Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Michael reminded me that it was your birthday on the 11th (I shouldn't have forgotten, because mine is a day ahead of yours and we always called each other). But Happy Birthday, Buba I missed getting that phone call.

Mary Honiker
Family Friend

February 16, 2004

LIFE JUST ISN'T THE SAME WITHOUT YOU HERE... TAYLOR IS ABOUT TO LOOSE HER TOP TWO TEETH FINALLY.. SHE WANTS TO SHOW YOU- SO KEEP LOOKING DOWN AS WE DRIVE HOME AT NIGHT-- SHE SHOWS YOU ALMOST EVERY DAY !!

February 3, 2004

Hi dad its me Taylor!!! My tooth is very wiggley it might come out 2nite!! Im etcited tooth fairy bringin me $$. My mom is geting maridid im soooo etcxited Ryan is very nice to me he is a very good artist. My mom loves him. Ryan loves her.. I love them both!!! They are nice to me. But you were the best!!! Just because your in heavin doesnt mean your still not my daddy!!! Daddy loved me very much because i was his dater a lot of times i helped him work.yoll are all invited to my birthday party we are going bowling at my brithday. we are going to have fun at the bowling allye. we are very ectited about the party beacaous we are going to bowl and if you dont want to bowl ill bowl for you even my friends.

LOVE
TAYLOR

Taylor
LOVE

February 1, 2004

David,
I was just remembering the old days of you and Chuck. Boy those were the best times we had in the old Traffic Unit. I will never forget that we were holding roadchecks and you and Chuck were in the van eating cheese nips. But what really took the cake was seeing you give some cheese nips to one person we arrested. That really showed what kind a person you were. Also when I had my wreck, I really didn't know much about you, but you jumped in the back of the ambulance and rode to the hospital with me. When I was released from the hospital, you and Chuck were there to help me. I will never forget the wheelchair ride to the outside of the hospital. David you were like a brother to me and others. You were a cop's cop, you were there for me and others that had troubles. Please watch over me and the other officers.

Anonymous

January 26, 2004

Just remembering you today brother. Looking across my desk to yours, remembering your jokes and stories, your big smile and chuckle still burnt in my memory. This memory still seems to make a day better. I miss you bro.....Special Ops will never be quite the same.
Until we ride again.

Cpl. Todd M. Lewis
Forsyth County S.O.

January 22, 2004

Bubba,
I miss you so much. Sometimes deep despair just comes over me and totally immobilizes me. Like now, when I can barely even type this. I simply can’t do anything else but miss you with all of me. It’s really frustrating because I know that you wouldn’t want me (or anyone else that you loved) to hurt this much. You would want us to be happy when we thought of you. I’m trying. I could really use one of your bear hugs about now.

Life continues to progress. Zach is growing. Bex, you would just love him. He does the cutest things, and he’s certainly got your gregarious spirit. I’ve told him all about you. Taylor is really good with him. You would be so proud of her. She is blossoming into a fine young girl with just the right amount of curiosity, courage and apprehension. And David, you wouldn’t believe how well she can read!

Please continue to watch over us. Mom, Dad, Taylor,…..well, all of us, we all need you to help us make wise decisions.

I love you with all my heart.

Shelly

January 22, 2004

Dear David,

Guess what this weekend was? I am sure you know...it was the anniversary of when you proposed three years ago. I will not ever forget that Wednesday night. You had gone to pick up Taylor for a few hours. You returned to find me sitting on our couch watching TV. You stood in the doorway as if something was wrong. Now, I know it was just nerves. You asked me if I loved you, to which I replied "yes." You then said, I mean do you really love me and I mean forever. I again said yes and hadn't we already discussed this. I never thought you would propose out of the blue and like this. You walked over to me and said, I love you forever and want you to know for the first time in my life I am doing this for all the right reasons. We both cried and stayed up all night talking about our future. When things and people seem unbearable, I just think of happy thoughts. Not to mention I have a ton of memories, gifts, pictures, and your things.

It is helpful to read the cards and notes you wrote to me along the way: Let my love be an umbrella to shelter from life's rain. Let me hold you close until the storm around you subsides. Let me whisper to you gently until my voice shuts out all the noise and confusion. Let me help stop the chaos while you find peace. Let me be beside you...let me reassure you that I'll never be farther away than your nearest thought. You will never be alone....

David-you are a special person who touched many peoples lives. I don't know if you realize what an impact you had on those around you. I wish that some of the people could have told you why you were living rather than dead. We do however believe that your soul is everlasting and because of that you can continue to make a difference. Thank you for watching over me and protecting me. I know that if you had to have picked a way you would have died this would have been it short of being with Taylor and I. There is peace in knowing you were doing what you loved and that your life was happy..finally.

I love you, my beloved husband.

Paula Land
wife

January 18, 2004

Bud sorry for all the mistakes in my reflection I cry so hard when I write I can't see the keys. I MEANT TO SAY I MISS YOU EVERY MIN EVERY HOUR EVERY DAY THAT I AM ALIVE. LOVE YOU ALWAYS
MOM

Mother/Linda B. Land

January 13, 2004

Linda B. Land Proud Mother of Bud My Son 01/12/04
It's hard for me to say hi, when we speake every day. Hi! Hi!
Hi!. I know you are seeing everything that is happening here
PLEASE mother to do what is right .I WILL DO WHAT YOU WANT AND YOU KNOW THAT.JUST GIVE ME A SIGN !/
PLEASE?. DAD NEED YOUR HELP. SOMETIMES I THINK
I AM TO ANGRY ABOUT ----------- IT'S HURT'S SO BAD BUD
I NEED HELP COULD YOU HELP ME PLEASE. I LOVE YOU MIS EVERY MIN & DAY i AM ALIVE . I DID NOT KNOWiiiiiiiiii ANYTHING COULD HURT SO MUCH.

Mother-Linda B. Land
Mothers all over the world

January 12, 2004

01-12-04

I HAVE HAD A FEW GUYS STOP AND ASK ABOUT YOUR STICKER.. "NO I WASN'T SPEEDING." I CAN HEAR THAT LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY...SO MANY THINGS TO LAUGH ABOUT- YOUR DAUGHTER IS FAST ASLEEP TONIGHT- WE SAID ANOTHER PRAYER TO YOU. *WINK* AS WE DRIVE HOME EACH NIGHT WE SEE THE ENTIRE SKY AND SUNSET.. SHE SAYS..."MOM"- "MY DADDY IS BEHIND THOSE CLOUDS " JUST TO HEAR HER SWEET LITTLE VOICE IN SUCH A SURE SOUND TELL ME WHERE YOU ARE. SHE LOOKS IN THE SKY- AND SAYS "I LOVE YOU DADDY" YOUR MY GUARDIAN ANGEL,

I TOLD HER AFTER WE BOUGHT A HOUSE SHE COULD HAVE ANOTHER SHELBY...

YOUR GRAVE LOOKS GOOD- FINALLY- MELISSA AND I CAME UP- TALKED ABOUT HANGING OUT AT THE MALL WITH YOU- OR EATING AT BURGER KING - I CANT BELIEVE YOU TRIED TO GO DOWN THE SLIDES WITH TAYLOR. WHAT A MESS. MELISSA SAID IT THE OTHER DAY- "IT DOENS'T FEEL RIGHT WALKING IN THE MALL WITH US- W/O YOU CALLING"... AS MUCH AS I HATED MY CELL PHONE RINGING OFF THE HOOK- LIKE IT DID. I MISS THAT PHONE RINGING OFF THE HOOK- I GUESS YOU NEVER KNOW THAT VOID UNTIL IT'S THERE..
SO MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED BY ALL OF THIS... THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING US DOWN TO THE LINE.. WE MISS YOU.

LAUREN
TAYLOR'S MOTHER

January 12, 2004

David

X-Mas and New Years have come and gone and it just was not the same. The agencies X-Mas party was nice,but not the same,Changes are happening everyday but the one thing that will never change is missing you my friend. Not a minute goes by when I am not thinking "what would Bubba do" then I just smile and laugh and know thats what you would do,just smile and laugh. A year is all most up and the only thing that has not changed is me missing you. David we had alot of fun and memories that I will always keep with me,Watch over us and keep us safe and one day we will ride again.

To my Partner and my Best Friend Love ya and miss ya

D.M. Carr
Forsyth County S.O.

January 5, 2004

"For motormen are a special breed, they love to ride the wind.. And when you hear the thunder boom, the fallen one rides again...... "

Rest in Peace!

Sr. Cpl. E Hagan
Dallas, TX PD

January 5, 2004

It's been almost a year and I still can't believe he's gone. His smile and laughter is only an empty echo. His wife & child face this loss every day as life goes on.

Paula, you are never far from my thoughts and often in my prayers.

David was a good man with a heart of gold. If only we can be as good of a person he was. It is something to strive for!

David never had a bad word about anyone. I will forever keep close to my heart of when I was in the Academy. I was down in Forsyth at the GPSTC for EVOC when David and Chuck were down there for an advanced traffic course. Well, that's about all I can say (even though none of us are still with FCSO...what's the statute of limitations?). We had a great time, full of fun, laughter and love of friends having a blast. It still brings a smile to my face thinking about it.

David, you will always be missed! He adored his wife & daughter and they adored him.

I have to think that when we can't get any better, God calls us home. Some of us achieve that sooner than others. David was there....he was the best!

Oh, and David, I appreciate you watching out for me on my bike. I know I couldn't have survived these insane roads without you!

Swish

January 4, 2004

DAVID- WE HAVE HAD LOTS OF FUN OVER THE PAST 7YRS. WELL THE PAST 3 YRS TAYLOR HAS BEEN GETTING SO BIG, AND WE COULD TAKE HER PLACES.. THE PARK- MALL OF GA.. FEEDING THE DUCKS, DINNER AT CHILE'S- BORDER'S BOOK STORE.. WE FORGOT TO TAKE HER TO CHEROKEE..(GRANDMOTHER WAS THE BABYSITTER)BUT NO WORRIES- JUDY AND GRANDMOTHER LET HER SCRATCH OFF CARDS FROM THE GAS STATION !!! GROWING UP SO FAST AND TURNING INTO SUCH A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY.

LIFE ISN'T THE SAME WITHOUT YOU HERE. THANKFULLY WE HAVE A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES AND A "TON" OF PICTURES. THANK YOU FOR BEING THE FATHER OF MY CHILD...YOU HAVE GIVEN ME THE MOST PRECIOUS AMD PRICELESS GIFT EVER...OUR ANGEL...TAYLOR RENE LAND...
CHRISTMAS WAS GOOD WITH THE FAMILY, TAYLOR ENJOYED IT SO MUCH ..WE WENT ICE SKATING WITH ALL THE COUSINS ... DEWAYNE HAS LOST SO MUCH WEIGHT- YOU'D BE SO PROUD OF HIM..

YA KNOW- AS THE DAYS GO BYE SO FAST- WE ALL TALK ABOUT YOU AND REMEMBER ALL THE FUN THINGS THAT WE DID TOGETHER, AND THERE ARE GOOD TIMES, JUST A COUPLE OF BUMPS, BUT THAT WAS TO BE EXPECTED.. BUT FOR THE MOST PART- WE LAUGH TIL OUR SIDES HURT AND CRY B/C YOU ARE MISSED SO MUCH- ZACHARY HAS SO MUCH OF YOU IN HIM- BABY PICTURES ARE AMAZING- AND TAYLOR LOVES HIM SO MUCH- JUST LIKE YOU LOVED HER. I'M SO GLAD THAT SHE WAS THE CENTER OF YOUR LIFE..SHE HAS SUCH WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF YOU- AND GREAT PICTURES TAPED TO HER DOOR...

HERE IS THE POEM:::

Her hair was up in a pony tail,
her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today.
But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again she tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school, eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees,
a dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats.
One by one the teacher called,
a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.
At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
for a man who wasn't there.
"Where's her daddy at?" she heard a boy call out.
"She probably doesn't have one," another student dared to shout
And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day."
The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.
"My Daddy couldn't be here, because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be, since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so.
He loved to tell me stories he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him, I'm not standing here alone.
Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart
I know because he told me, he'll forever be in my heart"
With that, her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her, doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.
"I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here, but heaven's just too far
You see he was a SHERRIF and died just this past year
When his motorcycle crashed,.
But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away."
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.
And to her mother's amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.
"I know you're with me Daddy," to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.
And a child was blessed,
if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining bright star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.


TAYLOR SAYS THIS IS HER LOVE LETTER TO YOU... SHE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU SINGING TOBY KEITH IN YOUR TRUCK OR DRIVING MY CAR IN CIRCLES AROUND ME WITH TAYLOR IN YR LAP !! WHAT I WOULD GIVE FOR YOU TO BE HERE...

TAYLOR LOVES HER "BLUE- EYES" ....DADDY

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER

December 31, 2003

It is certainly true that the good die young. David was a fine young man and had finally, at long last met the true love of his life. David and Paula were a perfect match and very happy and in love. What a tragedy that their happiness was cut so short. I was honored to be at their wedding and see the love and devotion David had for his beautiful, young wife. David would have loved to spend this Chanukah season with his wife as his chosen religion meant so much to him.
David you are missed a lot by your friends and lovely wife.

Susan Rappaport
friend

December 24, 2003

David,
Please continue to watch over your brothers in Special Ops. Special Ops hasn't been the same since your crash. Please watch us as we are in the holiday mode. It is not the same not seeing you at the roadchecks and doing silly things.
I know that you are in a better place than we are. I look forward to the day that we meet again. Take care my brother.

Your Special Ops Brother

Anonymous

December 22, 2003

My First Christmas In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Anonymous

December 22, 2003

Dear Land Family,

Just thought that I would let you all know you're in my prayers. Times go by that Bubba is on my mind, especially this time of year. He loved Christmas so much and he always did alot for the kids that didn't have much. He always had to have a tree in the house in Covington. He taught me the reason for this season was to give and show the love you have for one another. That it was not to expect a gift from everyone.

Bubba, I have to let you know that Miss Taylor is alot like you. Sweet as she can be and loves you very much. You would be so proud of her.

Bubba thank you for everything you taught me in our friendship. Bubba, I miss you and love you.

I know this holiday season is hard for everyone that knew and loved Bubba. He would want us all to be happy and celebrate this time of year that he loved so much. There are days when I would love to just talk about Bubba. When you have those days too, please feel free to call me. I'm here!

Happy Holidays!!

Mike

Mike Morgan

December 21, 2003

Daddy
Christmas time is near, and it will be different with you not here.
We love you and miss you, talk about you all the time- "Thank God"
for computers, to print your picture off. I have lots of pictures in my room and
on my door- i have taped them up there to look at every day ! I look at your pictures
and think how sweet and loving you are to me. I am excited about Christmas. First
Ryan and mommy are having Christmas for me, then we are going to "granny's" for
Christmas eve..(we do eve, and Grandmother do x-mass day..) I remember you picking me up in
your truck at mom's house, i still had my pj's on- you know the purple and green frog one's..
they were so soft, and warm. I still have them in a box to save forever..i miss you daddy.
I am doing very good in school, and gymnastics, but it's cold. Mom printed pictures of you and
me at disney last year,your wearing my fav. green polo shirt. your eyes are perfect blue. and it's me you and grandmother..i taped it to my door also. :) i need togo- mom and i are going to the mall to finish Christmas shopping for everyone !! can you believe that uncle mike only wants jeans?..no toys... but we will get some anyway..to play with Zachary.. i love you and miss you- and so does mommy and grandmother granddaddy your sister,and alot more people..i am going to have so much fun this year with Zachary and all of my cousins coming up here..it is going to be so much fun.Savannah is coming too and Justin is coming too and Drew is coming too The End we love you, good bye-

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER

December 20, 2003

Dear Taylor and family,
I hope your holidays are filled with the love that Bubba shared every other year with you. He is here with you and looking over and saying, "That's my baby" to you Taylor. He always said that. Your daddy was a brave man and always made people smile. I know he told Santa exactly what you wanted and I know Santa will come to your house and leave something special for you next week. Talyor if you always keep your daddy's dream alive in your heart he will always be with you no matter where you are. To Bubba's Parents: I know you are hurting right now and words cannot explain how you feel but you have a much larger family praying for you then you realize. I love each one of you just like I did Bubba.
Merry Christmas and God Bless You.
Faith

Faith

December 20, 2003

Hi Son,

Well here it almost christmas !!! I finished my blue light outside today, now you can show Jesus and all the Angels you lived. Help lauren and the family to take good care of Taylor and Zachary and Dad they have all been real sick.
So you need to call in all resources Jesus, God, Mary, Joseph, St. Threse St. Michael, St. Albion. to guard our home and show mercy. Son life is not the same.
Love you always
Mom

Mother

December 16, 2003

Dear Baby Brother,
The thought of Christmas without you is almost unbearable.

It still hurts so much. I wish you were here.
I love you, Sis

David's Sister, Shelly Steele

December 11, 2003

Hi Son,

Good to be able to talk to you again. Got a couple of things to share with you, I always feel a little silly sharing with you events that you probably attended. I have never known you to miss a party, especially if motorcycles and food was involved. Mom and I still feel you around the house on occasion.
They had a very moving video and pictorial memorial to you at the Stone Mountain Park Police Dept, Friday night. Some of the pictures brought back vivid memories to your mother and me. Mixed with our pride, was the very deep sorrow of not having you here. As we are approaching Christmas, the pictures of the family celebrating this joyous season were most difficult to see. At the same time, pictures of you and Taylor together during this time were heartwarming. Chief Kelly shared with his organization, how he cared for you and what a character you were. Your last meting with him in the firehouse during one of your visits became another “Bubba” story. Taylor was very sad and cried for you sitting on my lap. She will be writing you soon to tell you all about it. She has a sinus infection now, but is doing ok. Mom and I had “little Zachary David” with us and he was the hit with all the ladies. He sure looks like your and Shelly’s baby pictures.

Also the Forsyth County had their annual ride to benefit the Sheriff’s home for Children. The ride has now been renamed “The Sgt David P. Land Memorial Ride for the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes”.
That is Quite an Honor. Taylor was the hit of the ride, all of your friends made a lot over her and caused her to smile and laugh a lot. They made mom and me ride in Capt. Huggins Car.

We will ensure Taylor has a large and wonderful Christmas. She Loves Christmas almost as much as you did. Remember the song by Kenny Rodgers “Just another Homemade Christmas” we played every year, you used to enjoy so much. We were always just ahead of being broke at Christmas, but Mom always made everything turn out just right How about the Carpenter’s Christmas album that had the “little bell that couldn’t jingle” that you “borrowed” your first Christmas away from home. Oh Well, enough of this. Just wanted you to know that you are loved and missed very much.

Dad

December 9, 2003

Bubba,

I have been thinking about you so much lately... There is a new song out that just breaks my heart to hear, because I think of you and Taylor.... Kenny Chesney's "There Goes My Life" How sad to think that you will not be able to be there as Taylor drives away to college or gets married or any of her "Big" days....

___________________________________________________
There Goes My Life
All he could think about was I'm too young for this
Got my whole life ahead
hell I'm just a kid myself
how I’m gonna raise one

All he could see were his dreams going up in smoke
So much for ditching this town and hanging out on the coast
Oh well, those plans are long gone

And he said
there goes my life
there goes my future, my everything
might as well kiss it all good-bye
there goes my life.......

A couple years of up all night and a few thousand diapers later
That mistake he thought he made covers up the refrigerator
Oh yeah..........he loves that little girl.

Momma's waiting to tuck her in
as she fumbles up those stairs
she smiles back at him dragging that teddy bear
sleep tight, blue eyes and bouncing curls

He smiles
there goes my life
there goes my future my everything
I love you, daddy goodnight
there goes my life

She had that Honda loaded down
with Abercrombie clothes and 15 pairs of shoes and his American express
he checked the oil and slammed the hood, said your good to go
she hugged them both and headed off to the west coast

And he cried
there goes my life
there goes my future, my everything
I love you
baby good-bye

___________________________________________________

I pray that God will help your family through the first holiday season without you - I can't begin to imagine how hard that is going to be. Especially for your mom and Taylor... My prayers and thoughts are with them.

I love you and miss you, David!
Kelly

November 20, 2003

I miss you Bubba! I think of you everyday, your family is always in my prayers. I hope your family can have the best holiday season possible even though you will not be here with them, you will be in their hearts and you willbe close I know.
Love you and miss you,
Faith

Paramedic/FF Nix
Barrow County

November 17, 2003