Since You've Been Gone

The family visiting your headstone. To B.J.

A year ago today,
you were taken away.


In California we were suppose to be,
but for some reason we came home early.


The call came that would forever change our souls,
Your families hearts were left with holes.


The days were long, filled with tears and pain,
it got even harder when into the ground you were lain.

Seeing my strong husband's eyes freely weep,
your loss for all was felt so deep.


Afterwords it felt wrong to go home or move on,
like we should have all stayed together, to help each other be strong.

Thank you for sending confirmation to Rick's heart,
It's like you took cables and gave him a jump start.

Please send as much help as you can your parents way,
We keep Addie and Kelsey in our hearts when we pray.

365 days have both slowly and quickly passed,
We're sending you letters today into the vast.

We find comfort in your release from the pain of this worl',
We love you, we miss, you our brother Burl.



Brooke wrote B.J. the cutest letter. I wanted to take it home for her scrapbook but she sincerely believed that B.J. would see it. So I told Matt that I was going to leave first and that I wanted him to run back and get it for me, so she wouldn't see me bring it home. In my rush to leave, guess who I forgot...This sweet baby! I had just pulled out of the cemetery when I realized I hadn't buckled him, then I realized I hadn't even brought him. I quickly turned around to find Alicia holding him and laughing at me.
Poor Teeky, I'm sorry baby boy!




Our balloon messages floating to B.J.

Ryker was desperately trying to send a leaf up with his balloon but it was weighing it down. We found an alternative way for him to get B.J. his leaf, we taped it to his headstone.
The picture above shows Brooke's letter and Ryker's leaf.







Brooky with her balloon note. This is what her note said, "Dear Burl, I love you and miss you. I was wondering if you got the rocket. I hope you get this note. I love you. KK is doing good and same with Addie. I pray every night. Addie always wonders about you.I don't know how much longer I can go. Grandma and Papa are horrible. Rick and Matt are OK. I miss you and everyone else misses you. Everyday I would hang with you, you were my life. Russ just turned 14. Well we are here, I have so much more to say, we're here at your grave. I love you and don't want to say bye. I guess this is it. We're sending balloons up. I love you Burlster!"

The girls

We were suppose to go up to the canyon for dinner before visiting the grave, (hence my white trash outfit), but we decided to BBQ at Lynn and Russell's.