The day we said goodbye

Monday was a perfect day in Chicagoland. The air was crisp and fresh, and the brilliant sunshine warmed our shoulders. As Blake's coffin was lowered into his Dad's gravesite, we knew that we were burying only his ravaged body, and not the beautiful soul that we knew as Blake.
Now we are weary. We will go to our homes and start to build a new normal since the old normal was shattered six months ago. We are sadder, enriched and perhaps wiser having walked this dark path with Blake & Lisa. Even though he had to walk the last few steps by himself, Blake was surrounded by such love as any man has ever known. We know there was a guiding light for him, because at one point he told us, "Not white light -- -- -- blue!"

(taken from the Caring Bridge website)

A better way to group our thoughts

It was brought to me recently, that we should have sections we can go into to group the memories we have. As always, feel free to add a new posting at any time, but I think I am going to take suggestions for postings and we can add our thoughts in the comments section of each posting. That way you can view the post and see what everyone said. Keep the ideas coming and send them to me at tbergmanslp@comcast.net.

From Eliza's Journal

My Uncle Blake was a great uncle and he was a great actor. I will never ever forget Uncle Blake. He was very funny & nice. He loved pizza, that was his favorite food. When he ate pizza, you'd turn around & turn back around and the pizza would be half gone. He wouldn't ever let anybody take a piece, but if they did, they would get in big trouble. Uncle Blake was the best uncle ever.

My Uncle Blake was very sick. I miss Uncle Blake very much. My Uncle Blake's favorite kind of pizza is thin crust with cheese and pepperoni. My Uncle Blake loved my whole family. He will watch us all from up above. All of my family loves Uncle Blake. He was in the hospital for a long time. His favorite show was Star Trek. Uncle Blake will be in our hearts forever. His favorite game was Dungeons & Dragons.

The End,Love Eliza

To Blake

I have to say what the family said at the service was beautiful and honored Blake's life perfectly. I wasn't exactly sure how to ask to stand for Blake, and it was my fault for not saying anything, but I wrote a few words Monday morning that I wanted to share with all of you.

Blake Cadkin is my brother. We didn't have the same mother, even though we referred to each other's as "Mom", but we have known each other since before we could truly remember. We grew up together. We have been through everything from learning to ride bikes to driving a car. We started liking girls and later stood as best man at each others weddings. And we knew at some time one of us would have to do what I am doing today. We just hoped it would have been at a much later date.

As much as this is a sad occasion, the point of us being here is to celebrate Blake's life and remember how he touched us all.

Now most of you may not know this, but sometime in my early to mid teens Blake helped me to find a job. More he chose it for me. Professional tackling dummy. Blake took martial arts growing up and many times when I would come over I would walk in and suddenly find myself on the floor.

And have you ever seen Blake eat a pizza. Growing up we would order 2 large pizzas and it was not safe to get anywhere near us.

And that laugh. I don't know if you have all experienced it, but that big boisterous laugh made you laugh even harder.

But most of all, I remember his heart. He had such a big heart and cared deeply about those he loved. I remember how devastated he was when our friend Adam passed away and I take heart knowing that he is somewhere talking to him right now.

I was lucky to have him in my life. He was a great friend and I will miss him dearly.

Todd

Bring on the memories

We all knew and loved Blake and have our memories to keep him alive in our hearts, but it is important for us to share those memories. This I hope will be the place to start that. Post all you want and let's dig out the pictures and video.

If you know someone who needs access to post something, please email me at tbergmanslp@comcast.net. I will add them as soon as possible. As well, if you don't like the format or sytle, please tell me. I did what I thought was appropriate.

Todd