Darren Todd Norman

Six years today... When I think of you, it's not any easier. They say it gets easier with time, losing someone you love, but I think you just think about the loss less often, but it doesn't really get easier when you do think about it. I am so blessed that you chose me to love. I will never forget you, I will always miss you, and I will always love you. Jump, run, play and laugh... be you!

I'll never forget you or the love and kindness that you showed the world. I still miss you and think about you every day.

I didn't rest in my sleep last night as your birthday passed and I miss you! I love you, my dear friend!

I have so many reasons to be happy and content during the holiday season, but somehow there's still something missing, and I guess there always will be without you.
Still miss you, and there is a part of me that always will.

Love always...

Still miss you and think about you everyday, Darren. Love always.

I thought missing you would get easier as time went on, but it's not any easier today than it has been for the past couple years. I miss you and I miss the brightness you brought into my life. Christmas just isn't the same without you. I miss you and I love you.
Always and all ways,
Renee

You were in my thoughts all day, the day of your birthday - as well as moments of every day! The memories of my dear friend, who warmed my heart and gave me advice, opinion, or a laugh just when I needed it! I still go to pick up the phone and call you! Instead, I just speak to my heart and know that you're out there listening and that when we do meet again, you will sit down with me to listen some more.

As much as you are missed, you were loved even more!

-Kristi and family

It's been two years now, and reflecting back to that day...

Little did we know that God was going to call your name that morning. We just never envisioned that your name would be called before ours. So, it broke our hearts losing you ever so soon... you are greatly missed!

You left us with so many fond, loving and lasting memories, which we shall never forget. We are so very proud of you. Although we cannot physically see or touch you now, you are and always will be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Our family chain is broken. But, as God calls our names one by one, we will be linked together once again. Darren, you are and always will be, our beloved Son.

With all our love and blessings,

Mom and Dad (Libby, too)

Happy Birthday Baby!
I miss you more than ever...
A huge hole was left in the world when you left us... And I still find myself wanting to jump in to find you. But then I realize you are, and always will be, right next to me!
I love you,
Always and all ways...
Renee

It's been over a year since you left this world, and I miss you as much today as ever. I loved you then, I love you now, I'll love you always and all ways!

XOXO I love you Darren.

You'll be in my heart forever!

~One Sweet Day~
Sorry I never told you, all I wanted to say.
Now it's too late to hold you,
'cause you've gone away, so far away..

Never had I imagined,
living without your smile.
Feeling and knowing you hear me,
It keeps me alive,
Alive..

And I know you're your shining down on me from heaven,
Like so many friends we've lost along the way.
And I know eventually we'll be together
One sweet day..

Darling I never showed you.
Assumed you'd always be there.
Took your presence for granted
But I always cared
And I miss the love we shared

And I know you're your shining down on me from heaven,
Like so many friends we've lost along the way.
And I know eventually we'll be together
One sweet day..

Although the sun will shine the same,
I'll always look to a brighter day.
Lord I know when I lay me down to sleep,
You will always listen as I pray..

And I know you're your shining down on me from heaven,
Like so many friends we've lost along the way.
And I know eventually we'll be together
One sweet day..

And I know you're your shining down on me from heaven,
Like so many friends we've lost along the way.
And I know eventually we'll be together
One sweet day..

As the day approaches when you left this earth, and everyday, I realize how much I miss my dear friend! I also know that he is in a place of love and light with his body whole, playing hoops and telling stories!

I love you Darren and the Norman family!

This morning started out as a sad day for me.
All I could think about when I woke up this morinng was today being Darren's birthday, and how much I missed him and wished he were still here to share this day with.

Then I realized he is here with us today and every day.

41 years ago today, this world was honored with Darren's arrival. God gave all of US a gift, on DARREN'S birthday.

I still miss Darren immensely, and I'm saddened that he's no longer here with us. But today is a day that I am going to thank God for - a day that I will celebrate Darren's birth and life - because he truly was a gift to us all.

Happy Birthday, Baby. I love you, always and all ways!

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

Written by: Mary Elizabeth Frye


I felt this poem appropriate because in my memories of Darren, he'd want the happiness of his life to be remember and would not want us to weep for him.

I knew Darren and Renee from the apartments. They were at one time our neighbors, and we couldn't have asked for better ones. Their love for each other and for others was so inspirational. I remember when we had problems with the apartment and they stepped right up and helped out our family offering us food, shelter and kindess.
People like this, you never forget.
We will always remember and keep Darren in our hearts. And Renee, email us, and please keep in touch. We're here if you need to talk.

Patti & Jim, there are no words to express how sorry I am for your lost. I met Darren in August 2004 and he changed my life completly.I never met a man that could put his love for others first, before himself. I guess you can say that is what made him very special. I enjoyed my very first trip to seattle he made me feel like it was home, he took me all over and we would spend as much time as possible. He also wanted me to meet everyone he new that he told about me, even the girl where he would get his coffee from everyday. I spent a week there and the first thing i can remember him saying was, wow these are the best 10 days i have ever had, because you brought the sunshine with you. You may think its weird but for the whole time i was there, it never rained not once all we had was blue skies and sunshine.

Darren will always hold a very special part in my life, and in the life of everyone he was able to be friends with. I will always love him for the caring person he is.I am proud to have known him and will keep all our memories that we share alive.

Just a poem to Darren,
Memories of love never pass,
They linger, guide and influence long after the source of stimulation
has faded.

Much love to you and Aloha from Hawai

Patti & Jim, I'm sorry to hear the news of Darren's passing. Through the many years I've been updated on his incredible challenges, as well as his incredible spirit. My earliest memory of Darren, I was around 7, he must have been around 14...he introduced me to this really cool little music device, then called the "Walkman." Moments later, rock music...I can still picture the tape cassette cover, a man with a hockey mask, the band "Iron Maiden." Darren was the cool older kid! The last time I saw Darren seems about 10 years ago. He was working at Nordstroms, and I remember discussing the "Walkman." I'm sorry that I will be unable to attend his funeral, but please know your family will be in my thoughts.

Darren, although we only met face to face a few times, but you lived in my heart through yours and my son, Doug's undivided friendship. I look forward in hearing more about the fun Doug and you had over the years. I do feel at peace with you being at rest, now. You fought a good fight and finished your course...Now you have gone to a better place. Save room for us who loved you. I grew stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually just hearing about your determination to extend your life a little bit longer. Rest now. Florine Bolar-Doug's mom.

***Inspiration***
This is a word to describe Darren.
I have never met a single soul in this world that inspired me more than Darren; he never complained about having diabetes and had the attitude he was going to fight and beat the odds.
I will miss going to the movies, talking on the phone and having a nice dinner. Darren always chose the place depending food mood. I will always cherish the times at Tillicum, Sammamish High (88) and all the GOODTIMES from then on. You will be missed and never forgotten. I hope we all learnd a lesson from Darren and will incorporate them in our daily lives - because I have and always will.
Jim and Patti, you raised a great man that had an impact in so many lives. Thank You!

Trial by fire is the best way that I can describe what Darren has had to endure. I know of only one other person in all of my inquiries about medicine and of human health that has had to endure the immense medical rigors that Darren has had to endure, and not by choice.
I can count on one hand the times I heard Him even come close to complain about his health, a Nurse or a Doctor.

I have known Darren since he was 5 years old and there has not been a year that has passed that I have not kept in touch with him.
We shared many interesting "adventures" which truly showed his amzazing personality, character and the huge love that he holds in him heart.

He will be missed by so many. His love and occasional stubborness has taught me more than a few things about life.

I have been blessed to have known him and I know without a doubt he is at peace and is in perfect health this very minute.

-Bob

To Darren’s friends and family, I am sorry to hear that he has passed. It seems that he has touched a lot of people since I last saw him (SHS), I'm sad to see he has left us so early. He will be missed.

When I think about Darren. I think about a bunch of boys messing around and getting in trouble while our coach was just trying to make us better soccer players. We laughed as we planned our next attack on our unsuspecting coach and next opponents.
A bunch of boys just doing what they could to get in trouble.

Darren has been a friend for a long time and showed strength and prowess in the face of adversity. He showed up in my big time of need 20 years ago and helped me overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles by just being Darren!
Rest Easy My Friend!!!
~Barry

Darren was the little brother that I never had. We grew up as neighbors in Bellevue and maintained our friendship over the phone until the week that he passed away. Although we were five school grades apart in age, he was a part of my family's lives for over three decades.

I remember the little boy that came knocking at my family's patio gate door, asking to come on in to play and swim in the pool with the older children. He was full of joy as a youth, an active child that loved to play basketball and be outside with the neighbor kids.

We played lots of one-on-one basketball together on his family's outside hoop, played tennis together on his home court, and shot plenty of pool inside his home. I rarely was able to take a game from Darren in pool. He was a skilled hustler when he played me, never afraid to wager (and win) a few bucks from his good friend.

He kept an amazing attitude despite significant health issues that required him to be in and out of the hospital on a regular basis. We joked that several hospitals that he frequented should name a room or wing after him.

We both hoped that medical advances would provide a happier future for him if his body could endure year after year.

I will miss his late night phone calls from Texas when he would go outside to walk his dog.

He serves as an inspiration for my daughters and me to make the most of the good health for which we have been given.

I will miss Darren greatly and will remember him dearly for the hope and strength that he showed in the face of daunting physical challenges.

May you rest in peace, Norm.

I went to high school with Darren and he was a dear and kind friend. We lost touch after high school but his strengh and kind spirit will always stay with me....Rest in peace Darren

Darren my dear friend, I remember you from High School....you were a dear and caring person. May you rest in peace.....

I went to high school with Darren, and perhaps even grade school. I remember that kind face and warm smile. I am sad to hear his life ended so soon. I enjoyed reading everyone's comments and learning a little bit about his life after graduation. He was obviously a very courageous, loving person who had many blessings. I am comforted knowing he had spirituality and peace when he passed, and I pray for his loved ones during this difficult time.

I have not seen Darren since high school, but my memories are that he was a great kid--fun to be with, always smiling.

My heart and prayers go out to his family.

We grew up together, but I barely ever knew you.
Still, I remember you as someone that was always kind.
That matters and I thank you Darren.

I was saddened to hear about Darren's passing. He was a gentle, beautiful soul and was so kind to everyone he met. You all are in my prayers.

We were truly saddened by Darren's passing. Our family watched him grow from a teenager to a "Gentle Giant" of a man. He handled many difficult challenges with the grace of an angel.

Jack and Darren often enjoyed their driveway conversations with each other. He visited or called us often. We felt as if we were second parents to him.

For many years we saw the challenges his family faced. They met the problems with great strength and courage. The Normans were truly together with their strength and love of Darren.

Farewell dear Darren. May the good Lord grant you peace. May He truly bless you in your heavenly life.

Affectionately,
Jack and Ele Bittner

Hi there,
I am so very sorry to hear about Darren's passing. He was a sweet, loving person and he will be missed by all who knew him. I will be thinking about you all during the this challenging time.

Darren you will be dearly missed by all of us and especially renee who we know love and cared for you more than anyone realised .. rest well hun .. we all miss you ..

I'll never forget learning how to play pool with Darren, and having family get togethers with the Martins and the Normans. Darren was always patient with me even though I was so much younger than him. Also, I really enjoyed going to the movies with him later in life. Darren is truely in a better place. He will be missed.
Tyler Martin
Baltimore, MD

Darren was a great classmate, a kind friend to everyone, and a sweet person. My heartfelt condolences for the Norman family, you are in my thoughts this week.

I went to highschool with Darren "Stormin' Norman...I had no idea he has diabetes....Last spoke with him at our 10 year....You will be missed Darren!

Darren-
You were an amazing man in high school. I am sorry that I lost touch with you. I know that the lord is taking care of you and you are in good hands. I know I will see you one day. Like my dad always said to me " I will see you at the house". Meaning the lords house, in heaven. I will see you there. Thank you for being a wonderful friend in high school. You will be missed.

Darren,
I'll always remember the day I fell in love with you. Your selfless act of helping someone in need showed me what kind of person you were. Tino and the kids had just gone through a devastating accident that took the life of their grandfather and left their grandmother, Marissa and Nicholas with physical and emotional trauma. You saw them in need, and without question, without even asking "What can I do?" or without even telling anyone of your intentions, you helped them, simply because you could.

That is the day you stole my heart.

I want you to know that I was PROUD to be with you. When I stood beside you, smiling and glowing, it was pride in being next to you, pride that others looked at me and saw US, as a couple. We were a reflection of one another. I was proud because you make everyone you stand beside a better person. You made me a better person. You touched my life and my son's life in ways you cannot imagine. Eric and I are both BETTER people, BECAUSE of you.

Eric misses you, too. You were the only father figure he ever had. I thank you for taking the efforts and responsibilities of being a father with him, because I know, and he knows, that you didn't HAVE to do this. You just did.

Baby, I know you're gone, but you'll always be alive in my heart. I want to thank you for sharing your life with me and for granting me that privelege. I know we had our rough spots, every couple does, but in the end, the fact ALWAYS remained that we loved each other deeply.

From me to you, I love you completely.
I'll miss you until the day we're together again.

Always and all ways yours,
Renee



To Jim, Patti, Lisa, Mark, Jessica, Steven and all the people Darren loved:

I'm very sorry for your loss. Loving Darren was easy, he made it easy. You all went beyond that and created a family that other looked at with admiration. I know I did. The person Darren became is a testament to that love you all shared. Love eminated from him. It was almost as if love was his "aura." All the stories Darren would tell me about you all, always brought a smile to my face, because I saw the love in him as he told them.
I still smile when I think about those stories, because I know those stories brought him so much joy. My prayers and love will always be with you through my love for him.
God bless you and keep you always,
Renee

Darren-
we were so lucky to have you in our lives. You were always a spark and your phone calls were always welcomed. You loved life, you loved family and friends. You made a deep impact in all of our lives. You will be missed but we are all better for having known you. The bravery you showed and your tenacity to fight diabetes and kidney disease was a life lesson I observed and admired.
My God keep you and Thank you for watching over us from above.
Our Love,
Jack & Karen Martin

Darren was one of my closest friends in my life. I could always rely on his phone calls almost every day. We would chat about the good, the bad and everything in between. We worked together at Dairy Queen in the 90's and have remained close friends ever since.
It was hard watching and hearing the difficult things he was going through with his health, but it never seemed to stop him from being positive and in good spirits. He always wanted to know how I was and what was going on in my life. It seemed more important to him than his own issues. I'll never forget that about him. He always put others first.

The other thing I remember most about Darren what how much he loved his family. He always talked about them and what they were doing. He was very proud of his Niece, Jessica and his Nephew, Stephen.

I will miss you and your phone calls Darren! You were such a great friend who I will never forget!
Jen

I never met Darren, but we talked on the phone often. I felt like I knew him from the many conversations we had. He was a good and kind person and his spirit shown through even over the phone. I know he loved my daughter and brought her happiness.
Darren and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Marge Foster
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

On a warm summer day of 1974 or 1975, while Darren and Bob ran through the sprinkler in my front yard, I received a phone call from Patti to bring Darren home, as his doctor had diagnosed him with Juvenile Diabetes. His difficult journey then began, and I now thank his family for allowing us to travel it with them.

Darren was a kind, true man who cherished his family, friends and animals. And during his many challenges with illness, tried to protect them from his fears, letting a select few "in". I thank him for trusting me with conversations, confidences and health advice, as well as memories too numerous to count. He was another son to me, and doors to home and heart always open, love unconditional.

He did not leave this world with ease, but showed us all what courage, determination and tenacity meant. We are all better people because of him.

Love lives on, and Darren lives on in my heart, as special and rare. I pray the time spent with him on earth, will lighten everyone's path. He is finally in the arms of his Jesus, healed and whole for eternity. With love, I pray God grants his family and friends, near and far, comfort and encouragement in this difficult time.

Darren, I hope you know how much I love you. Thank you for the privelege and honor of sharing your life with me. You are the sunshine in my every day.
I love you always and all ways.
Renee

"Come unto me, ye who are weary and overburdened, and I will give you rest"

You have been one of the closest people in my life for over 26 years. I love you Darren, always have and always will. As much as you will be missed is much more how you are loved.
"And now I'm glad I didn't know... the way it all would end, the way it all would go. Our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain...
But I'd of had to miss the dance."
-Peace to my dear friend and his wonderful family, with love from