John W. Burke

... These 3 years have passed so painfully. It still seems impossible that you are not here, that I won’t see you again. Though, sometimes I do see you – in a dream or a memory or the times when Kevin looks and acts so much like you. Those moments lift my spirits. You may be gone physically, but you are still a central part of my life and always in my thoughts. I think about you every minute of the day, just as I did when you were here, just as I do Bridget and Kevin. That’s what a mother...

...There was so much love, joy, and happiness, mixed in with the deep sadness of your loss. Bridget was surrounded by every single person she loves and every single person in her life who loves her. All those who played a part in helping her get to this point were there to celebrate and rejoice in this wonderful day. The fact that we could find such happiness through the dark shrouds of grief is only because of the deep love we have shared as a family and our belief that you are just as happy...

...There was a moment, when we were waiting to walk down the aisle. Phil had gone to check on something, and it was just Bridget, Kevin, and me, standing together. As I watched everyone else walk down the aisle, I was suddenly overwhelmed by the strength of your presence. I could feel you there and it felt exactly like when it was the 4 of us together - us against the world, struggling, and somehow surviving against insurmountable odds. No one can ever really know what it took to get to this...

Jake, we missed you so much at Bridget’s wedding. You were there in our hearts, though. Bridget was stunningly beautiful. She could have been in a magazine. It was not just the gorgeous dress and veil and hair – it was that she was simply glowing. She radiated happiness and joy. She and Frank are so obviously in love and perfect for each other. He went to such lengths to make sure everything was just right for her. You would like him so much...

... I will never stop missing you. I miss talking to you on the phone. I miss having you come visit me, for the weekend or just for a day. I miss pulling in to Lincoln Woods looking to see if your car was there. I miss begging you to turn the music down when we went for rides. I miss hopping in the car and going to the mall, just because. I miss going to the movies or getting food from Casa Mia’s when we got home from Rita’s. I miss hearing your stories and gossip. I miss the boy who I...

... We had it pretty rough there for a while. But Mom, you, Kevin, and me were always there for each other. I have never seen another family half as close as ours. Most families don’t have to go through what we did. They don’t have to constantly live in fear. But you were the protector. From “protecting” me from boys at Penn State, to going outside with a baseball bat or lacrosse stick when there was someone trying to break into the apartment, as was a common occurrence. That’s what...

Kevin walked me down the aisle and gave me away. Jake, you would be so proud of him. He has grown up so much. He is so handsome and so strong. He has been through so much, but is still sweet and kind. He reminds of you in so many ways. Right before we walked down the aisle, Kevin squeezed my hand and said, “I love you Ber.” He didn’t let go the entire walk down the aisle. I know you were there with us.

It's been three years yesterday since you've been gone. I must say there hasn't been a day that went by that I don't think about you. You were always like my big brother. Always there when the people you cared about needed you, and I know you still are. I will never forget about all the great memories we shared. I miss you.. You will always be in our hearts..

On our second date he told me that his birthday was October 11th. I knew you were trying to get my attention. And Jake, it’s just like you said. “First long kiss on a second date.” Frank once asked me if I thought you would have liked him or approved of him. I know that you would have loved him. I feel like you handpicked him for me.