For parents, grandparents and siblings over 18

Non-Profit
US Postage
PAID
Omaha, NE
#284
P.O. Box 540852, Omaha, NE 68154
[email protected]
Jan-Feb 2013
402-571-4011
[email protected]
facebook.com/tcfomaha
www.tcfomaha.org
Mission Statement: When a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated.
The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death
of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family.
Spanish/Español - page/pagina 4
Please send stories, poems or love gifts by
Address Service Requested
Feb 1, 2013
[email protected]
MEETING TIMES AND LOCATIONS
For parents, grandparents and siblings over 18
SUPPORT GROUP MEETING
7:00 p.m. — 1st Thursday of the month
New Cassel Retirement Center
900 N. 90th Street —Auditorium Level 2, Omaha
LUNCH
Noon—3rd Tuesday of the month at noon.
Tish’s Restaurant, 1115 S 35 Street, Council Bluffs
CALENDAR
Jan 3 Omaha Meeting
Jan 10 Fremont Meeting
Jan 15 Council Bluffs Lunch Meeting
Jan 15 Avoca IA Meeting
Jan 16 Reunion En Espanol
Jan 22 Steering Committee Meeting
Feb 1 Newsletter Cutoff for Jan-Feb
Feb 7 Omaha Meeting
Feb 14 Fremont Meeting
Feb 19 Council Bluffs Lunch Meeting
REUNION EN ESPAŃOL
7:00 pm-3er miércoles de cada mes/3rd Wed. of every month
One World Community Health Center Conference Room
4920 S. 30th Street, Omaha
Feb 19 Avoca IA Meeting
Feb 20 Reunion En Espanol
National Office: The Compassionate Friends P.O. Box 3696 Oakbrook IL 60522-3696 (877) 969-0010 www.compassionatefriends.org
Nebraska Regional Coordinator: Kelly Pelster (402) 676-3670 [email protected]
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Love Gifts ∙ Address Change ∙ Authorizations
THANK YOU
Mail to: The Compassionate Friends , PO Box 540852, Omaha, NE 68154
Hawkeye/Nebraska Siding & Window
Fremont National Bank
Your Name_____________________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________Email____________ _______________________________
Gleaner/Gleoma Arbor
HyVee 108 & Fort
PayPal
City___________________________ State _______ Zip ______________ Phone _____________________
Credit Card No: ___________________________CVC ___________ EXP _________
Date _______________
DIRECT MY GIFT TOWARD:
Pettit’s Pastry
New Cassel Retirement Center
One World Community Health Center
American Express Employee Giving/Gift Match
Gift of $___________
□ Outreach –printing, postage, phone, web
□ Spanish Support □ Angel of Hope □ Memorial Programs
United Way of the Midlands
Ted E Bear Hollow
Centering Corporation
Jane Dugan, PLMHP, NCC, CT
In Memory of___________________________________________________________
Jennifer Brigden, LPC, LMHP
Kris Musch & The Birdhouse Project
Message:______________________________________________________________
Alan & Denise Pedersen Angels Across the USA
2013 AUTHORIZATION—initial each selection
Publish my child’s name/dates in the newsletter as long as I am on the mailing list ______
Add my child’s name to the 2013 Walk to Remember Banner in my absence ______
Use my child’s photo in the 12-8-2013 Worldwide Candle Lighting Slide Show ______
Newsletters and notices will be sent electronically unless paper is requested ______paper
______Unsubscribe
Child’s Name __________________________________________________________________________________
Birth Date __________________Death Date ______________________Your Relationship____________________
SIGNATURE_REQUIRED_____________________________________________________DATE______________
Memories
The certain special memories
That follow me each day,
Cast your shadow in my life
In a certain way.
Or the lyrics of a song
Make me stop and think of you
Sometimes all day long
Memories are good to have
Thank you to all who helped to make this a
special evening of remembrance,
Barb Schwede—Venue & Candles
Peter & Diana Ormandy—Centerpieces
And SlideShow
Mary Jo Fike—Publicity
Kelly Pelster—Photos, Mail, Email
Beth Karadeema—Graphic Design
www.compassionatefriends.org
to watch at any time
Dreams-A Blessing in Disguise
Handling the Holidays
A Father’s Grief
Grief and Today’s Family
Sometimes the blowing wind
The Compassionate Friends
Candle Lighting Ceremony
December 9, 2012
Free Webinars
To share and keep in my heart,
Just knowing that you’re still inside
Makes sure we’ll never part.
Collette Covington
TCF Lake Charles, LA
Seven Dos and Don’ts for Couples
Siblings Grieve Too
Coping with Grief during Bereavement
Caring for your Health While Grieving
Getting Stuck and Unstuck
Handling Grief in the Holiday Season
HELP ON A COMMITTEE
Plan meeting programs
Outreach—providing us with contact information for professionals
in your community.
Publicity—Speaking opportunities
and health fairs.
2
♥ Gifts of Love received 10/1/2012—11/30/2012 ♥
Our activities support the grief work of many families. We also work to educate members of our community about the grief process and how they can support bereaved
parents. Please help us help others by making a LOVE GIFT today. TCF is a 501c3 organization and funded only by donations. Monetary gifts in any amount are deeply
appreciated and we gratefully accept these gifts knowing our children are warmly remembered. Chapter expenses include printing, postage, telephone, library, and memorial programs. We have a new chapter brochure and are working to increase the awareness of TCF in our community.
Barb SCHWEDE
♥ KELLY JEAN FALK
Friend of the Angel
JOHN & LORRAINE MALL
♥ JEFFERY MALL
Always loved - Never Forgotten
DON & SANDY HOLOUBEK
♥ AMANDA HOLOUBEK
Barb SCHWEDE
♥ KELLY JEAN FALK
MARY MORROW
♥ ALEX MORROW
ANONYMOUS
♥
RON & SHARON BRADRICK
♥ JILL KELLY BRADRICK
RUSS & ANNE LLOYD
♥ SHANNON LEE LLOYD
MARK & SUSIE BASHOR
♥ DAREN MICHAEL BASHOR
We love and miss you. You are always in our thoughts.
MARY MORROW
♥ ALEX MORROW
I love You More!
RICHARD & REBECCA SMITH
♥ JOHNATHAN R SMITH
We Love You John
BILL & BARBARA COOK
♥ CHRIS COOK
MARK & DANA APPLEGATE
♥ MATTHEW APPLEGATE
Love You - Miss You
What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose,
For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us. Helen Keller
BETTY HARLOW
♥ CHAD W. HARLOW
We love U and miss U Forever
DAVE & DEBI JACKSON
♥ JACOB PAUL JACKSON
"SK8RBOI" We Love You. Mom & Dad
ROGER & JILL DETHLEFS
♥ CASSIDY MARIE DETHLEFS
Our little angel - we love you and miss you every day!!
ELMER & CAROL BURHENNE
♥ STEVE W. BURHENNE
Gone 26 years, but not forgotten
DON & SANDY HOLOUBEK
♥ AMANDA HOLOUBEK
We miss you and Love Never Dies
FRANK & JUDY SEBRON
♥ Steven Sebron Sr.
Forever in our Hearts
LINDA SEHI
♥ RICHIE A. SEHI
To our loving son and brother "Dick". Loved by all and missed.
BETTY HARLOW
♥ CHAD W. HARLOW
We love U and miss U every day.
BERT & SALLY NIELSEN
♥ JONATHON "SCOOB" NIELSON
Remembering Jonathon "Scoob". Always in our Hearts ~
Nanny & Papa
CURT & VICKI BARR
♥ BRADLEY CHARLES BARR
Love You Always-Forever
ALLEN & DEBORA LANTZ
♥ SHAWN "BOOMER" LATTIMER
We will always Love You
WAYNE & DIANE JACOBSEN
♥ ERIC SCOTT JACOBSEN
Our amazing son. Think of you always. Love and miss you so.
Forever in our hearts. Love, Mom & Dad
ROBERT & BARBARA BLAIR
♥ ANDREW "ANDY" BLAIR
In Our Hearts Forever
JOHN & MARY LYNN VOGT
♥ GERID MICHAEL NELSON
Son-Brother-Uncle Miss You So Much XO XO XO
SHIRLEY ASHCRAFT
♥ CHARLES DUANE MORELAND
Forever Loved & Missed
MELANIE & DARRIN PETTY
♥ TREVOR FREDERICKSON
Book "To Heaven and Back"
ED & PAM RAMSPOTT
♥ JOSEPH L. RAMSPOTT
JOHN & MARY LYNN VOGT
♥ Gerid Michael Nelson
BETH PRIBIL
♥ WILLIAM CARL DRIELING
ALVIN & GLENDA HALLEY
♥ MARY HALLEY CHROSTOWSKI
Always and Forever in our Hearts
ALVIN & GLENDA HALLEY
♥ CINDY HALLEY
Always and Forever in Our Hearts
LINDA NIELSEN
♥ GUY DOUGLAS NIELSEN
Forever
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PAGINA EN ESPAÑOL/SPANISH PAGE
REMEDIO PARA LA TRISTEZA
Un día un joven escuchó un chiste muy pero muy bueno, se rió mucho por varios días y en ellos estuvo verdaderamente contento. Era sin dudas el mejor chiste que había escuchado en su vida.
Cada vez que este joven se sentía triste o tenía ganas de llorar hacía memoria, recordaba el chiste y comenzaba a
reir mucho, entonces su tristeza se iba. Así lo hizo por muchos años, ese era su remedio para la tristea y era realmente efectivo.
Un día, ya siendo adulto se sentía solo, triste, pensaba que ya nada tenía sentido, entonces pensó que el aquel
chiste sería la solución. Trató de recordarlo pero no hubo caso, no podía recordar de que trataba el chiste, ni el
comienzo ni el remate. Sin embargo notó que su tristeza ya se había ido.
Se dió cuenta de que a pesar de no recordar el chiste si pudo recordar lo feliz que había sido esos días, lo contento que había estado y lo mucho que había disfrutado. Comprendió que lo que le hacía olvidar la tristeza cada vez
que lo hacía no era el chiste, sino el recuerdo de lo feliz que había sido, eso nunca lo iba a olvidar. Así entendió
claramente como funcionaba su remedio y la tristeza jamás volvió.
“Cuando te sientas triste y las ganas de llorar de inunden, recordá los momentos en que fuiste feliz y hacé todo lo
posible para que esos momentos vuelvan y se repitan. Es el mejor remedio”. ~Moradito
Los Amigos Compasivos/USA
A un ángel
El mencionar su nombre
Hoy el viento me trae tu recuerdo
cubriéndome de profundo escalofrío
por una muerte que aún no entiendo
y trato de comprender por qué te has ido.
Naciste como un ángel
y creo que como un ángel has vivido
caminando por la vida
sin sentir ningún peligro.
Tal vez por eso Dios te llevó
porque eras un ángel
y solo los ángeles junto a Dios
tienen su sitio.
Cuando supe de tu viaje
mi corazón quedó como detenido
y sentí un dolor tan fuerte que creí
que tu muerte, de Dios fue un descuido.
Pero creo en Jesucristo
y su promesa de otra vida
y por eso ya no lloro al saber
que te veré nuevamente hijo mío.
El mencionar el nombre de mi hijo
... Puede traer lágrimas a mis ojos,
Sin embargo, nunca deja de traer
Música para mis oídos.
Si usted es realmente mi amigo,
Déjeme escuchar la hermosa música de su nombre.
Calma mi corazón destrozado
Y canta a mi alma.
Holy Comforter, Los Amigos Compasivos/USA
Autor desconocido - Los Amigos Compasivos/USA
Si desean enviar material para
el próximo boletín, escriba a :
[email protected]
Alguien tiene el numero de teléfono para llamar al cielo.
Extraño mucho escuchar la voz de mi hij@, niet@, herman@. Aunque sin mucho esfuerzo, solo tengo que cerrar
los ojos traer de mi memorias uno de tantos momentos y
lo reviviré. Sí lo voy hacer...y tu que harías?
Los Amigos Compasivos/USA
4
Finding a New Normal for Yourself –Author Unknown
In the early days, weeks, and even months after our
child dies, most of family members, friends, and colleagues are very supportive of the ways we mourn the
death of our child. They understand and encourage us
as we weep, talk about our child, express our devastation. They understand that we are deeply sad, even
depressed, have no joy in our lives, and can hardly
function. But at some point, many of these same
friends, family, and colleagues begin to wonder –
and some will even ask – when we are going to get
back to normal again. They want the old happy,
productive, focused, fun person to return.
What they don’t understand is that we are now normal.
And if we weren’t behaving and feeling as we are, we
would not be normal – in fact we would be abnormal.
When we lose a bet or a job or wreck our car or suffer
a financial setback etc., the loss can hit us pretty hard.
However, we don’t say, ―Oh well, that’s life,‖ and just
move on and forget about what happened. The loss
lingers with us. Fortunately we find ways to deal with
these losses fairly quickly.
When we have a serious disease or lose our sight or an
arm or leg, it hits us harder. And we certainly don’t say,
―Oh well, that’s life,‖ and just move on and forget what
we’ve lost. These losses are usually life-changing. We
try to find ways to deal with them, but it can take a long
time – and many times our life is drastically different
than it was before. We arrive at a new normal, which
may even involve a wheelchair, nursing care, etc. We
usually don’t advise people who have lost their sight or a
limb to ―Just get over it and get on with life‖ or ―to get
back to normal.
Yes, it is terrible to be infirm, and it is terrible to lose a
limb. But the death of our child is like moving to a whole
A Very Special Letter.
Thirty-two years ago our 19 year old son, Jeff, was killed in a car
accident. Although I only attended one meeting many years agothe “Friends” I’ve met thru the newsletter, the articles and stories
have been a real comfort for me.
If I remember correctly, I sent this article/poem to you several
years ago-but I’m sending it again because I know how much it
has helped me and the many friends/strangers I have mailed it to.
It was given to me by friends from church and I have never found
an author for it, maybe you know. Please print it again-I know
from experiences it will help someone with their grief.
God Bless all of you and the work you do,
Lorraine Mall, TCF Omaha
new planet. And most of those who have not been on that
―planet‖ don’t understand this. There is nothing we can
do to have our old life – from before the death of our child
– back. Yes, we do move forward. And yes, we do find
ways to deal with this loss and to absorb it into our new
life. But mourning the death of our child takes a long time
– perhaps the rest of our life.
In the beginning, that shock, numbness, weeping, questioning, sense of hopelessness, loss of joy, etc. are normal. And at that time we are normal. Not the normal we
were before our child died, but today’s normal.
And over time, as the shock and numbness wear off but
the reality and the pain flood in, our sense of hopelessness and loss of joy, our inability to function as we used
to in work, home and life, our crying, deep sadness or
depression continue and may even deepen. This is normal.
As time goes on, we find ways to cope with our new life,
ways that are helpful to us in our mourning, ways to deal
with the world. Our pain and sadness remain, but we find
ways to make these deep feelings part of our life rather
than the forces we have to battle. And we may begin to
have some hope and to find some meaning and joy in life
– not like we had before, but some. That is our new normal at this time.
And eventually, while the pain has not lessened and our
sadness at the death of our child has not lessened or
gone away, we have grown and strengthened to the point
where we know we can live with that pain and sadness
and that we can live a full life. This life will always be different than it was before the death of our child. What is
meaningful to us now, what brings us joy now, what is
important now, is vastly different than it was.
This is our new normal.
To All Parents
‘I’ll lend you for a little while a child of mine,’ He said.
‘For you to love the while he lives and morn for when he’s dead.
It may be six or seven years or twenty-two or three,
But will you, ‘til I call him back, take care of him for me?
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,
You’ll have his lovely memories as solace for grief
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I’ve searched the wide world over in my search for Teachers True,
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take him back again?’
I fancied that I heard them say ‘Dear Lord, thy will be done;
For all the joy this child shall bring, the risk of grief we’ll run.
We’ll shelter him with happiness; we’ll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we’ve known, forever grateful stay,
But should the angels call for him much sooner than we’d planned,
5
The Eternal Legacy of Names
~By Nita Aasen
When people reference a deceased person, it is not unusual to hear his or her name referred to in the past tense. For
example, upon learning that two of my sons are deceased, I have
been asked “What were their names?” The hair immediately
stands up on the back of my neck as I use the present tense and
say(while trying to conceal my irritation), “Their names are Erik
and David.”
While it is indisputable that death takes away the physical
relationship with one’s loved one, death cannot take away the
spiritual relationship we continue to have with them, nor can death
take away their name. Their name becomes the living reference
point for our relationship with them throughout their lives and following their deaths.
Upon a person’s birth (or perhaps before), the first gift
one’s parents give to their newly born son or daughter is a name.
In making that choice, different options for the first and middle
names may be written out to see how they look with the last
name. Or perhaps these names were spoken out loud in order to
hear which combinations sounded the best. Many times it is important that a child’s name have a family connection. Much love,
thought, and time are typically spent in choosing a name that
gives one’s son or daughter a space and place in the world that is
just for them.
From the very beginning of our lives, our names are
linked eternally with a specific family. Over time, our names serve
as an historical framework for our developmental progress, our
medical records, school records, work performance, and leisure
and civic interests. References to one’s personal characteristics,
personality, reputation, character, and contributions to make this
world a better place are inevitably linked to one’s name.
There is simply no other efficient or meaningful way to
make the connection. One’s name becomes a kind of shorthand
that serves as a starting point for conversations about an individual’s specific attributes.
Following a loved one’s death, his or her name makes it
possible to continue to share stories, tributes, and memories; to
plant trees, give awards, or do acts of kindness in their honor.
Decades or even hundreds of years after an ancestor’s death,
families wanting to connect with their family roots could not begin
their search without a name. The documentation of one’s name
available in numerous records—birth, death, marriage, church,
cemetery, plat books, obituaries, pictures, old letters, and many
more—connects descendants to other missing puzzle pieces and
leads them to many other names and stories in their family tree.
A poem by John Rezmerski, professor at Gustavus Adolphus College, was written as a living tribute to the thousands of
patients who were interred on the grounds of the state hospital for
the “insane” in St. Peter, Minnesota. The graves were marked
with numbers instead of names. More than a hundred years later,
markers with names have gradually been placed above the numbers. Following is a portion of that poem:
A name is a seed that encases
a whole tree, the memory
of a whole species.
Our names say: “However different This individual is of our
kind.” That kindness makes us whole.
As long as documentation exists, the kindness that is inherent in
one’s name, and is symbolic of our loved ones, lives on eternally
in this world. Yes, my sons’ names are Erik and David—forever.
Nita’s sons, Erik (27) and David (25), were killed in a car accident
on November 14, 1994. She does not have a local chapter, but
she has found support in TCF through We Need Not Walk Alone
and the national conference.
MEMORY CORNER
Christopher Allen Martin (Chrissy)
March 23rd, 1980 –
January 18th, 2011
Chris was quite the husband,
father, son, brother &
friend! He loved being at
home spending time with his
wife, Jenny and his girls, Alexis & Allison; as they were
his life. Chris was also involved in sports such as playing
volleyball, golf, going to sporting events, hunting and fishing. He also liked going to concerts, I still made fun of
the fact he had an Alanis Morissette poster above his
bed in high school and he prayed that the tape would give
out and she would float down on him. Ha, ha! Chris cared
for all, he was always there to give great advice, paved
his way to becoming a great person & role model and the
very best husband, father, son, brother & friend! Chris,
we will never forget you, you are in our hearts forever!
We miss and love you terribly, until we meet again! Love
you Chris!!!
As long as I can I will look at this world for
both of us. As long as I can I will laugh with
the birds, I will sing with the flowers, I will
pray to the stars, for both of us. ~ Sascha
6
It is the New Year !
The holidays are behind us. We did with them what we could. Whether they were a time of sorrow, a time of
joy, or a combination of both, they are now a part of our memories. In a strange way, as a memory in our
hearts and in our minds, our child's place is there among all the other memories of the season. There is hurt
along with the memory, but also thankfulness for the memory.
When a Child Dies... What We Can Teach the World [and ourselves]! ...about our grief!
1. GRIEF HURTS. There is real pain. It is not psychosomatic!
2. GRIEF IS NORMAL. The pain, anger, depression, numbness, guilt, mental confusion, etc., is all NORMAL.
You are not going crazy because you experience these.
3. GRIEF ENDURES. It lasts longer than society (or we ourselves) generally recognizes. It takes years for
healing to occur. Be patient with yourself.
4. PEOPLE GRIEVE DIFFERENTLY. Everyone is an individual and does his/her grief work differently. There
is no right way to grieve.
5. PHYSICAL REACTIONS a) Loss of appetite or overeating. b) Insomnia - sleeplessness
c) Sleeping all the time- depression? d) Sexual difficulties-not wanting/deserving pleasure.
e) Loss of energy - takes all you have to get out of bed! f) Difficulty concentrating -can't hold thoughts,
organize, plan, forgetful, etc. g) Physical ailments: hypertension, headaches, any illness related to stress.
6. GRIEF BRINGS TEARS. Causes one to cry. Crying is a healthy expression of grief. It releases built-up
tensions. Grieving persons should be encouraged to cry freely as they feel the need. The chemical makeup
of tears from grief is different from other tears. MEN SHOULD CRY TOO! Crying is OK!
7. HOLIDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES, SPECIAL DAYS ARE STRESSFUL. Holidays are "family times" and are
difficult when a child is absent. Anniversaries include birthdays, death days. Special Days include every Fridays if the child died on a Friday, 1st day of school and your child isn't there to go this year, graduation exercises -- two and three years after the death...all can be stressful.
8. GRIEF CAUSES ONE TO EXAMINE HIS/HER PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE. We now question many religious
principles that we've always accepted without question in the past. Simple answers to life questions are no
longer acceptable to many during grief. Things just aren't "black and white" anymore. Those in grief seek
deeper truths now and these truths must be real to them -experienced-to be accepted.
Questioning God and His role in the loss is NORMAL and OK! Being angry at God is OK! You can't be angry
at someone you don't believe in! Remember, there is no way that a loving God would cause a child to die and
leave the family with such horrible grief. He hurts when we hurt.
9. GRIEF CHANGES YOU! When your child dies, you will never again be the person you were the day before
the death! Friendships and relationships change because WE CHANGE. Don't be frightened by the changes
taking place INSIDE you. Go with them. You will eventually find your "resting place" as healing takes place.
10. RECOVERY AND HEALING IS POSSIBLE! You will never "get over" the death of a child and there will
always be a void in your life, BUT, you won't always hurt like you do initially. To recover, you must go through
the grief, experience it. All attempts to avoid it will only postpone it!
7
♥ Our Children Remembered ♥
In the days ahead, especially remember these children and their families…on the day of their birth and on the anniversary of their death.
If you would like your child, grandchild or sibling included here, submit the authorization form on page 2.
Birthdays
01/02
01/03
01/04
01/08
01/09
01/11
01/11
01/13
01/16
01/16
01/16
01/18
01/22
01/23
01/24
01/27
01/28
01/28
01/29
01/31
02/01
02/02
02/03
02/09
02/10
02/10
02/11
02/16
02/16
02/17
02/18
02/20
02/21
02/21
02/23
02/24
02/26
02/26
02/27
Nathan James Graybill
Michele Audra Anderson
Tawni L. Moore
Eric William Kuhl
Bradley Charles Barr
Cole Alan Krueger
Alan C. Wiles
Matthew Hartmann
Theresa Marie "Tessie" Spinks
Shannon Lee Lloyd
Michael Peterson
Lynette Schlosser Angers
Sandy Hanrahan
Daryl L. Catlin
Ashley Peterson
Sally Frances Bruckner
Katie Natalia Ramirez
Ellen Gloria Cerra
Melissa Ann Duhn
Timothy Jordan Lane
Jill Kelly Bradrick
Mariah Hope Gould
Scott Christopher Bruning
Brian Nye Paterson
Allyssa Colleen Johnson
Guy Douglas Nielsen
Lyndsay Madison Bills
Mary Halley Chrostowski
Vivian Leigh Lemke
Eric Paul Bauer
Jose De Jesus Martinez
Drew Michael Benson
Michael Andrew Epstein
Michaiah Delano Taylor
Rachel Sarah Talbott
Steven Sebron Sr.
Pio Porta Viii
Tyson Henry Peters
Galilea Suarez Lemus
Anniversaries
01/01
01/02
01/03
01/03
01/04
01/05
01/06
01/11
01/13
01/17
01/18
01/19
01/23
01/24
01/24
01/25
01/26
01/27
01/28
01/29
01/31
02/01
02/03
02/06
02/08
02/11
02/18
02/21
02/22
02/25
02/26
02/26
02/26
Michele Audra Anderson
Cari Sue Sporhase
Andrew "Andy" Blair
Steven Dennis Schult
Lucas John Saathoff
Isabel Montes-Lopez
Shawn "Boomer" Lattimer
Christine Mack
Dylan Zackary O'neill
Jose De Jesus Martinez
Christopher Allen Martin
Ronald Gene Larsen
Eric William Kuhl
Nathan James Graybill
Terry Mccue
Chad Chollett
Erik Matthew Balkus
Daniel Logeman
Brianne Dreith
Steve Starks
Pio Porta Viii
Nicholas John Scarpello
Eric Michael Jensen
Randy Lee Dady
Richie A. Sehi
Lyndsay Madison Bills
Bradley Charles Barr
Scott Blevins
Michaiah Delano Taylor
Christine Perkins
Tyson Henry Peters
Lisa Barton
Jeffrey Thomas Brown
SEARCHING . . .
Once again, my list has vanished;
it was here,
but now it's missing.
Keys and glasses disappearing;
books and letters--overdue.
I'm forever searching, searching,
they must be here,
and I need them!
Could it be that what is
missing,
what I want this very minute--
could
it be that what I'm REALLY searching for,
my
child,
is you?
Joyce Andrews
TCF Sugar Land, TX
Co-editors for this issue:
Diana Ormandy, Kelly Kleckner-Silva, Kelly Pelster
Every day our members quietly celebrate the birthday of their child, sibling, or grandchild who died--and as the years go along fewer and
fewer relatives and friends remember those days which used to be so very, very special. Has this been your experience or is this a fear
you have? This poem seems to reflect so well our wish that others not forget.
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