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Post by Van Vradenburg on Jan 25, 2006 11:44:55 GMT -5
Dear David, We miss you little bud. We love you. The holes in our hearts are very big. I hope that you enjoy these letters from the people who love you so much. -Your dad
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Post by spike54758 on Jan 28, 2006 22:06:05 GMT -5
The days are long, Filled with tears. You're gone from here After thirteen years.
We saw you little, Not near enough. Saying goodbye Was really tough.
They closed the lid And we all sighed, The realization hit me That you had died.
I miss you more With each passing hour. I'd change places gladly If I had the power.
If there's blue ribbons in Heaven, Trophies to be won, I know you'll win 'em, My dear grandson........Grampa.
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mom
New Member
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Post by mom on Feb 6, 2006 23:07:11 GMT -5
My sweet David,
I miss the way you showed me love.
I loved the way you never forgot that I was always 29 at every birthday.
I miss the way you reached out to hold my hand or just placed your hand on mine.
Every time I go to Arby’s, I think about you and then laugh at the memory when you said, “You don’t love me anymore!” when I didn’t come home with an Arby’s cheddar sandwich that night.
I miss the way you used to put you head on my shoulder even if initially you sit away from me. Somehow you always found your way next to me.
I can’t believe you’re gone, but your room is empty and I don’t see you anymore.
I borrowed you for 13 years from the One who molded you. My heart aches for you: you’re the perfect gift from the Father and you filled my life with joy, with love, and with drive. I loved the way you were excited about life.
I’ll miss traveling with you. When we were still at the airport in New York, you asked, “Where are we going next?”
I think about you even when I’m really busy at work.
Priscilla misses you. Can you hear her say, DAVID! Emphasizing the last D. You punk!
Deeanna wrote you some poems. I gave her your skate shoes.
David, I miss you so much. When I let myself cry, it comes from the depths of my soul.
I know you’re safe in the arms of our Savior.
I remember at the football stand, it was weird to hear a little boy refer to me as “Superman’s mom.” I bet he didn’t know your real name.
I loved the way you entertained others with your storytelling and jokes.
It was gross when you laughed hard and drooled all over the place. I even miss that!
I love you, son,
Mama
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lisa
New Member
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Post by lisa on Feb 7, 2006 21:35:29 GMT -5
Dearest David,
If only there were words to describe how deeply I miss you… you are the most precious boy ever and with your passing have come the greatest sadness I have ever known. Sadness for all, as a family, we will not be sharing with you… Know our beloved, that you are admired and loved by so very many. In your short life you have been a tremendous example to all of a Godly young man. I have no doubt that our Lord is well pleased with you… You were able to gain the respect and admiration of young and old alike. You are like no other, unique in all that you are... Mr. Hellum put it so well in words he once described you as being “a manly little fellow” David your integrity beamed out of you in all your actions, perhaps a gift of God so that you would inspire all of those whom your life touched. I have no doubt that the Lord has used your passing to call to those who may not have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Perhaps this may have even been your purpose… To have watched you in life you made it all look so easy, obedience, self discipline, integrity, and joy, are all the words that best describe you… Angel, from the way you took on any challenge weather academic, sports, or even house hold chores, you always did your very best and I am just so very proud of you for that… What a tremendous blessing to have been part of your life. I will remember always your joyful laughter, your husky voice, your beautiful face, and your wondrous eyes, so filled of wisdom for such a young man. Your new life with God must be so amazing and you must be right at home surrounded by those who like yourself value righteousness. For as a believer you have passed from one life to another. Words to rest in… I know your smile is from ear to ear and someday we will be together again…all of us. Until then David enjoy eternity worshiping our God and all his glory amongst the Saints and Angels.
I love you David Gordon Vradenburg… Forever!
Lisa Vradenburg
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Feb 14, 2006 0:46:50 GMT -5
My little bud, It is day 37. It has been a pretty rough one. Day 36 was good, we all went to your mom's house and your friends and cousins came over and we enjoyed our time together talking about you. I don't know what made this day more difficult than most. Maybe it was that for the first time I actually thought about the moment you hit the ground............ and all those unspeakable implications ..................................... which are more terrible than my heart can bear..... I guess I got stuck in that infinite loop for awhile...............on most days we all move forward, though every day has its episode or two. We are usually comforted by God's peace, though we miss you constantly. Our prayer has been that this would all come in to the light, that what happened to you would be revealed and exposed. We are working steadily toward that end and also waiting on the Lord. David, we know that you are in good hands and that you are experiencing that which you were created to experience. So we know that you are alright. But it is diffucult not being able to hear you or see you or hug you. I guess you have all your needs covered so you don't need a doting dad to hover over you anymore....but it sure is hard for dads to not have their kids on whom to pour out their love on or to take care of or watch over or enjoy....that part is hard. I never imagined I'd have to do so, cold-turkey. We miss you, David. Your xBox is quiet. Your personal items are still. The drives in the car are passenger-less. There is no reason to go to all the places where you used to go and used to be, so I just pass by. There are memories of you everywhere, but no matter where I go, you aren't there............ya, it's been a tough day. Worse than most. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better one. We miss you very badly. We love you even more. Love, Joe Daddy p.s. Brittanie got engaged today to Scott!!!
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Post by jadedstar247 on Mar 15, 2006 5:17:37 GMT -5
Some people only dream about seeing an angel. Well, I got to touch one.
We know you see us and we're still here. We just wish you were here with us. We all need you to pull us together. If we only look back with a smile instead of a tear We will all soon be okay.
Looking at your father trying to hold everything inside, I tried to be strong, but broke down instead.
I will never understand why God took you from us. I know we're not to question why. I know he has his reasons. I know everything happens for a reason. I am just filled with so much madness and sadness. Thinking about why you had to go.
I know you are in a better place growing, laughing, playing lots of football, and watching over us. I just wish you were here with us so we could watch over you. You'll always be apart of our lives. And we'll have you in our hearts 'til the end. Just remember this.... We will be together again, I promise you that.
You are our star up above, And our angel standing by.
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Post by matec1 on Mar 22, 2006 3:27:04 GMT -5
Hi David this is Wayne you played football with kevin, Just want you to know that I miss you too. My heart aces for your family, I know you are ok where you are, but still it is hard here with the pain I felt when you left.
Your dad is a good man and a friend, I don't really know your mother but I pray for your parents and sister often.
Well just wanted to say that.
bye for now Love your friend wayne
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Mar 30, 2006 15:12:51 GMT -5
Dear Davie, It seems like it's been so long since I've gotten to see your handsome face or hear you grown up vioce. I can't believe it's been nearly three months, and yet it seems like only yesterday since we received that horrific call. I can still remember ever bone chilling detail about it, the feeling of absolute disbelief and heartbreak. I try not to replay it but sometimes it just pops into my mind. I look at the pictures I have of you and look into your eyes and you look so alive and joyful. That's the only way I'll remember you; I think I got blessed in that way, to look back on the times I last saw you and only be able to remember the good: your laughter, your face, your gooshey hands, the slobber that would hit my face every time you laughed (I'm pretty convinced that was on purpose though), you being so big and strong and carrying me around like a doll, you always wanting to sleep with us... Thank you David for all of the great memories you helped to create. If I had one regret in life, the only one I would have was not being home last year to be here with you, to watch you grow and to be the "cool" big sister I always wanted to be. You probably don't know this but when I was little I always wished that I could have another little sibling, and when you came into our lives my wishes came true. I've adored you since we first met. I couldn't have asked for a more precious and loving brother, you embody what the perfect little brother should look like. I know I could have learned so much from you this past year, you knew more about history than I still do. Life seems to still be going on and on and no matter how much we wish we could turn back the hands of time, the only thing we have to look forward to is the future, when we get to be with you again, in the Glory Land. I will miss all of the little things about you that I loved so much, like waking up in the morning and hearing you sniffle and sniffle and sniffle, and cuddling to your warmth, and hearing your humorous new found sarcasim and playing with your hair. I miss you more than I can even show, the pain of you being gone is with me every moment of every day. Thank you God for blessing me with the years with the most wonderful boy ever imagined. And Thank you David for the beautiful memories that I will never forget. I love you and I miss you so much.
Love Britt
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Post by jadedstar247 on Apr 7, 2006 22:22:34 GMT -5
some thoughts for you - which happen to be very unorganized
…and then there were only two
We all have our daily run-ins of things that remind us of you Sitting around remising is no comparison to all the great times you’ll be missing Three boys in a family of a whole lot of girls Only two to carry on the Vradenburg name We are all so thankful for the time we each had with you But wishing we could have more So many things bring me back to thinking of you I can’t believe it, how can it be true When I heard the news it was probably one of the only times in my life I was undeniably speechless. I detested having to make the short trip down the stairs to tell Louis My heart was racing Palms were sweaty Each second passing as if it were an hour My feet were heavier than a thousand bricks as I made my way there I sat down near him Hearing only the sound of my breath Almost smothered by my pounding heart How do I begin What do I say Was it really true This must be a dream - a cruel joke It was not Out it came I don’t remember exactly what was said He didn’t believe it either Why would he Why would anyone The next few days all run together Before I knew it we were on the plane My heart was racing the whole trip Slowing for nothing We were finally there As I sit here today, thinking about that next moment I still can’t help but fight the tears There was your dad I knew this is what was bound to happen We all struggled to hold in our emotions We knew we had to be his pillar, his rock No one will ever feel the pain that your dad feels now There’s nothing anyone can do to take it away We all miss you so much, words will never suffice There are so many stories, each person adding something But all yearning for more Those first few days were the most challenging experiences this family has ever had to endure Still persisting I’m still at a loss for words I can’t even begin to express what I’m truly feeling, if it’s even possible There was a moment at the visitation when I just couldn’t take it I looked to your dad for comfort, when it should have been the other way around I wrapped my arms around him and let it all out One of those trembling sobs, crying so hard it’s impossible to breathe or even make a sound, lips quivering, arms clenched so tight I never wanted to let go I sat back down and as I did grandpa turned around and reached out his hand The sorrow I saw on his face that moment is something I will never forget Anna and I both grasped his hand I don’t know exactly what it was, but there was just an instant of something great I’ve never seen him show any kind of emotions like that He’s truly a great man My vision of him is so much more immense because of that moment Thank you for that David A greater love will never be known than the love we have for you, especially the love from your dad What keeps us all going is knowing that you’re sitting next to Him I don’t think we’ll ever know what really happened that day but I pray that whatever you were feeling has ended Now there are only two, a great pair of boys really Without each other I’m not sure what they would do No one will ever fill your shoes, no one would even try You are irreplaceable Know that we love you so much and miss you dearly
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Apr 17, 2006 12:26:50 GMT -5
My Little Bud,
It is day 101. I am 101 days closer to being with you. We still do not know what happened to you, son, but we DO know where you are. I suppose that even if you could, there is no way that you would ever want to leave the presence of the Lord for this dingy old world. We don't blame you for that.
What can I say to describe what these 101 days have been like? It has been difficult, for sure. The Lord has given us His peace repeatedly in our grief and sorrow. We have all grown in that sense. We miss you all the time. Constantly. We love you so much and you are a part of our thoughts, experiences and conversation all the time.
As we reflect on your wonderful life, we are still amazed at what a special and fantastic kid you were at all times and in every situation. The life you lived was truly unique among your peers and kids today. As Mr. Hellam expressed at your funeral, I too admire you. I really do. You always did things right. You lived an amazing life, David. I am so proud of you, as I have always been. I am also grateful for having been chosen, as it were, to be your father. What a privilege that has been. I cannot imagine a father experiencing more joy than the joy you brought to me.
The adjustment to your temporary absence has been a strange trasnsition for me. It is not one I would have chosen, obviously, and it is not easy getting used to not having you in our lives. But with the certainty of your present experience with the Lord, we are comforted. We do, however, long to know your mind, your thoughts and your experience. That knowledge will obviously have to wait, but we long to see you again and to be with you again.
Who could have known that your time on this planet would be limited to the days it was? Who could have possibly have thought that the David and Daddy team, our most special union, would be cut short in this way and at this time? I never in a million years thought that it would take a twist like this. Never. So I found myself wholly unprepared. But as you know, my only fear in this life was that you would be fatherless. I guess that part is taken care of forever. And the days that we did have together, some 4840 or so, were wonderful days! Never, not once, not for one single moment, did I ever take you for granted nor did I not try to make our time together special. And indeed they were all special. I love you so much, David. I am so proud of the life you lived on this planet. Your life puts most of the rest of ours to shame. You were a great kid. The joy that you brought into the world and into the lives of those who loved you was profound for a little guy. We miss that and we miss you.
But you DO remember our agreement, don't you? Our agreement was that whoever gets to heaven first waits for the other guy. So I am not the only one waiting, am I?
So we long to be with you. We rejoice at our opportunity to have been associated with a truly righteous boy, an obedient, playful, fun, clever, smart, joyful and skillful little fella. You made a pretty nice mark on this world, David. You lived a great life. We miss you constantly and are eager for our forever reunion. Therefore, I live with one foot in heaven and one foot here in this realm. And one day we will be together again and will be able to pick up where we left off. I can't wait for that day, son. So I will do whatever it is that I have to do down here until then. But one day down the road, be it 101 or 10001, your daddy's coming home. Get things ready...it ain't over.
I love you, David.
Joe Daddy
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Post by iluvudavid on Aug 7, 2006 17:24:33 GMT -5
David, I could never begin to describe the pain I feel every time I think of you not being here with me (and all of us) any more. Liek Britt said you were everything we wanted in a "little" brother. There is a list sooooo long of all of the things I miss about you and I don't even like thinking of them all at once because it is more than my heart can bear. My comfort is knowing that I will see you agian some day. And some times I wonder what it will be like. If all of this pain will get flushed away when our souls meet again. I try and think of all of the amazing things you're doing up there and I am happy for you. I cannot bear the thought of you being unhappy or anything close to that. The dreams I have of you have been a huge blessing because I get to see you as you were when I last saw you. You were so filled with joy and happiness and possibilities. And I guess all of that has just been transfered to heaven with you. I am thankful for having salvation and hope because I know if I didn't I could never know how to handle this. I find comfort in know that I will see you soo. And the phrase that has helped me the most, and I know it has helped your dad, is "the hours that seperate us will bring us together again." How much more true can it be. I love you and miss you soo much. You know its been 7 months today and in some ways it feels like just yesterday that I was squeezed by you. And in other ways it feels like its been an eternity. I look forward to the day, God willing, that I will have children of my own and I will be able to show them pictures of you and tell them "this was the most perfect boy I have ever know!!!" Oh, how I wish they could have met you and felt the complete joy I felt when you hugged me or laughed with me or even when you would just rest your beautiful black head of hair on my shoulder. I can't believe you're gone and I don't think I ever will. To me it will always feel like you're just a couple of states away and I'll see you when I get back from this year out in Minnesota.
I miss you so much David and I can't wait to see you soon...
I love you,
Step-on-me :.^)
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Oct 7, 2006 0:43:04 GMT -5
Happy 14th Birthday David!!!
We love you and we miss you much. We celebrated your birthday at the same place we did last year and showed a video of you blowing out your candles a few years ago. We all shared precious memories of you and remembered so many of your outstanding features. We think so highly of you and are extremely proud of you, as we have always been. You indeed have been a tremendous treasure and blessing to us all.
I am sure you are doing well. We all are 273 days CLOSER to being with you again.
We love you.
With all my heart,
Your dad.
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Post by missyouforever1001 on Oct 27, 2006 11:25:14 GMT -5
david, how is it up there? i miss u so much. reading these other letters made me cry. which surprises me cuz the only time ive cried was @ ur funeral. and even when i needed to cry i couldnt cuz non of this seemed real. until now. cilla, mom, me, peachy,lorice, and of course ur mom will be going to sf for the weekend. i wish you could come. catherine has been talking about u a lot. she says that u visit her when she is watching tv. the scary thing about it is that she describes what u r wearing. and it sounds just like what u were wearing, though she didint come to open cascet. maybe she really does see u. i wish i still had my "third eye" so i could see u at least one more time. i sometimes here ur laugh in my head. it makes my heart melt knowing u cant really be here to laugh again. a lot of my friends know u, not that well, but they knew u. and remember vivianna? my friend who had a major crush on u when we were younger. when i told her, she hung up on me. the next day she called back and said she didnt want to here it. she said she couldnt listen to it. cece was really supportive of our family. she came over almost everyday and on the day u passed, she brought us starbucks and she spent the night w/ cilla. cilla really loves u i have never seenher cry. but that night she didnt want to see me cuz she knew she would cry even more. i miss it when we used to scare cilla and she would scream as we laughed at her, and when u tried to teach me how to play football. priscilla was on the powder puff football team. her nick name or the name on her jersey was killa. i miss it when u would kick my butt playing video games. and how we used to watch the replay of how badly i crashed. i remember on some days u would play easy and let me win. in 6th grade i was so sad in class cuz there is a kid named isaiha who reminds me so much of you. we goto middle school together now. he is my best friend. i wsh we could do all the things we used to . but we cant until many years from now when i join you in the arms of our father, in heaven. luv u lots dee
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Nov 13, 2006 17:19:32 GMT -5
Dive Into the Sky
10/19/2006
I want to leave this world behind, my son, and join you up on High, have why I'm here on earth be done, and dive into the sky.
I want to dive into the sky, my boy, and see your shining face, that's filled with all of heaven's joy, beyond all time and space.
I miss you, oh, so much, my bud, in every hour and mile, my heart's a hollow, empty flood that mourns without your smile.
Oh, that my eyes could see through tears and glimpse the realm you live; Oh that my lips could find your ears, love whispers would they give.
Were that my arms dimensions long, I'd reach to touch your face, or hold you close where you belong within your dad's embrace.
Oh, David, son, my precious prize, I long to know your mind, what things pass by your spirit-eyes, your thoughts of any kind.
And only just to hear your voice, your special laugh out loud; oh, how my heart would sing, rejoice! were such as these allowed.
I want to be the wind, my son, and drift beyond man's sight, where Jesus, you, and me are one, and everything's alright.
I miss you all the waking hours of every single day, My love and grief are soaring towers, and neither go away.
Mere words, I find, can scarcely tell, the measure of my heart, which loves you deep though you now dwell beyond, and we're apart.
But one day, boy, yes, one sure day, I'll walk that final mile, where souls march down some long hallway, past heaven's own turnstile!
I'll see again that happy smile, I'll grab each rosy cheek, I'll hug again your smooth, agile, and muscle-filled physique.
We'll laugh and play have the fun that we had every day before your time on earth got done, before you went away.
Each day such beckonings invade my heart, my soul, my mind; my quest for you remains unswayed, but I remain confined.
That I could melt into a cloud and join the blissful throng, as you all sing both long and loud a 'praise to Jesus' song!
That once again we both would feel the heart we both did share, oh, how I wish that it were real, that I was with you there!
Oh, David, oh, my precious child, my heart still to you pours, as still the tempest crashes wild upon these earthly shores.
If only I could find a path whose stones led to your feet. I'd suffer any raging wrath for you and I to meet.
My son, my child, my very heart, if there was ANY way to bridge what now keeps us apart, I'd be with you today.
Until such day, as from your birth, God loved you through my care, as long as I am on this earth, I'll love you through Him there.
With all my heart, Your Dad.
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mom
New Member
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Post by mom on Nov 18, 2006 17:08:07 GMT -5
My beloved David,
I now know what Mary, the mother of Jesus, must have felt when Jesus was just a boy. Scriptures say she pondered all these things in heart in describing the amazing things Jesus said and did as a child, like when he was talking to teachers about God. There is a quiet confidence that comes from trusting a loving God. Part of it is wonder and awe because of who God is, with characteristics like no other and with abilities like no other. He is so worthy, so beyond our ways and His wisdom so complete. He allowed you to leave this world; His plan is sovereign and solid even through the pain of those who are left behind. I trusted the Father to look after you, heal you when you were hospitalized as a tiny baby, to provide for you, to encourage you, to teach you, lead you and to reveal Himself to you so here and beyond life on earth. You were my sweet son, but you were also my dearly beloved brother in Christ. On your 13th birthday, I picked out a card for you that expressed how fortunate I was to have been in the same time and space as you. I could see that you had grown so much, not just physically, but in intellect and in spirit as well. It said,"Just think, you're here not by chance but by God's choosing. His hands formed you and made you the person you are. He compares you to no one else - you are one of a kind. You lack nothing that His grace can't give you. He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation."
This Thanksgiving, I pause for a moment to give thanks to the Father for the special gift that you were and continue to be to me. I would have loved to have seen you on your 14th birthday and to continue to see you grow as a godly man. But then again, you were always 'the man' even as a child. You had a grown up way about you at times- so responsible, determined, strong, very capable. Other times, you were just full of life, laughter, and joy. If you were to leave a legacy in my life, I'd ask the Lord to give me the loving and joyful spirit you had. Maybe someday I can tell stories like you.
Thank you, David, for being such a bright shining star. I admired you, I love you, and I can't wait to see you again. You are probably wishing we were there with you just as we wish you were here with us. I have a quiet confidence that you are happy where you are because of Who is with you. I miss you every single day. It's not the same without you. I'll just ponder those happy times and memories in my heart.
You are my heart, Mama
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