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Celtic Radio Community > General Discussion > Thank You!

Posted by: SCShamrock 01-Sep-2007, 07:00 AM

I want to thank everyone here that have offered such supportive words and prayers for me and my family lo these past 9 1/2 months. Aaron lost his battle yesterday, August 31. He fought brave and hard, but his little body was no match for that horrendous invader. I am proud of Aaron Tyler McGrady. He will be forever my sweet son. I would like to locate a piper or two to play at Aaron's funeral service. We haven't pinned down a day yet, but are mulling over Tuesday as a good day. I don't know anyone in the Columbia, SC area. If anyone knows a good piper that is available, please have them contact me at 803-479-1987. I would be very appreciative. Stormeil. You and I have been at odds more times than I can remember. I have wanted to wring your neck, but today would love to hug your neck more than anything. You have been so sweet and supportive, and I am honored to call you a friend. Thank you. Everyone else, I don't know how often I may check in to CR, but I can guess it might be some time. As always, when I'm here....you will know it. All my love in Christ.

Posted by: CelticRose 01-Sep-2007, 07:46 AM

Oh my, CS Shamrock. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Re: pipers. Do you have any Celtic stores in Columbia or nearby towns? They usually know of a piper or two. Plus, the police department always has pipers who play at police officers funerals. You might try contacting them and they can guide you to a piper. I will be praying you find one in honor of your son. Please take care of yourselves and write when you can. Big hugs to you!

Posted by: haynes9 01-Sep-2007, 08:46 AM

It has been a tough road for you and Dawn, and you have handled it with grace and dignity. Aaron was a fortunate lad to have parents like you both. We will continue to pray for you folks and wish you all the best. Lord bless you!

Posted by: Leyland 01-Sep-2007, 09:04 AM

My husband and I again extend our deepest sympathies to the McGrady family and hold you in our prayers. Per telephone conversation earlier, Robert would like to let you all know that the funeral services are most likely to be held at 4:30 pm on Wednesday. Christ be with you. Liam and Elizabeth Davidson

Posted by: CelticRadio 01-Sep-2007, 10:03 AM

Robert, My deepest sympathies to you and your family on your loss. I can not imagine the sorrow and grief that you have been all through. Certainly I can say this, judging from your messages and journal I am certain that your son had the best Dad in the world - one that loved him beyond this world and I am sure he knew that. Let all of Celtic Radio pause and reflect on this wonderful father and son. No words could express our condolences and prayers for Aaron and his family. Take care my friend............

Posted by: Lady of Avalon 01-Sep-2007, 02:48 PM

I have read your story through your friend Miurcheartach here at C.R.and it was very touching, nobody with a heart can stay immune to such a story. No words can bring comfort in time like this but all I can offer are my sincere condolences to you and your family. Aaron is a precious star watching over you and your family. Take care.

Posted by: Donajhi 01-Sep-2007, 03:29 PM

God Bless all of you.

Posted by: oldraven 01-Sep-2007, 04:56 PM

Robert, I'm sorry I haven't been around the boards as much and have missed so much of what has been going on with your family. To find this just this morning came as an incredible shock, and I am deeply sorry for your loss. Tears don't come to me easily, but there is no denying it in this instance, being a parent myself and trying not to imagine what that pain must be like. I'm sure we can all agree it is our greatest fear. I visited Aaron's site, and it looks as though he spent that 9 1/2 months living as much as he possibly could have. If the face of all of what was happening, he may have been the strongest person I've ever seen. (Playing football even after his diagnosis!). But you know that. Let his strength be all of yours. I'm not a praying man, but times like this make me feel as though I should be. Angela and I have your family in our thoughts, and wish Aaron eternal peace in the arms of the Creator. Sincerely, The Reeves Family. I hope you don't mind, but since this thread is about honoring Aaron, I'd like to post his picture up for those reading this thread to do just that. (if it's an issue, please pm me and I'll upgrade to a founders account to edit my post ASAP).

Posted by: Gwynhwyvar 01-Sep-2007, 08:39 PM

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Aaron. I, along with friends at my church, have been praying for Aaron and your family. They will be saddened by the news, but joyous in the news that he has gone to be with his Creator. Even though we don't know each other, we are one in Christ! My prayers are with y'all. Jennie

Posted by: SCShamrock 01-Sep-2007, 08:45 PM

OldRaven. Thanks for posting the photo. I had not taken the time to consider that some folks here have not heard Aaron's story, nor seen any photos. I'm glad you did that! For those that do not know Aaron's story, you can read all about it at http://www.caringbridge.com/visit/aaronmcgrady I will also be updating that site tomorrow to communicate the funeral services. I still haven't found a piper. So the search continues.

Posted by: WizardofOwls 01-Sep-2007, 09:01 PM

Oh, my dear friend. My heart cannot express the depths of sadness I feel for you and your family. Such strength and love you have shown through all of this. Such courage. Such faith. You have many friends here who love you dearly. Myself included. I know that God will be with you through this and give you strength. Take care my friend and come back to visit with us again soon. And remember... You are loved.

Posted by: Senara 01-Sep-2007, 09:18 PM

Sad news indeed today. So terribly sorry that such a bright and cheery flame has been extiguished long before it should have been. Will pass along your request for a piper to some friends I know in your area and hopefully we can provide Aaron with everything a brave warrior deserves. Wishing you all the love my heart holds in these darkest of days.....

Posted by: ShadowDarkFyre 01-Sep-2007, 10:05 PM

(stands gently, humming) Fare the well, my boy,... as you wander this night... Be not fear'd in the darkness... My heart is your light... As you go, brave Men of Erin:... Faith and love by your side... I will dream of your peace in the night... Please don't cry, my mother,... as you sit by the hearth... I will dance your memory... with joy in my heart... I will go now and pray,... as I travel this land,... And live by the lessons you gave.... Fare the well, my boy,... as you wander this night... Be not fear'd in the darkness... My heart is your light... As you go, brave Men of Erin:... Faith and love by your side... I will dream of your peace in the night... Please don't cry, my father,... as you sit by the hearth... I will dance your memory... with the joy in my heart... I will go now and pray,... as I travel this land... And live by the lessons you gave... Fare thee well, my boy... as you wander this night... Be not fear'd in the darkness... My heart is your light... As you go, brave Men of Erin... Faith and love by your side... I will dream of your peace in the night... Please don't cry, my children... as you stand by my grave.... I have danced your memories... all of my days... I will go now and pray,... as I travel this land,... And live by... the lessons... you gave... (bows, leaving)

Posted by: Robert Phoenix 01-Sep-2007, 11:08 PM

Robert, My wife and I found time to finally look at your caringbridge site yesterday. When we saw what was posted we could hardly believe it. Both of our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. I know a few pipers but none from your area. Perhaps this site will help. http://www.bagpipers.com/ Godspeed

Posted by: ShadowDarkFyre 01-Sep-2007, 11:55 PM

I've found several in the area or will travel, and emailed them for you. They have your number, so we will pray for their calls to you.

Posted by: Emmet 02-Sep-2007, 04:37 AM

May the God of your understanding grant you and your family grace, healing and peace. Emmet Billy Dubose: (803) 782-1958 [email protected] Sandy Jones: (803) 884-5155 [email protected] Andy Berger: (803) 863-1598 [email protected] Daniel Greene: (864) 414-1960 (864) 990-3695 [email protected] Jimmy Ryan: [email protected]

Posted by: stoirmeil 02-Sep-2007, 11:57 AM

Rob -- We're the ones who have been honored by your sharing of your journey through Aaron's illness and release. I think you've broken our hearts and at the same time healed them again, just by telling the story as it unfolded, not knowing the end but opening yourself to every question and hope and fear and sorrow. It looks like you'll have the piper you need. Thanks to our friends for finding and referring them. That music will also break the heart and at the same time heal it, and if anything can be heard to high heaven, it's the pipes.

Posted by: Monarchs Own 02-Sep-2007, 02:47 PM

My hear goes out to you and your family. I am still at a loss for words that Aaron died. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family. Words seem to elude me at this time. And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and my body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar fo the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen. Moroni 10:34

Posted by: Rindy 02-Sep-2007, 02:49 PM

My condolences go out to you and your family and friends Rob. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

Posted by: SCShamrock 02-Sep-2007, 09:00 PM

I found my piper. He is the official piper for the Columbia Police Department here in town. Thanks to all who offered help. I knew some folks here would know how to locate someone. I have posted Aaron's obituary on the Caring Bridge website in tonights entry. Dawn and I are doing ok. Today we went to the funeral home and made the arrangements. This was a tuffy, but my wife said a prayer before arriving and God was with us. He has not yet failed to provide is with strength. Strength had to come in abundance last night as I struggled with the end of the first day without Aaron in it. Tonight though I am rather tired. So I'm signing off for a while. God bless you all.

Posted by: haynes9 02-Sep-2007, 09:37 PM

Prayed for you all today at church and will continue to do so. May the presence of our Sweet Lord be more real to you than ever.

Posted by: ballydun 02-Sep-2007, 11:44 PM

Rob, I want you to know that although we never have "met" I feel like we are all an extended family here at CR. You and Dawn are always in my thoughts, and that I will be with you and your family in prayer and spirit during the next few days. I cannot imagine how difficult this has been on you and it will not get easier any time soon...but we will always be here for you if you need any support or just to vent! We really do care about you all! Barbara

Posted by: Dogshirt 03-Sep-2007, 10:07 AM

Rob, Although we have had VERY antagonistic relationship here on the boards, I have been behind you on this from your first posting. I followed the Caring Bridge posts daily until my computer went down this spring. So I was very shocked when I finally got it back to find how things were turning out. Words cannot express the depth of my sympathy for you and your wife at this time. Hold on to each other and know that we are all here for you.

Posted by: Sekhmet 03-Sep-2007, 10:09 AM

I had to go cry for awhile after reading this...I still can't control the tears. I kept my distance through the whole ordeal, somehow feeling I was intruding. And so I lent my support through other means. May the Creator shelter him close, and bring him a swift pony to bring him home.

Posted by: gwenlee 03-Sep-2007, 07:36 PM

Rob, My heart goes out to you and your family. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you Gwenlee

Posted by: valpal 59 04-Sep-2007, 08:59 AM

Our condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Valerie & Rob

Posted by: Lady of the Loch 05-Sep-2007, 06:25 AM

Rob, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your wife. Lisa

Posted by: stoirmeil 15-Sep-2007, 11:48 AM

Not forgetting, Rob. Thinking of you and your family today. If I can be any help when you decide you want to write your journey, please consider me completely at your service.

Posted by: gcw57 23-Sep-2007, 03:11 AM

I just found the link to Aaron's story tonight and it's very hard reading due to constant tears from the emotional impact of what I'm reading. It's heartbreaking that this should ever happen to a child but I think the writing of the journal was catharctic for Rob and the sharing of such pain and hope is something that people need to be aware of. As he said in the journal there is so much anger, hatred and fighting in the world that it's a shame it takes something like cancer to bring people together and help each other as we should. It's a remarkable story of love, faith and kindness. I'm only on page 5 of the journal and I want to thank Rob and Dawn for sharing their story with us. We know that Aaron is with God now and that's about as good as a prayer can get really. Aaron's needs are being met in every way by a loving God, so my grief is for his family and friends that have been through so much. There is no question that Aaron is very much loved and will be missed. May God be good to Rob, Dawn, Michael and the rest of their extended family & friends. May He give peace and laughter to you soon as He helps heal the wounds that no family should ever endure.

Posted by: Elspeth 01-Oct-2007, 08:39 PM

I just came back on CR to read this and I don't know what to say. Having a little guy myself, I'm terrified to imagine what you have gone through and too chicken to read your account. God bless you, your wife, your family and all the friends of Aaron. Some mysteries are so far beyond understanding they cannot even be questioned. May you always feel the strong arms of your Heavenly Father. May you never be without the shoulder of an earthly friend. And May your memories be vivd and sweet. My heart pours out to you. Elspeth

Posted by: John Clements 05-Oct-2007, 07:45 AM

When I came upon this post last night, it left me totally empty. Although I know that no amount of sympathy will ever fill the void, please except my deepest condolences, for the loss of your darling son, Aaron. John Clements

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