Happy heavenly birthday Greg. You are missed

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Greg!

uncle Greg I will always miss you it is Jacob you are turning 30 and you will always be in my hart.

Happy birthday Greg. Love you and miss you, every single day.

Well, Happy Birthday Gregory. Hope there are celebrations in heaven and that you are having the time of your life. We are doing your Birthday memorial dinner on Saturday because people are a little under the weather today. Of course, we want everyone to be able to go.

Our family has grown over the past year, by two. You have two new nephews. Both adorable and both named after you. Breaks my heart that they will never be able to get to know their Uncle Greg.

Charlee is precious and truly a breath of fresh air. She really is her daddy's girl. She says goodnight to your picture and we sing daddy's song every time she stays here.

I miss you every day. Everything is still unbelievable to me. I hope you're with family and happy and that the afterlife really does exist.

Love you always.

Greg,
33. That's how old you'd be today on earth. Celebrate in heaven with a nice cold brewski, and I'll cheers you to that.

Greg,

This note is long overdue. I was beyond proud to call you my Brother In-Law. When we first met we both we're unsure about each-other but as time pasted we both grew to like, admire and appreciate one another. I could always call you in a pinch and you wouldn't hesitate to help without notice. It was so amazing watching you become a father and I promise and vow even though it's gone unspoken for the past several years that I will always be there for Charlie- thick and thin no matter what. You we're the best Uncle my boy's could have ever asked for and I love a miss you always. I'm sure your watching with pride and joy being part of our family how it continues to grow in your honor.

Tom

Gregory, another birthday has come and gone. So wish you were here for it. We all went out to dinner to acknowledge the day as it is so important to all of us; and always will be. We all miss you.
Charlee was such a good girl tonight. She reminds me so much of you. Every time she falls down she jumps up and says I'm OK I'm OK.
Who does that remind you of? She is so darn cute and smart. Also she is quite the entertainer. I know that you must be so proud of her. Well, I'm going to end with that for now. Love you and Happy Birthday, mom

well this has been a long time coming. I've been trying for the last 2 years to leave some sort of tribute on how this full of life young man in such a short period of time touched my life. He is the same age as my oldest son , and I almost lost my son in 2007. My heart just aches for you as his mom and all of his family. His precious daughter and of course Dani who I know lost part of her heart that day also. I worked with Greg at Collision Revision and was only able to work with him for 6 mos. before I was laid off, but my gosh what a genuine , so sweet, a bit of an old soul, so full of wisdom young man he was. I know how much he loved life, listening to him and the friends on their time out of work, and his dedication to his dad when he was in the hospital, and one day I remember how Dani made him laugh, and it was a full blown belly giggle that made me laugh just listening to them make each other laugh. I never spent time with him out of work , but really enjoyed his company , admired his work ethic, and as I said was just so genuinely kind. The first year after he passed away there wasn't a day that went by , that even if it was for just a second that I thought of him, so again to try to imagine what you go through every day is difficult. I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain just a bit and all I have is to tell you what an amazing young man you raised, and to know his spirit will live on in that little angel he made. From the very bottom of my heart I am so very sorry for all of you that he is gone and will remember him for the entire rest of my life. He made me realize you cant control the uncontrolled circumstances that come into life and to just take a breath and it will all work out how its supposed to. My love and prayers for your continued strength to you and your whole family.

I passed by Greg's memorial on the I&M Canal today. Didn't know him but I could tell he was loved. My condolences and I will say a prayer every time I pass by his cross.

Greg, I know I'm a little late on the birthday greetings. Just wanted to stop by and say I miss ya, and your lil girl is getting so big! She looks a lot like you to me. You're missed very dearly here on this earth. I know you look down upon us, your mom, dad, sisters, nephews and daughter. Cheers to you Greg. <3

We celebrated Charlee's 1st Birthday last Saturday. It was quite the event. She's such a beautiful little girl, Greg. I know you would have been beaming if you had been there. So proud. You were missed by so many. The day wasn't complete for me without you there. Your absence is still like a white elephant in the room. Love you so much and am missing you always. Love mom

Most people would probably think that your family is nuts for doing this, but we had our 4th of July celebration at the cemetery. I guess those who really knew you wouldn't expect anything else. I try so hard to carry on without you and be normal at all of these celebrations but the truth is nothing is normal anymore. Everything we used to do has changed because we're still desperately trying to include you. None of us can stand the thought of letting go. I miss you so.

Just today Jacob asked Samantha, " When you die, do you come back?" She said no when someone dies they never come back. He said "But Uncle Greg will be here for Christmas. I know he left but I thought he would come home for Christmas." Breaks my heart.

Charlee is 8 months old today. She is just beautiful. Has a lot of you in her and she still has blue eyes just like her daddy. We show her your picture all the time and she smiles. I think she has seen you in her dreams. Love you and miss you.

Your baby girl is being Baptized today. So wish you were here for it. I know you will be with her today as you are everyday. Just wish you were here for the rest of us. We all are missing you. Love mom

Well Gregory, it's Memorial Day. Not a special day for me because I feel that every day is memorial day. I'm thinking about you and remembering things you've done all the time. Sometimes that's all that gets me through the day. I'm still living one day at a time. Sometimes and hour at a time. Just two days ago I was buying meat for this weekend and was contemplating how much I would need. I'm saying to myself well Gregory will eat two. Then it hits me again and it feels like my heart drops in my chest. Then I cry, again. I miss you so much.

I am giving all the girls, your dad, Tom, the boys and of course Charlee a few things to have in your memory. I hope you agree with what I have done and I hope they like it.
 
The four months since you passed have been almost unbearable. I try to keep my act together but it's just so hard. Trying very hard to stay busy and that helps some. Please know you are never out of my mind because no matter what I'm doing; I'm thinking of you. Love you always. Mom

Four months. I miss you like crazy.

We had Jakey's birthday party a couple weeks ago. It's the first one of the kids' parties that you ever missed. You would have been late- like HOURS late. But you would have been there. I especially missed you after everyone left. After all the other family was gone, the house felt so empty. You were always the last to go home. I miss talking to you, I miss how hard you could make me laugh. I miss fighting with you! Just everything. It still doesn't seem possible that any of this happened.

I love you.

Greg-

Three months. I can't believe it. It could have been three hours. Time is moving so fast, and standing still, all at once.

I had a dream about you last night. It was so vivid, I woke up and couldn't believe you weren't here. I haven't been able to shake that feeling all day. I was interrupted, and I tried so hard to go back to sleep, so I could find out what you were saying, but I couldn't. All I remember is your face.

Sunday was Easter. I know it was far from your favorite holiday, and so I didn't think it would be as hard as it was, but the celebration of spring time and resurrection was just another reminder that life goes on, whether you want it to or not. At breakfast with the boys searching for their Easter eggs in our house, I couldn't help but think about you, at breakfast, searching for Easter eggs with them. Mom had an Easter egg hunt in her front yard later in the day, and I remembered the last time she did that, and where you were standing, watching them. Dave was actually standing in that exact spot for a few minutes, and it made me so irrationally mad at him, because he's not supposed to be standing there, you are. I know it's ridiculous. But then, this all seems pretty ridiculous to me. You being gone is ridiculous. Me leaving messages for you on a website is pretty ridiculous too, but it's all I have, so what the hell? (It does make me smile a little though, that with as "technologically challenged" as you were, there is probably a better chance that you will see this now. than if I had left this for you when you were here.)

I went to the accident site with Dani. I go there a lot, but it was the first time in a couple months I had been there with her. Kevin's parents made a cross for you, and put it up near the tree, on the bank of the canal. I'm not sure how you would have felt about that, but it is beautiful. It made me cry, but at the same time, it was hard not to laugh- it just doesn't seem real. I see these crosses all the time, and I often wonder about who put them there, who they are for, what happened. But the idea that this one represents you- that it marks the spot that was the beginning of your end- just seems impossible. It's surreal. I keep waiting, and wanting, to wake up.

Life goes on. I keep telling myself that, because I know that's what you would be saying- we have to live. I think in a lot of ways, we've probably been disappointing you lately. But to be fair, you never had to do this. I'm trying. We're trying. The boys are still trying to come up with ways to get you back- most of their plans involve airplanes and robbing blood banks and flying to heaven. They would be hilarious if they weren't so heartbreaking. Sometimes, there will be a few days when they aren't talking about it much, and I will start wondering if maybe they are doing better. Then out of no where, one of them will say something, or ask a question, and it's so clear to me how much they are hurting. It's hard to see them that way, and not be able to fix it. They miss you so much. So do I.

Bye for now. Love you-

Sam

Happy Easter bud!! Spent some time with your family and your beautiful baby girl Charlee. Boy is she a doll. I gave her a two piece swim suit!! Whoops not your style but know she's in good hand down here as my little baby is good hand up there with you!! Miss ya bud! P.S enjoy that corona I left for ya

We've had so many firsts in the three short months since you left us. My birthday, your sister's birthday, valentines day, of course, your birthday and we just celebrated Jacob's 4th. Each and everyone of them came and went but none of them were what they should have been. I expect that Easter will be no different. You've left a very large hole in our family. We're trying very hard to carry on with things without you, but it is so hard. You've haven't left my mind or my heart no matter what I'm doing and you never will. I miss you so much each and every day. Happy Easter. Love you always

I just miss you.

Thought about you a lot today Gregory. You and my dad. I miss you both so much. Made me remember a conversation we had right after he passed away. You surprised me. It was a nice talk, you were very sympathetic and understanding. You really lifted my spirits even if for just a little while. For that moment, I felt better. I will always remember the compassion you showed me that day. Thank you. Love you.

He didn't visit often but we always had fun. Like when Bernie got married in Buffalo. After the reception and everyone had gone to bed we realized we didn't know where our rooms were. It didn't take long before a wheelchair left by the front door caught our attention. I think we raced it down every hallway before the hotel staff found us and politely asked us to go to our rooms. One day the memories will replace the pain and our thoughts of him will bring smiles without tears.
Thanks for teaching me how to back flip on the trampoline. I'll never forget my favorite cousin.

Greg,

Thinking back we had some fun times in the neighborhood... I remember all of us trying to box you while you had a helmet on and Leverson ending up breaking his finger, you were always the toughest dude I knew. I also remember the time I went to New York with you and your family and you came to Jersey with me, we had some good times when we were younger. Even though we did not keep in touch as often as we should have you still came to my wedding and that really meant a lot to me. Anyone who ever met you was touched in some way. You taught me a lot and will be forever missed.

Jared

Greg,

You were the most courageous and genuine person that I have ever met. The first day I met you in the neighborhood I thought to myself, this kid is fearless. I still think about all the good times we had growing up and what a great friend you were. I'm glad I had the chance to grow up with you and be friends with you. I'm still very sad that you had to leave us. My heart goes out to your family.

Pat

Greg,

Happy Birthday! You will be forever missed. Prayers and thoughts will your entire family and all your friends. 

Leeann

Greg
     You left a void the can never be filled as I was out celebrating your birthday with are friends I look at your sisters and dani and see how bad they are hurting inside it kills me that I have absolutely nothing to say to them or your parents about this terrible tragedy all I can think of is that you left a little angel for us named charlee! Love you kid.

MO
        JUST STARTED MY JOB MONDAY AND I THINK I OWE IT TO YA!!!! ITS THE FIRST PLACE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SATELLITE BRIDGE WHERE WE SPENT MANY OF NIGHTS AND HAD MILLIONS OF OF GREAT TIMES!! I PULLED OUT OF THE INTERVIEW AND THE FIRST SONG THAT CAME ON IS DRINK A BEER AND ALL I COULD DO IS LOOK AT THE SKY N CRY! THANKS FOR POINTING ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION BUD!LOVE YA BUD

Yesterday I thought several times about posting a tribute, but I couldn't find the words for some reason. The weather was beautiful here in Cincinnati, and I kept thinking what a perfect day it would have been for a birthday (especially a 30th birthday). I found peace in thinking that Greg was having a wonderful birthday in Heaven - and that Patty Mosher was hosting the party. Greg, Diana, Danielle Friend, Charlee, Danielle, Samantha, Tom, Andrew, and Jakey - my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Happy Birthday Gregory! I wish you were here to celebrate with your family. You are missed more than you will ever know. I have a lot of happy memories of you when we were little. I look forward to meeting your sweet baby girl.
Lots of love, Shannon

Happy Birthday Gregory! Never in a million years did I ever expect to be wishing you a Happy Birthday on a website such as this. I feel like I saw you last just yesterday. I guess, for me, time is standing still. I couldn't possibly let your Birthday pass without some sort of celebration. In your honor we are going to celebrate this day with a few of your closest friends and of course all of us; your family, who loves you so much and is missing you dearly. We are having all your most favorite foods: my fried potatoes that you and your dad would always fight over, tuna burgers that you and your dad would always fight over, BW's that you and your dad would always fight over, mini hot dogs and of course we're going to top it all off with funfetti cupcakes. Sure wish you were here to enjoy all of this with us. Happy Birthday again. Please know that I am missing you so much right now.

Love you, mom

Today is your 30th Birthday. It just feels so unfair that you are not here to celebrate with all of the people that love you. The last time I saw you, you were rolling around on the floor wrestling with Andrew and Jakey. You were their hero and their excitement when you came through the door reminded me of kids on Christmas morning. There is a Gregory shaped hole in the family that no one else can fill. I am thinking of you today and every day. You were a gift to all those that knew you and loved you. You are desperately missed!!! Love Aunt Grace

30! Holy cow Greg you old fart! :) I know I'm not too far behind ya though. I know it's not easy for anyone on this day who knows you.. even though it's been a while since I last had words or a conversation with Greg he's still family. I pray for that precious baby of. his to grow up knowing how awesome, loving, and caring of a father she had in him. I pray for my Aunt Di and Uncle and Samantha and Danielle..who I'm sure are battling their own tears daily. I pray every day for all of you and as much as it hurts and angry you get it's ok. he's in good hands...He is watching over us every night and day. And especially today on his birthday..he's with you all on this day laughing eating and sitting with you. love you all and wanted to say Happy birthday to you Greg! <3

This site is so beautiful and yet so sad. I didn't know Greg for very long but liked him very much. We worked for the same Co. He was so nice and full of life. The last time I saw him he was so very excited about becoming a Dad. It just breaks my heart that he wont see his beautiful baby girl grow up. My heart goes out to your family. He will forever be missed and loved by many. He was a great person.......Only the good die young. Happy Birthday and RIP

Happy birthday brother. I wish you were here to celebrate with us. I'm really trying to make today a celebration of everything you were for almost 30 years, but it's hard for me to do that right now without mourning everything I've lost. The boys miss you so much, and this is so impossible to explain. Jakey told me at the cemetery this morning that he just wants to hug you, and when Andrew reminded him that your soul is gone, and all that is left is your shell, Jakey said "Can I just hug his shell?" Andrew jumped right on board with that plan, and wanted to know why I couldn't make that happen. They just want you back, any part of you that they could hold on to, and so do I. I keep hoping I'm going to wake up and this is going to turn out to be some long, terrible nightmare. 

Today is a hard day, because it's your birthday; but truthfully every day that you aren't here is a hard day, so maybe it's not all that different. I'm having a difficult time coming up with anything new to say, so I'm going to leave the letter I read to you at your funeral. Everything is the same, only now, I miss you more. I love you bro.

**************************


Dear Greg,

I keep finding myself wishing that you were here. You were always so good in a crisis. Of course if you were here, there wouldn’t be a crisis. But you could have gotten us through this. 

One of my favorite memories that I have of you was at my wedding. It was before the ceremony, and things were falling apart. Danielle was crying, mom and Jade were trying to calm her down, there was a problem with the photographers, Dad was celebrating a little early, people were arguing… and then there was you. You came over with a drink, sat down with me, and said “What’s everyone freaking out about? They’re acting like there’s a wedding or something going on today!” And we sat in the sun, drinking and talking about nothing, and I felt completely peaceful with this chaos swirling all around us. You were a rock. And now I feel like I have a hole in my heart.

You and I never agreed on much. Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that we came from the same parents. We could argue and debate for hours, and because we were both blessed with dad’s stubborn streak, we often did. But one thing I always respected about you is that you listened to me. Even when you didn’t agree, even when you thought you never would agree, you still listened. And as much as I may have disagreed with some of the things you had to say, I have to admit it is pretty admirable how well you could stick to your guns. You were not a person who caved to pressure, in any circumstances, and not many people can say that. You were always true to yourself. You didn’t feel that need to be liked, the way so many people do- you weren’t changing for anyone, and if you felt something needed to be said, you said it, regardless of the consequences. A lot of times that made me angry. Sometimes it hurt. But I could trust you to tell me the truth. 

That is why a compliment meant so much more to me coming from you than it would have meant coming from just about anyone else in my life. I really doubt you had any idea how much I loved having your praise or approval. When I ran the marathon a few months ago, I had so many people congratulating me and saying how proud or impressed they were. I never expected that from you. But when I got that message from you late that night, I must have read it five or six times. And it’s not just now that you are gone- even then it meant more to me than what anyone else had to say.

My boys adored you. They idolized you. You taught them so many things, wrestling moves and take downs, all that boy stuff that their mom just isn’t very good at. They loved watching you work on your car, your snowmobile, and playing with all your big boy toys. You were always so good at letting Andrew “help”, and making sure that Jacob was included.  At different times, they have both bragged to me about how “manly” you are. And honestly, until a few months ago I thought that those kinds of things were what your relationship with them revolved around. Then one day I was passing by a room upstairs and saw you and Jacob curled up on the bed, cuddling. You were reading him stories, and he was asking you all kinds of questions, and you didn’t even seem to mind that he was interrupting you every three words you read to him. I stood out in the hallway watching you for a very long time, I don’t know if you knew that. That’s another memory that I am holding very close to my heart these days. I hope you know how much they love you. 

I was so surprised yesterday by the number of people who I didn’t know, people that didn’t know me, but they knew my boys’ names.  Over and over again I heard how Andrew and Jacob were all you ever talked about, and so all these people who were strangers to me came to know my sons through you. While I never doubted that you loved them, the depth of that love caught me off guard. It both warmed my heart, and broke it, because it really drove home how much my kids have lost. I promise that I will not let them forget. I am determined to keep every happy memory they have of you alive. My dream is that as your daughter grows, my boys will be able to share you with her, in the same way that you shared my boys with so many people in your life. I want so badly for her to know you as they did.

I was so excited when I found out that you were going to be a parent. Not just because I wanted to be an aunt, but because it gave us something in common. And while I knew from day one that we probably would not agree on many things, at least we were going to be part of the same club. I was so excited for you, to know the joy of having a child. And while I was thrilled to hold her for the first time, it’s the first time that I watched you hold Charlee Rae that I will never forget. I was so proud of you. And I could see our kids growing up together over the years, and us having that connection through our children. And now just 2 ½ months later, you’re gone. You’re just gone, and it’s so unfair.

I have worried about you for as long as I can remember. I was your big sister, you were my little brother, and I felt an instinctual need to protect you. You “fearlessly lived life to the fullest”. We both know what that means. It drove me crazy. I was so scared for you so many times in the last twenty-nine years. But at the same time, with all you have been through, and all you have survived, at some point you started to seem invincible. I still worried, but in the back of my mind I always knew that no matter what happened, you would probably come out on top. Maybe you thought you were invincible too. When Dad called me Wednesday night to tell me you had been hurt, I jumped out of bed right away and told him that I would meet him at the hospital. He said I didn’t have to come, and to be honest I didn’t want to come, I was exhausted- but I needed to come. I needed to see you. I needed to know that you were okay. And then I would probably yell at you, again, but then least I could go home and go to sleep knowing that you were okay. Rushing to the hospital, I tried to prepare myself for the worst case scenarios: Were you wearing a helmet? What if you had gotten another brain injury? How long would the recovery take? What about broken bones, or if God forbid you had broken your back again? My mind never went to that place where I was never going to see you, or hug you, or hear your voice again. It just didn’t seem possible. It still doesn’t. I keep waiting for you to walk through the door.

I’m sorry that I’m so mad at you for not being here. I’m sure that doesn’t seem fair to you. But from the moment that dad came running around that corner in the hospital, screaming that you had died, I have been surrounded and swallowed by a pain that is so intense that it hurts to breathe. I’m afraid it’s never going to go away. And there are so many things going on right now; things that in any other family crisis I come talk about with you. And you’re gone, and I’m lost, and I am so angry at you for that. I’m sorry but I just can’t help it right now.

I do know that you would be here if you could.

I am so sorry that this happened. You deserved so many more years. And so did Charlee, and Dani, and the boys, and the rest of us. We were having a hard time yesterday, getting it together enough to let people come in and say goodbye to you. Dad cracked a joke that we should just let everyone know that we were “running on Greg Mosher time”. But the truth is we weren’t running late. By my estimation we are at least 40 or 50 years early. 

I thought I had so much more time. 

I miss you bro. I’ll see you again someday.

Love you forever,

Samantha

Mo,

Last summer we were out at the shop hanging out, you zippin around on the mini bike, and me, well I was rippin through the mud in my Subaru... I remembered I still had the video you took of me doing this, and I was hoping I would be able to hear your laughter, or that maybe you turned the camera around for a minute, and I would be able to see that grin on your face. I remember you laughing at my expense, as I beat up my car for us to have some Saturday entertainment. Unfortunately I couldn't hear your laughs, over the sound of the mini bikes engine rumble... Times like these were ones that seemed more fun than just about anything else. Just having good fun, and not worrying about work, or whatever else one may worry about. If I ever decide to drink alcohol again, my first drink will be a shot of pickle juice, followed by a shot of whiskey. Just for you Mo. Haha

Happy Birthday, Greg, we all sure miss you, the family won't be the same without you. When I was with your family, I quickly saw how much of an impression you left on everyone you met. You always did, even as a little guy. Greg, you sure hit the jackpot w.ith Dani, She is a sweetheart and a great mom to your precious Charlee! This website is very nice, I hope it helps your mom and family to get through this terrible time and to know how much the rest of your family loves you and all of them. Love Aunt Gayle( I am going to introduce Charlee to your rainbow sherbert as soon as she is old enough!

Gregory, I looked up the meaning of your name and I was interested to find out that it means "watchful". I thought how true it is because I've always seen you as such an observant/watchful person. I believe you always saw the best in people (especially the underdog) and I've witnessed you drawing that out of others. I wish I could have spent more time with you. What I'll say about the time I did spend with you is that I was taught some valuable lessons about family, honor, and courage. God gave you a mind to see things from a different perspective & to see another side to the story that others would often overlook. I think that's what made you so relatable, you could put yourself in someone else's shoes. You were a protector and that's how I'll always remember you. I love you, Happy Birthday Gregory.

Well Gregory I did it. I made it through your party tonight. You would be proud of me. Now, with everyone gone, I sit here in the quiet crying once again. I'm finding it so painfully hard to get through this. I still can't believe that this happened. It just seems so unfair. You had a plan and it was a good one. You're such a good guy. Why? We are all struggling. You have no idea how much you're loved and missed right now. Happy Birthday one last time. 

Gregory, there will always be a special place in my heart for the little boy who changed my world forever. Thank you for that.

Love you now, and for always,

Mom

Hi Greg,

There are no words that could possibly explain how much I miss you already. I feel like my heart has shattered into a million pieces, and there is nothing that will ever fix that. I’m in such a state of shock. After everything you’ve been through and everything we’ve been through as a family, I had grown to believe you were invincible. There wasn’t a thing in the world that could keep my big brother down.
I’ll never forget the times we spent together. As kids we played and laughed. We fought and forgave. We were exactly what siblings were supposed to be. We went through a lot of rough times after your accident. There’s no denying the changes you went through and how hard it was for all of us. It took years to adjust to the new situation and to grow to understand you again. But, as a family, we made it through. In part, this is because of your great strength and tenacious character. You never gave up. Just days after being told you may never walk again you were pushing your walker down the halls of the hospital. After having to relearn things as simple as tying your shoes and writing your name, you still managed not only to graduate high school, but to move on to college and do well at it. As with the rest of your life, you would never let somebody tell you that you couldn’t do something. This also shows the strength of our family and the unconditional love we have for one another. We don’t turn our backs on each other when times get tough, and we never go down without a fight. I have to be honest with you though Gregory, without you here, I don’t know how we’re going to make it through this one.

We’ve always been so protective of each other, and I’ve loved that about our relationship. Many people refused to give you the benefit of the doubt. People were always jumping to the wrong conclusions about you, and I’ve always felt compelled to defend you. Even if I was complaining about some stupid thing that you had done (probably for the hundredth time), the people I talk to know better than to dare say something bad about my brother. I can do that. They can’t.

I’ve always thought it was adorable how protective you were of me. It caused arguments at times, but deep down I loved it. Whether maintaining my car that is running more on divine intervention than on gas or making sure the wrong guys stay as far away from me as possible, you’ve always looked out for me. One of my favorite memories of you is from when my appendix ruptured a couple of years ago. I was lying in my hospital bed feeling so depressed about everything. My second night there, you rented movies and came to spend the night with me to try to cheer me up. It was only right, wasn’t it? After all, how many hours and days did we all spend at your bedside in that same hospital? Unfortunately, having always been the patient and never the visitor, you didn’t really understand how that side worked. When you got tired of sitting in that straight back chair, you crawled onto the cold floor next to my bed and spent the night. I had extra pillows. I had extra blankets. I also knew from experience that the chair you were sitting in reclines into a half-way decent bed. I was just too high on painkillers to let you in on the secrets of surviving as a visitor in the hospital. Sorry about that. To this day, when I remember what you looked like lying face-down on that dirty floor just so you could be close to me, it still brings a smile to my face. I will never forget that.

I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that I loved you nearly enough. I know you knew, just like I know you loved me. Still, I would give anything to go back in time and say it every chance we had. I can only hope that you understood how proud I was of you and how much you meant to me.

You were always so good with people. You’d try so hard to come across as a tough guy, but those who really knew you know what a kind heart you had. I know you’d kill me for saying this, but you were just a big teddy bear. You loved with everything in you and gave without expectation of reward. You helped everybody you could in all the ways that you could.

I really admire the friendships that you maintained throughout the years. I don’t know how you did it, but people just seemed to flock to you. You have such a good group of guys here. I’ve always loved having them around. I’ve always enjoyed meeting your friends because I knew they were sure to be characters. I also loved that no matter how old we grew, you always introduced me to them as your little sister. I don’t know why, but it just made me smile inside. I thought it before, but I can say for sure now, you really knew how to pick them, Greg. Your friends have been so wonderful to us. I could never even begin to say how grateful I am that they are here. Whether they’re laughing and telling stories about the good old days or hugging me and crying with me, the energy in the room when they are with me makes me feel like you’re still here in some way. I feel like this is your way of still trying to help us through this crisis however you can.

I could never thank you enough for brining Danielle into our lives. She has truly been a blessing for our family. She balanced you out so well. From the day I met her, I knew she was a good fit for you and for us. I love her like she’s my own sister. And thank you for Charlee Rae. I am so sorry that you won’t be here to see her grow up. My heart hurts for you and for the rest of us. It’s just so unfair. Danielle is such a good mom. She’s going to be okay, but it wasn’t supposed to be this way. Your family was just getting started. I promise you we’ll take care of them though. You brought Danielle and Charlee into this family and we’re going to make sure they have the best life they can. I have never seen you happier than when I watched the three of you together. You all were meant to come together as a family, even if it was such a short time that you got to spend together. Charlee’s going to grow up knowing who her daddy was and how much he loved her. We will all make sure of that.

Love Always,

Your Little Sister

It snowed again today Greg. I know if you were here, you would be on cloud nine. I can just hear you, "Mom isn't this awesome, can't wait to get out there.

Gregory, 
You lit up my life in a way no one else ever could. I can only hope now that you know how much you mean to me. I wish I had told you I loved you more. I'm sorry that I took you for granted. The joy and laughter you brought to my life will be cherished forever through memories that will never be forgotten.

You went through so much in the short time you were with us. I lost you once but you found your way home. It was, at times, truly a struggle. Please know that I understand, it was as it was supposed to be. It made you the person you became. 

Through adversity, only strength, courage and wisdom will prevail.
You were the strongest person I know. You had the courage to overcome anything and wise beyond your years.

I miss you so much I hurt. Our family will never be the same. I can't imagine coming home and not tripping over something you left on the floor; and knowing that you will never bound through that door again is killing me. 

On tuna burger nights all those extra mouths to feed. I truly loved it. You knew your friends were always welcome. I hope they know they still are.

I loved that fact that we could talk about anything; and I mean anything. Sometimes it was painful and sometimes frustrating. Thinking back, I would not change a thing. I'm glad that you knew that you could come to me.

I often wondered what I was going to do with you and now I don't even know where to begin without you. You left a hole in my soul that just can't be fixed right now. I can only hope that time will ease my pain. 

I know you know this, but Dani and Charlee are part of us and they always will be. I loved Danielle from the moment I met her and that beautiful baby girl of yours, Charlee; you know how much she means to me. However short it was, I'll always cherish the time the three of us spent together in the evenings. I loved having your family with us. Thank you for giving me such a precious gift. I see a lot of you in her and that gives me strength.

The last conversation we had, we talked about Charlee. I promise you, I'll make it happen. You know what I'm talking about.

Greg I know you got picked on about this, a lot, but I loved the fact that you were a momma's boy.

R.I.P. my son
I love you with all my heart, mom