ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Tabitha "Tabby" Nelson, 16 years old, born on August 13, 1994, and passed away on December 12, 2010. We will remember her forever.
August 13, 2022
August 13, 2022
Hello, Tabitha. It's me again, still hoping to somehow make you manifest yourself into a living, loving being again. Yet, knowing that is not going to happen. Still, those of us who love you and miss you so much have to hold out hope even against the impossibility of the real world. Happy birthday, Tabs. How we all wish you could be here with us one more time to blow out your candles, cut your cake, scoop your ice cream and share another jar of dill pickles! Hugs and kisses always, kiddo, from the Ball family.
December 13, 2021
December 13, 2021
Hello again Tabby. Each year this day becomes more and more difficult to navigate through. Wondering why you were taken from us so abruptly at such a young age and what we could have done better to help you. And imagining what all you would have accomplished by now. The pain of not having you here worsens each day, month and year that goes by. But just know you will never be forgotten Tabby. You greatly impacted so many lives and will always hold a special place in our hearts.
August 13, 2021
August 13, 2021
Happy 27th birthday in heaven Tabby. We love you and miss you so much.
August 13, 2021
August 13, 2021
Tabby, we wish with all our hearts that we could treat you in person to a beautiful cake with 27 candles and a big jar of pickles, sing you Happy Birthday and applaude as you blew out all the candles. But we understand that is not going to happen. But it should. If anyone of us could go back in time and stop you long enough to make sure you understood how important you were in our lives, how much you were loved and how much you would be missed if you did not change your mind... But that is wishful thinking, very wishful thinking. You are gone and we can do nothing about it other than keep your memory alive and support others who strive to honor your impact on their lives. We miss you, Tabby. We mss you and love you and want so very much to have you back with us. Until then, we just cope. Happy Birthday, Tabs, from the Ball Family.
December 14, 2020
December 14, 2020
It has been a chaotic and confusing month Tabby but I finally got things sorted out enough to where I could send you a quick hug and a kiss! Karen, Emily and I still miss you deeply and regret your passing with every fiber of our beings. Hugs and kisses and a ton of love and pickles,
The Ball Family
December 12, 2020
December 12, 2020
Tabby it's hard to believe it's been 10 whole years since you left this world. They say time heals all wounds but that is anything but true. I constantly feel pain for you and wish i had been able to do more to help you. You continue to be loved and missed by so many. May you continue to rest in peace Tabby and your memory will always live on.
August 13, 2020
August 13, 2020
Happy 26th birthday Tabby. It's hard to believe this is your 10th birthday not with us. I think about all the goals you wanted to reach and wonder what you would be doing now. But i hope you're doing well and hope you realize how much you're loved and missed still and will always be. Take care Tabby and I'll talk to you again soon.
August 13, 2020
August 13, 2020
Happy Birthday, Tabby!
The world has been a lesser place without you but it currently is caught up in chaos and anxiety. If Sponge Bob was here he would probably be in charge! We miss you, girl, and will forever and always.
The Ball Family
December 13, 2019
December 13, 2019
Nine years, Tabby. That's normally a long time but, ironically, in your case it seems like it has been quite short, maybe just a few weeks ago. But we know when we reflect on the passages of Christmases and birthdays that it was really nine years ago. I wonder, Tabby, what things you would be doing today is not for that tragic event so long ago. College graduate? Probably. Married? Likely. Still hanging with Emily and Helena?  Yeah, even with the distance between homes. Pets? Absolutely!

You changed the future for so many, Tabs, in ways you never thought about. Even in my life as I get steadily older, I still encounter every week the odd thought or incident which brings memories to the forefront of my consciousness, sadness to my heart and tears to my eyes. We miss you as much today as we did December 12 nine years ago, Tabby, and that will always be so. Merry Christmas, Tabs, you are well and truly loved,
The Ball Family
December 13, 2019
December 13, 2019
Hello again Tabby. This is a difficult day for all your family and friends and it seems each year that goes by your passing becomes more diffciult to cope with. We all love and miss you tremendously. Hope you are doing well from up above. Merry Christmas Tabby.
August 14, 2019
August 14, 2019
Happy Birthday Tabby. Hard to believe you would be 25 today. By now you would have accomplished so much and it saddens me deeply that you didn't get to live out your life and fulfill your dreams. But today is a day to celebrate the birth day of such a wonderful person who has impacted so many lives and continues to do so. So Happy Birthday Tabby. We love you.
August 13, 2019
August 13, 2019
Today, Tabby, between the temperature in the 90s and the humidity being high, the heat is sweltering and oppressive. I am sitting at home with the AC going strong thinking what a miserable day it is. Then I remembered this day was your birthday, would have been your 25th, and suddenly the day was no longer miserable but memorable. Your birthday marks the start of what might have been and your absence makes worldly problems seem insignificant compared to the pain of losing you! Happy Birthday, Tabs; we love you and miss you terribly,
December 13, 2018
December 13, 2018
Tabby, it has been eight years since you left us so suddenly. We have all missed you and would love to have you back in our lives again. My wish for Christmas is to wake up and find you sprawled on the floor in front of the TV with Emily, watching Sponge Bob and eating pickles! Know, Tabby, that you will always have a place in our hearts and are truly missed every day. Merry Christmas from Paul, Karen and Emily.
December 13, 2018
December 13, 2018
Tabby this is always tough but especially today and at this time of year. It's been 8 years now and the pain of losing you is just as deep as it's ever been. It was nice to see you again a few weeks ago and we promise we will visit you again soon. We love and miss you so much Tabby.
August 15, 2018
August 15, 2018
Oh, what might have been...
Happy birthday, Tabby, even if somewhat belated. Those you left behind still have a hole in their soul where the warmth of Tabitha the Young Woman should have been. Still, the time you gave us is still fresh in our memories and you will forever be remembered as the cute, impish little dynamo that shared your unending energy with the world. We miss you dearly, Tabs.
August 13, 2018
August 13, 2018
Happy Birthday Tabby.....hard to believe you are 24 now and I think alot about everything you would have accomplished by now in your young life. Today is a day of celebration as we were blessed with the gift of you entering this world and having a major impact on so many lives. I can always feel you still smiling down on us, even more so today as we celebrate you.
August 13, 2018
August 13, 2018
Happy birthday, Tabs. I still think about you all the time
February 26, 2018
February 26, 2018
I met Tabby when I was young... Maybe six or seven. She lived across the street from my aunt and uncle on Longview Drive in Tallahassee Fl. (Kate and Bill Calvin). When I visited we spent hours together. Running through the yards, making "potions", hiding from "snakes" (sticks) in the dips in the yard... when I left we became pen-pals. For years and years on end we wrote each other, even sent each other pictures of what we looked like so if we ever came across each other in Florida again we would recognize each other (two of which I still have, one is in a scrapbook of my best friends). Month after month and year after year the letters flew back and forth from Massachusetts to Florida and we talked about everything and anything... Until about 2010... I sent multiple letters and heard nothing... I didn't have much of anything for social media, so I never had her added anywhere, never even thought to look.In 2011 I gave up figuring maybe she had moved and lost my address. Now today, February 26, 2018, after seeing my Uncle Bill a few days ago and wondering about her and how she is doing, I found the article that broke my heart in half and I know why the letters stopped. My heart is breaking for her friends that knew her through more than just a few adolescent years and dozens of letters.

You were such a beautiful girl, Tabs. Say hello to my Uncle up in heaven, his name is Mike... You two will be best friends. He's a goof and loves making people smile, just like you. He passed away from cancer this past August... The day after your birthday actually... Find him and steal his hat for me
December 13, 2017
December 13, 2017
Tabby it's now been 7 years since you were abruptly taken from us and it still seems like yesterday. You would have accomplished so much by now and would have impacted so many lives. I hope you can see how much you are still loved and missed. Sometimes when I'm having a tough time I think of you smiling down on me and that helps me get through a bit easier. So keep looking down over us beautiful girl and I promise I will come visit you again very soon.
December 12, 2017
December 12, 2017
It is a bright but chilly day today, Tabby, one made for outdoor fun. The sunshine makes us smile when we think of you on your birthday, and the chill makes us long for the warmth you brought into the lives of everyone who knew you. Best of Christmas wishes for you, Tabs; you are well and truly loved, deeply missed and will be long remembered!
August 15, 2017
August 15, 2017
Another birthday has come and gone, Tabby; you would have been 23 last Sunday. We had planned on bringing flowers and a jar of pickles to your resting place on Sunday but circumstances dictated otherwise. But we will get you your pickles soon! The passing years have not lessened the heartache and sorrow caused by your absence, Tabs, and we all still miss you in our lives! Remember, you are well and truly loved,
The Ball Family
December 12, 2016
December 12, 2016
Well another year has passed but the pain of losing you has only gotten worse. I hope you realize how much you are loved and missed by so many. A day doesn't go by that you aren't thought of. We love and miss you more than words can describe. Keep watching over us beautiful girl, and we will all meet you again someday.
December 12, 2016
December 12, 2016
Tabby it has been six short years since you left us so suddenly. We miss you terribly and want you and your family to know you are missed but still remembered, and will always be well and truly loved.
--The Ball Family
August 13, 2016
August 13, 2016
Happy Birthday, Tabby! Just wanted you to know you are still loved and missed very much. We will try to visit today and bring you flowers and a jar of pickles.
--The Ball Family
December 13, 2015
December 13, 2015
Hard to believe its been 5 years now Tabby. This is always a difficult time of year for everybody. Seems like you being gone hurts worse the more time that goes by. I picture your beautiful smiling face and it brings a smile to my face. You would be 21 now and be embarking on your journey of adulthood. You had so much going for you and such a bright future ahead. I can only imagine what would've been. But I know you're in a great place and I always sense you smiling down upon us. You may be gone from us, but you'll never be forgotten and always hold a special place in our hearts.
December 12, 2015
December 12, 2015
Tabby, it's that day again... happens every year... what I want for Christmas this year is to wake up and find out I have been having a very bad nightmare, and then hear you at the front door wanting to show Emily what you got from Santa. I really want that, Tabs.
October 1, 2015
October 1, 2015
Tabby, I missed your birthday as I was out of state dealing with a Celebration of Life for my Dad, who had passed away. His friends and family gathered to share stories of how his life had made their lives special. I thought of you there and thought how wonderful it would have been to have gathered your friends and family together after your own passing and talked about the great impacts and positive influences and overall good times that your life had on so many others.

I've wondered over the past few years if you could have felt alone and unwanted or unloved and I cannot bring myself to believe such a misunderstanding would have even been possible. Sometimes people don't share their feelings toward others with those others in an open and timely fashion and such a lack of sharing is sometimes interpreted as a lack of caring. It distresses and saddens me to think you may have misunderstand the importance you had in the lives of so many others.

That being said, I wanted to reassure you and those you left behind that you were indeed well and truely loved and will always have a hallowed place in our memories, illuminated by an eternal candle to help you always find your way to a safe haven in the hearts of people who love you, now, then and forever. Rest in Peace, Tabby.
December 12, 2014
December 12, 2014
Tabby, it still seems like it was only yesterday that you and Emily and Helena were romping through our house playing your games. Four years have passed in the blink of an eye but the pain in our hearts lingers on. You are truly missed and still well loved, Tabby.
  The Ball Family
August 13, 2014
August 13, 2014
Happy Birthday, Tabby! The sadness of your absense casts a cloud over what would have been a joyous celebration of your birth, but we who remain behind can gain some solace by thinking about what might have been had you stayed with us in this life. Happy 20th, Tabby, and know that you live on in the hearts and minds of the many who loved you!
-- The Ball Family.
March 10, 2014
March 10, 2014
To think, it's been over two years... Yet I still find myself constantly thinking about you, and how friendly you were, how amazingly kind and how much your smile meant to me. Do you remember how we met? Crystal and Melody introduced us that one day, after school... Even to this day, I find myself crying over how much I miss you. But at the same time, I can't help but smile, because I think you'd rather I smile instead of cry. I bet you want all of us to be happy still, to celebrate the good times instead of shed tears and mourn for the loss of a fantastic friend... Tabby, you were special to me, very special. I looked up to you, I considered you as one of my best friends. I will always remember you Tabby, and I'll always hold you close in my heart. Your smile, your joy, I will treasure it as a precious memory. I hope that one day, we can meet up again and laugh together. You, Crystal, Melody, and I... It'd be fantastic if we were able to get together and tell stories, have fun, and just be like good friends should be. I don't have a song, or a poem, or a fantastic tribute... but I do have my memories, and I will always keep them close. I will celebrate you Tabby, because I love you and you meant so much to me.
December 23, 2013
December 23, 2013
Tabby, it's just after midnight and I find myself thinking about things past. Emily started her first job Friday and Helena has been working for a while now. Both are enrolled at TCC. I think of you and know that you are missing from what should be milestones of girlfriends growing up together - college and jobs. I know that you would have excelled at both. I still remember your 3rd grade class (Mrs Mayfield's) and how proud I was to be able to award pure silver American Eagle coins as prizes to the Three Amigos - you, Helena and Emily - who had all achieved 5's on their FCATs. Now, as Christmas approaches, I recall with sadness your premature departure from the lives of so many and wish there was some way to call for a "do over" and intervene in your decision. That will be my Christmas wish for this third Christmas and every Christmas hereafter. Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Tabby, and know that you are loved and missed by those you left behind.
December 12, 2013
December 12, 2013
It seems like yesterday that you were here. Words cannot begin to describe how much you are missed. Sometimes when I am facing difficulties in life, I am comforted by knowing that you are looking down on us from above. Cheyenne and Noah have missed you alot also. Noah wears your camouflage jacket to school and he tells people that it's his Aunt Tabby's jacket.
March 16, 2013
March 16, 2013
Miss you tabbs.. Still think about you everyday. I hope you heaven is treating you right. Love you babygirl.. Rest In Peace<3!
March 3, 2013
March 3, 2013
Tabby, today was a beautiful sunny day, so Emily and I went to visit your gravesite. We left Sponge Bob with you, holding a bouquet of flowers. Sponge Bob was a souvenir we brought back for you from Disney. He's weighted with sand from the beach so you get two favorite things - Sponge Bob and the beach! We think of you often and miss you terribly. You are loved. --The Ball Family
January 1, 2013
January 1, 2013
Happy New Year, Tabby! You are very much missed and will always be loved by the Ball family.
August 13, 2012
August 13, 2012
Happy Birthday Tabby. I wish you were here to celebrate with me and Helena- all three amigos being 18! We came to visit today. We promise that we'll come back soon!
August 13, 2012
August 13, 2012
Happy birthday, Tabby! You remain well remembered in our hearts.
-- The Ball Family
December 12, 2011
December 12, 2011
It's been a year already. I can't believe that. It doesn't seem like it's been that long. I wish I could find something to say but I've always been bad at putting my thoughts and feelings into words.
But I hope you know that I AM thinking of you and missing you- every day- and that I'll always love you! ♥ ~Emily
December 12, 2011
December 12, 2011
We miss you so much tabby & always will. Your everyone's guardian angel. It has been so different since you have left all of us. I'm sure no one will ever be the same. Love you & miss you Tabbs<3!
December 12, 2011
December 12, 2011
so its been exactly a year today since you have pasted although it doesnt feel that long i do know this has been the hardest year of my life and it just keeps getting harder not to be able to see you smile
December 10, 2011
December 10, 2011
It has been a year now since you have been gone and life without you seems even harder now than it was before. I have found myself thinking about you more and more lately. I know that you're looking down on us and I hope you can see how much we all love and miss you.
December 5, 2011
December 5, 2011
Tabby,
I've been thinking about you a lot lately. Its hard to beleive its almost been a year. You and I have had our moments since I've known you and they keep running through my head like a slide show. You are an amazing girl and I miss you terribly. I love you and I can't wait till the day we see each other again.~ Alex~
September 23, 2011
September 23, 2011
Tabby, I still cannot believe you are gone. You were so sweet and the light in any room. I miss you everyday and can't help but feel apart of me is missing since you have left us. You reminded me of myself in so many ways and I don't feel whole without you. I love and miss you.
September 2, 2011
September 2, 2011
We all miss u babygirl. U were the girl that would just give me a goofy smile while i was upset & it would change my whole entire day. I think about u & our old daily talks & am so greatful that u were there. I love & miss u Tabbs always & never forget about how special u are<3.
August 14, 2011
August 14, 2011
Tabby, we spent your birthday on a quiet mountaintop in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Wish you could have been with us in person as well as spirit. We love you and miss you. The Ball Family
July 22, 2011
July 22, 2011
tabby you were our loving daughter we miss you so much our lives will never be the same without you i could not have ask for a better daughter you were amaseing you touch so manny livesin a short time i will light a candle every birthday till i die we will never forgetyou<3love u
June 10, 2011
June 10, 2011
Tabbz-
Thinking Summer is finally here and you wont be coming by anytime soon to go swimming, makes me realize that I still havent gotten you off my mind. I miss you. Always will. Love youuu. -LisaAnna<3
April 12, 2011
April 12, 2011
Tabby gave us all something before she left she should us real love nothin fake about that she reached out to her freinds but no one reached back sorry tabby i didnt come to ur rescue but ur my reason for my new goals to help ppl and tabby sorry and
April 7, 2011
April 7, 2011
TabbyGril i miss you a lot and you where always there to make me smile when i had a bad day and you where always so sweet to every one even though they might have not been nice back and your friendship was like a miracle that i was not watching for.
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August 13, 2022
August 13, 2022
Hello, Tabitha. It's me again, still hoping to somehow make you manifest yourself into a living, loving being again. Yet, knowing that is not going to happen. Still, those of us who love you and miss you so much have to hold out hope even against the impossibility of the real world. Happy birthday, Tabs. How we all wish you could be here with us one more time to blow out your candles, cut your cake, scoop your ice cream and share another jar of dill pickles! Hugs and kisses always, kiddo, from the Ball family.
December 13, 2021
December 13, 2021
Hello again Tabby. Each year this day becomes more and more difficult to navigate through. Wondering why you were taken from us so abruptly at such a young age and what we could have done better to help you. And imagining what all you would have accomplished by now. The pain of not having you here worsens each day, month and year that goes by. But just know you will never be forgotten Tabby. You greatly impacted so many lives and will always hold a special place in our hearts.
August 13, 2021
August 13, 2021
Happy 27th birthday in heaven Tabby. We love you and miss you so much.
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MEMORIES

December 13, 2011

Tabby, I woke up yesterday sadly aware of the significance of the day.  Though it has been a year since we were deprived of the joy and comfort of your presence the pain and emptiness are still sharp and vivid.

As I worked to get Emily up and off to school I found myself having random memories of our times with you.  I remembered when you would come over to play with Em and be intently focused on some game when you would suddenly stop, turn the TV on and sprawl on the floor.  It was time for Sponge Bob and Sponge Bob ruled.  Even when you watched an episode I knew you had seen more than once before, you laughed heartedly at every joke, even as you mouthed the dialogue and punch line.  You were greatly amused when I feigned exasperation at having another Sponge Bob rerun playing on the tube.  Okay, perhaps my exasperation wasn't really feigned, but I let you do it because you were so delightfully amused by the insanity that was Sponge Bob.  I know just about every souvenir Emily brought back to you from family trips had a connection to Sponge Bob and you loved getting them.  I remember you running around in your Sponge Bob t-shirt Emily brought you back frfom Nassau.

Another moment that popped into my memory was of a time when I had you, Emily and Helena in a restaurant for lunch.  You took one bite of your sandwich, put it down and said, "I'm done." One bite.  Then, when I removed the pickles from my own burger you asked if you could have them.  I said okay and you scarfed them down.  The waitress saw you gobbling down the pickles and asked if you would like a few to nibble on.  You said you would and she brought you a small plate piled with sliced dill pickles, probably half a jar's worth.  You beamed with happiness and started in.  I never saw anyone, before or since, get so much enjoyment from munching down a plate of dill pickles.  Now, everytime I forget to order "without pickles" and have to take them off a sandwich, I find myself longing for you to be there to eat them.

Tabby, we all miss you deeply, as I'm sure do those unknown to us who were also blessed to know you.  There is an emptiness in our lives that will never be filled but, perhaps, might be softened by the memories of you that pop up every now and then when something as innocuous as a Sponge Bob cartoon or an unwanted dill pickle pass through.  Remember you are loved by many who would have done anything to keep you in their lives had they but known they were about to lose you.

December 11, 2011

I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this  year

 

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,

With tiny lights like Heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,

For I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

 

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,

But, the sounds of music can’t compare with Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring.

For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss m, I see the  pain inside your heart.

Rejoice, for I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

 

I can’t tell you of the splendor, or the peace her in this place. Can you just imagine Christmas with our savior face to face?

I’ll ask him to light our spirit as I tell him of your love,

Then pray for one another as you lift you eyes above.

December 11, 2011

Tabitha

Tabitha’s wings made fluttering sounds as she moved silently among the wheat stalks of a field near Bethlehem. To be truthful, these little trips were authorized, but the gentle angel had grown accustomed to the brief layovers on her way to do God’s work, and since she was sure He would have made his displeasure known to herby now, she went about her personal mission as often as time would allow.

 

On this particular morning, Tabitha judged the stalks with the precision of an agricultural expert and her selections were meticulous. When she finished collecting a fair measure of stalks, even the field’s owner would have no idea that a kind angel has visited his crops and gathered just enough wheat to fill her arms.

 

As quietly as she had arrived, Tabitha slipped back into the sky and headed east. It wasn’t difficult to spot her destination from on high; the sad little house was covered by a roof that was so damaged, sleeping residents most likely has as good a view of the night sky as those resting outside! Tabitha often wished she could find a way to fix the gaping hole but her current mission was all she could do for now.

 

Gently stepping down to place her bounty on the home’s threshold, Tabitha turned to find the little girl sitting, as always, against the mud-covered wall.

 

“Shh….” The angel whispered, finger to her lips above a smile so wide the child couldn’t help but grin too. “Thank you,” the little girl’s lips responded. The angel nodded. Having completed her “extra job”, she leaned down, kissing the child’s forehead so gently, the girl’s eyes closed and sleep came instantly.

 

Opening her eyes to the warm winter sun, the child found exactly what she had discovered upon awakening on so many other mornings; a pile of wheat- easily enough to feed her family for several days- neatly stacked at the home’s entryway. “Tomorrow, I will stay awake long enough to see who has been leaving this gift,” the little girl promised aloud as she scooped it up and went inside with the bounty.

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