January 19, 2003- "Memories are ways of holding onto those you love and never want to lose."

I find an old photograph
and see your smile.
As I feel your presence anew,
I am filled with warmth
and my heart remembers love.

I read an old card
sent many years ago
during a time of turmoil and confusion.
The soothing words written then
still caress my spirit
and bring me peace.

I remember who you used to be
the laughter we shared
and wonder what you have become.
Where are you now,
Where did you go,
When the body is left behind
and the spirit is released to fly?

Perhaps you are the morning bird
singing joyfully at sunrise,
or the butterfly that dances
so carelessly on the breeze
or the rainbow of colors
that brightens a stormy sky
or the fingers of afternoon mist
delicately reaching over the mountains
or the final few rays of the setting sun
lighting up the skies
edging the clouds with a magical glow.

I miss your being
but I feel your presence,
In whatever form you choose to take,
however you now choose to be.

Your spirit has become for me
a guardian angel on high
guiding, advising, and watching over me.

I remember you.
You are with me
and I am not afraid.

Missing you more every year. Love Dad.

Peace John,

Its coming up on 3 years since you passed away and yet, I still carry you inside of me. You were my best friend...and I'm sorry that you and I couldn't take our friendship into old age. I hope you're at peace and that your departure has had some purpose in the grand scheme of things.

My most memorable moment of John was in 1999...our high school graduation. I was leaving the stadium when he called out to me...we hugged, the one and only time we had done so...and promised to stay in contact. That was the last time I saw him...

I'll see you again, John...rest in peace.

Dennis

I remember the tragic night you left us...I ran into you in the lobby, literally! You said to me " What? I don't get a hug?" and I hugged you for the last time. I will never forget that! How blessed I am to have known someone like you!
Dinean

Amy, John's little sister, is one of my very best friends. I would like to say that I know John was such a great person, not only to his friends, but to his family also. Even though I want to say that I know how Amy feels, the truth is that no one can know how she, or anyone else in the family feels, unless you've also lost someone who you dearly love.It's been 2 years now, and look at all of the people who still think about John, and still miss him. Amy and her family have been great people for everyone else to look up to, for being strong and leading everyone else to recovery!

What do you really say on something like this. I saw Debbie this weekend and thought of John. We usedto sing in the church Choir together. I can stil remember him singing the Christmas song. We were young and had so much to look forward to. John you will be in my heart forever!

Hi my name is D'Andre Heath, first and for most i would like to say i am so sorry for this tragic lost you must of went threw i didn't no John, howeverit hought i just sgin the the guestbook and tell you how so sorry i am for your lost, like i said i didn't no john However i do not Dominic and one brother played tennis wiht me at vhs. nut i hope that God keeps John's mom and dad and the fmaily strong and try to rember him for the good thank you so much and God bless you all

John,
There is just too much to say and not enough time. I want you to know that because of you, i am a better person. I volunteer to help others just like you did. I am growing up and becoming a better man. You taught me things that noone else could do. Things arnet the same, and they probably can never be again...I just want to say something that i never really got to say...and that is just thank you.
thank you for helping me in ways you probably never knew about. So thank you, and one day we'll meet again...but until then i'll try to be just like you and try to make this world a better place for me and the others around me.

Thank You...

Happy Birthday John! Missing you more than ever. Love Dad.

Well, it's been a little while since my last entry. Trying to get on with my life... it's hard. But nothing will change the factnthat John's in my thoughts and my heart, each and every single day! I haven't talked to Mike or Pete for a while, so I'm not sure how everyone is doing. I hope evryone in John's family is doing good... Good as can be. I wish you all well. My love is with all of you!

Love,
Kat