Paul Robert Prestridge

Hey Dad,

I miss you every day. So much has happened in the almost 18 years you've been gone. I'm married now with kids of my own. My girls share your birthday, but I'm sure you already knew that. Thank you for keeping them safe for me until they could get here. I'll be 29 in a few days and when I make it to 30 it'll be so bittersweet. I still dream about you and think about you all the time. I wish you could hold me one more time.

I'll love you forever daddy

-Your baby girl

Look what I made! I miss you tremendously! Paulden gets to hear stories of you. He knows I believe God lets you come say "Hi!" to me with a crows body. We painted these in an art class we took. Help keep us safe until we get to meet again. We love you.

15 years. I miss you.

Happy Birthday Paul. Today you would 37 years old. Missing you like you left yesterday. Tonight we'll meet with some of your friends for pizza and share memories of your times with us. I love to hear whatever they have to share, just can't get enough. Love you forever! Mom

Oh my son, Here we are 3 years later. I write this as tears flow. You are still dearly missed,that's not to say we don't have lighthearted moments. You travel with me at all times. I revisit many sweet moments that we had shared. I adored you and delighted in your silliness. Apparently there will continue to be a hole in my heart where you filled it, I do know and find peace in the knowledge you walk with our Lord. Someday we will again walk together. Forever yours, Mom

I miss you terribly bro-bro. I remember 9/3/06 like it was yesterday...I'm grateful we spent it together.

Dear Peggy,
Thinking of you and the family with
loving thoughts and prayers.

Birchie

Dear Peggy,
I know how stressful this time is for you and your family. Please know you are all in my prayers. I pray that God gives you the strength to get through this trying time.
I miss you and send you a big hug.
Birchie

My dearest Paul Robert,
Today is a tough day, wish you were here. I'd love to see your silly grin and hear your goofy humor! Love, Mom

Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting Paul. I have heard only great things about him through family, however. My husband used to work in the same facility as Paul. Along with Patience and her husband (my brother in law). Therefor I still feel a strong connection to him and feel as though he was a big part of my life through encouraging words and wisdom of family. I know he will surely be missed by many.

Patience and Peggy ~ My thoughts and prayers are always with you both. You come across my mind often, and I know that these times are very difficult, but with one simple sentence, I want you to be reminded the promise that God has given to you and Paul ~ You will see each other again someday. This life that we live is so short ~ we make the best of what we can, and then look forward to that promise where we will all be together... again... in love and in peace. :) I love you both, and I always will. I'm here for you if you need anything... always. Love, Jessica

Dear Paul
I,m crying as I read these messages. I know a year has gone by but we miss you just as much. I,m preparing plans for thanksgiving and wish you could join us but we are grateful that you are in heaven waiting to be with us again. oooxxx granma and granpa

Dear Peggy and family.
I know how sad and hurting it has been for you as has our family this year, especially the holidays and the many special occasions. You are all still in my prayers
Paul and Michael are in a happy and peaceful place with our Lord and we shall all be together with them one day.
May God Bless your family and give you all his Peace.
Birchie Hutter
Contact me

Peggy and family,
When Paul died I felt how sad and tragic it was for you, family and friends. My heart went out to you. Now that I've walked in your shoes, I know the heartache will be with you always. Please know my deepest sympathy and prayers will be with you always.

Oh sweet son,
I miss you so very much!
Love, Mom

My heart goes out to you. Though I didn't know Paul all that well I know how much you loved him. And above all us I know he knew that. Be strong, hang in there, and take solice in the knowledge he is with God.

Dear Peggy and Gary, we are so sorry about the loss of your son. I know words can never heal the pain of the loss of a beloved son and the hurt that never seems to go away, but I hope you can take some solace that he is with God and at peace and we will all see each other again. Love, Tom and Mary Ann

I haven't seen paul in many years. but that will never stop me from calling him "friend". Despite his sometimes thick exterior, Paul had a huge heart. those who really know him know that he truly was a gentle man... thank you Paul, Peggy and Patience for welcoming me into your home and hearts all those years ago!

I will remember Paul as a father who loved his young children. I have fond memories of how he would pick them up at the same time. One in one arm and one in another. He was always so attentive to them. That really did mean something to me as their Grandmother. Paul had a soft heart. I remember when my sons were over to their house, and Paul,taking all nessasary cautions, set up targets for their b-b-guns. He spaced the two boys apart ten feet. Little did he know that the minuet he would turn his back that they would start fireing at each other. One shot the other one in the eye. At the hospital, Paul took full responsibility, as he apologized, tears welled up in his eyes. It wasn't his fault, and yet he felt it was. I think that says a lot about his character. I am praying for all, I am so very sorry for your loss.

Paul Bob was a great kid, we enjoyed his company the few times we saw him at grandma and grandpa's house. Eric and Greg played with him I remember when he had his broken arm. When I called my Dad one time and he answered the phone and I told him it was Shoogie calling (that's my pet name from my Dad) he never missed a beat about it but I thought it was pretty funny. I do envy him he is where we are all trying to get to. Love to his whole family, Diana Bamber & family

Thanks to you all for the outpouring of love and concern. Your prayers are what keep us moving forward during this immeasurably difficult experience.

Paul's residence with us was transient, we always kept a place available for him. A few weeks ago,I wrote Paul a letter and left it on his pillow not knowing when he might see it. I just wanted him to know these words -taken from the deepest parts of my heart- and given to him. After Paul's death, Patience found the letter tucked safely in his drawer. It read:



Hello my son,

I thought of you today - and smiled.

I said a prayer for you too.

I want to remind you how much you are loved.

Not only by me, But by your heavenly father!

I prayed for JOY for you.

Smile Paul, allow yourself to recieve a gift of joy from God.

Rest, my son, knowing angels watch over you.

Seek wisdom and guidance, God is more than willing to provide.

Surrender your troubles, God will meet you where you are.

You are loved,

Mom



My prayers were answered, not in a manner I would ever have imagined. I take great comfort in knowing that Paul knew how very much we loved him! I implore everyone reading this to TELL the people you hold dear how very important they are!! You never know when future opportunities will be unavailable.

Paul became friends with me almost 11 years ago, when we worked together as nurse's aides at a care home here in Paradise. I later dated his sister, to whom I am now married.



Since all of us worked together on the same shift, we ended up hanging out together at Paul and Patience's mom's house. Because I was there so much, I bascially moved in: I was even honored with my own dresser drawer!



We'd stay up late into the night just watching movies, eating nachos and popcorn, and doing other activities which tend to make people hungry... It was fun. Other times Paul and I would drive around at night, which could be a little scary, and, umm, interesting, at times...



I never knew why Paul befriended me, but once I slowly started seeing the people he knew, it was clear to me that he had a very diverse group of friends: nerds, skaters, bikers, loners, "country boys" (AND "country girls!)"...he didn't judge you until he got to know you, which is rare. I admired that about him.



I held his daughter, Alissa, when she was just a baby. I was there when his son Paxton was born. And, I was there when Paul had to go away, which, after that, I never really knew him anymore.



...But, when I think back to the time when I was 19, 20 years old, I look upon with fondness those times that I got to know Patience's brother--Alissa's and Paxton's Father--Peggy's son... Paul Prestridge.



"Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember." --Seneca

Oh baby brother...i'm sorry

Peggy and all,

Our hearts reach across the miles to touch yours in your time of loss. No words can suffice, but know that we love you all dearly and know that you will see your son again in a better time and a better place.



Love,

Aunt Betty and Cousin Sue and family

to a Real man and a Real friend we love you buddy

Time with our loved ones sneaks by us. Losing Paul makes us relize how important our family is. Our time with our family & friends will always be cherished. My condolences to Aunt Peggy and the rest of the family.

My sincere condolences to the family!! I met Paul years ago in highschool. Sending lots of love and prayers

"Our" Paul possessed such a sweet and gentle nature that most of the world did not see. As a teenager,he and his family were back to visit us for a family reunion-the kids were so silly and had such fun together, but one day he chose to stay behind and cleaned the dining room! As his aunt, this was greatly appreciated, but also gave much insight into his character. He was very strong physically, which made him assume a protective nature over his loved ones. I know God's plan is perfect, and although we don't know what it is, His grace is sufficient to meet all of our needs. His Son died, too. I miss this gentle young man, and the memories I have of him are cherished ones. I love you, Paul. Aunt Lynnie

The condolences to the Prestridge family from the Webb Family. People are put in life for a reason and remember that this physical life is one life of many on the journey to the soul. We miss you Paul and we will help make your memory live on through each one of us.

Paul was always watching out for those he loved, now he does it from heaven. I'm going to miss my cousin long into the years ahead and then some.

Paul was tall, strong and handsome,kind, generous and thoughtful,funny,loyal

and honest, and a precious grandson.Dear God,how will we get along without him?

grandma and grandpa

Peggy I dont know how to tell you how sorry I am to hear of the loss of Paul. To me he was a dear friend, type of friend who would do any thing for you ,to clearing your yard or rebuilding a motor. He was always a guy you could count on. Last year Paul came to my home, and asked my cousin and I if he could stay with us for awhile. That was the best two months I had ever had. He always talk about you and how much you meant to him. He will be missed.

Paul was a good friend of my husbands and was taken at such a young age, we both wish the best to Pauls family and most of all his children.

We send our heart felt sympathies to Paul-Bob's children and those closest to him, Aunt Peggy and Patience. We will miss you dearly.

The Grandts

Paul....You are gone much too soon.The time we had with you was much too short.Your life and our loving and happy memories of you will always be in our hearts.We will see you again. With love,

Auntie Gail and Uncle Rick

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

My most heart felt sympathies to all of Paul's family. Peggy and Patience, my love and prayers are with you. I will always remember Paul's great smile. Love Molly

Paul, although we have lived 3000 miles away from each other most of our lives, your warm smile and loving heart have always stayed with me. You were a blessing to everyone who knew you, and our family will never be the same without you. I will love you and miss you always. Love,

Cousin Molly

My last memories of my cousin date back to '92 when we were out visiting as a family. I attended school with him and some of his friends and we just hung out and were completely silly. I regret that I haven't seen him since, my only consolation is that if Paul was a born again christian, then I know, one day, I will get to see him again."Paul-bob" I love, and will deeply miss you.