Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bubby,
I miss you more and more everyday. The loss of you is so painful. Its undescribable. I wish so badly that you could come back home to us. Please continue to watch over all of us. I Love You Bigger than the Sky. Forever and Always. Still my #1. Love, Sissy

January 10, 2008

I'm gonna smile my best smile
and im gonna laugh like its goin outta style
look into his eyes and pray that he dont see
that learning to live again is killing me
"Learning to Live Again"

Cause when your talkin out loud and nobodys there
you look like hell and you just dont care
drinkin more than you ever drank
sinkin down lower than you ever sank
when you find yourself fallin down upon your knees
prayin to God and begging him please
that when he's more than a memory

When your dialing his number just to hang up the phone
drivin cross town just to see if hes home
waking a friend in the dead of night
just to hear him say "It's gonna be alright"
when you find the things to do not to fall asleep
cause you know hes waiting there in your dreams
that's when he's more than a memory..

Bubby, I cant do this anymore. You were the one who helped me keep my life on track. I miss you so badly, and Dad does too. You mean the world to us. We tried so hard to do right by you. And we always will. We need you. Please help us. Continue to watch over us. I Love You Bigger than the Sky Bubby. Still my #1.. Best friends forever, promise. Noone will ever take your place. Love, Sissy

January 8, 2008

We may never understand it
the risks these braves ones take
but very rarely we see a bit
of the difference their lives make.

Some do it for the action
others find it a callin'
all find the satisfaction
and few become the fallen.

Being an officer is what he loved
to him as good as it gets
law was what he always dreamed of
he would have no regrets.

And though it saddens all of us
to lose him in this way
As an officer he knew he must
Live life to the fullest every day.

Brittany
Sister-in-law.

January 5, 2008

Another name goes on the wall
an officer took their leave
we try to comprehend it
as again we start to grieve

Another family torn apart
dazed and asking why
a sea of badges draped in black
once more a sad goodbye

Another final proud salute
to one who gave their all
one who did not hesitate
to answer the final call

Another names goes on the wall
that paid the ultimate cost
stone faces, streaked with tears
another senseless loss

Gone But Never Forgotten.

January 5, 2008

There have been a lot of imposters making claims that boost their image. I guess they need to justify their own consciences. Here is my shot at absolution. I am sorry. I failed you like every other adult in your live except for your grandfather “Charles”. I should have been there for you more. I made some legitimate excuses like “I didn’t want to make things harder on anyone because of my sister” and then when you were older “They would rather hang out with kids there own age so I won’t bother them”. I wish I could do it all over so I could REALLY be there for you and Joe.

I stepped in to help when things disintegrated in your lives that created a permanent bond between us. I hope you felt it too. After your brother was married we reconnected for a while. I let us lose touch again when Joe moved up North. We, again, reconnected and pledged to stay that way at Michael’s graduation party at the end of May which proved to be too little too late. I wish I could do it all over again.

You and your Brother turned out to be very fine young men despite everyone abandoning you, except the two afore mentioned. It has always been and always will be “Charlie and Joe”. You could have chosen to be bitter and resentful and full of hatred. Instead you chose to be joyful and helpful. You had your moments as do we all, but you are an inspiration to all. You rose in triumph when life smacked you in the face starting at a very early age. You went through and endured what nobody should have to and through no fault of your own. I am so proud of you, both of you.

I am not going to make amends in word, but in deed. I will be there for your Son. I will be there for your Wife. And I will be there for your Brother. I will make no excuses this time. My second chance, though I wish it could be with you, will be with your son and wife and your brother and his family. As I shed a tear trying to finish I will say you are gone but will never be forgotten again by your Uncle Curt. I love you Man.

January 4, 2008

Bubby its getting worse. I cant eat, I cant sleep. I cry myself to sleep and then I wake up screaming. I have nightmares about your funeral, I have dreams about you and then I wake up screaming your name. I go to call you, to have you comfort me and then I realize, I cant. I miss you so badly. I went and saw Nae and Trev last night and we just sat there and cried and held each other. Trev wanted to know what was the matter and she told him that we missed Daddy and he goes "My Daddy's in Heaven". He's so strong. We were going through pictures and he came in and was looking at all of them too and telling us that that was his Daddy. We all miss you so badly. How is this fair? You were everything to all of us. What I would do to hear your voice again?.. I miss your smile, your laughter, your jokes, your big blue eyes, your comfort. My life is empty without it. My heart is broken into little pieces. I cant feel anything anymore. I dont know what to do. Please help me. Please continue to watch over us all. I Love You Bigger than the Sky. Love, Sissy

Kierstan
Little Sister

January 4, 2008

If I had my life to do over,
I'd have chosen you to be my brother
once more.
Even if it meant losing you again,
It's worth all the tears in the
world.
You were my sunshine when skies
were gray.
I loved you and honored you;
You took all my tears away.
I was happy to be with you,
Proud to be your little girl.
Sometimes we would argue,
But to me you meant the world.
Your love was always pure;
You treated me as your own.
Your time seemed all too short and
I feel so alone.
What can I take from this?
My heart is completely crushed.
But nothing loved is ever lost -
And you are loved so much.

Kierstan
Sister

January 3, 2008

We went out to eat with Nae and Treb last night and he told her that he wanted to show us the picture of his Daddy. He showed all of us and told us all that that was his Daddy. Then he went on to tell us how you pushed him up the big hill on his 4 wheeler. New Years was very emotional without you. Its so hard to be happy, when all you can do is remember. You never leave my mind. I cried, and felt so bad because I made everyone else cry too. I so missed that phone call and your laugh. Every song, every smile in Trev's face reminds me of you. Every time the sky is pink or there is a walkway, I know that is you sending us a message. Last night I bawled myself to sleep and woke up screaming your name. I miss you so badly, my life is an emotional rollercoaster. I can't smile, I can't feel anything but sadness and anger. Everything reminds me.
It makes it easier with Nae and Trev in it, but without you I feel empty and lost. You were my rock.. My protector, my big brother. Bubby, Please continue to watch over us and protect us. I'll always be here, waiting.... I miss you.. I Love You Bigger than the Sky! Forever and Always I promise. You'll always be my best friend..as we always said, I promise.. Still #1.. All My Love, Sissy

Kierstan
Sister

January 3, 2008

Charlie, I am glad to see 2007 over with, it was with out a doubt the worst year of my life. I think of you every day I miss you and the pain wont go away. I love you Charlie, I will never forget you. I miss you!

January 3, 2008

If I live every moment
Won't change any moment
Still a part of me and you
I will never regret you
Still the memory of you
Marks everything i do

Just like a tattoo
I'll always have you

Jordin Sparks...Tattoo

January 2, 2008

Wow how can 6 months seem so long and so short at the same time? We really missed our PEZ fest this year. Who else could tell me it taste like lemon pledge and then convince me to try one. We are so proud of trevor he is such a beautiful wonderful smart funny boy we love him so much.We talk about you and think about you every day and miss your laughter. Our hero always.

Donna
mother-in-law

January 1, 2008

Happy New Year Charlie. We love you and miss you terribly.

Ruthie

December 31, 2007

It breaks my heart over and over to hear your son talk about you. Tonight I was looking at the odmp on my cell phone and he saw your picture. He wanted to know how you got in my phone. So, I explained to him that is a picture of you and this is how we remember daddy. So then he wants to know if you are happy or mad in the picture. I do my best to explain to a 3 year old that you were making your "tough guy" face. He then takes the phone from me, and as if he were realling looking into your eyes, says "Daddy, I love you." He kissed your picture over and over again and said "Daddy, I miss you so muchie much. I know you are in heaven and you love me and you love mommy." I tell him all the time about how much you loved him. He started naming off all the family members and friends he could that miss you (including all his friends at Friends Gather Here.)

Renee

December 31, 2007

For 2008, I wish for us to continue to share the memories of Charlie because those are what keeps his spirit alive. I wish for us to continue to heal our hearts. I wish us to make each day count because we never know when it's going to be the last. I wish for you to continue to keep Trevor in your thoughts and prayers (and his mommy too). Charlie-please continue to watch over us and keep us out of harms way. I'm trying so hard to raise your son the way you would want. I know you're going to be so proud of him. He is such a precious gift (even though he is quite rotten!) Peace to all for 2008!

Renee

December 31, 2007

We had Christmas today.. It just broke my heart. Your little man had alot of fun though, although it aint much fun for me without you anymore. He's gotten so big, he gives out hugs too. You can tell that that makes Dads day when he sees him, he gets this big grin on his face when he gives him a hug. On Christmas when I saw him, he was asleep out in the car, I went to get him and I just broke down because it looked just like you. He resembles you in every way. You would have loved the butterfinger pie, just as much as the cake. I miss you terribly. Love You Bigger than the Sky Bubby... Sissy

Kierstan
Little Sister

December 30, 2007

Merry Christmas.. Tell Poppy and everyone I said Merry Christmas too. Christmas was horrible without you. Its so heartbreaking. I could barely stop crying. I miss that phone call on Christmas afternoon so badly. What I would do to see you again, you have no idea. Our Christmas is this Sunday.. And I wont get to see your big smiling face walk through the door. I miss you so badly, I cant even begin to describe how I feel. I Love You Bigger than the Sky! Love, Sissy

Kierstan
Little Sister

December 28, 2007

So I went to see you today and could you believe that the gates to the cemetary were closed and locked?? At 12:30 this afternoon?? I thought how weird but okay I can handle this. So I parked on Ashland and walked in to see you. It really would not have been that bad, but there was snow and ice everywhere. You are also farther away from Ashland than I thought. Anyway, I know you were watching me walk in to see you and I can pretty much imagine that you were laughing and saw how I almost fell a couple of times.
Take care of all of us and watch over us. We all miss you and promise that you will never be forgotten.

Katie

December 27, 2007

Christmas Wasnt Much fun this year without you Charlie.

Brittany
sister-in-law

December 27, 2007

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Deputy Cook. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Charles, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Charles' life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Charles' life was about so much more than the way he died. Charles will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Deputy Cook, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost five years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

December 26, 2007

Christmas just wasnt the same without you. We miss you Charlie.

Jenny
Sister-In-Law

December 26, 2007

Merry Christmas Charlie!

Jeff
SJPD

December 26, 2007

I miss you more than words can say.

Renee

December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas Charlie. It is comforting to know you are spending Christmas with Jesus. Charlie we miss you so. You are thought of every day. Our hearts are so heavy. How I wish things could have turned out differtly, you were so close to waking up. I do thank God for giving us 5 days to constantly pray for you and tell you how much we truly loved you. I know you could hear us You squeezed our hands several times. Charlie you were so brave, you tried so hard.
God just wanted to take you home. Your safe now.
I have loved you and Joey since the day you were born. I cherished every minute I could spend with you. Charlie you will be missed this Christmas, and every Christmas. Love you sweetie.

Juli
Aunt

December 24, 2007

To my dearest family that I left behind,
I need to touch your heart tonight.
For it's Christmas and you're missing me,
And the season doesn't seem so bright.
While others are celebrating the holiday,
you find it hard to do the same.
You watch other families gather in splendor,
while you tearfully mention my name.
I know it was painful for you this year,
to decorate your Christmas tree.
For you cried as you hung each ornament.
Your thoughts were focused on me.
You shopped for presents for others.
Although you felt out of place.
When each day was over,
I could see loneliness written on your face.
You can't seem to get into the spirit.
To enjoy any festivities this year.
But think of the Christmases in the past,
and you'll feel my presence near.
Yes, and I come tonight to let you know
I'm happier than I could ever be.
I'm spending my Christmas in Heaven;
With the one who died for me.
So go out and feel that Christmas cheer.
Listen to the choirs as they sing.
And know that I'm happier than I've ever been...
Spending Christmas with the King.

I Love You Bigger than the Sky Bubby!

Little Sister

December 23, 2007

I looked through the clouds and what did I see,
The face of my father, and his thoughts were of me.
His eyes filled with tears and his face looked so sad,
My wings fluttered softly and I felt so bad;
For I could do nothing to change how he felt,
Nor could I alter the hand fate had dealt.
My tears fell like raindrops, my heart felt so tight,
I lifted my face to heaven and told God of my plight,
For I can never be free just to fly,
As long as there's one lonely tear in your eye.
My years on earth were spent to please you,
And though what has happened was not my own choice,
The plan, my father dear, came from a much higher voice.
As the birthday of our Savior and Lord draws so near,
I have a small plea I would like you to hear,
Remember me, Dad, with happiness and smiles,
And know when you do my soul will soar miles.
My wings will be light, and my heart will be free,
In the brightest sunshine is where you'.. see me.


This is for you, Dad..

December 23, 2007