Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi Bud, 11/14/03

It's mom just want you to know I will alway's send you messages about how much I miss you and love you
Mom

Mother/Linda B. Land

November 14, 2003

11-04-03

Dear Son, Well special times are drawing near. I am already getting sad.!!! I miss you so much.
Love you miss you
Mother

Mother/Linda B.Land

November 4, 2003

10-21-03

Hello Son,

I wish you were home.

Love always
Mom

Mother/Linda B. Land

October 21, 2003

DADDY

AS THE DAYS AND MONTHS GO BY I OFTEN WONDER WHAT YOUR THINKING AS YOU WATCH OVER US...
THIS IS VERY HARD ON ALL OF US, BUT WE PULL STRENGTH FROM ONE ANOTHER AND HAVE FOUND OURSELVES EVEN CLOSER THAN I THOUGHT. YOUR NOT HERE AND THAT HURTS VERY DEEPLY.. THERE IS A SPOT IN OUR FAMILY THAT'S A VOID. I KNOW YOU WERE THERE AT ONE TIME.
IT'S HARD TO IMAGINE THAT YOUR GONE- EVEN AFTER 7 MONTHS. I EXPECT YOU TO WALK AROUND THAT CORNER OF THE POOL. BUT YOU DON'T..
THANKFUL - THAT MY MOM HAS HOURS OF YOU AND ME AND DOODLE ON VIDEO THAT SHE TAPED..AT FIRST IT WAS VERY HARD TO LOOK AT, B/C YOUR SO ALIVE AND REAL- TAYLOR AND I WATCH THEM ON THE COMPUTER- OVER AND OVER- THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL.. YOU BEING SUCH A WONDERFUL DADDY- YOU COULD LOOK AT YOUR FACE AND SEE YOU SMILE HOLDING THAT LITTLE BABY... SO HAPPY AND YOU HAD A GOATEE !!!!! HOW FUNNY!!!
TAYLOR AND I WERE EATING LUNCH WITH YOUR MOM ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON, TAYLOR BOUGHT ME A NOTEPAD FOR THE FRIG. WITH HER ALLOWANCE.. AND SHE WROTE ME A LETTER...

"I LOVE YOU MOM YOU ARE A BIG HELP FOR ME ABOUT MY DADDY. HE WAS A NICE PERSON TO EVERYBODY EVEN THE PEOPLE HE PUT IN JAIL. I WAS VERY SAD WHENYOU TOLD ME MY DADDY WAS DEAD. IT WAS VERY SAD."

YOUR DOODLE LOVES YOU AND MISSES YOU TERRIBLY,
SHE IS IN GYMNASTICS AGAIN THIS YEAR..

WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU- ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS HAVE BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE TO OUR FAMILY..
THANK YOU.

LAUREN LAND
TAYLOR'S MOTHER

Lauren Land

October 18, 2003

Dear David,

I miss you terribly. There are often times that I wonder if I have the strength to go on without you. I know that the only choice I have is to go on and live your unlived years. One can have all the people in the world around them but the one they need most is gone, which is you. I go to the cemetery all the time. Sometimes I feel peace and sometimes I feel distraught and angry. It is extremely difficult to deal with everything. I do feel your presence and that is comforting. Please know that you are someone whose love I will cherish forever.

Taylor,
I hope that you know how much your dad and I love you. I know that you are a child and are probably very hurt and confused. I hope that when you are older that you will come to understand who your dad was and what your life was like with him and us. Your dad loved you very much and only wanted the best for you. I pray that you keep his memory and your memories of us close to your heart. We (daddy and I) love you more than infinity...

Paula Land
Wife

September 14, 2003

Bubba,
On this September 11th, as we remember our fallen firefighters/paramedis/police officers and thousands of beautiful people we lost two years ago today, I also honor you, you gave your life to us just like the people two years ago. You were so brave to face the other side day after day. That was your duty and you did your duty well. i thank you for protecting us then and know you are protecting everyone now. This song really made me think of you today.
Love you always
Faith

I know your life
on earth was troubled
and only you could know the pain.
You weren't afraid to face the devil,
you were no stranger to the rain.

Go rest high on that mountain
son,your work on earth is done.
Go to heaven a-shoutin'
love for the Father and the Son.

Oh,how we cried the day you left us
we gathered round your grave to grieve.
I wish i could see the angels faces
when they hear your sweet voice sing (Berry White).

Go rest high on that mountain
son,your work on earth is done.
Go to heaven a-shoutin'
love for the Father and the Son.

-Vince Gill

Paramedic/ Firefighter Nix
Barrow County

September 11, 2003

To my partner and my friend I will miss very much riding next to you especially when you would fall asleep and bump into me and then you would wake up and say "what" and give that special smile you have. I think of you every day but I know you are at peace were you are and looking out for all of us down here. My friend I will see you again someday and when I get there I will be proud to ride next to you again listening and singing to Barry White.

Love ya and Miss ya " My Buddy" D

Detective D.M.Carr
Forsyth County S.O.

September 10, 2003

Lets not forget this is a remeberence for our beloved friend David, and not a site to air our dirty laundry. We all know that David is and will always be Loved by all who knew him. We will never know his deepest thoughts, NO one will... All we can do is remember him as individuals and what we know and love him as. This reflection page has turned into a mud pie throwing contest and thats NOT how we should remember our Fallen Brother.... Forever in everyones hearts.......

Anonymous

September 8, 2003

For Taylor and David's family,
This was sent to me, and it reminded me of David and I wanted to share it with you.

WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME When tomorrow starts without me, And I'm
not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled
with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry The way you did
today, While thinking of the many things, We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, As much as I love you, And each time that
you think of me, I know you'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts
without me, Please try to understand, That an angel came and called my
name, And took me by the hand, And said my place was ready, In heaven
far above, And that I'd have to leave behind All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, A tear fell from my eye For all my life,
I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, So much left yet to do, It seemed almost
impossible, That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, The good ones and the bad, I thought of
all the love we shared, And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, Just even for a while, I'd say good-bye and
kiss you And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized, That this could never be, For emptiness and
memories, Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow, I
thought of you, and when I did, My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne, He
said, "This is eternity, And all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past, But here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last, And since each day's
the same way There's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful, So trusting and so true.
Though there were times You did some things You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand And share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart, For
every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.

Mary Honiker

September 8, 2003

David,
We made it through another summer holiday. We missed you as aways, but we knew that you were watching over us as we worked. The past months since your passing have been the toughest months we have ever had to go through.
Anyway, David your brothers in Special Operations will always miss you. Please continue to watch over us.

Anonymous

September 3, 2003

Paula and I have sat up crying all this week knowing that her birthday will be Sunday and you and Taylor will not be a part of it, as always. We talk of you often and look at all the pictures together of all the fun and all the love you two shared as soulmates. Paula, ordered a bench to sit by you, which, of course, says your favorite saying, "I am my beloved and my beloved is mine" as you two said to each other on your wedding day. That was the happiest day of your lives. You know her Dad and I are totally there for Paula to help her through this unbelievable loss. Her therapist is also trying to help her through this terrible time. We all miss you very much. Love,Brenda

Brenda Shapiro
Mother-In-Law

August 21, 2003

Love is...more than just hearts and flowers and romance. more than candlelit dinners and moments of intimate sharing. Love lasts beyond those initial stages...it is understanding through the difficult times, laughing together when things are good, or laughing together to keep from crying when things couldn't seem to go more wrong. It is patience and compassion, compromise and healing. Love is everything we share together. Because to me, love is and always will be you.

These sentiments should be familiar as you wrote them to me. It certainly has not been an easy five months. Death unlike divorce is not a choice. I have come to realize that only in times like these does one truly come to know people. Not to worry. Some people will always be okay because of how they choose to live their life. Life has dealt me a lemon. I am choosing to make lemonade. I am forever changed because of you and this experience. I thank you for choosing to love me and spend the last four years of your life with me. I will always be your wife.

I am my beloved and my beloved is mine.

PAULA LAND

Paula Land
wife

August 20, 2003

Bud, I Think of you every hour every second of the day. I don't know if I can go own with out my son. I am so lonley without you. Only a Mother would KNOW.
Your Mom Forever

Mother, Linda B. Land
Forsyth Sheriff Dept

PLEASE EMAIL ME AND I CAN GET BACK TO YOU..
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE !!!

LAUREN

F.C.S.O.~~ MAYBE YOU CAN WIN FIRST PLACE NEXT YEAR !!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WARM SMILES AND OPEN ARMS FOR TAYLOR.. YOU DONT KNOW HOW MUCH YOU HAVE HELPED EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY.. IT IS SO NICE TO SEE THAT YOU ALL LOVED DAVID JUST AS MUCH AS HIS OWN FAMILY...

TAYLOR HAD A WONDERFUL TIME THIS PAST WEEKEND AND SLEEPS IN THE SHIRT YOU ALL SIGNED FOR HER !!

THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!

IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT HER - CALL ME

THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!

LAUREN LAND
TAYLOR'S MOM

Many people know Bubba and his love for life. He will never be forgotten. I see that his new nephew was born and his name lives on. Although he will not ever know how great his Uncle Bubba was he will know in his heart why so many people loved Bubba. I know Bubba was there saying the same thing as he did with Taylor. Bubba was int hat room, he was too nosey and too proud not to be, he would have been in there even if he had to sneak by. Please let everyone know about the memorial events and funds available, not all his friends are in contact with his family but would like to participate. I know many come to this site and would participate if they knew wehn and where. Bubba was there for us, now we need to be there for his. I will always keep Bubba in my heart and think of him daily. I look up and say "I know you are here somewhere, just watch over us and we will play again some day!"
Love you man,
Faith

Paramedic Nix

David,Be w/Taylor and your fellow officers as they put this terament ball ,I'am taking your glove and bats over so they can use them, For Taylor college fund ,wish us luck. Mother
w/you every day. I know you were there when Zachary David was born, but sissy need you right now she hurting and you know what that mean! We are there as a family.

I love you
Mom

MOTHER/Linda b. Land

In my life, I have been blessed with meeting people that leave a lasting impression on me. David "Bubba" Land was one of those people. I had the honor of meeting David 7 or 8 years ago when he and Lauren were dating and then married. I remember how the first day I met him, he acted like he had known me for years. He was like that, he could just look at you a certain way and you knew that if there was anything you ever needed, you could ask him. Once he was your friend, he would be your friend for life.

David and I lost touch a year or two ago. I always figured we would cross paths again and be buddies just like we had always been. I am not so lucky. It is at times like these that I wonder why I didn't try to get in touch with him sooner, just to say hello. My heart has an empty spot just knowing that Bubba is no longer with us.

I have so many great memories of him. So many things that I will treasure and remember, because that is the kind of guy he was: Memorable. The day Taylor was born, I remember walking in the room and said "What cha think, Dad?" He was so in love with that little girl from day 1. He cried that day, his heart was so full of joy!

I hope Taylor will always remember that her father loved her with all he had. She is his pride and joy and nothing can ever change that! I can't wait for the day I can sit and tell Taylor stories about her dad and some of the funny things that he did...

I could go on and on about what a great guy he was. David is going to be very missed. I may have lost touch on earth, but I know that one day I will see him in Heaven and again, we will be buddies just like it was only yesterday I saw him last.

My prayers and thoughts are with his family. He will never be forgotten.

I miss you and love you, David.
"Kel-Bel"

Kelly (Day) Anders
Friend

David,
Your brothers in Special Ops missed you during the fourth of July holiday. We missed seeing and working with you. It is not the same as it used to be working the holidays or any other time since your passing.
David, oh how I wish you were still here, the fun we had at work. Your brothers here still have you in their heart, and we will never forget the short time we enjoyed being with you.
David please watch down on us and help us understand why, we know that you are well taken care of and want us to be strong and carry on.
Love,
Your Special Operations Brothers

Anonymous

happy anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DADDY

LOVE

TAYLOR

david
none

DADDY WE HAVE HAD A GREAT WEEKEND WITH GRAY-GRAY AND AUNT JU-JU- MOMMY AND ME... WE SWAM ALL WEEKEND LONG AND PLAYED .. IT WAS FUN, WE GOT SUN BURNT- WELL MOMMY DID BUT I HAVE YOUR SKIN SOOOOOOO IM ALREADY TAN....;) ...;);)

taylor

daddy- i lost my tooth- o7-03-03 - in grandmothers office !!!! i love you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! tooth fairy came and gave me a dollar-- we had a good time 4th of july !! we sure do miss you- I swam with gray amd mommy and ju-ju- all the day- with no flaoties !!! i can swim now !!!!

doodle bug
daddy's little angel baby

TODAY IS MONDAY- 06-30-03 WE CAME TO VISIT YOU THE OTHER DAY- - WE ARE HAVING A WONDERFUL TIME WITH GRANDMOTHER.. YOU WOULD BE SO PROUD OF ME- TODAY I SWAM WITH NO FLOATIES IN THE POOL AND I WENT UNDER !!!! IT WAS FUN- AND NOW I HAVE MADE IT TO THE LEVEL OF ALL MY COUSINS... BUT I HAVE NY TOOTH STILL. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE SO MUCH FUN THIS WEEKEND- IT'S 4TH OF JULY AND GRAYSON AND EVRYBODY IS COMING UP FOR THE WEEKEND !! MOMMY IS TAKING ME TO SAVANNAH'S SOON.. WE MIGHT GO TO DISNEY TOO.. WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU ALOT- BUT THE PEOPLE AT YOUR WORK SURE HAVE BEEN NICE WITH ALL OF THE THINGS THEY HAVE GIVEN TO US.. SLEEP WELL AS YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS ALL THE TIME..

LAUREN AND TAYLOR LAND

I've know David Since 94' when we worked together at Stone Mt. Park as motor officers. He had taught me alot of things about law enforcement. He was a good friend and a good officer. He will be missed and his memories will live forever.

Anonymous

Dear Baby Brother,

It's been three months ago today that you were taken from us. Your absence is so very hard. I can't begin to explain how much I miss you.

For all of my life, you have been a constant joy to me. I remember so well our parents bringing you home for the first time and how excited I was. I was four. You poor child, I practiced mothering you your whole life. To me, you were always my baby brother even though you had grown to be a big, strong, and very capable adult.

It saddens me greatly that now that I am going to be an actual mother, my son will not get to see your face looking back at him with that sparkle in your eye nor will he get to feel the love that always radiated from you. (I could always feel it so strongly.)

David, I told you many times and I hope that at least once your heart heard it, "you are awesome." I am truly lucky to have had you as a brother.

I love you with all my heart.

Shelly

Shelly Steele
David's Sister