Kristen, Our Angel

 This fork was found in Kristen's book bag. Her last art work, but, we wonder if she was trying to tell us  " the best is yet to come."

"KEEP YOUR FORK"

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with
a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. 
So as she was getting her things "in order" she contacted
her Priest and had him come to her house to discuss
aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung, what scriptures
she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be
buried in.

Everything was in order and the Priest was preparing
to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered
something very important to her.

"There's one more thing," she said excitedly.
"What's that?" came the Priest's reply.
"This is very important," the young woman continued. 
"I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The Priest stood looking at the young woman, not knowing
quite what to say.

That surprises you, doesn't it?"  the young woman asked. 

"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request", said
the Priest.

The young woman explained.  "My grandmother once told
me this story, and from that time on I have always tried
to pass along its message to those I love and those who
are in need of encouragement.

In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always
remember that when the dishes of the main course were
being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say,
"Keep your fork".  It was my favorite part because I knew
that something better was coming ... like velvety chocolate
cake or deep-dish apple pie.  Something wonderful, and
with substance!

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with
a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with
the fork?"  Then I want you to tell them:  "Keep your fork. 
The best is yet to come."

The Priest's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged
the young woman good-bye.  He knew this would be one of
the last times he would see her before her death.  But he
also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of
heaven than he did.  She had a better grasp of what heaven
would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as
much experience and knowledge.
   
She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's
casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the
fork placed in her right hand.  Over and over, the Priest
heard the question, "What's with the fork?" and over
and over he smiled.

During his message, the Priest told the people of the
conversation he had with the young woman shortly before
she died.  He also told them about the fork and about
what it symbolized to her.  He told the people how he
could not stop thinking about the fork and told them
that they probably would not be able to stop thinking
about it either.

He was right.  So the next time you reach down for
your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the
best is yet to come. 

Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed.  They make you
smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear,
they share a word of praise, and they always want to
open their hearts to us.  Show your friends how much
you care.  Remember to always be there for them,
even when you need them more.  For you never know
when it may be 'their'  time to "Keep your fork". 

Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share...
being friends with someone is not an opportunity, but a
sweet responsibility.

~~ unknown~~

Special Grand Daughter

                                 Love you Sweetie

Kristen

Our baby girl, you were only eighteen

There was so much more, you should have seen

Why you left us, we will always wonder

Answers of our own guilt, we continue to ponder

We did not see that you had such deep pain

Saying we are sorry now, is in vain

There is nothing we can do today

To undo what made you sad yesterday

We love you, dear Kristen

Your memory, it glistens

Our beautiful baby girl

You were our whole world

Love, Mom and Dad

Precious Little Cupie Doll  
Know you are in a better world but there will always be void in my big pig valve heart, forever till  time is no more Your memories and tales of good times linger with all who love you Want to share the tale of you coming here to Grandma's and mixing anything and everything that was in the kitchen and then wanting us to taste concoction you had mixed Your thoughts were always rambling way ahead of you
Your Mom and Dad  have achieved many goals in making your memory linger on to family and friends Blessing for the support and being able to share this site with everyone
My love will  be with you always Sending lots of extra hugs, kisses for you to share with other loved ones
    ((((((((HUG)))))))) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
                  "Love U  the Mostest"

The Voice
There is a voice inside of you
That whispers all day long,
"I feel that this is right for me,
I know that this is wrong."
No teacher, preacher, parent, friend
Or wise man can decide
What's right for you-just listen to
The voice that speaks inside.

love ya
ANDREA

When you hear the tinkle of a bell,

you’ll be reminded of a special angel.

In our hearts forever you’ll be,

shining always for all to see.

A free spirited angel with beautiful wings,

embracing arms full of little round wings.

Walking, running, rejoicing in the light,

shining so bright in the still of the night.

Guide us along, taking away our fear,

help us not to shed another tear.

Today you start a new beginning,

bring us faith and hope and believing.

Knowing now you’ll leave us never,

all will remember you forever.

Kristen, We Love you!

Dedicated to Kristen by her Aunt Deb, December 7^th, 2003

December 6^th, 2003

Dear Kristen,

Hey girl, how’s it hangin? I think I’d donin I guess. Do you remember when we went Trick-or Treating, and you were dressed as a clown and I was Dick Tracy? That was back in the day. We had so much fun. I don’t exactly remember where we were dress like that, but I do remember riding the ponies. We were so little and you looked so cute all painted up and mounted on that pony. And, what about when you, Erika and I were at Uncle Rick’s and Nonie got all of our Mom’s those bowls for Christmas, when we the three Musketeers decided we were taking over. All of us climbed into the bowls and our Moms started to spin us around. Those were the days when we still had our innocence before we spouted horns and became hellions. I don’t know why but you and I were always worse than Erika. But, you had the biggest horns of us all. I remember when we locked Ma in the closet, your Mom and Dad were so mad but we didn’t care because all we did was laugh. If I’m not mistaken we were playing hide and seek when that happened. Some other good times we had together were when we used to sneak out of the house on Fieldbrooke. I was always afraid that we were going to get caught because we had to leave the window out by your Dad’s workbench. It was a hassle, but we always enjoyed the thrill. And then we got really brave, sneaking out of my house. It was all over Brian, and we got in so much trouble. I remember it like it was yesterday. WE snuck out of my room to go over there but I cam back. I left my window open for you with the mattress in front of it. I thought I was gonna have a heart attack when my Mom walked in and said, “Where’s Kristen?” I tried to play dumb, but I had to tell. Our parents were so mad at us, but eventually got over it. There’s only one time I got really mad at you, and that was when you duct taped me to the pole downstairs on Fieldbrooke. Your Mom thought it was hilarious but I didn’t! Now that I look back on it, I do and I’m thankful I wasn’t the only one you got with that prank. In closing, I wish that I could have seen you alive one last time, and I wish this wasn’t the reason I had to come here. There is one last thing I want to say, Happy belated 18^th birthday, and I love you. I will never forget you, and you will always be in my heart.

Love, Darrek

Kristen,

Hey there. So it’s your birthday. The big 18. I bet you just can’t wait to get out and buy cigarettes and porn. ;) Actually I wouldn’t be surprised if you did buy porn today. You have the power now, why waste it? That’s something I’ve always admired about you, jumping at an opportunity. It’s the opposite of what I would do. I have trouble even completing things that I’m obligated to do.

Anyway, so this is my present to you. I’m sorry this it’s the only present that I’m going to get you for your birthday, but I couldn’t really think of a gift that would be more unique to me than this. I wanted to do this in person, but I was afraid that I might never get it out. Even thinking of what I’m going to say is difficult for me to do. Besides every other letter I’ve written hasn’t exactly been the best of tone, so I figured you were about due for one that at least attempts to say just how much I’m glad to have met you. Anyway, here it is:

Kristen, you are one special woman. I don’t care how much you want to deny that, but it’s a fact. I’ll even prove it to you. Just take a moment to think about what I was like before we met. Got it? Now think about how I am now that I’ve known you. See? There’s your proof right there.

I want to thank you, Kristen. For everything. Thank you for giving me those hugs in gym. For speaking with me to get more than just the answer to a homework problem. For inviting me to parties where there were more than just guys. For showing me those tips on kissing. For keeping me up until 3 in the morning talking about random topics. For daring me to do a striptease. For every stupid thing we’ve ever done together, and for anything else that I left out.

Most of all, I wanted to thank you for what’s really important. I want to thank you for caring. For showing me that people really can care about me. There’s not one thing I valued more than that in our relationship. So thank you, Kristen. Thank you for letting me have that. My only regret is that I can’t repay you with more than just gratitude. I hope it’s enough.

Happy birthday, Kristen. I hope you continue to fill people’s lives with as much happiness as you’ve filled mine with. I think it would be a shame if it all went to waste on me. Have a good birthday, Kristen.

Love you always,

Jeff

SOMETIMES GOD NEEDS HIS ANGELS BACK

Every day children are born.

This is when God’s angels take human form.

Some children do not survive.

Other children are chosen to live their whole lives.

And some are only with us for a very short time.

Sometimes God needs his angels back.

It doesn’t matter how they stayed.

All that matters is that they loved us every day.

God gives his angels wings to fly,

But this is not meant to make us cry.

We should cherish the time they were with us on earth,

And think of it not as death but rebirth.

Sometimes God needs his angels back.

When our angels leave it is hard to go on,

But we need to have faith and stay strong.

For our angels never really leave earth.

They come back and protect us after their rebirth.

Sometimes God needs his angels back.

They may no longer be with us physically,

But we can find them spiritually.

God gives each angel a specific plan,

And we can find peace knowing that they are now safe in his hands

Sometimes God needs his angels back.

This poem was given in  memory of Kristen, by Katie Leary

Our lives are touched in so many ways and by so many special people.  Tom and Tracy (Winston's Foster Parents) are very special people. They open their hearts and home to rescue basset hounds.  We met Tom and Tracy a few weeks ago when Darla, my sister adopted Winston.  We fell in love with these special people with hearts so warm and loving. Tracy forwarded this poem that she wrote for our Angel, and I would love to share it. I thank you Tracy for your kindness to offer your love and Puppy to our family.  We will always treasure our new friends.

An Angel's Kiss

Your breath is the song that the morning sings;
Chirping birds, fluttering angel wings,
Daylight dances on the air;
Leaves rustle unaware.

Quietly, thoughts of you wander through my mind,
A gentle breeze on my face I find;
As if a kiss delivered to me
By the angels I know are there, but cannot see.

Just like the love that will never end,
I long to call this sorrow my friend.

09-26-06