This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one,Eugene Cruz Patino. Born December 9, 1972 and was tragically taken on May 6, 2007 at the age of 34. We will remember him forever. Please feel free to light a candle in his memory. Thank you for visiting.

My Son, My Best Friend,
Gene was a loving son, brother, father,
friend and yes, a grandfather.  

He survived the drugs, jail, a terrible bike
accident in 2005 and open heart surgery
in 2006.

When he got his life together and surrendered
whole heartily to the Lord Jesus Christ,
he then went home to be with his Creator.

He had the most beautiful eyes.
He had a compassionate heart and the
Ability to make people laugh.

He always showed love to his family and
friends. He left his footprints on the hearts
of many lives.

These eyes are crying for you.

Am I Still a Sister
Am I still a sister, now that he is gone?
And that part of me can never be replaced?
Am I still a sister, to that which death has stolen?
And I cry for the part of me never more to be.
Am I still a sister, though time has torn us apart?
And life is forever changed, different, and displaced.
Am I still a sister, the things we share no more?
And how I miss the times we had, oh so smilingly.
Am I still a sister, without his tender touch?
And is it still the same, this new path I chart.
Am I still a sister, the phone no longer rings?
And never more will I hear his voice, as I wait in wandering.
Am I still a sister without him in my life?
Of course, because you see, he lives now and forever in our hearts!

Love You always and forever, Leslie & Michele

I Was There The Day It Happened
         I was there the day it happened, and my heart was rent with grief
As my precious rose lay battered, crushed of petal, torn of leaf
And I cried for all my children who have drained that bitter cup
as their pleas for mercy echoed and their anguish floated up
Please believe me, dearest daughter, this was never my intent
for such pain to be made perfect my Son's precious blood was spent
There is nothing where you're standing that can wholly heal your heart
but believe me when I tell you we won't always be apart
The memories and scents that haunt your dreams and cloud your days
Will one day dissipate and you will truly know my ways
But for now I have a gift for you that just your heart can see
It's a picture I have drawn of two embracing, you and me
The image I will leave with you while you must walk your sod
and you will be my darling girl and I will be your God
So hold it close and don't forget one truth that never died:
Evil will not always boast what Love has crucified

In the end, nothing makes sense except to trust Him. As rough as this rollercoaster ride gets at times, as often as the questions batter my weary brain screaming for answers that don't readily come, I know in the deepest part of my heart that my Father knows best.

(POMC) National Memorial Ribbon.
The Red represents the violence in society and the
black symbolizes death and mourning.  Angel pins are 
worn with the ribbons to symbolize the victims.

I read this poem at Gene's service.

My dearest Son, how I wish you were here. The days and night go by and I can feel you near.

You were taken so suddenly, at a very young age. I fight all the feelings, but I'm still filled with rage.

The people who killed you, I hope and pray that they get caught, the ones who took you, and gave me this hell.

I pray you are happy, I know you are free. But it doesn't heal my heart, when here is where you should be.

I wait for you to come home, just out with your friends. But I know that won't happen, those people brought it to an end.
My heart is so heavy, it's been torn from my chest. How could God have taken, one of his very best

I suppose life will go on, for your sisters and me. And one day your beautiful face, again we will see.

Love You, Mom

A Prayer For My Son
Into your hands, O Lord, I humbly entrust my son Gene. In this life, you embraced him with your tender love; deliver him now from every evil and bid him enternal rest.The old order has passed away because you gave us your only Son as our Redeemer. Through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, welcome him into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping nor pain, but the fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit  forever and ever.  Amen  

The Invisible Cord
We are connected my child and I by an invisible cord, not seen by the eye. It's not like the cord that connected 'til birth, this cord can not be seen by anyone on earth.

This cord does its work right from the start. It bonds us together, attached at the heart. I know that it's there though no one can see.   The invisible cord from my child to me. 

The strength of the cord, it's hard to describe. It can't be destroyed, it can't be denied. It's stronger than any cord man could create, it whitstands the test, can hold any weight.  

And thou you are gone, though you're not here with me.The cord is still there, but no one can see. It pulls at my heart. I am bruised. I am sore. But this cord is my lifeline as never before. 

I am thankful that God connects us this way A mother and child ,  death can not take it away.

My heart longs for you,
my soul dies for you,
my eyes cry for you,
my EMPTY arms
reach out
for you.