Hi all, I just wanted to give you all the link to our dear friend Mike Warholic's website. On the website is a fabulous tribute to Sean and his whole philosophy on life. Please check it out if you have some time.
http://www.mikeaholic.com/
Enjoy!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
my greatest thanks
The past few weeks have, no doubt, been quite difficult and definitely a rollercoaster ride, but I wanted to thank all of you for being so loving and supportive and trying to make this time as easy as possible. I could not ask for better people in my life to help me through, what will absolutely be, the hardest and most painful thing I will ever go through. That said, the past few weeks have also been quite amazing in their own little way. During Sean's last minutes he was blessed enough to have his entire family right at his side to help him let go. Those moments were like life beginning, they were so peaceful and so calm, with no suffering, and it was amazing.
Then we held two spectacular gatherings in Sean's memory full of music, photos, and friends, without a doubt something Sean would have approved of. Thank you so much to all of you who were able to make it to either the gathering in MD or NY, it was nice to see so many faces there for such a wonderful man. Finally, last Sunday, April 22, we took Sean's ashes along with his dog Snow's (who passed a few years ago) ashes to Main Beach in East Hampton. Our good friend David Lys and Sean's brother Conlon kayaked out past the break of the waves and scattered both sets of ashes in the ocean. Meanwhile, on the shore, a bagpiper played "Amazing Grace" and those in attendance shared stories and kind words about Sean. Sean would have absolutely loved the ceremony. It, again, was quite amazing. The photo above was taken during the ceremony and I thought that I would like to share it with you all.
I just wanted to take a minute to thank all of you for all that you have done. Everyone has gone above and beyond and made every effort to make this transition as easy as possible. Finally, I wanted to thank anyone who has made a donation to either the American Brain Tumor Association or The Carabine Fund for Iraqi Children, your generosity is greatly appreciated.
I hope that you will all continue to check in to the blog, I think that I am going to keep it going as it has been a very nice outlet for me and an easy and fun way to keep track of the details of life that slip away from you after a while. So please check back frequently.
Monday, April 16, 2007
donations in Sean's honor
We are asking that if anyone would like to make a donation in Sean's honor, please make it to either of the following organizations. Thank you in advance!
The American Brain Tumor Association
http://hope.abta.org/site/PageServer
The Carabine Fund for Iraqi Children
http://carabinefundforiraqi.tripod.com
This is actually a fund that was setup by Sean's sister-in-law TracyAnn in Sean's honor to send schools supplies and soccer balls to Iraqi children. At this point, the site does not accept online payment, so please write checks (Payable to "Carabine Fund for Iraqi Children") or cash and this can be brought to the memorials or given to a family member.
Either organization is fine, both were places that Sean supported.
The American Brain Tumor Association
http://hope.abta.org/site/PageServer
The Carabine Fund for Iraqi Children
http://carabinefundforiraqi.tripod.com
This is actually a fund that was setup by Sean's sister-in-law TracyAnn in Sean's honor to send schools supplies and soccer balls to Iraqi children. At this point, the site does not accept online payment, so please write checks (Payable to "Carabine Fund for Iraqi Children") or cash and this can be brought to the memorials or given to a family member.
Either organization is fine, both were places that Sean supported.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
memorial gathering for maryland
There will be two memorial gatherings for Sean. One will be held in Maryland this week and another in New York for his family and friends outside MD. Details on the NY gathering are still being worked out and will be shared when they are finalized.
Here is the information for the gathering in MD:
Wednesday, April 18, at Connelly's Funeral Home at 7110 Sollers Point Rd, Dundalk, MD 21222.
The gatherings will be from 3-5pm and 7-9pm.
IMPORTANT: We are asking that everyone think of their favorite "Sean story" and bring along a typed copy of that story as we are compiling a book of these memories. Feel free to include more than one, if you simply can't choose!
On behalf of Sean's entire family, and especially myself, thank you all for your continued love and support. We could not get through this without each of you!
love, Stephanie
Here is the information for the gathering in MD:
Wednesday, April 18, at Connelly's Funeral Home at 7110 Sollers Point Rd, Dundalk, MD 21222.
The gatherings will be from 3-5pm and 7-9pm.
IMPORTANT: We are asking that everyone think of their favorite "Sean story" and bring along a typed copy of that story as we are compiling a book of these memories. Feel free to include more than one, if you simply can't choose!
On behalf of Sean's entire family, and especially myself, thank you all for your continued love and support. We could not get through this without each of you!
love, Stephanie
Saturday, April 14, 2007
our beloved boy
Sean has gone on before us.
Cpl Sean F. Carabine USMC(Ret)
29 March 1972 - 13 April 2007
A fabulous son and a fabulous person.
Two quotes that apply to Sean:
The Warrior Creed
Wherever I walk, everyone is safer.
Wherever I am, anyone in need has a friend.
Whenever I return home, everyone is happy I am there.
By Robert L. Humphrey
Marine Lieutenant on Iwo Jima
"The republic is a dream. Nothing happens unless first a dream. That's what makes us as Americans different. We've always reached for a new spirit and aimed at a higher goal."
by Carl Sandburg
Cpl Sean F. Carabine USMC(Ret)
29 March 1972 - 13 April 2007
A fabulous son and a fabulous person.
Two quotes that apply to Sean:
The Warrior Creed
Wherever I walk, everyone is safer.
Wherever I am, anyone in need has a friend.
Whenever I return home, everyone is happy I am there.
By Robert L. Humphrey
Marine Lieutenant on Iwo Jima
"The republic is a dream. Nothing happens unless first a dream. That's what makes us as Americans different. We've always reached for a new spirit and aimed at a higher goal."
by Carl Sandburg
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
more news
This is actually Stephanie...I've stolen a few minutes here this morning before I head off to relieve Conlon and TracyAnn at the hospital.
Yesterday was a big day. We met with the whole team of doctors and social workers and care personnel first thing in the morning to determine the next steps. The neurosurgeon and his team of radiation specialists and oncologists came to the conclusion that based on the severity of the tumor there are no further treatment options that they can offer. So we needed to determine what we wanted next for our boy.
After long talks with the team, we (myself, Conlon, TracyAnn, & Brigid) decided that we would like to take him off the ventilator and leave Sean in God's hands. So we contacted all of his local docs and got their opinions and filled them in on the situation and then brought the plan to Sean, to which he did agree. The breathing tubes came out and he is left to breathe on his own, only being made comfortable by the nurses.
He is on a 50% oxygen mask and last night when I left, his pulse-ox rate was 91 which is pretty good. Last night they moved him to the 5th floor and out of ICU since he is stable. Depending on how long this takes, he will remain in the hospital for a few days and then, if necessary and if he remains stable, he will be moved to a separate end-of-life care facility.
Yesterday when Sean had awakened a bit more, all he kept asking was "Where's Brutus?" and was really wanting to see him. So our nurse arranged it for us to be able to bring the dog to see Sean. The nurses took Sean to the ER entrance and Brian brought Brutus from home. It was so nice for Sean. He was very happy to see him and pet him and Brutus was very happy to see Sean also. I have some pictures, but am hesitant to post them because Sean does look a little worn and I don't want to surprise anyone. If you would like to see the pics, leave a comment and I will have them posted in the next update.
Right now, we very much appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers. Sean is a fantastic person and it is always amazing to me how many people love this man. My dad said last night..."If you spent only four hours with him, he was your best friend for life." And it is so true. I have only been so lucky to meet so many of you and so many more wonderful people through him. And I never really understood the connection he had with everyone but I am ever so grateful for it. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts. We love you all!
Yesterday was a big day. We met with the whole team of doctors and social workers and care personnel first thing in the morning to determine the next steps. The neurosurgeon and his team of radiation specialists and oncologists came to the conclusion that based on the severity of the tumor there are no further treatment options that they can offer. So we needed to determine what we wanted next for our boy.
After long talks with the team, we (myself, Conlon, TracyAnn, & Brigid) decided that we would like to take him off the ventilator and leave Sean in God's hands. So we contacted all of his local docs and got their opinions and filled them in on the situation and then brought the plan to Sean, to which he did agree. The breathing tubes came out and he is left to breathe on his own, only being made comfortable by the nurses.
He is on a 50% oxygen mask and last night when I left, his pulse-ox rate was 91 which is pretty good. Last night they moved him to the 5th floor and out of ICU since he is stable. Depending on how long this takes, he will remain in the hospital for a few days and then, if necessary and if he remains stable, he will be moved to a separate end-of-life care facility.
Yesterday when Sean had awakened a bit more, all he kept asking was "Where's Brutus?" and was really wanting to see him. So our nurse arranged it for us to be able to bring the dog to see Sean. The nurses took Sean to the ER entrance and Brian brought Brutus from home. It was so nice for Sean. He was very happy to see him and pet him and Brutus was very happy to see Sean also. I have some pictures, but am hesitant to post them because Sean does look a little worn and I don't want to surprise anyone. If you would like to see the pics, leave a comment and I will have them posted in the next update.
Right now, we very much appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers. Sean is a fantastic person and it is always amazing to me how many people love this man. My dad said last night..."If you spent only four hours with him, he was your best friend for life." And it is so true. I have only been so lucky to meet so many of you and so many more wonderful people through him. And I never really understood the connection he had with everyone but I am ever so grateful for it. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts. We love you all!
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