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Post by Van Vradenburg on Jan 6, 2011 21:25:12 GMT -5
Well, son, it has now been five years since we last sat down and spent some time talking...it was the night before you moved to heaven and we were sitting in front of the heater warming up...and just talking. I remember that conversation, son. How I wish there were more since then, but that isn't to be.
I miss you always, David. All the time. I love you just as much today as I ever have, which is with my entire heart, and I long to see you again.
Thank you for being such a special person. You brought me such great joy every day of your life.
I miss you.
-Your dad
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Post by dronholmes on Jul 13, 2011 18:49:46 GMT -5
Dear David,
I am now 18 years old, when we were best buds I was around 5. I still remember to this day all the times we use to race and compete at Monterey bay christian school, you would constantly beat me but yet you were still my best friend. I wont ever forget you and your cool dad's passion for the packers and how nice of a man he was. I don't understand why things like this happen, but I guess God needed another Angel. You will always be in my mind and in my heart.
Your old friend, D'Ron Holmes
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Sept 8, 2011 20:36:57 GMT -5
Well, David, it is the start of the 2011 NFL season today...and the first game is at Lambeau. How well I remember when we were there...wish we were there again tonight. Miss you, bud.
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Dec 26, 2011 2:58:02 GMT -5
Merry Christmas, son.
2011 almost gone. I'm almost another complete year closer.
Miss you always.
Love you so.
Your dad.
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Oct 6, 2012 21:02:35 GMT -5
Happy Birthday, David! You are 20 years old today, October 6, 2012. Today I was remembering some of your birthday parties. One of my favorites was your cammo party when you head all your little friends out in their army clothes, camouflage, etc. and everyone played army on the tunnels we carved out through that thick brush out back. You had fun that day. All of us did. You liked your birthday. SO much that you even made a song about birthdays...which I certainly won;t forget. You know how we celebrated today...by helping Steph and Michael move into their new condo. And we even got some help from Jessie. It was very special to sit around and share about you. And some of the other things God has done, right? I think I know what you asked God for for your birthday... Still loving you and missing you. -Dad
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Post by lauraweinbrenner on Jan 6, 2013 14:50:49 GMT -5
David,
I'm not even sure how I found this website or this page, but I think that I was supposed. As I sat in church today I found myself wanting to write a letter to you, in honor of tomorrow being the anniversary of you passing. How perfect that I would find a forum set up by your dad.
I like to think that the words I type are being prayed to God in Heaven who can deliver them to you. All I can think to say is that I love you and I miss you so much. Some of the hardest thoughts are the ones in which I wonder what life would have been like with you still here. Would we have gone to high school together like we planned? Would we have still be best friends? I hope and firmly believe that we would have. You would have been the captain/star of the football team and I would have been so happy to hold up signs for you in the bleachers.
What I do know for certain in that you changed my life- yes in your passing, but also in the two years of our friendship. You were the most joyous and spirit-filled boy I have ever met. Even at such a young age- which is so weird to look back on now because I realize how truly young we were- you were an example of a godly man. It just crushes me that the world didn't get to experience you grow even more in God with age.
Being thirteen in seventh grade seems so long ago, but I hold it so closely in my heart. Seven years seems so long without you, but I know I'll see you again. I sleep with your picture hanging on my wall- the one from my 13th birthday party where you're laying in the sand and making the most hilarious face- I think you hated that photo, but I'll always keep it because it a moment only the two of us shared. I kept the t-shirt from New York you gave me too. I proudly sport the 'Fiddler on the Roof' logo. I'm sure Domenick still has your half-ripped Subway Transit dollar too. I know he carries around your picture in his wallet.
David, I miss you so much. I miss your laughter most of all, and the way it used to fill the classroom. Thank you for being so wonderful and for making such and impact in my life.
If anyone from David's family ends up seeing this, especially Mr. V, Amy, or Lisa, thank you so much for raising the most amazing person I've ever met. Growing up, I've come to see and realize what a difficult task parenting is, and how much a parent impacts a child's life. Well you guys did it right, you really did. David's personality was the product of all the love you poured into his life, and I thank you for that.
David, I'll always carry you in my heart and hold you in honor.
Until we are reunited under God.. Love always,
Laura
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Post by isaacyu on Apr 7, 2013 17:58:27 GMT -5
David, I don't know if you remember me, but I remember you. I was in 8th grade when you were in 3rd or 4th. You visited the middle school campus often after school where your dad would hold after-school football games. You played with kids twice your size! Haha! I remember a time during P.E, you held a couple of kids down with a judo hold. I think it was the Kesa Gatame hold and they couldn't get up! I took judo for a couple years after I moved to Georgia. Got up to green belt! Your father would talk about you often during history class. He is so proud of you. I could tell by the way he always lit up and smiled when he talked about you. You are a very special boy. It must have been devastating to him when you left. I think it's safe to assume that you've touched many lives while here on this earth and even now, you touch mine. I'll see you one day. Hopefully get to know you a little better and see for myself why your dad always bragged about you. ^_^ Your brother in Christ, Isaac
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Oct 6, 2013 22:33:52 GMT -5
Happy Birthday, David!
Today is your 21st birthday. I wish I was at the celebration that is going on in heaven for you today. I don't know how things get recorded up there, but make sure you save a copy so you can show me how it went when I get there.
I can imagine who may be in attendance including your aunt, Arceli now. Of course I have to believe Mr. Oliva and Mr. Grover are joining. So you are in good company, at least.
You would be a junior in college this year. We wonder what you would look like if you were still here. We also wonder what you actually do look like and if you grow up in heaven or not. Too many mysteries for us to have any real ideas, but we do know that it is perfect, regardless. And I continue to be happy that you are in such an environment, I just miss you here.
Things aren't as painful these days. Looks like the worst part is in the past though I still don't like it and never will. Just really miss you, son. There is so much I'd love to share with you...which leads me to believe that you've got a few things you'd like to share with me...I can't wait for that to happen.
And today I think of other October 6's...like the day you were born. Like your very first birthday. Like quite a few others that come to mind. Each one was special because it was your day. As is today.
So if you can hear me, or at least read this from heaven, from across dimensions, Happy Birthday, David. Happy 21st Birthday.
Loving you always,
Your Dad.
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Jan 7, 2014 13:29:34 GMT -5
Hello, David
It has been eight years to the day since you moved to heaven. This very hour. Perhaps this very moment.
Seems like forever ago. And in another place and another time. I never made it back to those times. Have been somewhere else ever since. Not exactly by choice.
And yet in other ways, I've never left. Though seasons have passed and scenery has changed, I'm still standing there looking at you on the ground. In a tornado of implications and a flood of disbelief. And an endless hole.
I hate that eight years have passed since I saw you. Yet I am so glad that eight years are over.
I know I won't cry forever.
Thank you for the special gifts and reminders you have sent. We get it.
You know I miss you and love you dearly.
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Oct 6, 2014 14:36:56 GMT -5
Happy Birthday, David!
Today is your 22nd birthday.
Am remembering some of your other birthday parties. And wishing we were having another one today.
You would be in your senior year of college now, if that is the route you would have chosen to take. I often wonder exactly what path might have interested you. I think I know, but am not sure.
I remember the last time we celebrated your birthday together. What, when and where. I remember how you looked that day. That was nine years ago. A lot of water under the bridge since then. Lots of water. You'd recognize the landscape but the seasons have changed. It's a little more severe out. Actually, quite a bit more. And you would be able to identify such...you had really good vision in such areas. I remember when you were little guy when I first told you that some people believed that we evolved from apes...you laughed so hard...a deep belly-laugh with your head back. You knew. Well, its that. The nonsense. Up is down. Down is up. Right is wrong. Wrong is right. Trying to change truth by saying over and over it isn't true. And you know I'm not so fond of lies. Or liars. Had enough of both.
So am wondering how things work up there...if there is no time, how do birthdays work? Don't have that one figured out.
Nonetheless, it is your birthday today and I am wishing you all the best. I continue to miss you greatly. And will always love you with all my heart.
Happy Birthday, Son.
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Jan 7, 2015 19:24:19 GMT -5
Nine Years
Has it really been nine years my son Since I reached and touched your brow Since I said I'd see you when I'm done Has it been that long somehow?
Is it possible I've dreamt this all That the nightmare's in my head I'll awaken soon to someone's call And will find you here instead?
I cannot know what nine years is like Up in heaven where you are But on earth its one long uphill hike That is hard and sad and far.
Oh I miss you each and every mile Oh I miss your eyes, your face How I miss your hearty laugh and smile That I saw in every place.
But those places now are empty shells They are hollow dull and numb If I look that's where deep sorrow dwells So its where I now stay from.
Yes you'd laugh at what nine years has done To your now gray-haired old dad At my antics you would sure poke fun, Be embarrassed just a tad.
Life is not the same here as you knew Your departure left a hole And the hole's the lens that I see through With a different kind of soul
While I look and watch and wait until I'm allowed to pass on through On that final climb, up that final hill Where I'll be rejoined with you.
Miss you, David.
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Oct 6, 2015 16:08:17 GMT -5
Happy Birthday, David. You are 23 years old today. This would be your rookie year in the NFL. It has now been ten years since we last celebrated your birthday together. That one was your 13th. You didn't want much fuss so we all just went to Outback. I was thankful for you then and am thankful for the years/months/weeks/days/hours/minutes and moments I had with you. Every single one. You and I know how rich they were...filled with fun and laughs. I wonder how many more decades I have to do before we celebrate your birthday together again. You know what the answer would be if it were up to me... It's your birthday. Happy Birthday. Tick. Tock. One decade closer. Miss you always. Love you endlessly. Your Dad.
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Post by lcweinbrenner on Oct 7, 2015 1:49:39 GMT -5
You're not alone in thinking of him today, Mr. V.
I love to scroll the pictures of his happy, smiling face on his birthday. I remember celebrating 13 a decade ago. I think David likes to stay with me and remind me of the impact he had on my life, because I see 47 everywhere and in everything. It will forever be his number and I love the reminder I get when I see it.
Missing your family, Laura
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Dec 25, 2015 12:00:15 GMT -5
Merry Christmas, David. Ten years ago you got an XBOX 360 for Christmas. The fire was warm. It was a nice evening. I remember. Looking forward to when we get to spend them together again. I'm getting closer. Loving you always. Missing you until then.
Your dad.
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Post by Van Vradenburg on Jan 8, 2016 0:19:05 GMT -5
Ten years ago today you left this world for the next. I have missed you every hour of every day. Though my shadow moves along on this planet, and though some things have changed a bit and I am perhaps a shell of the person you knew when you were here, this has not changed: I love you and miss you with all my heart. There are still some things I cannot think about; some places my mind will not go. But I can remember the zillions of wonderful things we did together and how pleased and proud of you I have always been. I think of those things every day. You truly were the best kid I ever knew. You gave me so much joy and being your dad was an honor. So I am 3650 days closer to being with you, which is a long haul. I do not know how many more I have to do, but I know miss you until I see you.
By the way, while standing at your place today at the cemetery, I felt a strange sensation in my heart...was that you?
Loving you still,
Your dad.
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