Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

dave I just want to inform you that I miss you very much thank you for the memories that you have inputed into my mind. You are a true friend. And a hero. I miss you very much. Nothing is the same with out you dave poling here.

josh

August 24, 2008

Hey David: We love and miss you so very much. We were going down the road the other day listing to the gospel channel on the radio and heard someone speaking about the end of time coming on a particular day (u know how those people go on and on) but anyhow it got Jared all curious and worried. But here comes the amazing part..... he didn't once say that he was afraid to die or any of that, instead his biggest concern was if you would remember him when he got to heaven. He also wanted to go to your grave site and sit so that when Jesus came and called upon those who have already passed, that he would be there to hug you and to see you again. I tried to explain to him that no one knew the day or the hour but I was just at a loss for words. Kids all over this community that knew you feel the loss that we all feel without you here. It is amazing just to watch them and to hear them speak of you with so much love and admiration. You are a true hero david and you will never be forgotten. We love you!!!
FOREVER LOVING AND HONORING DAVID POLING!!!!!

a friend forever

August 18, 2008

hey babe, today mom and i got up early to go get the beef we had butchered. The girls are excited to have "homemade" steaks as Faith would say. They got up at 4:30a.m. to go milk cows and feed the animals. Not many kids their age would be wanting to get up to milk cows but our children are definately farm girls and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am proud of who they are becoming and what they can accomplish in this life. I just hope they both continue to rely on the grace of God and His almighty strength. I have had a rough few days emotionally but I know those days are necessary for me in this bereavement process. I am contimplating going to the spouses retreat out west for all of us who have lost our spouse in the line of duty. I cannot make up my mind whether I should go or not. I am praying about it. God has definately taken me through the wilderness on this journey. Between the loss of Daddy tragically ,then you, I know he wants to teach me life lessons and show that I need to depend on him and He will fight the battles for me. Grace is the power God instills in us to do the things we can't do alone. I am relying on that power as I face each new day. My love spans across the Heavens to you!!

your loving wife,michelle

August 6, 2008

DAVE, IT IS WAY PASSED BED TIME BUT I AM HAVING ONE OF MY NIGHTS WHERE SLEEP DOESN'T EXIST. i HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MY LIFE IS SURROUNDED WITH DRAMA. AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR IT OR DOES IT SEEM TO FOLLOW ME? THE FAIR IS OVER THANK GOD. IT IS A STRESSFUL WEEK FOR US. WE ARE PLANNING A LITTLE GETAWAY BEFORE SCHOOL IS BACK IN ORDER. WE ALL NEED BREAKS ONCE IN AWHILE. LIFE HAS HAD A LOT OF UPS AND DOWNS HERE LATELY. I DON'T KNOW WHETHER I AM COMING OR GOING. ALL I KNOW IS THAT I FEEL TORN AND WORN FROM IT ALL. I WISH YOU COULD SAY TO ME THAT YOU'VE GOT MY BACK-THAT YOU BELIEVE IN ME AND THAT IT WILL ALWAYS WORK OUT THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSED TO. I WISH YOU COULD ENCOURAGE ME LIKE YOU USED TO. YOU ALWAYS SAID I WAS GULLIBLE BUT THAT I HAD A HEART ANYONE COULD LOVE. I TRUST TOO MANY PEOPLE AND I GET HURT IN THE WORST WAY BY IT. SHELTER ME AND TEACH ME TO OPEN MY EYES TO THE TRUTH. GOD KNOWS WE HAD OUR STUPID LITTLE ARGUMENTS BUT KNOW ONE HAS EVER KNEW ME AND TRUSTED ME LIKE YOU DO. GUIDE ME ON THIS JOURNEY AND LET PEOPLE SEE THE TRUE ME. A PART OF ME DIED WITH YOU THAT DAY AND I JUST WANT TO PUT TOGETHER THE PIECES THAT ARE LEFT SO THAT I CAN STILL BE LOVED AND RESPECTED BY THOSE AROUND ME THAT MATTER THE MOST. WATCH OVER THE GIRLS. LOVE ALWAYS

YOUR LOVING WIFE,MICHELLE

August 4, 2008

Hey Babe! You have been on my mind so much today. Mikayla has to sing a solo tonight at the vbs program. She is excited and nervous all at the same time. My wish for the day is that God will open up the heavens just enough for you to look down upon us and view the glorious wonder of our children. She sounds like an angel. Faith is singing to and she has a speaking part. They miss their Daddy. I am so hoping God listens to my heart and allows you the joy of seeing them every once in awhile. I believe He does just because I know how much joy and love they brought into your life. I feel blessed as usual and am thankful on days like today I have a promise from God Our Father that our parting is only temporary and we will be reunited in Gods' timing. with all my love, your Baby

your loving wife, michelle

July 25, 2008

Hi Pookie! I woke up this morning and knew I had dreamed about you. The dream was very blurry to me but the one thing I remember is feeling your love all around me. That is a good feeling. I am doing vacation bible school this week at church. They rented me a van and I have packed over 25 of us in a 15 seater van! I love it though. We are getting ready for the fair next week. I hope the kids do good with their projects. It is a beutiful day today I only wish you were here to enjoy it with us but I know in paradise you enjoy top ten days everyday! We are always thinking of you. Help me in your own way with the girls. I just want to be the best momma I can be. I am so thankful for them and the love we shared to bring them into this world. Love Always!

your loving wife, michelle

July 24, 2008

Babe, I just want to thank you for your presence in our lives. It is amazing how love can reach from earth to heaven so easily! Matt and Rachel and Gabby came to see us. I enjoyed our visit. Every time I am in Matt's presence I feel you around him. We all know you had a request put in for twins!!! Rachel doesn't think it is funny! My sister's baby is due very soon and we all know that was a huge joke you played on them. I'm glad you are still getting a kick out of playing your pranks! On a much more serious note We know that the Lord giveth and He taketh away! Your tour was through and oh how you lived well! Now God is blessing us with these new births to bring us joy and laughter to our lives. We miss you and you are irreplacable. Your life still lives through me and these two precious souls I am raising!! Tomorrow Mikayla will show her goats at the fairgrounds. This should be a sight to see! HA!HA! I'm sure you will be looking down upon her. The girls went berry picking and got enough berries for me to make them a cobbler. I had to shoot a snake yesterday-I'm still a regular Annie Oakley. They don't make'em as country as me much anymore!! I know you loved that about me. I would love to have another chance to go deer hunting with you and show you up with a Big Buck!! The family is doing pretty good! I know you want happiness and laughter and joy for us so I'll not feel guilty for having a good day. Aaron is very supportive of me and the girls. I don't think he missed but one of the girls ball games this summer and He loves to see them laugh! I know you are so proud of the role he has stepped up and has played in our lives. We miss you daily and you are forever in our hearts! I LOVE YOU

your loving wife,michelle

July 18, 2008

Babe, as we are going through the fourth of July weekend I have thought about your devotion to your family, your community, and your country that you loved so much. The patriotism you showed has been incredible and has left a mark on our children! Mikayla informed us that she very well may be the first lady navy seal. That alone scares me so much! She asked me how I would feel if she were to follow in your footsteps and be a marine. That puts me in a tough spot. Thank God I have time to talk her out of it !! (ha! ha!) Dave your whole life revolved around honor and commitment to your God, country, corps,and US-YOUR GIRLS!!! Freedom definately isn'y free. Thank You for the price you paid for us! I couldn't be any prouder of you and I have learned to trust your judgments you made on May 22nd of 2007. I know you miss us just as we miss you but I truly believe Our Lords' return is coming faster than what many may think and we who believe in the death, burial, and ressurection of Jesus Christ will be reunited in the air. What a sweet time that will be. Until then, I will continue to make the best decisions I can for our family and make you proud by taking good care of our girls! They are my everyday reminder of you and the love that we share! I Love You! May God Bless America!!!

your loving wife,michelle

July 5, 2008

Dave everyday it seems longer and longer... And seems like it still isn't true. It's been over a year and it isn't getting any easier. Even though you are around us more than ever, you are greatly missed. Please watch over Michelle and the kids as we know you are, and keep an extra eye on Mike. He can always use an extra hand... We love you and miss you each day... You will never be forgotten and will always remain Our Superman...

Tina Smith
Friend and wife of co-worker

July 4, 2008

DAVE, YOU ARE CONSTANTLY ON OUR MINDS AND IN OUR HEARTS! WE MISS YOU LIKE CRAZY. THE GIRLS ARE DOING GOOD AND I KNOW HOW PROUD YOU ARE OF THEM. THEY ARE STRONG LIKE YOU AND HAVE JUST GREAT MEMORIES OF THEIR DADDY!!! WE CONTINUE TO DO OUR BEST TO GO ON WITHOUT YOU. I'M SO THANKFUL FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF OUR LIFE TOGETHER. I LOVE YOU

your wife,michelle

June 25, 2008

BABE, TODAY MIKAYLA PITCHED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HER SOFTBALL CAREER. SHE DID VERY WELL FOR THE FIRST TIME. SHE WAS UPSET BECAUSE SHE WALKED SOME BUT ROME WASN'T BUILT IN A DAY AND NEITHER IS HER PITCHING. I WISH YOU COULD HAVE SEEN IT! THEN AGAIN JUST MAYBE YOU DID!!!! I'M GONNA WORK ON GETTING THE POOL CLEANED UP AND RUNNING. THAT WAS ALWAYS YOUR JOB AND NOW IT LOOKS LIKE A SWAMP!!! WE'LL BE SWIMMING BY THE WEEKEND HOPEFULLY. I LOVE YOU

YOUR LOVING WIFE, MICHELLE

June 9, 2008

Happy Anniversary POOKIE! 13 Years ago Daddy walked me down the aisle to you. Though I know it was hard to let his little girl go He knew he was giving me to the greatest guy I ever knew. I was lucky to have you and you felt the same way about me. We taught each other about love and life. We grew up together and we learned what makes a marriage sweet! We were blessed to know that kind of love and to know it abundantly! Love you!

your loving wife, michelle
june 3 2008

June 8, 2008

dear david, You are a great cousin to me agreat friend and what you felt I was.yOU DIED A SAD DEATH BUT MIKAYLA,MICHELLE,FAITHY AND i WILL SEE YOU IN heavan.

alyssa c

June 7, 2008

Pookie, We just got back from vacation. We all definately needed to clear our thoughts and focus on our journey left here. the girls needed this break so bad. Mikayla opened up to me quite a bit and shared some of her thoughts with me. She and I have a closer relationship than we ever have. I need her and she needs me! Thank you for being there for her at the ball game on the 22nd. It was incredible to watch her. Here it was ,the one year mark of your passing ,she wakes up and says Mommy I know it's gonna be a hard day and all I want is to get a homerun for Daddy. It was the finest Homerun I'd ever seen. She got a hold on that ball and it was gone. I was so emotional about it because I knew you were there watching over us!! I told her how proud you were of her. I just wish I could've seen the look of love and pride on your face!!I miss YOU BABE!

your loving wife,
michelle

June 2, 2008

Dave, Today is the one year mark of your leaving. It has been an extremely hard year - emotional to say the least. I wanted you to know that he went to DC to honor your life and what you stood for - it wasn't an easy trip nor necessarily an enjoyable experience considering why he was there - but it was also one he wouldn't have missed for anything either. He wasn't there for himself, or anyone else - he went to remember you, in only the way he can. We went to the small ceremony tonite at the river - being in the place where you left all behind was not an easy thing to do. Although we drive by alot - it's still hard to look at the river - it no longer holds any amount of joy that it used to. I wanted to let you know that even tho no one else seems to remember that the two of you were very close, it's those times together that remain in his memory and his love for you hasn't waivered. We may not have the memories other have of vacations, childbirth, and others, but he has his own file of memories that never seem to end, and those he will cherish until he walks the beat with you up there someday. He was as close to you - closer - than his blood brother, and loved you the same. The two of you and your shenanigans I have heard about most of today (wrapping Hoffy's car in sheriff tape for one), and so many others. Your family and friends (true and real ones, at least) will never forget you for who you really were, and what you stood for. Although time will eventually diminish the hurt and pain for all involved, few will ever truly understand the touch and grace you put into his life, which trickles down to our lives as well. Those you left behind are left with the need to carry on with their lives - no one blames them for that - they have to as he does also - and they need to understand that not everyone will validate them - or needs to. When in London and the choppers went over, and one peeled off, he drew a significance from that that he seems to live by - one is gone and the others are left to carry on - he carries on daily - knowing that is what you would expect him and all of them to do - with you in mind. He learned so much from you - things he lives by daily - and reminds himself of what you would do if the roles were reveresed. He knows that your friendship here may be on hold for now - so he keeps fighting the fight and standing his ground because that's what he learned to do from you - knowing someday he will see you again. He told me just yesterday of the last time the two of you talked, and the final sentence you said - "Love you, brother" - he holds that close to heart. He loves you too! We never say goodbye - we just say "See you later" because goodbye is so final. See you later, Dave. Your continue and will forever be our hero!

Deputy's wife
GCSO

May 22, 2008

It has been one year, one that has been pure hell on your loved ones. You are missed my brother, stay strong Poling family, you are all thought of often.

Very Respectfully,
LUCKY

GySgt Jamie "LUCKY" LyBrand
MPCo, USMC

May 22, 2008

POOKIE, MIKAYLA HAD SUCH A BAD DAY TODAY. SHE CAME HOME FROM SCHOOL CRYING BECAUSE SHE MISSES YOU SO MUCH. WASHINGTON D.C. WAS HARD ON HER TO SAY THE LEAST. HER GOAT DIED TODAY. THEN SHE GOES TO THE BALLGAME AND STRIKES OUT. SHE LOOKS AT ME AND SAYS MOMMY, I CAN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT! SO MANY THINGS SEEM UNFAIR TO HER AND FAITH RIGHT NOW. WE ALL HAVE OUR BAD DAYS! THOSE ARE THE DAYS WHEN WE WANT TO STRANGLE THE NEXT PERSON WHO SAYS "HOW ARE YOU DOING" THAT SOMETIMES SEEMS LIKE SUCH A DUMB QUESTION! IF ANYONE REALLY WANTS TO KNOW THEY NEED TO SIT DOWN WITH ME FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND LET ME VENT ABOUT HOW EXTREMELY DIFFICULT THIS IS AT TIMES. HONESTLY 90% REALLY DON'T WANT TO KNOW HOW WE ARE THEY JUST ASK OUT OF COMMON COURTESY SO MOST OF THE TIME WE JUST SAY WE ARE DOING THE BEST WE CAN AND SAVE THE MUMBO JUMBO. I HAVE BEEN DEALT THIS HAND AND I'M STAYING IN THE GAME TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY. I WISH I COULD SEE YOUR CUTE FACE. I FEEL YOU ALL AROUND ME AND THAT IS A BLESSING. I'M GLAD WE CAN LOVE EACH OTHER FROM TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS. LOVE,HUGS, AND KISSES!!

your loving wife, michelle

May 20, 2008

Dave, hey! we all came back safely from Washington D.C. so thank you for watching on all of us. I also want to thank you for the squirrel incident with Mike, that was funny. The trip was a good trip, we all wished we didn't have to go under the circumstances. You brought everyone together once again. you are remarkable. The 1 year date is coming quickly, and it kills me inside everyday. Even believing in God, you still have to ask that question... Why? When we were in DC honoring you -( There is no where else we would have rather been. )Jo Dee Messina sang a song that captured it perfectly... HEAVEN NEEDED A HERO. Sadly we needed you here too.
Your girls are so remarkable all 3 of them. keep both hands on their shoulder, they all are going to need the extra strength. As it's hard on everyone you touched, but they have been through more than anyone should have to go through.
missed and thought of daily...

Tina Smith
Friend and wife of co-worker

May 19, 2008

dAVE IT NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME HOW EACH DAY BRINGS SOMETHING NEW. aS i WOKE UP THIS MORNING TO THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME AND LOTS OF KIDS WHO SPENT THE NIGHT SO THAT i COULD BRING THEM TO CHURCH I REALIZE HOW BLESSED I AM AND I REALIZE HOW MUCH TRUST I HAVE IN MY ALMIGHTY GOD BUT BABE IT HURTS SOOO BAD. MY HEART IS FULL OF SORROW AS I FACE THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY DATE. I AM EMOTIONALLY SPENT. I AM DRAINED AND I FEEL LIKE LIFE IS BEING SUCKED OUT OF ME. IT IS NOT EASY TO PUT ON THE HAPPY FACE AND TELL THE WORLD IT IS OKAY WHEN DEEP DOWN IN MY HEART I AM SO SAD. WE MISS YOU SO MUCH! THIS IS MY REALITY EVERYDAY- YOU ARE GONE FROM ME HERE ON THIS EARTH. I KNOW GOD'S RETURN IS NOT FAR OFF AND WE WILL ALL BE REUNITED BUT UNTIL THEN I AM LEFT WITH SO MUCH PAIN- PAIN THAT ONLY GOD CAN HEAL. THE BROKEN HEART I CARRY REMAINS A PART OF MY EVERYDAY LIFE AND IT HAS CHANGED ME FOREVER. A PART OF ME DIED ON MAY 22,2007 AND I AM STILL TRYING TO PICK UP THE PIECES OF MY HEART THAT ARE LEFT AND GLUE THEM BACK TOGETHER AGAIN SO I CAN BE PRODUCTIVE TO CHRIST FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE'S JOURNEY HERE. I CAN ONLY HOPE TO MAKE MY COUNTRY, COMMUNITY, FAMILY AND LORD AS PROUD AS YOU HAVE MADE ALL OF US! I LOVE YOU

YOUR LOVING WIFE,MICHELLE

May 18, 2008

Officer Poling,
We're coming up on the one year anniversary of your passing and as a fellow Gallia Countian I wanted to leave you a thank you for your sevice. As mentioned in the previous sentence, I'm from Gallia County, but I never had the opportunity and privilege of knowing you. My Dad is Retired Staff Lieutenant Dan Gibson so I have a lot of respect for law enforcement officers. Thank you for serving Gallia County so proudly and for making Gallia County a better place. You made the ultimate sacrifice and you will never be forgotten.

Emily Gibson
Fellow Gallia Countian

May 16, 2008

POOKIE, I AM BACK HOME FROM A TREMENDOUSLY DIFFICULT TRIP TO YOUR MEMORIAL SERVICES IN WASHINGTON,D.C. I AM EXHAUSTED!! I AM SO HONORED AND PROUD TO REPRESENT YOU. THE GIRLS ARE SO TOUGH!! THEY FOUND A PLACE WHERE THEY ACTUALLY COULD FIT IN WITH OTHER BOYS AND GIRLS WHO HAD LOST THEIR DADDY TOO. MIKAYLA ESPECIALLY NEEDED THAT. SHE MADE FRIENDS THAT WILL PROBABLY BE LIFETIME COMPANIONS TO HER. I FEEL AS IF I HAVE ATTENDED THE FOURTH FUNERAL FOR YOU. IT IS EXTREMELY HARD TO PUT MYSELF IN THE SITUATION. IT WOULD BE MUCH EASIER TO STAY AT HOME IN MY COMFORT ZONE BUT I HAVE PUSHED MYSELF TO FIND THE STRENGTH THAT IT TAKES TO BE COURAGEOUS AND REPRESENT OUR FAMILY WELL!! I KNOW YOU ARE LOOKING DOWN PROUDLY AT ME AND THE GIRLS AND I NEVER FORGET HOW MUCH YOU LOVE ME! I HAD SEVERAL OF THE GUYS WITH ME IN D.C. TO HELP ME HONOR YOU AND I FEEL BLESSED FOR EACH ONE OF THEM. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND I WILL MAKE SURE OF IT. THIS IS NOT CLOSURE BUT INSTEAD A NEW BEGINNING TO CELEBRATE THE MAN YOU WERE AND HOW YOU TOUCHED ALL OF OUR LIVES. EVERYONE NEEDS TO REALIZE MOVING FORWARD AND FINDING A NEW NORMAL FOR MYSELF AND THE GIRLS DOESN'T MEAN WE ARE FORGETTING. IT IS SIMPLY THE ONE THING YOU REQUIRED OF ME TO DO. I WILL NOT GIVE UP AND I AM NOT A QUITTER!! I AM LEARNING TO RISE ABOVE THE HURT AND ANGER AND BE BETTER. I HOPE EVERYDAY YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU AND I'M TRYING EVERYDAY TO CARRY OUT YOUR WISHES. THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE YOU MADE FOR US. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DAY WHEN WE WILL MEET AGAIN IN HEAVEN. GOD PROMISED US THAT. I LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER

your loving wife, michelle

May 16, 2008

Hey David: I woke up this morning to a beautiful day with you on my mind. Your girls are in Washington DC right now at your memorial and I have been thinking about them since they left. I had the great priveledge of attending the memorial service in London Ohio and it was by far the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. I was very honored to be there though, I would do it over again and again if it meant being able to honor and pay tribute to the terrific person that you were. Tears, tears and more tears!!!! With each passing day that draws us closer to the 1 year mark it seems to be getting more and more difficult. We just all love and miss you so very much. We have been attending church down at your church and I just can't really explain how it feels to me. There is such peace and warmth there. We all really like it and I hope that in time we are able to make that our home church. Unbelievable how you are still making things happen!!!!!
FOREVER LOVING AND HONORING DAVID A. POLING

a friend forever

May 15, 2008

Dave, it's been a few days - a few days we needed to get ourselves together. We attended the memorial in London on Thursday - what an extremely hard day - it was like reliving it all over again. I tried really hard to keep him together - which he did very well until we found your name engraved on the wall, then it was all over. As they presented your flag with your life and story - I didn't think he was going to make it. He did though - to the end where he let me snap a few more pictures, and then we had to leave - he couldn't hold it together anymore. The loss he felt that day was reopened and relived all over again, this time with even more pain because of the time that he has spent trying to deal with it and leave it behind realizing it still haunts him and all the things that have happened within the last 11 1/2 months or so. Your friends, your "brothers", where there in your rememberance and love, and it was a truly touching experience. Although we would have rather been there for any other reason than what we were there for, it was really, REALLY important for him to be there once again to pay tribute to his brother, friend, comrade and mentor. He misses you greatly, and the pain he lives with I can only imagine. I can only hope that someday he will be able to manage the pain he feels so deeply, and I know you understand. Your one year date is coming very soon - this too shall be an extremely hard day for him. Thank you again, Dave, for all you were and still are to all of us (kids included), and for showing all of us what a hero is and what they are made of. We continue to love you - our hero!!

Deputy's Wife
GCSO

May 6, 2008

tODAY IS MAY 5TH AND MIKAYLA HAS HER FIRST BALLGAME TODAY. SHE IS EXCITED YET NERVOUS WITHOUT YOU COACHING HER. SHE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM YOU-A LITTLE TOO MUCH I THINK!!! SHE ACTS JUST LIKE YOU!!! BE WITH HER TONIGHT. THE BIRTHDAY PARTY WAS FABULOUS!! WE HAD ABOUT 65 PEOPLE HERE AND I HAD 12 KIDS STAY ALL NIGHT FOR MIKAYLA'S 10TH B-DAY. THOUGH IT WAS NO WHERE NEAR THE SAME WITHOUT YOU THANK YOU FOR SHOWING YOUR PRESENCE TO US. AS THE RAIN CLEARED, MIKAYLA CAME RUNNING "LOOK MOMMY, A DOUBLE RAINBOW!!" AARON QUICKLY LOOKED UP AND SAID "YOU KNOW WHO THAT IS. THAT IS DAVE LETTING US KNOW HE IS LOOKING OVER HER AND ALL OF US!" jUST AS THAT RAINBOW IS A SYMBOL OF PROMISE FROM GOD I KNOW IT IS ALSO A PROMISE FROM YOU THAT WE WILL BE TOGETHER AGAIN SOON! POOKIE WE MADE IT THROUGH THE MEMORIAL IN LONDON BUT I FELT LIKE I RELIVED THE ACCIDENT ALL OVER AGAIN. IT BROUGHT BACK BITS AND PIECES OF THE FUNERAL THAT I COULDN'T OTHERWISE REMEMBER DUE TO THE SHOCK. MIKAYLA SAID IT WAS HARDER FOR HER THAN YOUR FUNERAL. DAVE, I KNOW SHE HURTS SO BAD INSIDE BUT SHE DOESN'T SHOW IT OUTWARDLY THAT MUCH- AGAIN SHE IS SO MUCH LIKE YOU. HONORING YOU ISN'T A ONCE IN A WHILE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR ME AND THE GIRLS. INSTEAD IT IS AN EVERYDAY RITUAL. YOU ARE FOREVER IN MY HEART ALWAYS. I LOVE YOU. FAITHY IS SITTING BY ME RIGHT NOW AND HER QUESTION TO ME IS "WHEN ARE WE GOING TO HEAVEN TO BE WITH YOU?" HOW DO I POSSIBLY FIND ALL THE RIGHT ANSWERS FOR OUR BABIES. GOD WILL DIRECT ME AND I KNOW THROUGH FAITH HE WILL PROVIDE THE PLAN. SHE ALSO WANTS ME TO TYPE AND TELL YOU SHE LOVES YOU AND MISSES YOU. SHE SAYS SHE KNOWS YOU CANNOT COME BACK BUT SHE HOPES YOU ARE HAVING A GREAT TIME IN HEAVEN!! WE LOVE AND MISS YOU DAILY FROM: YOUR GIRLS

YOUR LOVING WIFE,MICHELLE

May 5, 2008

Dave,
I haven't left one of these yet. But as I sit here and read some of these the tears fall like rain. I guess I miss you as much today as I ever had. I know you look over your family and friends everyday and I thank you for that. Your presence is still felt around the Fire Department we really miss you Dave. We all looked up to you, and we always will. Thanks for being a great father, Husband, and friend.

Fellow Fire FighterFellow

April 29, 2008