Christmas will never be the same without dad. He created so many wonderful Christmas memories for Mom, Jo, me and our families. He touched so many lives with his strength, humor and love. Wish he was here for our sake but he is spending Christmas with Jesus...pretty awesome! Forever missed and forever loved!

I remember you playing volleyball in Mom's front yard in town with the other uncles and the kids. Maybe it was Mjyke's graduation, I don't recall, but I do recall the complaints afterward about sore muscles in a few day. I get it now, unfortunately! It's the little memories that time let's take over. They sneak back at unsuspecting moments and make one laugh or cry or both. Each is precious, Uncle. All yours have little smiles attached.

I agree with mom. :) Christmas will never be the same. I try to be "merry", but, GOSH, it is hard without you here. We will make it a good one, though, I promise...

When I went to church Sunday I was very sad remembering your
funeral service. The church is so beautifully decorated for Christmas
just as it was on December 27, 2011. Sure wish we could spend
one more Christmas together. I put a wreath on your grave in
remembrance. Love you forever.

Our family was blessed with so much love. Uncle Don, you have always been a part of our lives since i can remember - from the time you stayed with our family when i was very young...to being there for Mom after our Dad died, for us when Mom passed away...and throughout my adult life. Even when you were sick, your love and humor still showed through. Thank you for being such a wonderful Uncle. You are missed more than you could know.

I'll love you forever Don. Christmas will never be the same
without you.

Wednesday was Randi's birthday. She is 21 already. She misses you so much, Papa. We all do. This is a hard time of year. I remember just how sick you were, and I am glad your suffering is over, but I wish you were here to hear all my stories about my students and tell me how blessed I am to have them.

Love you, Daddy. Miss you forever. JO