Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Just got back home after being without power for the last day and a half. All I can say is how grateful I am that we got everything back. Luckily, we were able to stay at my moms. I had to do alot of laundry there to get ready for our trip tomorrow.

With all the excitement and stress of this happening, Christmas Eve came and almost went without me having to dwell on you not being here. I was really able to just be thankful that we had somewhere to go to wait it out...that my mom and dad enjoyed the company...that I was able to help my mom prepare for everyone coming over...that we all got to spend some time with our family. I was totally able to live in the moment. It was truly a great night and now tomorrow is Christmas and it's come so quickly.

I'm looking forward to going down south to see Mike and Sue, your Aunt Trina and Uncle Floyd, and Bri and Bridge and Layton. Again, counting my blessings and feeling thankful for the love that surrounds us. I love you, boo.

neece

December 24, 2007

The commercials for Mitch Album's movie One More Day, are on all the time. When I saw he'd written the book, I knew that it would not be one I wanted to read. Watching the commercials, now, is heartbreaking.

When I imagine just one more day with you, I know I wouldn't do anything different especially if you would just have had to leave when the day was through. We had such a great morning...the kids were getting along(which wasn't usual!!)...we sat watching the news and having coffee together...you were making all your silly noises when you played with the dog...we were laughing and enjoying everything that morning...you grabbed me at the door, laughing, saying the kids wouldn't see...you left with us saying we loved each other and smiling because we'd been laughing so hard...you made sure that the kids knew that you loved them and gave them all hugs and kisses.

Just the thought of one more day with you is like a tease. If they said I'd have one more day and that I could change the outcome...now that's a different story. I would have kept you home with me that day. I would have kept the kids home too. I would have been overjoyed to know that we had come so close to losing everything but were one of the lucky ones and that everything was going to be fine.

I know there is something to learn in the book and movie but I already know from this journey of grief that I have to live everyday one day at a time...I know that I have to be thankful and grateful for the blessings I have...I know that I can't live with the should haves and could haves...and that I need to find joy in the small things. I'm doing it all, slowly, but it won't ever take away the missing you...I love you, boo.

neece

December 7, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 26, 2007

Just thinking about you today. I'm getting ready to go over my mom and dad's house with the kids to celebrate the day. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. You know that you'll be thought of today. I miss and love you, boo.

neece

November 22, 2007

Well,

I'm down here in Pasadena, standing on the 50 yard line of the ROSE BOWL and they announce the "Pro's". The first thing I see is the jersey number "33" coming at me and I just start laughing.

You never stop amazing me. I'm gonna need your support tonight with what's coming up. So, stick around if your not busy.

Clayton Monte
WCAP

November 17, 2007

Today would have been our 19th anniversary. I spent the day with Diane. Katy's dad died and we went up to Bay City for the viewing. I have to say that it was a good day to be with friends and not with my own thoughts. This anniversary coming up has thrown me a bit. I miss you and love you boo.

neece

November 12, 2007

Hey,Mike: It's took me a while (obviously) to get on here and post to you, so here it goes. Man are you ever missed and I often say HI and salute your pic in the hallway at your house, you are and was a super cool brother-in-law I really lucked out with all my in-laws they on the other hand.... well you know me Mike ha ha. Heads up!!!! Kellbell is on the road and I must say she's not a bad driver, but her Ryan and Luke are all hitting the road about the same time so look out but they'll do fine. I've tried to help Denise the best I can with my limited skill set because I know in my heart you would do the same for Robbin and my family. By the way Denise must have been a Marine also because she is doing a fine job with the kids as I'm sure you know, she holds a loving line and listen the best teenagers can ( go ahead and laugh as my teen years lie ahead with mine). Hunting season is hear and I often think how much you enjoyed that especially duck and gesse season, every time I hear or see Point Mouliee I think of you and the whole hunting thing, but the thing that gets me most is walking around at Halloween and having chilli and Fritos and hot dogs for dinner rest assured the tradition still goes on and alot of laughs are had at your house. The original girl(Kelsey) is a true beauty and I'm pulling my hair out for you but as you know she's agood girl and Sydney just loves her as we all do and what a athlete she has become, very proud we all are. Josh and Mark these two GOONS are growing at a crazy rate we may have to get them tested or cut back on their feedings, I make it a point to wrestle them down and bang them around a little while I still can much like I know you do them. Soon I'm going to wish I learned all those pressure points and holds because the tables are going to turn on me quick and I see some broken furniture in the future but it's all family love ha ha, OK know broke furniture Denise. Robbin, Donnie, Sydney and myself are doing well and miss you tons, we talk openly about you and that has been very good for all of us especially Denise I believe. I'll sometimes jokingly say " DID YOU HEAR THAT UNCLE MIKE" for whatever reason and it gets us laughin. Well this was good for me and I'll post again in the future, we love you and miss you buddy look over us in our daily travels. Duane

Duane
Brother-in-law

November 6, 2007

Kelsey and I got the opportunity to participate in a graduation ceremony of the police honor guard that was here close to home. Theresa and Linda were there, of course, too. It was the first one to be run in Michigan. Dan F. asked our family to assist so that the men and women graduating would be able to feel the realism of the situation. He is so passionate about what he does with the honor guard that I know for a fact you would have really liked him. His sense of honor, professionalism and kindness remind me of how you handled yourself.

I have to say that it was truly awesome to be there. I felt really honored to see these new officers graduating for a job nobody wants to perform and yet they readily and actively participated knowing what it means to be a member. It was great watching from a different perspective. I could truly appreciate everything they did without being overwhelmed by the grief.

It wasn't a coincidence that we were there or the other officers either. I ran into Dave T. who wasn't suppose to be there and only got to attend when his co-worker couldn't. That he got a chance to honor you and our family made it awesome for both of us.

Just thinking about you a lot, with the memories rushing through my head, especially on the cold, cloudy days. I miss you and love you, boo.

neece

October 29, 2007

Mike-

What just happened in Miami was un-believeable. What you did, I still don't understand how or why.

I was beat, and wore out and looking for every last bit of energy to continue on with. I looked up into the rafters of the Panthers Arena and looked at their banners and saw it. The number "33" staring right back at me.

I knew you were with me and had my back. That and the thought of my kids, pushed me through and stayed with me till the end. Because of that, I'm going to Pasedena!!

If it's not edited out, you get your "props" at the end of the interview buddy!

I'll see you at the Rose Bowl!!!

Sgt Clayton Monte, #40
WCAP

October 24, 2007

Our girl was 16 yesterday...somehow, I can't believe she's that old. We had a great party at Theresa's. All of the family was there including Sue and Erica. Kelsey invited tons of friends and we had 3 huge bonfires...the kids sang karoke, played guitar hero, played cards and had a donut eating contest. There was sooo much laughter and fun. At one point, Theresa, saw Kelsey go sit by herself on a swing. She said Kelsey had looked back over her shoulder at all the people there. Therese thought something was wrong and was going to talk to her but when she got to the swing Kels had left. When I questioned, Kels, the next day she said she was just looking at her party and feeling really happy and excited. I'm so glad that my family, my friends and I could do this for her. I still thank God everyday for all of the great support we have.

Kels will be taking her driving test this week. Put in a good word for her. We all miss you and love you, boo.

neece

October 14, 2007

Well, I'm at the beginning of remembering all our special times, again. 21 years ago today was our first date. That seems like forever ago. We were sooo young! Time passes by so quickly sometimes, especially, with anniversaries and birthdays.

It seemed odd again spending another birthday without you. As I get older and look in the mirror for changes, you and I get further apart in my mind because you'll always be 39 to me. My head and my heart will always picture you as this handsome, vibrant, athletic, healthy man...it's a wonderful picture...but I'll always mourn the fact that I couldn't see you grow older with me. Thinking about you alot today and really missing you. I love you, boo.

neece

October 4, 2007

Hey partner, the strangest thing happened when I was on google. I was looking for images of police vehicles and typed the words, "airport police vehicles" in the search box. I scrolled down and there was your picture. Im sure it was due to the many times you had searched for better equipment for our vehicles on the internet. You always found a way to get things done. Im glad that we were partners in the A.S.I.U. for those couple of years. It helped me be a better officer and I will never forget the things that I learned working with you. There are a select few of us that were lucky enough to have you for an F.T.O.
Thanks for everything Mike. J.C. #233

Inv. Joseph Chamie
Wayne County Police / I.D.B.

September 29, 2007

You have an awesome brother! He REALLY makes us siblings laugh!! The love and admiration he has for you is very evident and he misses you so much. Please send him some signs....

September 26, 2007

Got back from COPS Spouses Retreat. Another great experience and another stress reliever. We all talked alot, laughed alot and even cried some. It was great being back with all the people who get what it means to be me. Another opportunity to heal and build new happy memories. I miss you and love you, boo.

neece

September 26, 2007

Hey bro! Just checking in to say Hey and look at your reflections. This website is a lifesaver. I miss you bro. Just got back from Sibs retreat. COPS is sooo awesome. It's nice to have others in the same boat as me to talk with and understand what I go through everyday. I've made some incredible friends for life. I wish I never had to meet these people but I'm thankful for them. You would be so proud of Denise and the kids. They've made some incredible strides since that horrible day. I feel your strength through Denise. She's an amazing woman.

I love and miss you Michael

your Brother
Brian

Brian Scarbrough
Brother

September 21, 2007

Hey Scrap,
just sittin around with some of the fellas thinkin' about ya. Not much has changed here except we got some new officers. Oh yeah, I got promoted along with Clay and a BUNCH of others. I have a lot of cool memories of you. I really miss your leadership and humor. You'd have fun working with these new guys. From the other reflections, it sounds like you family is doing pretty good. You're in my prayers,
Brian

Sgt. Brian Petroski
WCAPD

September 19, 2007

Hey Scrap,
I just wanted to say hi. I'm a changed person since the accident and Police Week in D.C. I get emotional way to easy these days. I've also grown to realize how important ones family is and that work isn't. Because no matter what they (you know who I'm mean) say, everyone is just a number to them. They don't care. Give me strength dude!

I talked to your Lil' Lady a few weeks ago. She told about the MICOPS deal, thats great! and that the kids are doing good and that they had a busy summer.

Oh how can I forgot this! I picked up were you left off with the EOD robot upgrades, worked on it with WC EMD. Mckernan then worked on it when I was promoted. And finally...... they approved it and it was shipped out last week. P.S.-Since the accident, this was Denine Carlson's(EMD) goal to get this approved because she knew how strongly you felt about it. ITS DONE.

Oh by the way.........work sucks!! Nothing has changed!!

Be Good...SDLP!!!
Brett

Lt. Brett Michalski
WCAP

September 4, 2007

Just thinking of you alot recently. I find the kids and I mentioning you more right now...I keep having flashes of you and our life together running through my mind. Maybe it's because a new school year is starting and fall sports have begun...which means our favorite time of the year is approaching. I'm missing you and loving you, boo.

neece

August 22, 2007

The boys and I just got home from COPS kids camp. Again, another great year being with those who truly "get it". I was so ready to reach out to the new survivors and felt that I could be of some help. It was so packed there... That was a good thing and a bad thing. The good thing is that there were so many people able to come to camp and get the help that we've experienced and then the bad thing was that we were all there for the same reason...but no matter how crowded it was, it's such a wonderful place that Josh referred to it as his "home". That statement alone, is a testament to the wonderful staff and volunteers that are there for us and how important the program is.

Kels came back late last night from Outward Bound. She couldn't say enough positive things about it. She connected with so many new kids and is already trying to plan some vacations so they can get together again. I haven't heard her talk so much in I don't know how long. She was truly a leader there and I think she proved alot of things to herself during the week.

I know you understand how important the COPS organization is. It has been a major part in helping the kids and I on this journey and I am sooo thankful for it. So thankful, that when the president position of our local chapter was vacated, I volunteered to take on the resposibility until the next election in October. I'm very ready to be involved and help others like I've been helped. What a wonderful group of survivors they are.

I'm feeling like I've received a much needed break and feel energized to continue keeping on. I love you and miss you, boo.

neece

August 7, 2007

Just back from COPS Kids Camp. I had to visit this site to see Sgt. Scarbrough's smile. His beautiful children have that smile, and with it, they brighten the world for so many other children who experience loss.

They are a guiding light of hope and inspiration.

Miss Mary
friend

August 5, 2007

Just stopping by to say hey. I want you to know that I think about you everyday. At least 5 times a day. Seems like yesterday we were celebrating your birthday at my house. I miss you so much.

talk to you soon
Sibs retreat coming in Sept.

Love Brian

Brian Scarbrough
Brother

July 30, 2007

Hey Scrappy,
Just was sitting around the house thinking about things. I remember when I was talking to you about me getting married and I was pretty nervous. I wish you were still here to talk about me getting divorced and give me some of your advice again. We all miss you and you are thought about often. I still remember like it was yesterday when we all over Marty's house and you were sitting there in the corner of the basement holding Marty's guitar smiling and laughing.

Deputy B. Laverty
Wayne Co Sheriff

July 29, 2007

Thought of you all day today, especially in church. At one point in the mass, Father Bill gave out presents to dads for different reasons...he asked who was the newest dad, and which dad had the most great-grandchildren. The next question gave me a little chuckle...He asked which dad traveled the furthest to spend the day with his family...I immediately thyought of you and I knew I would have won if I had answered..."heaven". It wouldn't have been a lie. I felt you there today, especially when the responsorial psalm was #33. Josh and I looked at each other and smiled. The communion song was "You Are Mine" which is one of my most favorite and has made me think of you every time I hear it. Just wanted to let you know. I love you boo.

You Are Mine

I will come to you in silence
I will lift you from all your fear
You will hear my voice,
I claim you as my choice
Be still and know I am here

Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine

I am hope for the hopeless
I am eyes for all who long to see
In the shadows of the night
I will be your light'
Come and rest in me

Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine

I am strength for all the despairing
Healing the ones who dwell in shame
All the blind will see,
The lame will run free,
and all will know my name

Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine

I am the Word that leads to all freedom
I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name
Embracing all your pain
Stand up, now walk, and live

Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow me
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.

neece

June 17, 2007

Hey Scraps,

Happy Fathers Day Buddy-

Clay
WCAP

June 16, 2007

Scrappy,

Thinking of you today and always.

Lou

June 15, 2007