MR. ROY

What a crush I had on you. In my 4th grade mind, you were so handsome and perfect. I loved going to school each day. And I loved your "find the city" game we played on the big map. I cheated and looked them up in the dictionary.

30/365

OSCAR

You, my young friend, are a one of a kind. The kid who could cause so much trouble and yet one that we as leaders couldn't help but love. A natural born leader, you oozed self confidence and charm. I will never forget you or your numerous shenanigans.

28/365

CAMRON

Your phone call changed the course of our ministry. Your heart for God and others was the example we wished to follow. Your constant encouragement and support helped to keep us going. Your smile is what I look forward to each Sunday. Your love for NASCAR is unmatched.

27/365

VINCE

Your house was the hang-out... where we all congregated... when we really should have been at school. We were quite the group. Lots of great memories. One is doing homework at Denny's at 5:00 in the morning because you weren't going to graduate without it being done.

24/365

STEVE

Our partner in crime. Our fellow youth worker. For a long time, it was just the three of us. Us and a whole bunch of middle school students. We loved it! It was great knowing you had the same passion as us. It was all about the kids.

22/365

SAM

You spent nearly every Saturday for more than a year in my basement. The thump of your bass reverberating through the walls. You are a gifted musician and writer. Your deep thinking makes me think and reflect. I admire your honesty and attitude. Your escapades make me chuckle.

21/365

LEE

As you came out of the stall in the women's restroom, you announced to me that you were a boy. I questioned you but you were adamant. Your mom made you use the girl's bathroom, you said. I was unsure. I will always wonder who you really were.

19/365

JESSE

Sept. 5, 1906 - Feb. 26, 1996

I have a hanger that hangs in my closet that bears your name. I keep it there to be reminded of special times, of a grandpa who loved his grandkids and enjoyed spending time with them, of a man who was a wonderful role model for his family.

18/365

PAT

We were co-workers. The work load was made lighter by the laughter we all shared. You opened my eyes to the life of a gay man. Your sexual orientation didn't change the fact that you lived a pretty normal life. Therefore, you opened my mind and heart, too.

15/365

MAX

Trips to Oklahoma wouldn't be complete without a trip to your home. You were family even though you weren't really my family. It was a pleasure to know you, visit you, and know of the special bond between you and Lee. One of the many cousins in Carmen.

14/365

JEREMIAH

You were a big P.O.D. fan and wanted me to be, too. I liked you being Dani's first boyfriend. I'm glad you felt like our home was a place that you wanted to hang out. Thanks for visiting me the other day. You were always a thoughtful guy.

11/365

MR. WALL

I took a typing test today and typed 77 words per minute, without any mistakes! You would be as proud of me now as you were of me over thirty years ago, in your typing class. You taught me so much more than typing in that class.

7/365

COACH MANLEY

It was four short years ago that Jake walked onto your team and entered the world of cross country running. You gave him great instruction and taught him discipline, as a coach should do. But you are a great coach because of the support and encouragement you give.

5/365

BIG DON

[Don Sr.]
August 20, 1936-2003

Such a terrible disease robbed you of your final years and took you away from us too early. But I have such wonderful memories of you and times spent together. I can still picture little Daniellita sitting on your lap as you read to her. Special grandpa love.

2/365

DON

You are my first and my last, my high school sweetheart, best friend, husband of 27 years, awesome father, ministry partner, and the kindest, friendliest, funniest, hardest working man I know. Thank you for making my life so wonderful. I love you more than one hundred white elephants.

1/365