Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hello Family and Friends,

The holiday season is always a difficult time for family and friends when you have to endure the pain of celebrating without a dear loved one.

The past 14 months have been hard for all of us who loved Dion. He had an infectious spirit and he will never be forgotten. A couple months ago, I had a difficult time sleeping every night. I was worried about Dion. I went into work one morning and turned on my computer and the picture on my screen saver was a picture of Dion holding up fish after one of his fishing trips. Mind you....this picter was NEVER-EVER part of my screensaver slide show. It was at that moment that I found peace with his death. I can't explain why he showed up on my computer that morning but it was a gentle hello. Knowing Dion (the jokester) I'm happy for my suttle visit instead of a late night HELLO (smile)!!

A day has not gone by that I haven't thought about something funny or silly that Dion has done or said. I want to always remember the good times and know that God makes no mistakes. Often times we don't understand why but we know that the Lord has a plan that we are not able to comprehend.

Although I know he makes no mistakes, I often ask God why? "Why now Lord, he was just finding himself?" "Why now Lord, his kids are still young and impressionable!" and other questions that only the Lord can help us find peace with. Although he was not perfect (as none of us are),I thought Dion had reached the point in his life where he had success and the pursuit of happiness. He was a work in progress...Those areas of his life that were not fulfilled or had unanswered questions, he was working on ways to mend them and come full circle. The things he had to offer to all of us were priceless. He was the glue in some of our lives that can never be replaced. He often kept us grounded and on the right track. I think the Lord sped up his life cycle so that he could enjoy the peace and harmony he deserved here on earth. I use to tell him that he had become an "OLD MAN" because he had a new found love, passion...I may even say OBSESSION for fishing. Maybe fishing gave him that "old man's" life in his 30's that he deserved!

My Christmas wish and daily prayer is that everybody would come together and celebrate Christmas the "Dion Nelson-Boo-Tee" Way! Know that the true and only way to love him and honor his life is to live it as he tried to.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Dawn

Dawn Jones-Ward
Friend

December 18, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving Big Bro!

Cher
Friend

November 23, 2006

Hey Bootie!!
I am constantly thinking of you. You would be having the time of your life with the boys right now. Meatball has your stubborn ways to the T. DJ has been asking me about you all week. You had better stop messing with my baby in his sleep! I am elated that he still remember detail instances of you. I miss you tremendously and so does every one else. Let me go before I get misty eyed. Love you always---Stacie

Stacie A. Lockhart
fiancee

November 23, 2006

I really miss you alot. I would give anything to see you jogging thru York with those pretty legs...lol...you know the joke......I saw the girls about two weekends ago and they are something serious. They are growing up so fast and they both look just like you and Sharon. I miss you cuz and you know I loved you but GOD loves you best. Take care cause we will see each other again.

Lawonda

November 21, 2006

Hey Dion! I couldn't sleep so I got up to eat a late night snack. Well, I wouldn't exactly call it a snack, but since it is 1:16 AM I can consider it as being late. Guess what??? Yesterday was momma's b-day and we fixed her a nice dinner. I thought of you when I realized we would be having chitterlings. I told everyone about the story when you wanted me to cook you and Shun some chitterlings, with the exception, that you would clean half. I can remember the look that you had on your face when I inspected the ones you had "tried" to clean (that I had to re-clean). Well guess what??? After listening to my mom, I realize you did a wonderful job cleaning yours, it was me that was cleaning them toooo much (if there is such a thing). Sorry! (Lol) Well any way, we didn't only have chitterlings; we also had collards, turnips, dressing, broccoli casserole, homemade cornbread, fresh water fish, green beans, potato salad, yams and of course cake. Any other time you would have been saying, "Did you bring me a plate?" or "Why didn't you guys invite me?". But not this time because I know in Heaven you are eating a meal of your choice EVERY day. I can see the smile on your face now knowing you don't have to keep guard over the collards and chitterlings, (making sure Shun don't eat any more than you). Those two foods are also my favorites but I use to love to watch you two eat and compete. Dion I guess I'll try to go back to bed so I can try to go back to sleep. Keep your watch up there and I know we will be alright down there. We love you Dion. Rest in peace!!!

PS Continue to watch over your immediate police family here in York, Al. They're doing a wonderful job, but of course things aren't and will never be the same without "The Big Director" being around. Until next time big bro. ALWAYS missed but NEVER forgotten. Love ya much!!!

Cher
Friend

November 13, 2006

I THOUGHT OF YOU TODAY AND I'LL BE VISITING YOU SOON.

brewster
ypd/friend

November 10, 2006

Rest in Peace, Chief Nelson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

November 2, 2006

We had a Halloween party Saturday night and I was looking at the picture Stacie, Shun and I took. Stacie was Supergirl I was Batgirl and of course Shun was a Marshall (cowboy). Dion it's a beautiful picture and we all had a good time but how I wish you could have been there. I wonder who you would have came as; probably something spooky. Well I guess I'll try to go to sleep I'll be writing again soon. RIP Dion! (Always missed but never forgotten).

Cher
Friend

October 30, 2006

RIP THERE ARE DAYS THAT I THINK ABOUT THINGS THAT YOU HAVE SAID OR DONE AND I JUST SMILE.

D. Noble
friend/classmate

October 28, 2006

Thinking of you today wishing you were here.I miss you so much,we all do.I still feel your presence sometimes and it makes me smile. We love you Director Nelson.

brewster
ypd/friend

October 25, 2006

I Love You and I Miss You Dearly.

Lawonda Gibbs

October 12, 2006

Thank you Dion! I know for a fact that God has assigned you to be my guardian angel because of what happened tonight... Thank You Jesus!!!!

Cher
Friend

October 4, 2006

It's been a year that you've been gone, and I still wish that you could come back home.I visited you yesterday and it's still hard to see your name among the rest. I wish this was all just a bad dream and I would wake up and know that you're okay.We miss you DPS NELSON.

brewster
ypd/friend

September 25, 2006

Rest in Peace Sir and may G-d Bless your loved ones.

September 24, 2006

Dion I just saw your beautiul boys and Stacie... they are getting so big. I hardly ever see the girls and I miss them so much. Things are not the same without you. I try so hard to do things just to put a smile on Stacie's face, but of course no one can make her laugh like you did. Dion she misses you so much. She is a very strong person, sometimes I think she is being too strong. Big Bro I miss you so much... I knew this would be too hard to do today that's why I wrote to you yesterday. I know God was happy to welcome you home because I'm sure you keep him laughing. You looked out for me and my family while you were here but it sure does feel good to know I have my own personal guardian angel. Save some jokes for us so we can all have a good laugh when we are all back together again. We love you Dion... always remembered and never forgotten.


PS Tell them the president joke you made up when we were on our way back from ATL and don't forget to reserve us a seat right next to you.

Cher
Friend

September 24, 2006

My precious son died under almost exactly the same circumstances. I am so sorry for this unbelievable loss your family is enduring. You are remembered with great honor and respect for your devotion to your duty.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom Forever

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Officer Matthew Rittenhouse E.O.W.9/16/04

September 24, 2006

Today marks hump 1.My pain is not gone but it is easing. The weather is perfect for one of our fishing trips. You probably have all the bass you want up there!DJ caught his first fish by himself and it was dedicated to you. Hopefully your "boys" don't get me down too much today. You know that they miss their leader. I'll end this now before I get mushy. Much love to you baby.
DIRTY RED

Stacie A. Lockhart
fiancee

September 24, 2006

America needs more men like you with servants' hearts. I look forward to meeting you the day I return home to be with Jesus forever. It's great when we can
say "see you later" instead of "good-bye"! Thanks for
your years of service to your country and community. May God bless all those who miss you!

The Absent One

As we gather at the table and watch each smiling face
The heart fills with emotion to see the vacant place.
We may strive to hide our longing in the midst of mirth
And fun
But we're thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved- the absent one.

When we gather 'round the fireside with merry laughter
And jest
How we wish the absent dear one was here with all
The rest.
Still we join in all the frolic, but we wish the day was
Done
For we're thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved- the absent one.

Yet when the day is over and they all have gone to rest
We feel the Heavenly Father does all things for the best
So we cheer our drooping spirits with the rising of the
Sun
But we can't help thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved- the absent one.
author unknown

Lynn Kole
Washington State

September 24, 2006

I AM HERE
" I AM HERE",
when your days seem long.
I'll play the music,
while you sing the song.
I'll come running when you need a friend.
I'll build a new road when your's comes to an end.
"I AM HERE "
for whatever it is you need,from the smallest
task to the largest deed.
"I AM HERE "
to listen as you talk.
"I AM HERE"
. as your shield when you walk.
At the end of a tunnel I'm that shinning light.
When you're in my footsteps there's no wrong,
only right.
"I'LL ALWAYS BE HERE"
is what my GOD told me; and He's always
been there for you and me.
"I AM HERE," SAID MY LORD.

Peace unto the Beloved Peacekeepers
Mrs.Rosie M.Terrell-Howard aka Resi
Mother

Mrs. Rosie M. Terrell-Howard
Mother

September 23, 2006

Dion I wrote this poem just for you from me and the many others that's having a hard time letting go. It's always hard for me to leave you a reflection when I would much rather talk you face to face. Tomorrow will be a hard day on everyone that's why I figured it would be better if I leave something today.


THAT DAY SHALL COME


It's been almost a year since you've been gone
That day will be tomorrow.
And everyone that knew you well
Hearts still ache with pain and sorrow.

This has been the longest wait
Wishing you would return.
In our heart we can not let go
Therefore we will not allow ourselves to mourn.

You would think by now it would be easier
For us to start moving on.
Instead we catch ourselves living life
As if you are not really gone.

I pray to God that someday soon
We can let you go in peace.
Like the wild we often try to contain
You too need to be free.

When that day shall come our way
We want you wave and smile.
And say thank you guys for setting me free
Though it shall only be for awhile.

Don't waste any time, prepare yourself
To travel home to glory.
Live life to its fullest, always be kind
And try not to always be in a hurry.

Think of all the good times
We shared when I was there.
And know in your hearts, the memories I left
Can be taken any and everywhere.

So when you're sitting all alone
And feel as if you want to cry.
Look up toward Heaven, past the clouds
And you shall see me in the sky.

Even though I won't look the same
As I use to in your sight.
I'm those fluffy and pure clouds your looking at,
Not the dark ones I'll be the white.

Dedicated to Dion R. Nelson Sr., September 23, 2006, EOW September 24, 2005.

Cher Roberts
Friend

September 23, 2006

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this first anniversary of your end of watch. Keep watch over your loved ones and those officers still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

September 22, 2006

I thought of you tonight...

September 18, 2006

If I could turn back the hands of time. This time last year we still had our Dion here with us. But God had a more important task for you to do elsewhere and who knows better than The Great Almighty. Keep watching over us Dion and oneday we all shall be together again and what a glorious day that shall be.

September 18, 2006

May the Lord continue to comfort the hearts of all who loved him. He may be fallen, but is NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

September 16, 2006

IT'S SO HARD TO BELEIVE SUCH A TRAGEDY LIKE THIS HAS HAPPEN TO ONE OF THE GREATEST POLICE OFFICER I EVER KNEW. I NEVER WILL FORGET THAT DAY WHEN YOU, MYSELF,RAY,BOBBY AND RICKY WERE ALL RIDING TO SELMA, ALABAMA TO A CLASS.
(3INCH K.............)

1 YEAR ANN. IS COMING UP I WILL DO MY BEST TO VISIT YOUR HOME.RIP

Sgt Tracy A. Desmond

September 13, 2006