1825 days...

We don't remember Jay once a year, but each day - a plane going over; a motorcycle; a dog like Banshee or Riley reminds us how much Jay loved his dogs, & the hours he spent training them. We watch Kasen & Holden & think how they would have loved their Uncle Jay.

Today Jay would have been 40. Five years ago we called to wish him a happy birthday - to have a wonderful day - that we loved him & would talk to him later. Later never happened. Waiting for the arrival of our grand daughter Kasen, we instead heard Annie's voice. The memories of those hours & days arise, sometimes at unexpected moments. The shock & pain has lessened over 1825 days but still remains.

Many times we find ourselves saying "Jay would have liked that" or "Just wish Jay was here to share this moment with us". He brought such joy into all our lives & we miss him - each day.

Forever loved; Forever missed
Mom & Dad
Brad & Karen, Kasen & Holden

I was reorganizing some drawers today and came upon Jay's Memorial program. I thought five years would make it less painful as I opened it and gazed upon the picture of him on what I remember as his wedding day to his sweet Annie. My tears surprise me, but they shouldn't. He meant a lot to me and Hannah. And he even made a strong impression on my husband who quickly called him friend in the short time that he knew him. I'm so glad we will see him again in heaven someday. Blessings to his family.

FOUR YEARS.....TIME...

As time draws closer to August 7th, memories and emotions flood back. I think of past birthdays and that we should be celebrating your 39th birthday today. I look at your photo and time seems to stand still. But time does heal, and now, I smile before the tears, as I see your smiling face. I take time to 'hear' your voice, and the sound of your laughter, and to remember what a special person you were. We had so many hopes and dreams and wishes for you that will never be. It is still hard to believe, and accept, that we will never physically have time with you again. We wish Brad and Karen's Kasen, 4 on August 10th; and baby Holden, born on June 25th; could have time to know their Uncle Jay.

We have learned how precious time is and how we should value each new day. We hold tight to our memories, and to God's promise that we will be reunited. For now - you are forever 35 in our eyes, and forever loved in our hearts and time will never change that.

Words are inadequate to express how much we miss you.

Love always, Mom and Dad
Brad & Karen, Kasen & Holden

I never knew Jay but learned of his passing in the course of my work in aviation safety research. His family and friends have my sincerest condolences.

THREE YEARS..
We look out the window --
The world seems unchanging.
The sun and moon play their roles,
Seasons come and go,
Days, months, and years flow by.
Inside, our world is forever changed.
Tho we appear the same,
We are no longer complete.
A vital part of us is missing --
That can never be replaced.
One voice unheard...
One smile unseen...
One light no longer shines...
Except in our minds and hearts,
Where we will -- forever unchanging --
Hold our love, and memories of Jay.

Love Always, Mom and Dad
Brad, Karen and Kasen