children and lived in Groton CT, Pensacola FL, Germantown MD and now in Northern VA. I've been married to my wife Diane for 10 years now and have three energetic and loving children. My life reads like a fiction novel in many ways. Many ups and downs but I feel blessed to have this life. To some it may seem boring but it's all mine.. :D
33 comments:
I am so sorry you all are having to face this. Cody has taught us all so much about life. For that I thank you for sharing your sweet angel with us all. May God Continue to be with you and your family through this very difficult time. God Bless!
I am lifting you up in prayers during this time. Blessings to your family
Your little boy left an imprint on my heart...thank you for sharing him with all of us, he was a truly special child.
You children were wonderful last night - kids are so strong and resiliant and I know Justin and Daniela will be a source of strength for you both.
You and Diane will be in my prayers these upcoming days...I know they will be the hardest you have ever faced.
You and Diane have been so so strong for Cody. Now you need to be strong for yourselves. I think Cody would want that, I think he'd insist on it. While he was 'unlucky' to have had to face this horrible disease, he was so richly blessed by parents who loved him with their entire being. I believe - I KNOW - he left this Earth wrapped in the certain knowledge and comfort of your love. You are both extraordinary parents - never ever doubt that.
Thinking of you all...
moon
Thank you and Diane again for reaching staying in touch all during this time. You reached out and made so many connections, it was the right thing to do. The table of toys was beautiful, the kids were so well-behaved. You will all be in our hearts today.
Dottie
Mickey, Cody was an inspiration to all of us. It is hard to comprehend how tough he was to battle the "beast" like he did at his young age. I can tell he got that from his family. The strength that you are demonstrating right now is incredible. I don't know if I would be able to handle it as well as you are. God Bless you!
My thoughts and Prayers are with you today, May Cody Rest in Peace!
Bruce
I have had you guys on my mind all week. I continue to pray for you guys. cody fought a good fight and now he is in Heaven running around with a whole new body. My heart is with you all today.
Elaine
I am sure I speak for the entire Pantherlair, when I say sorry for your loss and we will continue to keep you guys in our prayers!
You have been on my mind constantly the last several days. I so wished I could have been there last night. Please know you were in my thoughts and prayers every second of last night. I continue to pray for your strength. I can not imagine what you are going through right now. Be there for one another, lean on one another. Cody is looking down and will surround you with his love. Moon was right, he left this world knowing how loved he was from his parents. God Bless.
Love,
Mary
I know how Daniela felt, when my Grandpa passed away I was fine until I took ahold of his hand one last time and it was stiff and cold and that was the end of my composure. Your little boy touched more people that you can imagine and because of you and your Son, people are going to hug their kids more and cherish every moment like you guys did--you are in inspiration.
Prayers are with you and your family this week. You are exactly right about Cody leaving an imprint on people's lives. I'll never forget him and he's been so inspirational and motivating to me. What an angel he continues to be. Keep the faith.
Praying for you and your family at this very sad time. I've been following your blog for awhile and I can't think of much to say at a time like this, other than the fact that I think you and Dianne have been such wonderful parents through this and will continue to be strong for your other children. I don't even know you all, but I wish I could just hug you all right now.Cody is in a pain-free, wonderful place now.
Blessings. Pam
Cody was the ultimate warrior. He is now the ultimate angel. Seeing everyone last night at the funeral home gave me such a warmth knowing how a little boy has given so much to so many people. I just stared at the pictures on the monitors and you could feel love all around - and I then imagined Cody smiling at all who watched the screen. I imagine a wise soul who know sees far beyond a young boy. He knows how much love has been shared, and will remind us of that in many ways in the future.
Please remember that for all the fight in Cody, he got that from his parents. Your strength in this all (and last night) is something most of us only have a fraction of.
Please know that there are hundreds of people who are there for you when you need us. And also know that Cody has left his mark on us forever.
Mickey,
I wish I could have been there. Cody definitely did touch my life. If he just taught people how precious life is and how much we need to value it and those we love - his life was not in vain. He makes me appreciate what I have.
I will never forget him - even though I have not known him in person. (the internet is a wonderful thing)
You, Diane, Justin and Daniela will be in my prayers for a long time. I think of you during every run.
Please keep up blogging. We all want to hear from you!
Lilly (RW)
I have been praying for you all. God bless you.
Tressa
Praying for you guys during this hard time!
--Faith
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you today.
Greg
(mysol)
God bless you all this day and always.
Praying for you today! My heart is with you even though I'm on the opposite end of the country!!! Hugs to you and Diane!!!
It is not fair for such little ones to have to be so strong and courageous... it isn't fair that you have to loose your son...
I am so sorry for your families loss... Your family is loved and prayed for.
Mickey and Diane: I was so touched by all the folks at the viewing last night and I loved the slide show set to Cody's favorite music. Justin and Daniella were so well behaved and cordial to everyone. The table with all his favorite things was breathtaking and heartbreaking at the same time. Thank you again for sharing so much of Cody and your journey as a family. You are wonderful parents and Cody will always be loved and remembered.
your friend Kate (feet)
Prayers for your family. Know that Cody remains in everyone's heart.
Mark, Daphne, Cristina, and Nick
MDCN
Mickey and Diane,
I have felt so helpless about this whole situation for the longest time. I wanted to be there so much to be able to put my arms around you and offer my shoulder but it just wasn't possible.
My sister, Terri Evetts, has told me how wonderful the service was and how many people were there and it didn't surprise me at all ~ it only proved how much Cody is loved by everyone who knew him and even those who never met him.
God bless you all and please know that your family will remain on my prayer request.
God bless you. I am so sorry. I have been praying for all of you, though I have never commented.
Dearest Diane and Mickey, you gave your hearts and souls to Cody and you're still giving all you have to the kids. I know you will never stop because you'll have Cody's strength to draw from. I'm certain he's watching over you all and rooting for you in everything you do... just like you did for him! I'm so sorry I wasn't there to bid him farewell... but I know he's not really gone. He's here in my heart and in the hearts of my kids. Hugs and blessings to all of you.
We are praying for you and your family now. I am truly so sorry for the pain you are all enduring. Cling to your faith and each other right now.
Praying for you and your family that your love for one another will support you in this difficult time.
still praying for you guys...and poor daniella...i feel for her. my brother, matthew, looked odd to me at his funeral too...i was 5 and he was 3 1/2...and i remember trying to fix him up. it was a very hard time, knowing that my parents were sad and i was sad and not really being ale to comprehend all that was going on. many prayers for strength and hope and peace and wisdom for you all...god bless.
What a wonderful celebration of Cody's life and a beautiful tribute to his loving family. The service today was perfect!! Thank you for sharing Cody with the world - it is a better place because of him.
Remember, take care of yourselves and just breath!!
Hugs, Pat (ACCA-NCC)
You know what they say about "you know what can of life you lead by the impact it left on other's lives". I can truly say that Cody had a good life and he has impacted others close by and far away places. Thank you Mickey for sharing your joys and sorrows with us over the past years. I will be praying for you, Diane, Justin and Daniela. Love one another through the grief. That's what Cody would have wanted. Hope you all can get some rest.
Teresa (tcoplen)
Been thinking and praying about you and your family. I'm so glad so many people were able to come to Virginia and offer support. Multiply that number by at least 10 and that's at least how many would have wanted to be there with you. You have, through your lives, given so much to so many. Cody will always be an inspiration for me, as will all of you.
Love to all of you. G2G
Regrettably, I was not able to make it last night but my kids and I made sure we were early today. Thank you for allowing us, virtual strangers, to attend Cody's special ceremony. I only wish it hadn't been necessary. :-(
May God give you all strength...
The fact that you have shared your family's struggle makes all of us realize more willingly that we must treasure our times together. The service was beautiful and Diane and you Mickey are pilars of strength during this time. Your strength will get you all through this, I pray that it does!
Kim M.
Words cannot describe the emotions that were felt during the services. The words of the rev., chaplan, and Cody's doctor were very heart felt and moving. Remember many people are praying and continuing to will you the strength you will need... We love you and are here for you.
John and cheryl
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