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Tommy Koehler Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Tommy Koehler
Shelly Smith
November 10, 2005
Dear Family & Friends,
On behalf of our family, I would like to thank each & every one of you who took the time to remember Tommy by signing his Guestbook from the Baltimore Sun. There are so many kind thoughts, words & memories that our family will forever cherish. The Guestbook thru the Sun is in it's final hours and expires on November 11th. Our memories & love for Tom will NEVER go away. Please feel free to continue to visit Tom's permanent website at http://tommy-koehler.memory-of.com/about.aspx.
Blessings to all of you for being there during this most difficult year!
With Love on Behalf of our Family,
Michelle (Shelly) Smith-Tommy's sister
Tommy,s Mom
November 10, 2005
Our Dear Tommy:
You will always be remembered for the love you gave, the friendships you made. For the caring and compassion that you showed towards others, For the happiness that never seemed to go away which you shared with everyone you possible could, and for the faith and hope that never died.
Tommy,s Mom
November 10, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Tomorrow sometime this memorial will be removed. As I have said before each page will be copied & treasured forever. I will have every loving message so I can read them again & again. It has been good to be able to write my feelings down & if Shelly did not create another memorial for you, Dad & I would not have let this one expire. I will never forget all the kind, loving words people had to say about you. There are not enough words to describe how much I will forever love & miss you. You will always be on my mind even though I may not be actually speaking your name & you will be with me wherever I go. I see you honey in every beautiful thing, The sunrise, sunset, the brighest star in Heaven, the soft gentle breeze & the beautiful snow. I see you in the little yellow & black bird that sometimes appears around the house & the butterfly that landed in my hand not so long ago. I believe these were all signs from you trying to tell me you are ok. Since your tragic accident on Oct.10th, 2004, you have been our guardian angel. The days, months, years ahead are going to be very hard. Our lives will never be the same again as part of us died with you when God called your name, but with you giving us strength & us knowing what you would want us to do with our lives, we promise we will try to be happy again. Thank you for all the memories that time will never erase. Your Dad, Shelly, Laura, Mikey, & me were so blessed you were our Tommy & you always will be.
Love Always,
Mom
Marie Burns
November 9, 2005
Dearest Tom,
As I read the entries in your Guest Book today, as I have done many times this past year, it fills me with such sadness. Sadness and heartache that you were taken from us, and thinking about how much we love and miss you. Although you are not here in the physical sense, there are so many wonderful memories to reflect upon and cherish forever. You are in our thoughts often, as is you Mom, Dad, Shelly, Laura and Mike. It has been such a rough year for them. I hope with time, there will be some happiness in their lives, as I know that is what you would want for them too. Your life was certainly blessed. So many people love and miss you, and will remember you for your gentleness, kindness, respectfulness and loving nature. Love Forever.
Aunt Sis and Uncle Ronay
Kelly Douglas
November 9, 2005
Hey Babe! I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to write on here sooner but I've been very sick lately. First, Happy Belated Birthday! I was thinking about you all day Saturday, hoping you were enjoying your second birthday in Heaven! I miss you Tom, and I love you! I'm going to miss writing in your guestbook but you know everything I'm about to say before I type it anyway! But, unfortunately I have to go. I'm in school and have class in a couple minutes! I love you hunnie and I miss you tons! Continue to watch over us and the things we do, and in return we will make you very proud! Mwah! ..heaven gained an angel!
Tommy,s Mom
November 8, 2005
Dear Family, Friends, and Our Second Family (All of Tommy,s friends):
This beautiful memorial for my precious Tommy will expire on November 11th. Over the past year I have read and reread all the loving messages that each of you has honored my son with. Each one of these messages is so very very special to me as well as Tommy,s Dad, brother, and sisters. Each message will be copied and treasured forever. With all my heart I want to thank every person whoever took the time to write in this memorial. May God Bless all of you and may God watch over our dear Tommy.
PLEASE VISIT TOMMY,S OTHER BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL SET UP BY HIS SISTER,SHELLY
http://tommy-koehler.memory-of.com
Tommy,s Mom
November 8, 2005
To My Precious Son In Heaven:
We are connected my child and I,
By an invisible cord not seen by the eye,
It's not like the cord that connects
us til birth,
This cord can,t be seen by any on earth.
This cord does its work right from the start,
It binds us together attached to my heart,
I know that its there, though no one can see,
The invisible cord from my child to me.
The strength of this cord is hard to describe.
It can,t be destroyed, it can't be denied.
It,s stronger than any cord man could create.
It withstands the test, can hold any weight.
And though you are gone, though you,ll not here with me,
The cord is still there but no one can see.
It pulls at my heart. I am bruised, I am sore,
But this cord is my lifeline as never before.
I am thankful that God connects us this way
A parent and child death can,t take away.
Kat Parham
November 8, 2005
I didn't have the opportunity to know Tommy very well or for a long period of time, but I knew him to be a loving son and brother. He had kind eyes and a kind soul. I've heard many wonderful stories about him from Shelly. I know she loves him deeply, as does the rest of the family. Tommy, you are missed!!!!! What a beautiful soul you must be. The truth of the matter is though, that Tommy hasn't gone any where. He is still with you all. He watches over you. Laughs when you laugh, cries when you cry and lives his life on the other side as you are living your lives on this side. So don't be sad. It will only make Tommy sad. Be happy to know that life is as it should be and there will be a time and place when everyone will be back together again. May God Bless you Tommy and your family, who are the most loving family that I have ever had the honor of knowing. Shed no tears, only the happy memories of the times you've had together and the anticipation of the times you will have together once more.
Love Kat and Jaime
Tommy,s Mom
November 7, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Yesterday Laura went to church with me as Our Lady Queen Of Peace was including you in a special mass. It was beautiful & it really touched our hearts. We cried when the church spokesperson read, "Bless Tommy Koehler as we remember him in a special way today". We sang a few hymms also. I felt this peaceful feeling for the first time since your tragic accident. Until we are together again, rest in Heaven my precious angel. I love you & miss you so very much.
Love Always,
Mom
DAWN BYRON
November 7, 2005
Dear Tom,
I know I am a few days late on this message. Jason and I came to the gravesite yesterday and left you some flowers. I think about you all the time. Happy Birthday, Tom! We miss you so much.
Love,
Dawn
Mike Koehler Jr.
November 5, 2005
Well Tommy, it's still hard to believe that your second birthday is upon us without you here for us to celebrate. Things are so different now. Some of your friends stopped over today and watched me get beat up by Austin. I'm sure you were watching us too, laughing at me. I'll try to fill your shoes against Dan but I know it will be tough. Everyday that passes I think more & more about how things would be if you were still here. we would be so much happier and wouldnt have to go on with this pain & feeling of loss that we all have in our hearts. But what helps me is knowing that you are in heaven and are happy & watching over us. I plan to come visit you more often at the graveyard, I promise. And I'm definitely getting your tattoo soon, that I promise also. I love ya bro, keep taking care of us!
Tommy,s Mom
November 5, 2005
Our Dearest Tommy:
We want to wish you a Happy Birthday in Heaven. We were all together today at your grave sending you birthday wishes. Hope you got them all & the balloons that the baby sent up to you. Hope you liked the song I played for you, Smiling Down On Me From Heaven. I wanted to play Kenny Chesney,s new song, Who Would You Be Today, but its not released yet. It really is a beautiful song. We love & miss you Tommy so very much. You will forever be in our hearts and prayers. Happy 28th Birthday to our precious angel.
All Our Love Forever,
Mom & Dad
Shelly Smith
November 5, 2005
Happy Birthday Tom! We all love & miss you so very much. I know you'll still be celebrating up there!!!
Shelly Smith
November 4, 2005
To Family & Friends: On November 11th, this Guest Book will expire. Please be sure to visit Tom's permanent site at http://tommy-koehler.memory-of.com.
Thank you!
Tommy,s Mom
November 3, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Its hard to believe that I have gotten though the 1st year without you. There were many many nights that I honestly felt I couldn,t go on. There have not been many nights over the past year that I have not cried myself to sleep. I have made it through all the first occasions since God called your name. All the holidays, Mother,s Day, & your birthday. The past week has really been hard for me. I have cried every day & night as I know I have to face your second birthday without being able to hug & hold you & kiss you "Happy Birthday". With Thanksgiving & Christmas right around the corner I feel my heart breaking over & over again. People say that the 1st year is the hardest, but I don,t know about that, because your accident happened so close to your birthday & Christmas & we were in shock, but now reality has set in. You are gone my precious Tommy & I am not going to see you drive up to the house again & never be able to see you until God calls my name. I have no idea of when that will be but I want you to know, if you need me you just call me. I love you & miss you so very much. I think about you all the time & I want you back. I want you here with your Dad, Shelly, Laura, Mikey, Little Austin & the rest of your family & friends.I want to see you laugh & be happy. Its so unfair honey & for the first time, I,m angry. You should be here, even though Heaven is a better place. Please know that your family & friends will always love you. As you know I have been attending church at Our Lady Queen Of Peace & attending meetings for parents who have lost children. The meetings have helped me but I,m still searching for the answer to why. This Sunday at 9am, they are having a special mass for you. We will all be there. Oh Tommy, the pain & heartache of not having you in my life will never never go away. I will forever hold you close in my heart. Please give me strength, honey, Its wearing thin right now. I love you, miss you & will grieve for you until I can hold you in my arms again.
Love Always,
Mom
Shelly Smith
November 1, 2005
Well Tom, another Halloween has come & gone. It used to be my favorite holiday, but it seems to have lost the magic. Now your b/day's coming up. It's on a Saturday too, I know you love that! I love & miss you always Tom!
Love,
Shell
Tommy,s Mom
October 31, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Happy Halloween honey. I can remember how much you enjoyed this holiday. You looked so forward to the annual Halloween party that you & Jen & Dan started. I can clearly see you at the 1st Halloween party as if it were yesterday.I remember how excited you were getting ready for it. How happy everyone was. I can remember last year the day before your tragic accident, you had gone to the Mall to buy the rest of your costume. You were going to be Hulk Hogan, You came to me with your blonde hair & huge muscles & said look Mom. You never got to wear it again. Recently was the 3rd annual Halloween party. Your sisters & brother went & your Dad & I stopped by to see all your dear friends. I sensed a sadness that all of them were feeling espically Dan & Jen. I hope & pray as time passes it will heal their broken hearts. Know my precious angel that you will be forever missed, loved, & never forgotten.
All My Love For Eternity,
Love,
Mom
Tommy,a Mom
October 28, 2005
My Precious Child:
On the day God took you
I thought that I would die
I wondered where the time went
I asked a lot of whys?
With people all around me
I feel alone inside
From all their words of comfort
I couldn,t seem to hide
I thought I might be dreaming
That I'd awake & find you here
I thought this can,t be happening
As I wiped another tear
On the day that you were laid to rest
My heart broke yet again
I wondered if the pain would end
but mostly I wondered when
Its hard to be without you
At times the days seem so long
Sometimes I just sit crying
When there is really nothing wrong
I wish we had more time
Before your life was done
I hope your resting peacefully,
My precious child
My Dearest Tommy:
Not a day goes by that you are not on my mind. I often wonder what you would be doing now & wish so much that I could bring you back. I love & miss you more than I can say. I live with a broken heart & nothing will ever be as it was before.
Love Always,
Mom
Kelly Douglas
October 27, 2005
i love ya tom! ..been thinking about you alot lately! i hope you know that there's always a place for you in my heart. no one can ever take that place, and i will cherish your memory forever! you were truly an angel on earth before you became one in heaven. we miss you dearly! just know that we love you and think about you everyday! i know you're in a better place, i just wish you didn't have to go so soon! but i know, i'll see you again someday x0
Dan Kesterson
October 26, 2005
Well Tom, saturday was the big halloween party, I hope we did you proud, after all it was your idea in the first place. All the usual suspects were ther plus a few new faces. This is a tough thing for me to go through with each year without you, but to quit would be letting you down, so we all fight through it. Im not looking forward to my b-day this year, it was always something you and I celebrated together being only 4 days apart and all, its just another obsticle to overcome. please help me out with this one, only you can......love ya buddy
-Dan
Tommy's Dad
October 25, 2005
Dear Tommy,It has been over a year now and I still can not get over your death.I still cry myself to sleep every night.I still look for your car outside every morning.I still wait for you to come to the dinner table every night.I will never understand why you were taken away from all of the people that loved and needed you so much.I keep hearing that God needed an angel in heaven,but you were needed so much here in our lives.your Mom ,sisters ,brother and myself love and miss you so very much.I will never get over losing you until i can accept it,and i will never accept it until i can believe it,and i never want to believe it.You were and still are very special to me.I am so proud of the many accomplishments you did in your short life.Many more then i ever came close to doing.I am proud of the time you spent of your life serving your country in the US
Army,proud of the time you took out of your life for Test College.and most of all proud of how you treated other people.Allways time to shake the hand of men,or a hug for the women,and allways a kiss for your Mom when you would go out.I LOVE YOU TOM and til the day when we meet again,I pray for God to take care of you and keep you healthy safe and well at all times.
I LOVE YOU
Dad
Tommy,s Mom
October 22, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Tonight is the 3rd annual Halloween party that you started with Jen & Dan. Your brother & sisters & Rich & Brittany are going & Dad & I are going to stop by to see everyone. Even though you cannot physically be there tonight, you will be in the hearts of Jen, Dan, Chris, Toni, Tori, Greg & of course your family. We love you honey.
Love Always,
Mom
October 15, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Today was the first time I heard all of Kenny Chesney,s new song. Its called, "Who,d You Be Today". I thought of you soon as I heard it. He sings about losing someone so young & the hell i,m going through, about all the dreams that will never be, & that the only thing that keeps him going is knowing that someday we will be together again. The song came out shortly before the 1st year of your death. I remember how much you liked Kenny Chesney & its as if he made this song just for you. Its beautiful Tommy, if you haven,t heard it already, you will soon. The song is so touching, it made me cry. The part about us seeing each other again is one thing that gives me strength to face life now. You are always on my mind. Take care of yourself my precious angel. Rest in Heaven & don,t worry about anything.
All My Love,
Mom
P.S. I bet you saw Paul McCartney in concert too. Tim & Mr. Art were there & both of them were thinking of you.
Tommy,s Mom
October 13, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Today is another very sad day as I remember this day 1 year ago. We had to say our final goodby to you as we laid you to rest. On this day your sisters & myself read something about you & then with all of us & Dad, we read this poem:
If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane
We would walk right up to Heaven
And bring you home again.
No farewell words were spoken
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God know why
Our hearts still ache in sadness
And secret tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No one can ever know
But now we know you want us
To mourn for you no more
To remember all the happy times
Life still has much in store
Since you'll never be forgotten
We pledge to you today
A hallowed place within our hearts
Is where you'll always stay
This poem says what we felt a year ago, what we feel now, & what we will feel until we are together again. Know that you are always in our hearts & we will forever miss you, love you, & cherish the times we had with you.
All MY Love Forever,
Love,
Mom
Art Douglas
October 13, 2005
Dear Tom,
Of course Monday was a horrible day! I recalled the heavy blanket of greif which seemed to cover this entire neighborhood as deeply as dark fog one year before. I know everyone's writings have moved me deeply, often to tears. Why is it when something is lost we value it more (like a flashlight is valued, after the lights are out)? To be a father of two, Kelly and Alex, and even briefly think of being apart from them, would presently be beyond my strength to bear! Everytime I pray for your loving Mother, and your kind Dad, and your siblings, relatives, and little Austin, I hurt deeply, sensing the weight of their loss. I think your moving on to Heaven has touched my priorities, my need to focus on the essential above the urgent, and my desire to want to purify every remaining loving exchange, be it great or small, with my fullest attention, more than any other event could. As a side note, Tom, I thought of you Saturday, when Vicki and I were privileged to be up front of MCI Center to see Paul MacCartney from about 25 feet away! You would've loved the show, he rocked the house nearly 4 hours and had more to go! As he sang "Yesterday", I thought of you. As in the lyrics we question, "why'd he have to go...", yet we don't lose all hope for "I believe in yesterday!"
Since this book must close, Tom, I make a commitment to you and your family to never, never, never allow your memory to pass as long as time and people continue. I will remember you, I will continue to value the love, joy, fun, and happiness you embodied. I will pray on for the remaining family. And I will never forget that 2 centuries ago a Father was on the other side (in Heaven), and crying because his innocent, only Son had to endure a long, cruel, tortuous death on Calvary's Hill. But he became our bridge to enter from this world of good and bad, fair and unfair, explained and unexplained to our Eternal Father's Loving arms. His story, at his prime of life to be taken, didn't really make sense to many back then. It means everything to all of us today. His life was to fulfil his unique purpose, and He is Risen, alive to die no more. His story will go on forever; Tom, when this guest book closes, your story will continue on and on ...
Shelly Smith
October 11, 2005
To Family & Friends: In a month, this Guest Book will expire. Please be sure to visit Tom's permanent site at http://tommy-koehler.memory-of.com.
Thank you!
Shelly Smith
October 11, 2005
Well Tom, a year has officially passed. I can't believe how fast time seems to have gone especially since those first few days after your accident seemed so very long. All the "firsts" are over now. Please continue to give us strength. Life will NEVER be as it was, but hopefully it will become a bit more bearable now. I will love you forever & will miss you until we are reunited again!
dawn byron
October 10, 2005
Jason and I have just recently watched our wedding video and saw how happy you were. Laughing, joking, and dancing. You and your mom shared a dance and it filled my heart with grief and happiness. I went through my guest book and you wrote that you loved Jason and I and that you were so happy for us. You were so special to all of us and always had a kind and loving word to say. I cherish that always, Tom. I will always remember us dancing, even though just for a brief minute, during the apron dance because we were all so happy and having so much fun. I hope that the family can have this happiness again and knowing you are always watching over everyone will make sure that happens. I love you and miss you so much, Tom.
Love,
Dawn
Karl Carthern
October 10, 2005
Hello Koehler Family. I work with laura at Dunbar and I started just two days after tommy died. I met him one time and after that that was it and I send my condolences to you and your entire family. God Bless You and my prayers go out to the entire Koehler family.
jen kesterson
October 10, 2005
I went to work today thinking it would be a bit of a distraction...maybe make the day a little easier. I couldn't take my mind off the day. Remebering the last memories, the last conversations...i don't understand why you were taken. Everyone always says everything happens for a reason but I can't think of one for this. Even if I knew it still wouldn't be good enough. I thank everyday that me and Dan still have your family in our lives. I know the memories you gave us will never fade and we will be forever greatfull you were able to be the bestman at our wedding. We miss you and love you so much more than words could ever describe.
Lauren Musick
October 10, 2005
Dear Koehler Family and Friends,
I want you to know that I think about Tommy everyday. I did not know him but I was with him the morning he passed away. I just happened to be a stranger on the road. It comforts me to know that he was loved very deeply. I read these entries daily and am reminded that Tommy will never be forgotten as he was cherished by so many. My heart aches for all of you and I want you to contact me if you need to talk or ask questions. Although I never knew Tommy I want all of you to know that he has affected my life forever, even if I only crossed his path while he was on his way to Heaven.
With deepest sympathy,
Lauren Musick
judy koehler
October 10, 2005
hey tom,
it's hard to believe that you have been gone for a whole year now. i still can see us standing outside of aunt agnes funeral and talking about how good you looked in your suit and i said how good you smelled. we went to gene and leigh's afterward and as always, when you left, you came over and hugged me good-bye and we told each other we loved each other. little did i know that would be the last time i would ever see, hug, and tell you that in this life. you always had time to talk to be whenever we were together. always giving me a hug and telling me you loved me. not many guys your age are comfortable doing that. i miss you tom and i talk to you at night. i hope you can hear me because i really need you to help your parents. the young seem to bounce back so much quicker than the parents. please, please, tom go to them and let them know you are all right. i know austin talks to you and i truly believe that. go to your mom she needs you so much!!! i will be thinking about you all day today and i feel much better knowing you are looking out for me and my family too. until we meet again, good-bye my special nephew, i love and miss you very much!!!
skip, darlene, kids,
nothing i say today will heal any of your sorrow. now that my love and heartbreak are with you all today and everyday.all of you are too special to be feeling the way that you do. tom is in my heart always and forever, so knowing that hopefully will get you through somehow. today will be rough, but i know tom is watching over you all.i love you all more than words can say. all of you have been so special to me and my family. take care and you know where i am
love always, and forever
judy
Dan Kesterson
October 10, 2005
This past year has gone so fast. So much has happened, and yet everyday still hits me as hard as it did one yeay ago. Tom, we talk about you often & think about you even more. You were like the brother I never had, & I'm still not sure how I get through some of the tougher days, & I know I'm not the only one who feels that way, Tony, Greg, Torey, Chris & Jen to name a few all share the pain and grief of losing you. We all make it a point to share stories everytime we are together, Its relieves some of the pain, and gives us a reason to smile, which isn't an easy thing to do. We miss you so much, I still don't understand why it had to happen this way. I had your Initials tatooed on my back to remind myself everyday of what I have lost and to say I love you & miss you. I'll see you again one day buddy, so keep the party rolling -Dan
Tommy,s Mom
October 10, 2005
To All The Family & Tommy,s Dear Friends:
This memorial for our precious Tommy will only be on until Nov. 11,2005. I hope that all of you who have ever written in my son,s memorial see this. I want to thank you with all my heart for all your kind & comforting words. I cannot express how much it means to me & Tommy,s Dad, brother, & sisters. I will copy this entire memorial & treasure for the rest of my life. May God Bless you.
Tommy,s Mom
October 10, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Yesterday was one of the hardest days of my life & I know today will be another one as it will be 1 year since your tragic car accident. I have cried so much over the past couple days as I have relived so many memories. What can I say to you that I haven,t already said over the past year. That you were a wonderful son & brought such joy into my life & you made me so proud, espically when you served your country. I know that you didn,t like to talk much about your Army life, but you couldn,t find a more prouder Mom & Dad. You were always such a warm & caring person. Everyone thought so highly of you. Teachers, workers, family, & friends. You had more true dear friends than anyone I have known. There aren,t many people who can say that they became friends at the age of 5 or became friends in high school & then separated by 4 years in the military & still remained close. That is very rare. That is how special you were honey. You made a lasting impact on everyone,s life you ever touched. I will forever remember your laugh, your smile, how good you always smelled, how nice you always looked, your last hug & kiss which was at 4:30 on Oct 9th. I will forever remember the visit from those two state troopers who made your Dad & I live a parents, worst nightmare, I will forever remember your funeral. The priest saying no parent should have to bury a child, all the people who came to say goodby to you, all the beautiful flowers, mass cards, & sympathy cards. The playing of taps, Jen kneeling at your casket & kissing you goodby & when I was leaving your casket & I looked back & saw all your friends still gathered with you are images that will stay in my mind forever. You were so dearly loved by so many.I will forever ask why & wonder what you were thinking the final minutes of your life. These questions will tear at my heart for as long as I live. I know that you have been watching over us for there is no other way we could have gotten through this heartbreaking year. Please continue honey to watch over your family & friends & give the strength we so desperately need. Your death has left everyone who loves you with a heartache that continues day after day. I don,t know what else life has in store, but I know that whatever joy or sorrow we may have to face, you will be there. Thank you my precious son for blessing me with 26 years of love & happiness & for being mine & for being one of the four most precious gifts in my life. You are my guardian angel & you will be forever young & beautiful.
A CHILD WHO LOSES A PARENT IS AN ORPHAN,
A MAN WHO LOSES A WIFE IS A WIDOWER,
A WOMAN WHO LOSES A HUSBAND IS A WIDOW,
THERE IS NO NAME FOR A PARENT WHO LOSES A CHILD, FOR THERE IS NO WORD TO DESCRIBE THE PAIN.
Oct 10th, 2004 your Dad & my world was shattered. We now live each day with a broken heart. We will forever miss you, love you, & greive for you.
All My Love For Eternity,
Mom
Mike Koehler Jr.
October 9, 2005
Man, it's crazy. It's so hard to believe that in just a few minutes, it will mark one year since my brother was taken from me & my family. They say the pain heals over time but It still hasn't healed for me. I just don't show it a whole lot. I've always been about making other people laugh, and that's just what I do. I got that from you Tommy. I know there were a lot of things in your life you wish you could of changed, but no matter what you did, I always loved you and always saw you as my brother. You weren't just my brother, you were my best friend. I'll never forget what happened on October 10th. It will stay in my mind for the rest of my life and eat away at my heart. But as the days go on, I try to make myself stronger & stronger for mom, dad, Shelly, Laura & Austin. Sometimes I close my eyes and can still see us wrestling around or us letting our imagination go over board as we did often. I still remember hearing you watching TV and you cussing at the playstation games. I remember it all very clearly, and I'm sure I will for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, they will now only be memories and no more memories can be made. I will never understand why you were taken away from me. But I know that you are free of your problems now and are living happily & peacefully with God and all of the loved ones we have lost. I still remember waking up that morning to mom & dad screaming in agony when they heard the news. I put a hole through my door that day, and I remember in a matter of minutes, the family was over our house to comfort us. But other then that, I don't remember much. I do remember being worried that I wouldn't be able to carry you casket but you gave me the strength to do so that day. And you continue giving me the strength I need to carry on & live my life as happily as I can. Me & Brittany talk about you a lot, and she even wants to name our first son Tommy. It touched my heart when she said that and it would mean the world to me. I just hope that if/when it happens, he grows up to be the son, brother, uncle & friend that you were. It's some tough shoes to fill. Your friends love you so very much, and I know you loved them dearly as well. Well Tommy, I have to get going now. All of the family is taking off of work tomorrow except for me, so I got to head to bed soon. It will help me out more if I'm at work. I hope you understand. Plus gotta make that money with Christmas coming up. I know how much you love Christmas too. Please continue to watch over mom, dad, laura, shelly & the rest of the family. I love you Tommy, and I cannot wait until I get to see you again and create some more memories. Goodnight my brother...
dawn byron
October 9, 2005
I am having a hard time believing that a year has gone by already. I will never remember getting that phone call from my brother, when Shelly called my parents. Never in your life do you expect this to happen to someone so young and so loving. I have watched our family go through so much in this past year. I can hope that each day gets a little better for all of you. Know that we are here for you no matter what.
Aunt Darlene and Uncle Skip, you are so very special to us. You are wonderful, loving, caring people. Tom knew how much he was loved and he loved you so much in return. Your family is very strong, and being together for one another is what you need the most. I love you guys so much. You will never forget Tom, and he will always be with you.
Laura, Mike, and Shell, Stay close to each other and look after your parents always. Tom will always be in your hearts. He is ALWAYS there.
Tom, I miss you very much. I miss having karaoke in the basement, playing twister and so many other games, talking about the past or just gossiping about other people. Those are just some memories I will always hold in my heart. Your family needs you to be there for them so much now. Please watch over them.
I love all of you so much! Be good to each other, always. I Love you so much Tom! We are always here for you all.
Love Always,
Dawn
Laura Koehler
October 9, 2005
Tommy,
It's is 10:30pm on October 9th. I'm sitting wishing that time could just stand still because tomorrow marks a horrible day. I remember that tragic day as if it was yesterday. So many memories go through my head now...ones that I couldnt remember before for some reason. This is going to be a hard day for us to get through. Please give us strength to get through tomorrow. We have the love of our family and friends but we need your help too. I love and miss you so much Tommy. Like Kelly always says, "Heaven gained an angel" and that's the truth.
SilksByCia
October 9, 2005
I just met Skip this evening while playing a game & my heart ached for him, his wife and family. I did not know Tommy and I don't have the answers as to why he was taken at such an early age. I do know that God has a plan for all of us and I will continue to pray for Skip, his wife and family to be comforted and be given strength to carry on during these difficult times. God Bless your family Skip and Keep you in His Loving Arms. I want to share something with you:
“DON’T”
Don’t spend too much time in mourning,
Tears are for the sad.
I’m with Jesus now-
This should make you glad.
Don’t waste your hours in grieving;
No need to feel distressed-
I was tired of life’s frustrations
And had to get some rest.
Don’t vex yourself with questions
Or try to reason why;
Life here for me has ended;
It came my time to die.
Don’t lose the love I gave you.
Feed it with care;
Grow it with devotion;
Spread it everywhere.
Don’t fret because my leaving,
Came in such a way,
We’ll have another meeting,
In God’s Eternal Day.
Prayers and hugs to you all,
Cia
jen kesterson
October 9, 2005
i can't believe it's been a year already. it seems like we just got the news this morning. i know monday will mark one year since your accident but this has been such a hard weekend. on friday i remembered that at the the same time last year i was really sick. you and dan had plans on going out and on your way over you stopped just to get me a milkshake to make me feel better. then saturday came and all i could do was stare at the clock. looking at it i would think at this time last we were all sitting in the basement hanging out before going out. then i remember it was just the three of us left and we were getting ready to part ways, saying our good-byes, and talking about when you were going to meet us at open hearth after you hung out down town with some other friends. then i woke up this morning thinking about what we woke up to last year and how much everything changed. i know as everyday this week goes by i won't be able to remember the happy times but instead will think about this time last year as if it all just happened. they say that with time it will get better but it feels like it gets worse. i miss you at the house all the time. i miss you coming home from work on saturdays and spending the rest of the weekend with you and dan. there is so much everyday that reminds me of the happy times we all had. it's so bittersweet thinking back on the memories knowing that their is no opportunity for new ones. there is always a void following us with anything we do. everyday our heart hurts will a feeling deeper than words could ever describe. we miss so much more than you could've known.
darlene, skip, shelly, laura, & mikey...
thank you for not forgetting us. it means so much that we keep in contact as much as we do. i'm so glad that you were able to come to the house...we were looking forward to that all week. you are our family and we are always here no matter when you need us.
Shelly Smith
October 8, 2005
A year ago today, Austin & went over my parents' house as we normally do on Saturdays. As always, Tom was so excited to see Austin & shared his french fries with him. Austin was the only one who Tom didn't mind taking his food. He played with him longer that day then any other that I remember. When Austin & I had to leave to go to the mall, Tom went too despite just coming back from there. Austin asked him & Tom said he couldn't turn him down. We went in the Halloween store as Tom was in search of a red & yellow feathered boa. He planned on being Hulk Hogan for the upcoming Halloween party. Afterwards, we went in the Dollar store where Tom bought Austin a car. We then went back to the house. I dropped Tom off. He stood at the back window smiling & waving to Austin. Austin was doing the same & then in a serious tone said "Bibbis stay." We then drove off.
On October 10th, 2004, our lives changed in a way we never expected. A way we could've never prepared for. I can remember the phone call from Mom that horrible Sunday morning like it was yesterday. I remember thinking that tragedies like this don't happen to happy, loving & close families like ours. I prayed (and still pray) for strength to get us thru, then I laid in bed remembering praying that Tom came home from the Army safely. It seemed so wrong to be praying for strength to get thru his death. Most of all, I prayed to wake up from this horrible nightmare knowing I never would. Still, I always felt Tom was at peace. As Rich & I drove to the house that morning, we were about to turn down Reames Road when a circle of leaves blew in front of the car and kind of rolled right up the windshield. I knew he was ok then & that gave me strength to get thru his funeral.
As months passed, reality set in. Endless tears fell & we were forced to live with a new kind of "normal". A normal without Tom, atleast in the physical sense. I couldn't help but wonder if my life would've been easier if Tom had never been in it. Maybe if I never knew him, that empty, constant space in my heart would go away. Then I remembered all the wonderful, happy & crazy memories I had with Tom. All the times he made me laugh til tears. All the times he annoyed me til I choked him (literally!). All the times he gazed at Austin-his godson with such awe and I knew with all my heart I wouldn't give up those memories for the world. I was beyond blessed to have someone so special in my life for his entire life.
The whys & what ifs are forever endless, as are the tears that still fall. Only Tom & God know the answers and when our time comes & we're reunited with them, we will know them too. Tom didn't pass away at the old age he should have, but I think he went the way he would've wanted. He didn't die from Cancer eating his body or Altzeimers taking his memories. Tom, in a sense, went out blazing. There's a saying; "When I die, I don't want to be in a perfect body. I want to go sliding in with a martini in one hand & a bar of chocolate in the other yelling 'Woo Hoo! What a ride!" THAT was what Tom did.
To friends & family, I thank you so very much for the love and support you've provided to us. It's not about knowing what to say, it's merely about being there when we needed you. Tom's friends...you are truly an amazing group of people that I've always envied Tom for having. I hope that Tom realized how lucky he was to have you all. We hope that as time passes, you'll remain as close to us as you are now. You've proved yourselves to be more then friends to Tom (and us). You've become his other brothers & sister and you've become our family too.
To Laura & Mike, know how much I love you and how much I am ALWAYS here for you. 24/7.
To my Parents, you are an inspiration to me beyond words. Your love and strength is and always has been nothing short of amazing. No parents could possibly be any better then the two of you. The two of you are truly Heaven bound someday, but never forget how much you're loved and needed til then.
To Tom, what can I say that I haven't already? You were, are and will forever be so special to me. Rather we were watching wrestling, fighting, or staying up late & laughing (and getting in trouble) at Benny Hill. You've given me & blessed me with memories I'll never forget. I do know that you're ok. I've felt that way since the beginning and I feel that way now. I also thank you for coming to me to assure me like you did and for talking to Austin. Rest assured Tom, he will NEVER forget Uncle Bibbis.
I've learned some things in this past year. I've learned that things that used to be so important like working and money, while necessary don't really mean all that much while things like a butterfly or a sunset mean so much more. I've learned to never go away mad regardless of the circumstances because the last time you say goodbye to someone may truly be the last time (atleast in this life). I learned after saying goodbye to Brian at 16, Angel at 24 and Tom at 26, it's that it's not the length of time someone is with us, but how we share that time with them. I can remember my last experience with each of them. All such cherishable memories locked forever in my heart. Above all, I've learned that we don't "lose" those that have left us. We didn't lose Tom. We never did and never will. Only when there's no love is something lost. We never lose the people we love, for what is loved is never lost and it's quite obvious Tom was very loved. Does all of this make it easier? No. My heart still literally aches. My tears still silently fall. And some days, I just want to scream. But it's because of what is learned that we can remember with a smile. It's because of what is learned that we all can carry on as Tom would want.
Dana Uhler
October 8, 2005
To The Koehler Family,
I wanted you to know that I was thinking about you, as I often do. I have been searching for the right words for days to write that would give some compfort to your family, but nothing seems good enough. I am sorry for the loss and pain you have all felt and continue to feel. I know you have so many loved ones wanting to help in any way they can, including me. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love
Dana & Family
cori lentz
October 7, 2005
I didn't know tommy very well,he was a senior when I was a freshman at Patapsco. I saw the memorial in the dundalk eagle and I just wanted to send my deepest sympathies to the Koehler family and Tommy's friends.
Kelly Douglas
October 6, 2005
hey babe,
i miss you more and more everyday! i was listening to kenny chesney's new song about a young person being taken from us too soon. it made me think of you, it's so hard to accept the truth. i keep wishing it was just a bad dream but i know it isn't. you were the most genuine and all around sweetest person i knew. im so thankful that God gave me the opportunity of meeting you. you and your family are one of the biggest blessings in my life and there's never a day that goes by that i don't think of you and them. i recently lost my friend brock, it was weird. when my teacher told me, i was so shocked but it hit me all at once. and now im just getting over the grieving process, because i know he's in a better place and i know he's surrounded by other beautiful angels like yourself. but it's still hard for me to accept that you're gone. i'll never forget that horrible day.. it replays over and over again in my head. i didn't know how to react, i wanted to cry and scream but i couldn't. i remember sitting in my car, just staring at the sky, asking God why! i still ask these questions all the time, but I never seem to get any answer, other than that you're in a better place and that one day we'll meet again. i love you tom and i miss you so much, the pain never goes away! i'm always with you.. watch over us hun! love you *heaven gained an angel*
Michelle Smith
October 4, 2005
IF I KNEW
If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,I would video tape each action and word,so I could play them back day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time,I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.
If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,so I can let just this one slip away.
For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,and we always get a second chance to make everything just right.
There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do?"
But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get, I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget.
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike, And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.
So if you're waiting f or tomorrow,
why not do it today? For if tomorrow never comes,you'll surely regret the day,
That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish.
So hold your loved ones close today,and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear.
Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."And if tomorrow never comes,you'll have no regrets about today.
Darlene Musick
October 3, 2005
Darlene,
I wanted to let you know that I have thought of you and your family often during this past year.
Tommy,s Mom
September 27, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
I am so very sad & heartbroken as I have to face my 1st birthday without you. I remember how the girls would pick out the card & you would sign it, but last year, you picked it out yourself. The verse was beautiful & it really touched my heart. I will treasure it forever & it is with all my other cards from my 4 special angels. I think about you all the time & I miss you so much. If I could have just one wish for a lifetime, it would be to make that tragic night a bad dream, but I can,t do anything. Just know I may not be able to see you or touch you but you are always with me. With every breath I take & every beat of my aching heart, I think of you. A mother & a child are bound together at birth & bound together for eternity.
We are connected, my child & I, By an invisible cord not seen by the eye. It,s not like the cord that connects us at birth, This cord can,t be seen by any on earth. This cord does its work right from the start. It binds us together attached to my heart. I know that its there though no one can see, The invisible cord from my child to me. The strength of this cord is hard to describe. It can,t be destroyed, it can,t be denied. Its stronger than any cord man can create, It with stands the test & can hold any weight. And tough you are gone, though you,ll not here with me. The cord is still there but no one can see. It pulls at my heart. I AM BRUISED, I AM SOAR, but this cord is my lifeline as never before. I am thankful that God connects us this way, A MOTHER & CHILD DEATH CAN,T TAKE AWAY.
Love Always & Forever,
Love,
Mom
Tommy,s Mom
September 23, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Dad, Laura, Mikey, Danny & myself visited Jen & Dan tonight. Their home is beautiful & their dog Beans is adorable. We had a very a nice & touching visit. We talked alot about you & looked at many pictures. You & Dan were so young in some of them. We even got to laugh as Jen, Dan, & Chris told us some of your adventures. Dan gave us a picture of all of you with the guys & there is a hallo over your head & at the bottom of the picture, it says, In Loving Memory Of A Fallen Friend. Its beautiful. They are such special people & they loved you so much. You will forever be in our minds & hearts & we will relive many many happy memories for that is what you blessed everyone you touched with. We miss & love so very much.
MEMORIES WILL BRING YOU LOVE FROM THE PAST, COURAGE IN THE PRESENT, & HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.
Love Always,
Mom
Tommy,s Mom
September 16, 2005
Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped into the next room. I am I & you are you. Whatever we were to each other that we still are. Call me by my old familar name, speak to me in the easy way you always used. Put no difference into your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be the household name is always was. Let it be spoken without the shadow of a ghost in it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. What is death but a negligible accident. Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight. All is well, nothing is lost. One brief moment & all will be as it was before.
Our Dearest Tommy:
You are never out of our minds or hearts. We carry you within us everyday. We will always think of you & talk about you. You will always be our dear son/brother.You are in our prayers everynight & until we are together again, know we love & miss you so very much.
Love,
Mom, Dad, Shelly, Laura, & Mikey
dawn byron
September 11, 2005
Dear Uncle Skip, Aunt Darlene, and family,
I am thinking of all of you and thinking of Tom as well. I just wanted to let you know we are always here for you. I started thinking of last September, at Austin's bithday party, and how Tom and I sat on Shelly's porch talking about when we were younger and all the fun things we all did at parties, or just when we were together, or the different times we did silly things and got in trouble. I will cherish all those memories forever. I love you all so much! Tom, you are forever in my heart. I love you!
Love,
Dawn
Tommy,s Mom
September 10, 2005
Mr Dearest Tommy:
It was 11 months ago today that I received the worse news that any parent could receive. I have relived your tragic accident over & over trying to find peace & some closure, but I honestly now feel, that will never be. There are still questions that I have & I probably will never get the answers to. I can only pray & I do every single night & will for the rest of my life that you did not feel any pain & that you did not know what was happening. Every mom wants to protect their children, but I could not protect you that terrible night. I wish I could have forseen the future for then I would have never let you go that night. I would give my life up in a second to bring you back. I think about you all the time Tommy. Its been so very hard without you, somedays are almost unbearable. I have wonderful memories, but I want you. I want to hear you & see you & touch you. My heart has been broken for almost a year now & it will stay that way for when I lost you my precious son, a part of me died & is gone forever. You are always with me. I love & miss with all my heart & soul.
All My Love For Eternity
Love,
Mom
Shelly & Austin Smith
September 6, 2005
Austin had a VERY special birthday guest. We were on the way home from the Fair Sunday (Austin's b/day). It was dark out & next thing we know, Austin starts talking, "Hi Uncle Bibbis! I miss you!" "Happy Birthday to you too!" He blows a kiss. He then proceeds to talk about his party the day before, the rides at the Fair & going to McDonalds taking pauses now & then as if he's listening. The whole time this is going on, he's staring out the window & looking upward. After awhile, he gets quiet. Rich asked who he was talking to & he said Uncle Bibbis. Rich asked if he was still there & Austin said he had to go. It's just amazing!
Thanks so much Tom for remembering Austin on his 4th b/day! We love & miss you!
Tommy,s Mom
August 31, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us, they live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared and the love they brought into our lives. This is for you my precious angel for all you have given to everyone,s life you ever touched.
Tommy,s Mom
August 31, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
I was just sitting on the swing & the sky was so beautiful & a gentle breeze was blowing. As I was deep in thought thinking of you I began to cry & your Dad came out. We cried together & comforted each other. As we were crying & talking about you a light started to shine through the clouds. We both said it was you looking down on us. Your Dad seems to know when I am really upset & he is always there when I need him. We love you & miss you so much honey. There are no words to describe the heartache we live with everyday since we lost you. Somedays are truly a struggle to go on. We are taking 1 day at a time. Its now going on 11 months & it is still so hard to believe that you are gone. I actually still find myself thinking of you being away like when you were in the Army. We do & think whatever we have to to help our pain. We carry you in our hearts everyday honey. You are always with us & you will be in the hearts of your family & friends forever. Take care my precious angel. Watch over Little Austin, keep him safe as he is in Day Care now. Oh he is now into Batman. I remember when you were. I can see you as if it was yesterday playing with your Batman Doll in your Batman p.j.s. Oh honey, one more thing, Take care of Tim,s Mom for him. I told him you would.
I,ll love you forever,
Love,
Mom
Shelly Smith
August 25, 2005
Hey Tom,
I watched wrestling the other night. It was the first time in a very long time, but it felt like you were watching it too. PLEASE help Austin to be good in school & continue to watch over him when we cannot. I love & miss ya tons!
Love,
Shell
Tommy, s Mom
August 9, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Tomorrow will be 10 months since my life was shattered. I truly do not know what is keeping me from going crazy. Every morning since your tragic accident I kiss your picture & say this prayer.
Have no fear what tomorrow may bring, the same loving God who has cared for you today will take care of you tomorrow & always. He will either shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. I guess it must be God giving me strength to go on for I am so tired & heartbroken there are times I want to give up. What I wouldn,t give to be able to see you & hold you. You are my son. I carried you & felt you grow inside of me for 9 months & you were the cutest little baby in the world. You had beautiful dark hair & bright blue eyes. You were perfect & you looked like an angel. Now you are one. I love & miss you so very much. I wake up every day & fall asleep everynight with a pain in my heart that no one can fix. You were taken from me way too soon & I cannot understand it. Tomorrow our church is having a meeting again for parents who have lost children, I am going to attend as I need to be as close to you & God as I can. Please honey give me another sign you are ok. I need to know this. Missing & loving you always.
My Love For Eternity,
Love,
Mom
MY LOVE FOR ETERNITY,
Love,
Mom
Art Douglas Jr
August 2, 2005
Tommy,
I'll always regret I didn't know you. You were a good pal of my son Alex (a Wrestling Comrade!), and had a lasting impact on Kelly's life (my girl), yes, Vicki (wife) & I really wish we'd had the privilege of befriending you.
Part of the reason I would've appreciated knowing you, has come not only from sensing the great "hole" there is in your family's lives. The other part is due to reading the many loving entries memoralized in this Guest Book by friends, family, acquantances, and even strangers.
As you well know from your present perspective, no one loved can ever leave a family, and the family go on the same, no, no, never! Yet some how the family must go on, for life goes on right? That depends!
Depends??? That Depends???
Yes Tom, that depends, on many things. I'm speaking honest Tom, so please no full nelsons or sweet chin music, ok? First, it depends on how one is taken from us.
Alex lost a 16year old school friend this summer due to Leukemia, he was innocent, yet no one knows why he had to be taken.
I remember the story of a priest missionary helping deliver a baby among African Natives, only to watch the seemingly healthy baby pass away one hour later. One hour? "Why God! He was such a perfect little boy! Why? Why give a life, one carried 9 full months, to live one hour?" "Because!" God replied, "he could never enjoy the glories of heaven, the sweet honey-like air of Paradise, had he never endured Earth---even for one hour!"
Two, God can't change! He is always caring, loving, honest, powerful, all-knowing, self-existent, Creator in and over all, the same yesterday, today and forever! So, whether folks assess blame on God or you, Tom, the bottom line is "God is always in control!". That may not be comforting, but it is true, scripturally, and simply honest. Remember, how Lennon-MacCartney said "...there's no where you can be that isn't where you weren't meant to be! It's easy! All You Need Is Love!!!"
You, Tom, are in the land of the Living, we are all possessors of the terminal disease called life! So, we are moving from the land of the dying to the land of the living!!!
Tom, sometimes we get it so backwards, and try to focus on you and our loss so much that we lose focus of what you have gained, and to use our present time to focus more on those who are "present" with us! Tom, your brothers and sisters and parents need each other NOW! Now, while they are together, you know Tom you've got the winning hand now, you are free, waiting for sure on the eventual reunion, but in the meantime, you are well, you need to stay free, to know the true brightness of life over the rainbow.
So, Tom, I just want to pay my tribute to you, you will be remembered, even by me, more than many people I did and do personally know! I just want you to know my prayers for your family's future, is for them to realize, leaf by leaf we will all fall from this tree of temporary to join in that great garden of forever! Knowing that since we must go on, we will smile a bit kinder to one another, squeeze that handshake a 'tad tighter, and whether we walk in sunshine or rain, we'll never forget we are needed here now for those who remain, and we will remember we can go on if we believe Love is All You Need! ---Art D
Sharon kaschak
July 31, 2005
Look i didnt kno tommy...but i kno how hard it is to loose sum1..i lost my dad at the age 8...im now 17 he never got tos ee his only first lil baby girl...i want you to kno my thoughts and prayers are with you....and all of his friends...and to tommy..please find my dad orville and tell him i love him..your in my prayers
<3love<3
sharon
Tommy,s Mom
July 9, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Tomorrow will mark 9 months since I lost you. Nothing has changed. I still cry for you, I still pray you did not feel any pain, I still hope I am just in a bad dream & you are going to come back to me.Your room is exactly how you left it as if its there ready for you when you return. The days are still hard & the nights are worse. The past three has been very hard for me as I have been reliving your life & your accident. I look at the beautiful pictures of my 4 angels & I want them all back together again. We were so happy then. Now nothing since Oct. 10th 2004 will ever be the same again. I will never feel complete happiness without you. As much as I love & believe in God, I will never understand certain things. Like why this happened to you & Brian & Angel.Three young beautiful people no longer with their family & friends. Laura & I were recently watching the movie Ghost & remember the ending, how bright & beautiful it was & the angels waitng for Sam? That is how I pray it was for you, my precious Tommy. I live each day with the heartache & pain of not having you to see & hold anymore, but I carry you with me always. You are never out of my mind or my heart. I love you & miss you & grieve for you everyday & I will forever.
All My Love For Eternity,
Love,
Mom
Tommy, Mom
July 4, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Happy 4th of July honey. I didn,t go to the fireworks as I usually do. Dad & I just stayed home & watched them on tv. They were so pretty, weren,t they? You had the best view of all of us my precious angel. Dad & I did stop by Aunt Leigh & Uncle Gene,s for a couple of hours in the late evenning yesterday.I knew it was going to be very hard as we have not seen many of the family since we lost you. Everyone was very glad to see us. We were swarmed with hugs & kisses & tears. We talked about missing you & we talked about what a wonderful young man you were. No one will ever forget you honey. You are & always will be so very much loved. You are always on my mind & I hold a very special place for you in my heart. I love you Tommy so so much & I miss you. I cherish the memories & thank you again for being my dear son.
Love Always & Forever,
Mom
Mark Koehler
July 4, 2005
Dear Tom,
It's been a long time since you have been with us but we will never forget the times we had with you, we laughed and laughed at each other and I will never forget the times we all had as a family. We all miss you very much. I still remember that horrible day, It was me and Amie's 1 year anniversary and I was going ot take her out to a restaurant that I helped build but I put it on hold because of the horrible news, October 10th 2004 will never leave my mind or my heart, we all miss you and wait for us a the gate to greet us and introduce us to everyone.
we love you and miss you so damn much
Mark
Kelly
June 27, 2005
If we could have a lifetime wish
A dream that would come true,
We'd pray to God with all our hearts
For yesterday and You.
A thousand words can't bring you back
We know because we've tried...
Neither will a thousand tears
We know because we've cried...
You left behind our broken hearts
And happy memories too...
But we never wanted memories
We only wanted You.
..Hey Tom! I found this poem and it reminded me of you! It's been eight months and nothing's changed. I still look over at your house and the sadness sets in. I miss you so much, more than you could ever know. I graduated a month ago and in the card I received from your family your mom had written me a note. I posted that note up on my wall with the picture I have of you in a frame. It sort of helps me get through the hard times a little easier, knowing you're watching over me and knowing I always have a family as sweet and loving as yours to turn to. God truly blessed me when he brought you and your family into my life. I thank Him everyday for the many blessings in my life.. but I still have that emptiness inside. It hurts to know that you're not coming home.. Tom, I know you're in a better place but just know that I love you and I miss you. I'll never forget.. RIP Tommy! I love you!
Tommy,s Mom
June 21, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
With summer here I am outside more & I find myself constantly wondering what you would be doing right now. Would be playing catch with Mikey, doing your crazy jumps in the pool in the inner tubes, cutting the grass, cleaning your car, getting ready to go out. There recently was a Kenny Chesney concert & I know you would have gone.I saw Tim Mekolon a couple of weeks ago he told me was went to the concert & you were there with him. He was thinking of you espically when one of the lines in one of the songs was about being friends for 16 summers. This would have been the 16th summer you & Tim known each other. How did you like what Dan did? Wasn,t that great? It really touched our hearts. He had all those wrestlers looking like they suluted you & how he did he get your picture on the big screen Wow. Just the other day Tim Goodrich stopped by just to see how we were doing. I always said you had a wonderful & very special group of friends & they have proven that again & again. We love them dearly & I pray they never lose touch with us. When we see them or look at pictures we see you Tommy & remember happy memories. We are still taking 1 day at a time. We did go to Aunt Judy & Uncle Gary,s house for a while on Memorial Day & we talked about you. Little Kelsey donoted a book to her school in memory of you. Wasn,t that sweet? Out of nowhere a beautiful bird flew right on the deck rail. They said that never happened before. I said it was you. I see you in every beautiful thing Tommy. In every beautiful sunrise & sunset & each night when I look at the stars I look for the brightest one & that is you. I have asked you to give me signs that you are OK. I know of 4 times when one beautiful bird has flown near me, almost like it was floating & I think thats you. You probably think I,m losing it & I very well may be, but I will think & do whatever I have to so I can get through each day. I love & miss you so very much honey. Remember you always with me & I will love you for eternity.
Love always & forever,
Mom
dawn byron
June 19, 2005
Dear Uncle Skip,
Happy Birthday and Happy Father's Day. Tom is looking down on you today and always. You are a great man and a great father. We love you very much!
Love Always,
Dawn
Dan Kesterson
June 17, 2005
Hey Tommy boy, I know its been a while since I've been here, Its just so hard to do. I hope you were happy with he WWA coming to visit at the cemetary,I know what good times we had with them, me and the boys still sit and chat about all the great times we had together, It still seems like a dream sequence. It dawned on me the other day that all the years we were friends,& still are, that I never thanked you for being there, for being my best man, for being my best friend, and for being the brother I never had. Thanks Buddy, I miss you. Love Dan
Shelly Smith
June 10, 2005
8 months today Tom...it's still so unbelivable. I go to bed at night & pray for continued strength to get us thru...I shouldn't be praying for that. I miss & love you so much. I've been thinking of how you loved summer & all you'd be doing. Guess you can do whatever & go wherever now huh Bibbis? Love ya buddy!
Tommy,s Mom
June 9, 2005
There is no night without a dawning,
NO winter without a spring,
And beyond death,s dark horizon Our hearts once more will sing.
For those who leave us for a while
Have only gone away
Out of a restless, careworn world
Into a brighter day
Where there will be no partings
And time is not counted by years,
Where there is no trials or toubles,
NO worries, NO cares and NO tears.
Tommy,s Mom
June 9, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
In a few hours it will 8 months since I lost you. It is still so hard to believe. I think I have gone through all the stages of grief. I know that I will go through them the rest of my life. I will always ask WHY & still have so many questions that tear at my heart. I will never be able to understand or accept that your tragic accident. My church tells me when my time comes to join you, then I will get the answers. Until that day comes honey know you are always on my mind & will forever hold a special place in my heart as well as the hearts of all your dear family & friends. Rest in Heaven, my precious angel & watch over us for we are so heartbroken. Missing & loving you forever.
Love,
Mom
Laura Koehler
May 24, 2005
I miss you so very much Tommy. Life does not get easier...it gets harder because reality settles in. I know you're in heaven, watching over us. You're our guardian angel now and we love you!
dawn byron
May 8, 2005
Dear Aunt Darlene,
This message is to wish you a Happy Mother's Day. I know this day is hard for you, but Tom is looking over you and your family, and always will. You are a great mother and that shows through all of your children. We love you very much and are always here for you.
Love Always,
Dawn and Jason
Tommy,s Mom
May 7, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
In a few days it will be 7 months since your tragic accident & the day my world collapsed. It will also be my first mother,s day without you. I have been thinking so much about your life lately as a little boy. You were so cute. You were always very caring & showed respect. You never gave me any trouble. I can still remember people saying how well behaved my children were. I remember Dad & I going to your baseball games & parades. I remember your favorite shows Tom & Jerry & The Incredible Hulk. Then as you got into wrestling & you would say, I want to be a wrestler when I grow up Mom, I would say, honey, you are too little to be a wrestler, think of something else. Many many beautiful memories that I will cherish forever. This mother,s day honey I want to thank you for all the joy you brought into my life. You were a wonderful son from the day you came into my life until the day you left this world. Thank you for being my precious son & making me the proudest Mom in the world. Please be happy in Heaven honey & know that we will be together again one day. I love you & miss you Tommy so very much.
My Love For Eternity,
Love,
Mom
Shelly Smith
May 3, 2005
My "Dream" about Tom
The reason I put dream in quotes, is because it seemed so much more then just an ordinary dream. I believe I had the dream in the early morning hours of April 29th. In it, I was cleaning the boys room. I had picked up a stuffed Winnie the Pooh when I heard a tapping at the window. I looked & there was Tom. He smiled & waved for me to come out. I was very stunned as I was aware that Tom had died. I went outside & there he was. He looked so good, practically glowing & looked so happy. He said, "Hey Shell!" I said hi & asked him if he was alive. He smiled & said no, that he had "crossed over", but he wanted me to let everyone know how happy he is and how good he feels. I promised I would, then asked him if Austin really sees & talks to him. Tom laughed and said, "all the time". He then told me it was time for him to go. I told him we all loved & missed him so much. He said he knows we do & that he feels the same way about us, but he'll see us again someday. After he said that, he slowly faded away.
Right as Tom completely faded, Austin woke me up asking for something he's never slept with, his Pooh bear, the one that I had been holding in the dream when Tom tapped the window. It was exactly 5am. I can't help but think there was some significance there. Almost like Tom had woke Austin to wake me so that I could jot down the details. I was such a wonderful experience & so vivid and Tom looked so overwhelmingly happy. He asked me to tell you all & so I have.
Laura Koehler
April 25, 2005
Where do I begin on how lost and shattered I feel? Right now, I feel as though time isnt going to heal anything because I still miss you so much Tommy. Sometimes, when I think of the memories, I get so choked up that I can hardly breathe. Always remember how much I love and miss you. You will always have a special place in my heart now. Love you!
Tommy,s Mom
April 18, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
This past week was extremely hard for me as it marked 6 months since you were taken from me. So many memories have been overflowing, but they are not the happy memories, they are the sad ones & my heart is broken all over again. For the first time since your tragic accident, I remembered your funeral. I can see & hear the state troopers giving us the tragic news. I remember all the people that came to see you. So many people honey. You were dearly loved. We received so many beautiful mass and sympathy cards & flowers. Then when we had to say goodby to you forever, I can hear the priest say, "no parent should have to bury their child". I can hear the tapps & see the soldiers folding your beautiful flag, I remember Jen & I keeling at your casket as we kissed you goodby for the last time. One vison that will be in my mind forever is as the family was leaving, I looked back & saw all your friends, no family, just your friends gathered at your casket. Oh Tommy, there are no words to descibe the saddness I feel everyday. If only we could see the future, I would never have left you go that night. So far time has not helped, in fact I think it makes it worse, for as time passes, shock wears off & reality sets in. For months I kept telling myself, you are just away, but now when I say that, I know deep in my heart, you will never come home again. My world collapsed & my heart was broken on Oct. 10, 2004. Nothing is the same. Nothing will ever be the same again. You are in my thoughts everyday & in my prayers everynight. You are with me always. Rest in Heaven my precious angel & until I can be with you again, know i am loving & missing you everyday.
My Love Forever,
Mom
Kelly
April 12, 2005
hey tom.. im sorry i havent written in so long but my computer's broke! i can't believe it's been six months. it's hard to believe that you have been taken from us that long. i still remember that day like it was just yesterday. i try to forget about it but everytime i pass or even look at your house it just reminds me of it. the day i had to hear that horrible news. tom, if i could have taken your place, you know i would have. you didn't deserve this, your family didn't deserve this. i woke up this morning at around 5am and i looked over and saw your dad in the kitchen, he had the lights on so I guess he was getting ready for work. well anyway, then i looked downstairs, and i saw how dark it was. that darkness reminded me of how much pain we all feel knowing you are no longer here with us. everyday i regret not getting to know you better. and everytime i hear alex in his room watching wrestling, it always reminds me of you. i would give anything to be able to talk to you or see you again. it doesn't get any easier.. i think about you more than you could ever know. i miss you so much and your memory will always live on through your family and friends. everytime i see mike, i see a part of you in him. he's a great guy and i know where he got it from. i love and miss you tom! ..rip, heaven gained an angel..
mike koehler jr
April 11, 2005
Tommy, where are you at Bro? I'm so depressed lately and I don't know what to do. You would always say something to bring a smile on my face no matter what was wrong. When me & courtney broke up you were the one there for me. Now my heart is broken and i miss you & my ex Brittany more then ever but I don't have my brother to help me out. I have friends and family but it's not the same. Everynight I ask you if things will get better with me & Brittany. I hope that one day they will, and I hope to one day get to see you again. I know I will. Please answers my prayers and help what I pray for to come true. I miss you Tommy and I need you now more then ever. Please help me get through this tragic time. Please continue to answers my prayers and look out for me & my family. My heart is broken. Please help fix it. I love you Tommy.
tim g
April 10, 2005
I couldent figure out why i was sad tonight.Everthing was ok with me but something was wrong. then I realized it was 6 months. I guess my spirt and your were so close that I just knew. Miss you Tom.
Tommy,s Mom
April 10, 2005
REMEMBER ME
Remember me when flowers bloom
Early in the spring
Remember me on sunny days
In the fun that summer brings
Remember me in the fall
As you walk through the leaves of gold
And in the wintertime, remember me
In the stories that are told
But most of all remember
Each day, right from the start
I will be forever near
For I live within your heart
Tommy,s Mom
April 10, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Today is 6 months since you were taken from me. Last night I kept watching the clock & as the hours went by, I kept asking myself, where were you Tommy & what were you doing this time 6 months ago. Little did any of us know it would be the final hours of your life. I can remember everything that happened the day before. What you were wearing and what you ate, how you played with Austin for so long. The two of you laughing, You telling me, Mom, I,m going back to the mall, because Austin wanted you to go with him & his Mommy (even though you just came back from the mall shortly before, I remember you stopping in the mall to see me when I was working at the card store, We hugged each other & I said I love you & you said it back, The last time I would ever get to see you or hold you. Only if I had known what would happen, I would never have let you go. As you left the house to go out, Dad,s last words to you were "be careful". Honey life is so very hard without you. Nothing is the same. We have laughed & smiled a very few times & their has been music played, but the feelings are so different. You, my precious Tommy hold a special place in my heart as well as your Dad,s Shelly, Laura, & Mikey & that will never be replaced. We carry you with us everyday. Your life with us honey was way too short, But I know how truly blessed we were to have you for the time we did for many people never have the family closeness & love that we have in a lifetime. Watch over your family & dear friends as some days are very hard for us. Loving you and missing you always.
Love,
Mom
Shelly Smith
April 10, 2005
"He Only Took My Hand"
Last night while I was trying to sleep, my son's voice did I hear,
I opened my eyes and looked around, but he did not appear.
He said, "Mom you've got to listen, you've got to understand, God didn't take me from you, he only took my hand.
When I called out in pain that day, the moment that I died, he reached down and took my hand, and pulled me to His side.
He pulled me up and saved me, from the misery and the pain.
My body was hurt so badly, I could never be the same.
My search is really over now, I've found happiness within,
All the answers to my dreams and all that might have been.
I love you all and miss you so, and I'll always be nearby.
My body's gone forever, but my spirit will never die.
And so, you must go on now, and live to understand...God did not take me from you, he only took my hand.
~author unknown~
Shelly Smith
April 9, 2005
Tom, I tried so hard to put my words into a poem, but the rhyme's just not coming to me. What more can I say that I haven't already said? What more can any of us say? It's still so very hard to believe you've been gone from us for 6 months...half a year. Sometimes it's like your away in the army again, but I know that's not true because there's an emptiness inside me that wasn't there when you were just away. I've been reliving our memories so very much. Such fun & crazy times and such imagination! I just miss you so incredibly much & wish you were still here with us. Sometimes I literally feel like there's a scream trapped inside me. Like if I let it out, I'll just break. Things like this happen to other people. Not close, loving families like ours. We all have questions. My biggest one is what could I have done differently that last time I saw you? Could I have said anything that would've made a difference? Could any of us had? We were all so blessed to have you in our lives Tom. You've given your family & friends so many cherished memories and we will forever be grateful for those. I'm also thankful to have you up there on my side...watching over us. Protecting Austin when I'm not there. I take comfort in knowing you're just fine now & the belief that you never knew what happened that horrible day. Our lives seem to be getting back to "normal". Mom & Dad can smile & laugh again and we all are going about our daily lives. It's a very different normal though Tom. Never has there been a truer statement then that. I know it's what you'd want though & I can honestly sense your happiness when we're happy and that too gets me thru. I love & miss you so very, very much! *Hugs & Kisses*
jen kesterson
April 2, 2005
It's just not the same with out you Tom. I still come home on friday nights from work expecting to see you and Dan watching Jaws in the basement. After putting a couple of extra's hours on Saturday's I still come home at the same time as before still thinking that your there hanging out with Dan. I miss the three of us goofing off and spending time together. It's always the hardest on Saturday afternoon before the guys come over and getting ready to go to bed after a night out. I miss you staying the night and taking off your doc's and tucking you in. Sunday morning's we don't watch wrestling any more when Dan & I wake up.........it's not the same. Our wedding anniversary just pasted and I thought of what a great time we all had. We can never thank you enough or tell you how much it meant that you were such an important part of that. Everyday I look at pictures of the good times I keep all over the walls of my cube, it brings a lot of pain but more importantly it brings so many memories of good times. I can't believe it's been almost 6 months. It still feels like it was yesterday. Sometimes I find myself looking back and asking what could have been done different that night. We could have tried to talk you out of going downtown but that would have been selfish of us to keep you from your other friends. I think that I should have called you to make sure you were still meeting up with us but I knew you wouldn't have heard your phone in the club. Then I sometimes think why I didn't make the ususal call to make sure you got home ok since you weren't with us and then I realize that Laura called us before I got the chance. Nobody knew what the events of that night were going to bring. The only comforting thing is that Dan & I were blessed to be some of the last people to be able to spend time with you that night. Not a day goes by that your not thought of. You touched the lives of so many and probably had no idea how much you really meant to all of them. I am gratefull that Dan is your best friend, if it wasn't for him I would have never known you. I can't thank you enough for the memories and I can't thank you enough for the family you left behind. You truley were blessed.
Tommy,s Mom
March 30, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
I recently got your police report. After almost 6 months of waiting. I have read & reread it many times, all 43 pages & I still have so many questions. I was hoping it would bring me some closure, but it really hasn.t. I found out some disturbing things in which I will not talk about, but I will tell about the news that comforted me a little & that was I now believe you did not suffer. One of the injuries to your head was instant death. The witness & the state trooper told me you looked peaceful so I pray you fell aleep & didn,t know what was happening. I guess I will never really know everything. I will wonder for the rest of life who you were with the final hours of your life & what was going through your mind before your accident. I,m sorry I wasn,t with you to comfort you, but I believe that when your time comes, God is with you. My faith has helped me & even has helped Dad. We recently went to our first meeting at Our Lady Queen Of Peace for parents who have lost children. So many people have gone through this same heartache. I pray for you every night & think about you all the time honey. I remember how you & Mike would wrestle all the time down the hall & bang into the walls, I would tell you two to stop, I can see you & him watching TV & hear both of you but espically you laughing, you had a hardy laugh. I remember rubbing your soft beautiful hair & you would always have to straighten your hair again, I remember you running up the steps for dinner, I can see you & the guys at Open Hearth singing. I remember how good you smelled & how you always looked so nice. I can see you & the baby playing the day before your terrible accident. I can see & feel your last kiss on my cheek So many precious memories & I will treasure them forever, but they cannot let me hold you or hear your voice again. What I wouldn,t give to be able to do this one more time & to tell you how much you are loved, but you know. You have a very special family & group of friends who will love & remember you forever. I thank God I was blessed as your mom & we will be together again. Missing you & loving you everyday my precious angel.
Love Always & Forver,
Mom
Dan Kesterson
March 29, 2005
It still isnt any easier facing the days with my best buddy. I try to do all the things alone we used to do as a team just to keep you alive within me, but its hard to do it alone. But its important that I along with everyone who reads this or leaves a message stays strong and loyal to the Koehler family. I love you all and hope to see you soon! -Dan
Tommy,s Mom
March 28, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
I don,t see my message to you that I sent on Easter. I would not let a holiday go by without sending you a wish and telling you how much I love & miss you. I also wrote something in your other memorial that Shelly started for you. That one is there but not in this one. I,m so sorry honey, maybe I hit a wrong button. I,m not too good on these computers. Remember how I would constantly have to ask for help? Well we went through another holiday without you. It wasn,t the same. They will never be quite as happy as when you were with us. Our lives are changed forever, but our love for you will last a lifetime. Missing you & loving you everyday.
All My Love Forever,
Mom
Tommy,s Mom
March 27, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
All of us want to wish you a Happy Easter. We had to face another holiday without you. You are in our thoughts every day & our prayers every night. Time has not eased our pain as of yet. The sadness we feel of losing you is with us always. We love & miss you more than we say. May God Bless you and all our other loved ones in Heaven with you & I pray God give us the strength to get through this terrible heartache. Please watch over your brother & sisters, & Austin, but espically Mikey right now for he is going through a very difficult time & I am worried about him. He finally broke down at 2:30 in the morning on Friday & said to me he misses you & he is losing everyone he loves & everything is going wrong. Dad, Shelly, Laura, & myself all talked to him. Watch over him closely honey for he misses you more than we ever realized. All our love forever.
Love,
Mom
Shelly Smith
March 26, 2005
Happy Easter Tom! I love & miss you so very much & you're always in my thoughts and I wish so very much you were still here. Austin hopes Uncle Bibbis got his balloon.
Tommy,s Mom
March 22, 2005
IF TEARS COULD BUILD A STAIRWAY
If tears could build a stairway & memories a lane, we would walk right up to Heaven & bring you home again
No farewell words were spoken, no time to say good-by. You were gone before we knew it & only God knows why.
Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you no one will ever know.
But now we know you want us to mourn for you no more, To remember all the happy times life still has much in store
Since you,ll never be forgotten, We pledge to you today, A hallowed place within our hearts is where you,ll always stay.
Missing you and loving you every day.
Love, Dad, Mom, Shelly, Laura, & Mikey
dawn byron
March 21, 2005
I think about Tom so much and I miss him. I keep thinking back on all of us growing up together and playing silly games and watching scary movies over and over and going to Hallow-Scream! I have many memories and will cherish them forever. Aunt Darlene and Uncle Skip, you are like second parents to me and Shelly, Tom, Laura, Mike, like siblings. I love you guys so much, and I am here for you always. Tom will always be watching over you. Tom, I love you.
Love,
Dawn
Shelly Smith
March 20, 2005
This is for OUR Mom & Dad,
The past few months have been so very hard, yet we've become prouder of the two of you then we ever thought possible. You're such an inspiration to us. Your love, support, strength & courage are gifts that no price tag can ever match. We love you both so very much & are ever so thankful God chose you for our parents!
When you lose a parent, you lose your past.
When you lose a spouse, you lose your present.
When you lose a child, you lose your future.
A child that loses a parent is an orphan.
A man who loses his wife is a widower.
A woman who loses her husband is a widow.
There is no name for a parent that loses a child, for there is no word to describe this pain.
All our love always,
Shelly, Laura, Mike & Tom
"Ugly"
March 18, 2005
Know that there will never be a day that goes by that you are not missed or thought of. Its because of u "Twist and Shout" will never be the same. Nicki and I have not yet cheated on you to become "back up dancers" for anyone else and we never will. Luv ya forever and will miss you always.
Austin Smith
March 17, 2005
Happy St. Patrick's Day Uncle Bibbis! I love & miss you!
Shelly Smith
March 15, 2005
I've been thinking alot about you tonight Tom, I just can't stop. I miss you so very much. It was so good to see you in my dream the other night. Smiling and laughing. You looked so good & you had your McDonalds food! I wish I could remember more of it, but atleast you were happy & well in it. Austin talks about you all the time, but I know you hear him. Continue to watch over us all, especially Aunt Jo. I love ya lil bro!
Tommy,s Mom
March 10, 2005
My Dearest Tommy:
Today is 5 months since your tragic accident. There are no words to decribe the saddness in my heart every day. Sometimes I feel like a robot. That i,m just moving around in slow motion doing what I have to do. Somedays I don,t want to do anything, but think about you, but I know I have to try to get into a normal routine, but somehow I feel that my life & your Dad,s will never be normal again. The heartache & pain of losing you is with us always and very very hard to bear. We had you for 26 years and you gave many many precious memories, but there are times when the memories just aren,t enough to console us. Your sisters & brother ar doing OK, but missing you with all their hearts. Please watch over them, honey. They are young & have been through a lot of saddness since you left us and now with Aunt Jo in the hospital. I worry about about them. Watch over us honey and give us all strength for I know you see everything that is going on. I promise you I will check on your friends as well for they are all so very special to us & i know what they meant to you. We love you Tommy, We will love you & carry you in our hearts forever. Rest in heaven, our guardian angel.
Love,
Mom
Shelly Smith
March 10, 2005
Tom, it's so very hard to believe that you've been gone from us for 5 months. Nearly half a year has passed. We all love & miss you so very much. I know you know that you're always in our thoughts & hearts!
Shelly Smith
February 22, 2005
*author unknown*
Mom & Dad, please listen to me
As I take time to write.
I see you both struggling daily.
Your pain is such a fight..
I, like so many have gone on
And left the rest of you behind..
I'm ok, Mom & Dad, I promise..
Heaven is beautiful, and God is kind.
You used to tell me that one day
God would call and take you home.
You told me you'd make me strong
So I would stand tall when alone.
But things happen sometimes,
That do not go in our plans.
I wasn't scared, Mom & Dad,
When God held out his hand.
I didn't want to leave you.
I didn't have time to say good bye
When the angels said, "Come with us.",
There wasn't time to question why.
I've watched you daily, Mom & Dad.
It hurts to see you cry.
I don't want you to be unhappy,
Just because we didn't get to say good bye.
Tell the others what I'm telling you,
So many need to know
That Earth was just a lay over
I had another place to go.
I know you miss me, Mom & Dad
I know your hearts were broken in two,
But God really needed me
Because my earthly life was through.
I'm always alongside you..
I smile and touch your hair.
I whisper "Mom & Dad, I love you",
You just can't see me there.
I'm the one who gently touches you
On your shoulder when you're sad.
I'm happy now that you finally found
God again, and are no longer mad.
Tell the others for me
That I am okay.
God had a plan for my life
When he called me home that day.
I love you, Mom & Dad, and no one is to blame,
And remember I'm not far away.
We're going to be together again
When God calls out your name.
Laura Koehler
February 22, 2005
Tommy,
I miss you far more than I think I'm letting anyone know. Work, for me, is harder than anyone could ever imagine. I picture you everywhere at Dunbar, especially in the lunch room. You have a special place in my heart Tommy...that no one will ever take. I love you bro!
Tim Goodrich
February 16, 2005
I think about Tom all the time.I never thought I'd miss him so much.I guess you never know how much your friends mean especialy when you know them for 22 years. It's 50/50 on emotion, sometimes laughter sometimes weeping.All healthy.Death is part of life,allthough its a hard concept to grasp. You no longer have to deal with our stress'. I know your with Jesus just chillin' playing all night games of tetris waiting for me so we can eat the best taisting wings ever when I get there
Shelly Smith
February 14, 2005
Happy Valentine's Day Tom! Missing, loving & thinking of you always!!!
Love, Shell
Kelly
February 12, 2005
it's hard to believe it's already been four months since you've been taken from us.. i had a dream the other night and it was the only one i've had so far since october and you were in it.. in my dream, i was hanging out with mike in your kitchen and you walked in, you looked at us with your big beautiful smile and wanted to show us pictures. i couldn't see what they were of but in my dream you smiled at me and this feeling of warmth overcame me. it was the first time in forever that i felt like you were okay and everything would eventually be okay. i wish i got to know you better like i did with laura and mike. your family is so kind-hearted and loving. they aren't just neighbors to me, but more like a family. i miss seeing you tom. i still look over at your house when i drive past it on my way to work.. everytime i pass it, i just pray that ill see your car there. it hurts so bad to accept this truth. but now i look for mike's car too when i drive past.. just to reassure myself that he's okay. i wish you were here, i wish i could take back that horrible day. you will never be forgotten tom. and your memory will always live on. i have your picture on my wall with a ribbon i made in your memory, i pray for your family everytime i look at it *which is very often* i know you're shining down on all of us and you know that we all love you and miss you very much! ..heaven gained a *perfect* angel! till we meet again, rest in peace <3
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