John Louis Balch

John:
Love of my life. No words can describe the warm memories, pride and gratitude that come from having a husband to love and cherish like you.... I miss you every day.

Love Always, Betty

Dad, One year, how time passes. Though we are not physically together; I see you everywhere I go.
You are in Mom's loving eyes and around her neck on the heart shaped pendant she wears. You are in Jason and Jon's "chocolate faces" as they enjoy the candy you loved so much. I see you in Jon's twinkling eyes when he is about to tell a long story or in Allies loving video she made in your honor.
I feel your presence on your beloved Cape Cod, at the ocean, your favorite eating places or...

It's been a year already but you know John has never left us. I think of him often and when I think of him I feel his presence. It is such a comfort to know that he is still there just waiting for the day when we can all be together again.

Dad, it has been a year since I last saw you and you haven't been far from my thoughts. I didn't realize how much you molded me and made into the person I am today. I miss you more every day, but I know that you will always be with me if not in presence but in how I deal with my life and you are still one of the most influential people in it today and forever. I love you more and more each day. My family will always love you.

MJ

Dad,

Almost a year has gone by since I saw you last. As we went though each holiday, your birhday and most especially Christmas, you were very much a part of our thoughts.

There are certain times that you were missed the most; especially the Fourth of July. That was the time of the year when I first met you and you have been an important part of that holiday (and my life) since. Most of my memories are of Wellfleet and the summers that we spent with you and Mom there. Of...

Grampy,

When I think about you, I know that you are jumping from cloud to cloud and having fun. I remember that your kisses tasted like chocolate. I bet you are eating lots of chocolate - I love chocolate, especially whoopie pies!

Grampy, look out for the balloons we are sending your way!

I mostly remember Grampy being on Cape Cod with a ring of chocolate around his mouth! Grampy loved chocolate alot. Grampy loved me and my brother, John alot, too. I was so excited about Grampy seeing me on the stage when I danced last Christmas. I loved the presents that Santa and everyone who loved me gave. I especially loved spending Christmas with Nana and Grampy. It made me so happy to spend time with all of my family at Christmas for the first time.

Our families spent a wonderful Christmas together enjoying the excitement of our young grandchildren. When I gave you a hug goodbye I had no idea it would be for the last time. For the last couple of weeks, I have been searching for words that will express how much you will be missed, but there are none. I know that you are not far away and that at the next family gathering your presence will be very much felt.

Helen

Grampy,

Today I am thinking about you and missing you. It reminds me of being young and watching you and Nana leave for a summer on CapeCod or for a trip in some wonderful foriegn place.I always wanted sneak away and go with you two. I never liked the goodbyes only the hellos.

I couldn't ask for a better set of grandparents. You have been there for so many of life's milestones. You made a difference in my life and shared with me so much of your wisdom and adventures. You...