On Monday, February 21, 2000 around 10 p.m., there was a lot of activity going on in Heaven. God was smiling, more than usual, and was eagerly awaiting a very special soul. He turned to one of His most trusted angels and with joy said, “It’s time. Bring him home.” All of the angels, except a little one, ran with haste to prepare a magnificent homecoming.

Dear Mom,

It’s been almost a year since I’ve heard your comforting voice and seen your beautiful face. I long so much to feel your arms around me in only a hug that a mother can give. I want all this so much.

Today is the three year anniversary of Carrie’s death. She was 20-years-old when she died. I can scarcely believe that this time has passed, yet, the calendars have changed and the seasons have passed.

We must always look up…

Looking back now, over the past twenty-five years, I think about my life as a daughter to my father. Remembering just how things were, how they could have been, how I wanted them to be.

I had to put my beloved dog Tinky “to sleep” two days ago. She started having severe seizures while snuggled up between my husband and me on our bed. We rushed her to the emergency room and there was nothing that could be done for her. Although the medicine they gave her quieted her down, she was still seizuring in spite of it. I had to make a decision. I’ve had to make this decision before. I told the vet to put her down.

August 19, 1987 - January 6, 1999

Lucas, you were always such a good friend. Your big brown eyes expressed so much tenderness and affection. I enjoyed poking your little pug nose with my fingertip, and gently caressing your ears, because they felt so velvety soft against my skin. When I petted you, you purred just like a kitten. When I talked to you, it seemed like you could understand me. No matter what I was doing, you were always at my side.

Jim and I tried so hard to save you from the cancer that ravaged your tiny body, but it was all in vain. God made the decision to ease your suffering and now you are with Him. I pray that one day we will be reunited in Heaven.

I think of you every day, my little baby. And I miss you—I always will. The house seems very empty without the pitter-patter of your tiny feet…But I can feel your presence.

You will always hold a special place in my heart, Lucas. Losing you was like losing my child. My heart is broken and will take an eternity to mend.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Lucas's portrait was painted by my sister's friend, Corky.

Copyright © 1999 Joanne Glasspoole. All rights reserved. www.glasspoole.com

This eulogy was written in honor of my father for his memorial service Dec. 4, 1999 at St. Patrick Church in Centuria, Wisconsin.

Dad, although it’s only been a few days, it feels like forever. When I look at your picture, I am filled with so much grief. It is unbearable knowing that you are only here in spirit now.

You gave us all so much encouragement and support. We learned how to think like you, to act like you, to be like you. Making you proud was so important to me. You were respected. And we loved you.

The loss we feel for you is too great for words. It is difficult to imagine life without you, Dad. You were a wonderful father and a tender and loving husband to Mom. You taught us how to be strong and your strength lives on. We need your strong support so much right now.

You will be greatly missed my dear father. There is an incredible emptiness without your presence. The only thing that keeps me going in this time of sorrow is my faith in God and the hope that one day I will see you again in heaven.

Copyright © 1999 Joanne Glasspoole. All rights reserved.

My dearest husband,

I love you, and God how I miss you. I saw a television show the other night and they talked about how you should write a letter to someone who has died to help deal with unresolved emotions. I know all that stuff but when it became a reality for me, I just didn’t know what to do. I have these thoughts that go on in my head day and night and I should put them down somewhere. I feel that if I write them, I will lose you. I know that is not true but my heart hurts so.

I don't know exactly what to say. But I'll begin here…

I am 17-years-old, and a week ago, a classmate passed away. She was driving home after school and got in a car accident. She died an hour later in the hospital.

A tribute to Becky Zidon who died on April 1, 1994.

So young, this girl, unknown to me. So very young. Yet wise beyond her years. Sixteen-years old. The world at her doorstep, full of opportunities, challenges, treasures. All of that taken away, instantaneously. The scope of her future narrowed swiftly. Like a shade on a window darkening the room. A crack of light remains during what becomes her last week of life.