IN MEMORY OF Michael Dennis Carico SON, BROTHER, HUSBAND, FATHER, FRIEND October 27, 1963 - such a joyous day - the day of our son Michael's birth. November 27, 2002 - that heart-rending day - the day Michael lost his life on earth. Let's remember the good - let's remember the fun. Let's remember his laughter and great cheer. If we can do this as Michael would want, It certainly will help stop the tears. You played many roles from the time of your birth. Those roles you mastered quite well. By the smile on your face, the twinkle of your eyes, Your love of life was easy to tell. Role number one - that of a son - began on the day of your birth. It grew as years passed - you became a man at last, But still the greatest son on this earth. Always there for your Mother and Dad, No matter whether day time or night. "Hey Dad, that car sounds sick - let me help you fix it up just right." "Oh, Mom, come sit for a spell, let me give you a hug real tight." We still hear these words though you are now out of sight. Role number two - that of a brother, was developed along the way. The love you shared with Pam, Shannon and Tim, seemed to grow even more each day. The special times you shared with each of them will always be in their hearts. Though you are gone your memory lives on You are with them when each new day starts. Role number three - that of a husband - began on your wedding day. Lovely Angie, watching your smiling face, gave her vows to love and obey. You began your new role as husband to wife Never forgetting roles of brother and son. But the role of husband was to lead you to The next and most important one. Role number four - father of three And a wonderful father you turned out to be. You gave each child their own special time To enjoy the things they liked best. Just being a good father came easy to you And boy did you pass this test. As you packed up to go camping and fish, It sure put a smile on son Mikey's face! Which only grew as you told him, "Pam's coming - I know she's gonna love this place!" Graceful Michele, who modeled so well, Always had proud papa in the crowd. At any event in which she appeared - You would be there applauding so loud! Sweet Heather, loved to play games, And dad was glad to play too. You taught her how to count money By giving her the change you had on you. Role number five - that of friend - is really out of context. This is something you did throughout your life and with the others should be mixed. You and Angie had friends you spent time with, Oh how very true. They always knew if they were in need, they could always count on you. You had a big heart, loving and kind. Blue eyes that sparkled so bright. A gorgeous smile that lit up your face, And made the dark seem light. You spent a lot of time in that garage of yours It seemed to be your second home. Your music was enjoyed much there As each time to visit we would come. You always kept an open door - to greet us, everyone! Never did we hesitate to visit when we were free or our work day was done. We are so thankful for the time we had and treasure our memories. Everyday you will be with us for our hearts have locked you within, You are our treasure here on earth, Beloved Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Friend Written In Memory of Michael Dennis Carico II October 27, 1963 - November 27, 2002 Written By Patricia L. Ford March 16, 2003 A FAMILY MAN Michael was the kind of man That loved his family so, He was in the prime of his life, It is so hard to let him go. He loved to take Mikey camping and fishing With Heather he played games, Whenever Michele would model, You could bet Michael always came. He was loved by all who met him He loved helping others out, I know he will be missed by family and friends, About this there is no doubt. We didn't want him to go this way But God has called him home, We hope one day to see him again, Around God's great white throne. Written in memory of Michael Written by:Faye Greenhill January 14,2003 Michael In a heartbeat a son, a husband, and a father was killed by someone else's mistake He'll no longer be able to fish or camp with his son Mikie He'll no longer be able to play games with his daughter Heather He'll no longer be able to watch his daughter Michelle model He'll no longer be able to shoot pool with his bride Angie, or go with her and his children to all the places they loved to share as a fun-loving and caring family He'll no longer be able to sit and talk with his mother Carol, who always thought of him as the light of her life All these things and so much more Michael will no longer be able to do as a part of our temporal world All the heartaches which have been visited upon his family so unexpectedly are difficult to bear and understand But one hopes and prays that his family knows that Michael will be watching and sharing their activities and growth with a purity of heart and soul that is only realized when each of us crosses over to the other side, and that in the fulness of time, Michael and all of his family will be reunited in the light and the everlasting love of our Lord Dennis J. Hopkins 01/2003 "My Son Forever" Michael my dearest son, I want to turn and run For now from this earth you're gone And I feel so lost with each new dawn. When you were young you were my prize The wonder I saw in your eyes As you grew into a man you became so wise Yet in my heart your beauty lies. I cannot hear your voice talk to me But the memmories are running free In my mind like a picture screen They are more precious then any dream. Your family they miss you too Their were so many tears it's true Your children are lost and at times blue But God above must have needed you. The friends you had are at a loss Because they are lonely and sometimes cross No more to share those special times Life seem's full of empty lines. Our nightly chats in your quiet place To share our cares and fears erase Then you would entertain my whim Just to see your special grin. Your life far too short for me The hurt I feel I could not see I never thought that you would go first It seems that is what hurts the most. I'm sorry that I'm sad or blue Seem's you understand that too I'm sure you would tell me true 'Mom, I wanted to stay with you." God above knows what is best And in his arms I pray you now rest So many things are hid from me Please, God help my life count thee The family members you held so dear They are too need to see more clear So please dear Lord hold them near Remove their every doubt and fear. A mother's heart is a special thing To hold that special song to sing Her children to bring her joy No matter if it's a girl or boy. You were my special gift from God Just like the man Adam from earthly sod He gave you gift of life and breath He also knew your time of death. Written By: Loretta Moore March 31st, 2003 ~ I WISH ~ I wish that I could take your pain, and help you find your life again. A way to help you want to smile, Remembering your precious child. I'd give you only sunny days, I'd help you in so many ways. For now I'm here and I will listen, To your sweet heart my tears they glisten. Your heart is broken, asking why ~ Dear God ~ why did he have to die? I don't know how or where or when, I do know you will smile again. You are in my prayers every day ~ In my heart ~ forever! Written with Love & Dedicated to Carol and Michael by Sunnie Hall/APFH January 25, 2003 A Letter From Heaven Dear Mom, I just want to say I'm Okay; I know you are sad because I went away. One day we will be together again Then you and I will both have our "Best Friend". For yesterdays are forever gone, And each moment you must carry on. Look to today with a peaceful heart, Then someday soon we will never part. In every life there is to be A time of heartache, grief, and glee; Days of laughter, days of tears, Days and nights of joy and fears. I woke up to hearing an angel sing, and I knew in my heart then a bell would ring. That voice I've heard so many times before, Now I will hear it more and more. Then Mom-Mom said, "Michael, I am here!" Now we are together in God's care. You'll always be in my heart to stay, So, Mom, don't look back to yesterday. By Patricia A. Gertz Used with permission by: Bereavement Publishing Momma, I saw you crying today I know you were thinking of me there were so many things I wanted to say I love you momma, with all my heart Someday we are going to be together When you join me in Heaven never more to part But, Momma this I need you to see Right now you take care of Daddy and Sissy And God here in Heaven will take care of me Momma I'll be happy forever more Never hurting, never crying Running and playing on Heaven's celestial shore I'll be watching and waiting for you Then we will spend eternity together And oh the glorious things we will do I'll show you the streets of purest gold God's throne and the angels' harps Oh Momma, there are so many riches yet untold Momma, please by happy and remember me with a smile Have fun in your life and trust in God Someday we can both walk with him the last mile. Smile for me momma! "Life Without You" Life without you seems so different There's a void that's as big as the sky. God sent his angels to take you And still we keep wondering why. Your life here on earth had such meaning From the love and the kindness you shared. And everyone who ever knew you Had not a doubt that you cared. Those of us left behind still remember How you touched us in your special way. We miss your sweet smile and your laughter And we wish you were with us each day. The pain in our hearts can't be measured We sometimes don't know what to do. That's when we ask God to help us Make it through life without you. Written By Ron Lantz, January 14, 2001 In Loving Memory Of My Sister Sandy Eakle Who Went To Live With Jesus, January 20, 2000. Copyright � 2001 Ron Lantz That Old River We made our journey through the woods To sit, on that old river bank Those times spent together I still give The Lord, my thanks No blanket to sit upon that day Ours were made of the fallen leaves The melodies of those times Still sing so sweetly... in me How time seems to eagerly fly Through the seasons that come and go Where the rivers edge may lead us all No one really knows Ever winding and passing us by Hold your memories near Embrace them close to your grateful heart Cherish them in all your years If I could turn back the clock For just one lovely day To have us all together again I would not hesitate I can never travel to that old river again Or stand in the same lovely place No gentle winds to blow today As they delicately touched my face Watching the water glide gently by The cedar smell was beyond compare Where we sat laughing and fishing As the dragonflies filled the air I shall never forget those wonderful memories They hold such sentimental flair But yet, they still come alive in me When with you... I graciously share Brenda Conley �2002 ~Heavenly Tears~ Mother I'm writing to you from Heaven on this your special day The Lord and I were talking and here's what He had to say. When a child leaves earth to come to me here a star falls from heaven burning a path so dear. It's to guide the angels on this most precious day as they bring home a child the light will guide their way. Each star has a heavenly duty and a heavenly name but when one falls from heaven... a mother is never the same. For each star to sparkle and have a heavenly glow A mother is left grieving on the earth below. You see the stars twinkling up in the heavenly skies A new one is added each time a mother cries. They are simply stars to the human eye many unaware of what happens beyond the sky. But those in heaven who celebrate their birth understand their glow and their costly worth. In honor of mothers grieving on the earth below stars are called heavens tears so others will always know There is a mother grieving somewhere on earth today for a child called home to heaven forever with me to stay. The Lord knows your sacrifice and the pain you endure For losing a child there is no earthly cure. Mother please know I love you very much I haven't forgotten your love or your tender touch. I'm waiting here in heaven where pain and sorrow have no place and the tears that you now cry will never again stream down your face. With Love, Your son & Jesus Written by Charlene Dickerson/Mothers Day/ May 11, 2003 I remember years ago, sitting on his lap Looking into his wonderful eyes This man I thought so handsome And Oh, So very wise There was no other place in this world Where I felt so loved and shielded from harm Except in that warm and wonderful embrace Of my Daddy�s strong and sheltering arms I remember when I was so small As my hands were so very tiny His seemed so huge and grand And when we would walk together I could hold only onto one finger Upon his gentle hand Yet, I still feel his strength� and it guides me In my heart to always linger It seems like only yesterday Those memories of long ago I�ll cherish them forever In my heart to always hold For now... I like to dream of him Up above, in the Heavens� today Of him standing by the rivers edge Casting his line� over and over again As his smile reflects illuminating rays Upon the crystal waters But, Daddy� As of now I can only dream of you The greatest man I have ever known Standing there among the angels In your golden silhouette And though you are not here with me My heart will never forget Someday we shall meet again To talk and laugh once more And there I�ll take the loving hand Of the Daddy I adore By Brenda Conley � 2003 'A Mother's Prayer' Dear God You sent a child to me. To fill my Life with Joy. And only you knew what was best. You sent me a little boy, beautiful little girl, another little boy and then another beautiful little girl. AND THEN YOU TOOK ONE! His name was Michael Dennis Carico II Somehow I took for granted, Lord, That I would have a lifetime, And I had made so many future Plans For that precious child of mine. Enchanted by that miracle, Caught up in each new day, I guess I didn't hear you Lord when you said, "This one can't stay! I trust you Lord Thy will; Not Mine; Yet I can't understand This sudden tragic loss- the emptiness- Caused by such a Tragedy. I know my child is an angel now But my heart is aching so. I'm sorry; I wasn't ready, Lord, To let my son go. There wasn't time for one last hug, There was no final kiss, Oh God, it's all those special smiles and "I love you Mom's" That I already miss. So Lord, Could you do just one thing for me? Please hold my angel close to you And say goodbye for his brother Tim and his sisters Pam and Shannon and father and those that loved him so much. Our house on earth will never be complete, when I set the dinner table now we are only five, because my son has passed through your door. Amen. In Memory of Michael D. Carico II - The pride of our Hearts Sometimes we look around us At the beauty of the land, How God crafted our world With just the wave if His mighty hand. The sun comes up each morning, The stairs shine bright each night, The rain comes down, the world goes round, His ways are perfect, pure and right. But then our world is shattered, Our lives are torn apart, Our faith begins to waiver, There's no path for us to chart. If He made the universe so perfect, And if we walk by faith, not sight, How can we not trust Him To bring us though this night? My son Michael, my love and joy, So sweet, alive and fun. Has left me here to miss him, My life is now undone. If I could have him back today, I know what I would do. I'd wrap him tight inside my arms, Like a baby, so warm and new. I'd tell him that I love him, I'd hold him close and tight, I'd sit with him in my rocking chair, And all would be so right. But God had chosen to take him now, So I'll never have that chance. ''He's so happy here in Heaven'' he says, "To laugh and sing and dance." So don't wait until tomorrow, To laugh and sing and dance, Tell someone that you love them, For you might not have that chance. To wake up in the morning, And praise God for His love, His blessings are so many, And the greatest one is His love. If we trust Him with the little things, Then the big things will fall in place, He'll make the mountains tiny hills, By the miracle of His grace. I love and miss you Michael Love, Mom 8/15/2003 Michael, When you died, a part of me seemed to also pass on... it's almost like my world has stopped, the light within me, gone. I go through motions, as before, yet feelings seem to fade... searching, groping, in the dark- just drifting on my way. But somewhere down the winding path, a spark begins to show... someone's kindness brings a smile and suddenly I know, My heart begins to stir again, a little more each day... and then I start to realize, you really are "okay." The sun still shines in the morning, and the stars come out at night... those we love are never gone, just living in the light. Far beyond the big blue sky on heaven's glorious shore... my son wait's with open arms- we'll say goodbye no more! Author Unknown ~THE WALK~ When life gets so lonely And I don't know what to do I find myself walking Thinking of you I look in the forest The tall trees standing alone I remember the good times When you still were home I find myself hurting When no one else can see How much my heart aches so Since the day you left me This wasn't what I ever dreamed Would ever happen to me My dreams and hopes were shattered Now my memories are what I see I see you laughing, standing there The wind rippling through your hair I see your blue eyes twinkle I see the love that we shared I close my eyes and remember How much I love you so I tell you my feelings But I know that you know What I would give my child To have you here with me Instead I walk alone Memories are all I see My heart is heavy as I walk I wipe away the tears If only life could have given us Just a few more years We Walked Together We walked together, you and I, A mother and her son. We had hopes and dreams for tomorrow, But tomorrow didn't come. We walked together, you and I. We talked, we laughed, we loved. We shared so many happy times And for that, I thank God above. We walked together, you and I, But only for a short time. For all too soon it ended Leaving broken hearts behind. And even though I miss you, More than words can say, I thank God that I got to walk with you Every moment of each day.... Michael, I love and Miss you so much. Love Mom Author Unknown My Mother's Garden My Mother kept a garden, a garden of the heart, She planted all the good things that gave my life it's start. She turned me to the sunshine and encouraged me to dream, Fostering and nurturing the seeds of self-esteem... And when the winds and rain came, she protected me enough-- But not too much because she knew I'd need to stand up strong and tough. Her constant good example always taught me right from wrong-- Markers for my pathway that will last a lifetime long. I am my Mother's garden. I am her legacy- And I hope today she feels the love reflected back from me ~unknown~ Mom, I know you will never have understood why me, not you But you have to understand that God has his plan too! I am writing this from Heaven, where now I know only peace But Mom, I worry about you, and want your grieving to cease! I know that you sit all day and ponder memories, now gone But, Mom, you need to find the strength to somehow carry on You were always my rock, my touchstone with wisdom to share How I wish I could do the same, to show you how much I care Mom, you still have the girls, and they don�t know what to do They see your pain daily, and how desperately they still need you! Your hurt is their hurt, as they see you daily pine away So Mom, please do this for me, put a smile on them today! I know that it is so hard for you to accept that you can�t see my face I know that in your heart, I dwell in that very special place It�s all right for you to miss me, but always remember this I am still with you, it�s my physical body you miss! I watch you grieve for me each and everyday I want you to feel me and let me take your pain away If you look ever so closely, I know that you will find I am still with you every day and never left you behind So, Mom, I just wanted to tell you that you need to carry on! I promise we�ll be together again in the world beyond Until that day, when I come for you, you live life and enjoy ! Please promise me this, Mom, because I love you Love, Your Boy ~Author~ Nancy Stephens �Copyright 2003