Vance, It will be a year on Friday, and it still hurt's I guess it alway's will. I miss you so much I can't even began to say. I still cry a lot, and my heart still hurts. I wish you could come back. I'll tell you I've never been so alone. I'll write what I've done on Friday. No one can really understand how I feel, and I wouldn,t wish this on anyone. Sunny has really kept me going she hears my cry I don't know how she knows but she does. She is the only one that has heard me, and no one has see me cry. No one really knows how much love we had. I'll see you again someday. I love you so much thank you for loveing me.  

Baby, we are going on a year since you passed, and now my year is from April to April. I don't know what to do this year. I brought you a new wreath, and I'll go and see you, but that doesn't make me feel better. I will never get over this because of the love we have. I'm still trying, but if I could of had my way I would of went with you. I've never been so alone. I know everyone has their own lives, but how many times we stopped ours for someone. All I ever asked for was someone to stop long enough for a cup of coffee on our porch and talk about us and what we wanted, just long enough to really see who and what we made. There will never be us anymore I know that but I will do what ever it takes to keep us. I love you so much. It was you who made me different and I'll never go back to the old Sandy, and I love what you and your Mother taught me. I get mad and I keep it in because that is what I've learned, and I learned how to do what ever had to be done I never asked or will I. I'll write more later just wanted to say I'll figure this one out to because I really I'm alone. I love and miss you.    

This is a hard time Vance loved Christmas. When we lived in Playas he played Santa for the kids. I would help get him dressed, and off we would go with our stockings we made up for the kids who was sick and didn't get to go see Santa. We later started doing it for the nursing home, again made stocking or Santa hats they all would smile. He was a true lover of life. I will keep it going in your name. I love and miss you so much.xoxoxox

Vance, sent me a letter. The Ten Secrets of a Successful Relationship. Having a wonderful partner, ( Which I do.) Communicating, ( We try, And we'll get better.)  Being intimately involved in one another's lives. ( Open, honest, touching, together, The closer we are, the more secure I feel.)  Being happy as individuals. ( And bringing good things to the relationship from both directions.)  Reaching out for dreams together.(One of mine already came true you.)  Always being there for one another. ( Always.)  Overlooking the few flaws. ( But cherishing the thousands of things that are wonderful.)  Remembering that rainbows fallow rain, ( Which I'll never forget as long as I have you,)  Always sharing< ( Friends, family,dreams, and desires, Weaving together the fabric of our lives.)  And always caring, ( "Always "is a long, long time.  But " always" is how I want our relationship to be.... with us loving one another, as happy and as giving and as thankful as any two peole could be.)  with all my love plus more. He was so right we made it 40 yrs. I l've and miss you so much Baby my big oxoxox   

It was my Birthday and Vance asked me what I wanted? I told him for many years I wanted a engagment ring. He would te me he would get me one out of a bubble gum machine. Well he threw me a party that year and I got a ring. Well in all our friends was there when I opened it. Boy was I surprized. I with all our friends there told him how upset I was, and how I didn't find him funny. My Girlfriend was standing behind Vance shaking her head "NO". I said what to her, and she said it didn't come from a bubble gum it was real she was with him when he got it. It was a Blue Diamond. so needless to say. I had to say I'm sorry and everyone got a good laugh at me. Vance loved it.     

I'm going to tell you another story on Vance. For Mothers Day one year he got me a CB radio for his pick up truck. I asked why and he smiled, and said because I don't want you broke down on the side of the road. I said well you just wait till Fathers Day, and you'll get a dress he just laughed. So for the rest of my Mothers Day I got to watch him put it in his truck and hear him talk to his friends. Oh and by the way he didn't get a dress. 

Vance got this letter from a little boy he didn't even know in Noverber 9th. 2009. "It read".   Dear Veteran, Thank you very much for everything you have done for this country. you have sacrificed your life in order for American families to live a free life. You are the people who made this way of living possible. If it was not for you, we would all have horrible lives and a dreadful country. Sometimes we forget, but thank you for what you,ve done. You have sacrificed many of your days for this country. Last I want to thank you for dedicating your life and time for this country. Thank you for everything.  Sincerely, Emilio        This letter sure put a smile on Vances face.

Vance, I'm so sorry, and I tryed so hard to keep what we belived in, and felt going. But since I lost you it's going away. We have been there for everyone. one time or another, you and I never talked of what we have done or when. We never expected a thank you or a pat on the back. People say what goes around comes around well we must of been pretty bad, because since I lost you I stand alone. Our world as we made it is gone now, and it's ok. Baby I'm getting really tired. What you worried about for me has come true. There is only a few who calls me, and it's ok. Our son and his wife has also stoped. I'm so sad no one wants to hear me cry or hear me talk. I so sorry and I miss you andwill alway's believe in you and me, but now I have to close our door. Please forgive me.   

Vance, this was the first time on our day you wasn't here. I don't even know how much it hurts, but it was better when I went to see you and take you some flowers. You alway's said you would do it again with me, and I would laugh and say you was crazy. I also said the samething, and  you would give me your smerk. Guess what my love it's for ever now. Nicole called and said it was a sad but good day because we taught her what love ment, even with the good, and bad times. We had our share I won't say we didn't, I can say my life won't be the same and I will do and be what you asked out of me. There isn't a day go by that I don't miss your face or your touch. The last eight months have been so hard, and I know your in a better place, and one day I'll be there with you again. Will I still cry, and miss you I will alway's till I'm with you again. Thank you for loving me and standing beside me. Happy our day. this is year one.    

My first 4th of July, and I'm really missing you. We alway's loved watching the fire works as they would bring in our day. I wanted to marry you on April fools day, and you said no pick another date. I said 4th of July you said why? I said Independance Day you said no again. So I said pick a date you said the 5th. of July so I could remember what it was like to be Independant. So it was the 5th. I love you more today then yesterday. I miss you my love. OXOXOX

A few years ago Vance started taking his Boxers to dog classes. They learned a lot and he loved it. Vance alway's gave the teacher a hard time, and she would spray him with a spray bottle. He made sure the dogs in his Haven went out with everything they needed. He alway's told everyone if it doesn't work out they would bring them back. He truly loved our Safe Haven for Dogs and Cats. We named it after our wonderful friend Heather, and now she wants me to change it's name to Vance's Safe Haven. All the animal was around him while he was ill, and when he passed they really miss him. I will try to keep it going in his name. Vance and Ginger.

It's a card with a dog and false teeth with a big smile. The note reads. I was looking for Fathers Day cards, and this one jumped out at me!! It made me smile and think of the time in Winslow when I came out of the bathroom with his teeth in my mouth!! Bahahahaha. GOODTIMES!! even with him gone he still has his way of making me smile!! I love you aunti Sandy and pray this puts a smile on your face as it did mine!!. Happy Fathers Day!! I can't tell you how much your missed!! I loveyou Bunches. This love letter was from his Troll Doll.  The picture is Vance, Me, and his Troll Doll Nicole.

It's been two months now, and I miss you so much and love you even more. I'm trying so hard to make you proud. Our Safe Haven is doing good and i've been busy with it. I adopted out Max the boxer, and four kittens. The only kitten left almost died and I cryed to you and little Vancie was sitting in the corner of her cage when I got home. She'll need a special home. I've learned a lot this month some good and some bad, but I know your right beside me. I fixed the lawn mower, the pond, fixed tires, and yes got mad and scared because you alway's took care of me. I miss our morning coffee, and our evenings outside. Our Grandson you would be so proud of him. He's here with me and doing good. He has helped me in allI do and then some. He wants you to know he also loves and misses you. Your Granddaughter calls and misses her Happy. She is having a hard time as well. Soon that note good night my love and I know we'll be one again some day. I Love you XOXXOOO

Vance lived his life true to his beliefs....that you should treat others the way you would want to be treated. That takes away a lot of clutter in this life and it is pretty straight forward,  according to God's Law of loving one another and looking undesirable traits in others.   From what I have seen, he had mostly dedicated his life to serving others .... from his neighbors to his family andin some cases, in regards to his family,to his own hurt. He and Sandy loved animals and have done all they can to save the ones who crossed their path, as you all know. Their efforts to save some of Gods creatures from cruel fate don't go unnoticed in our Creator's eyes. Kindness is a gift from God and to be cherished when we see it.   Vance was a righteous man.... and a righteous perish. Merciful men are taken away while no one considers that they taken from evil...and they shall enter into peace and rest in their beds each walking in his uprightness this is takenfrom Isaiah 57 : verses 1 & 2    .... The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. Of the righteous, man is taken away from calamity, he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness.     This was read for his Brother Bill

If I can do some good today, If I can serve along life's way, If I can say something helpful, Lord show me how.  If I can right a human wrong, If I can help to make one strong, If I can cheer with smile or song, Lord, show me how.  If I can aid one in distress, If I can make a burden less, If I can spread more happiness, Lord show me how. In recent weeks I rediscovered this little prayer and it captured my heart because through it I heard Vance's voice and saw clearly his and Sandy's mission in these recent years. Vance showed us how.  This was written by Vances little sister Jamey.

Uncle Vance, We just want to let you know how much you mean to us especiallt me ( Tommy) you have alway's been someone who I looked up to, Appreciate and respect. I love you and your always in our hearts and Prayers. All our love Tommy, Mona and Leticic 

Once upon a time, not so long ago, in a land far, far from where I live nowthere was a giant of a man and his lovely wife.The only thing bigger than the giant of a man was his heart. It was so large and full of love! He began noticing a cat here or a dog there with no home of their own. This giant of a man would scoop them up in his strong arms and carry them home where he would tell his lovely wife, "look what I found all alone!'  Now his lovely wife loved him dearly but she would groan and say,"No more Vance!' She would see his big brown eyes begain to fill with moisture. She would sigh, " Oh alright Vance, but no more!"  He would smile while lovingly caring for all his lost ragamuffins. Some found new homes while most remained by his side, living in the land of Heather's Rescue Mission. Then one day, this giant of a man recieved a call, for he was so kind and goog, Hevenly Father needed him to care for all the lost animals who arrived in paradise. His lovely wife felt her heart break but knew he had to travel down the road across the rainbow bridge to the beautiful land of forever and eternity. We will miss this giant of a man but know that one day soon we will also cross to the land of forever and eternity to meet the giant of a man....my precious brother who I love deeply and eternity. 

This was my first Fathers Day without Vance, and again a hard day. On our first Mothers Day I got a CB Radio for his truck. Real funny so for Fathers Day that year he got a Dress. I never got anything manly again lol. We never forgot that and told the story many of times. That is just one good reason why I misshim so much. Happy Fathers Day to the best Dad in the world. I love and miss you so. 

Mom just told me that her and Dad alway's felt like Vance was a Son not a Son in Law. She always called him her big one. Vance took good care of her and our Dad. She misses him so much. But just say his name and she still smile's, but let the record show he also Loved them.  Love Mom   

My Dearest One, Take your time, and you will get threw this in no time at all ok. Just remember that I'am with you, and that I Love you very much, and you will do ok. I know that you will be ok. I must sign off for now, and good luck, and I love you bebe. With all my love Vance OX "Homer". He wrote me this when he drove for J B Hunt. Vance all I can say now is I'll try. I Miss you and Love you so much.  

Vance, was a person who held Family real close to him. He has alway's been there for everyone and never said a word out of line about who they are, and what they done. When he was young life was hard, and then when we became Parents he said we made our share as well, and he was right. Vance held his Family in his heart like I said all the way to the end. He alway's had a story to tell some heard and some was busy, but he got a laugh and it was said " Silly Old Vance" If anyone ever has a down day all they have to do is say something about him, and you'll smile or laugh even for a second. One of his biggest love was his Mother. He was with her threw all her ups and downs. His Mother was hard, but she loved everyone in their way. Her boy's was her life so they think. I got my way to lol Vance. One day sometime I pray someone can read the story's and smile. If Vance knew you he Loved you.       

Vance, you have been gone a month now and I'm still lost. I'm trying to keep our life and what we believed in alive and going but it's so hard without you. We are so different then everyone else. When I lost you I lost so much more, I lost such a big part of me. I'm just so glad that it was you and not me, because I wouldn't want you to be where I am. I wouldn't want you to feel the hurt and the lost feelings because no one really knows what is gone they only think they do. It's so hard keep a dream and a life going when there isn't the love and understanding like we knew it. I have 6 kittens to bottle feel because people don't use what God gave them. All the animal's here feel and show they lost something if they could only talk. What story they would tell. I'm ashamed that I yelled and slaped one out of anger today and for that I'm so sorry. I can and could hear you telling me it's not their fault. I know I'll never give in again. I just didn't really know or did I that you and I are so different from other people. I wish someone could see the truth about us. I have to work real hard now finding home so they the animals won't suffer if something happens to me. I have to close that part of my and our life. I will do all I can to respect your wishes but without you being here it's so hard. I have seen a world that isn't very prettty. Please watch over me while I finish our walk and I'll see you again my love. I miss us so much.     

Vance, when he came home or got a run threw, he would alway's write on the kids or draw a picture on them. You could hear the kid's scream, oh no Uncle Vance was home. Well he got a letter just befor passed, I opened it on one side there was a pig. I was able to get him see it, I told him he got a love letter, and asked if he knew who it was from when he saw the pig he smiled and said Shannon, it's Shannon. So I read it to him. Here is the letter.  Dear Uncle Vance, I just wanted to tell you how much you mean to me, and that I Love you so much. I know I wasn't the easiest kid to help raise. But I'am a better person for it. Even tho I don't miss Buster ( the Belt ) any.... But you were right about a lot of things. One being dating, the right one would go into the creek and get a snake and bite off it's head. But he does eat it, so that counts. But we did have a lot of good times you drawing on us, stamping me with the pig stamp when you came home. Or take the six of us kids camping, you two were CRAZY now thinking about it. Going to J B Hunt to see you. You were alway's there when I need you and I would not be the women I'am now if it wasn't for you. You are one of the strongest men in my life. I Love you and I promise to be strong when it comes to that time. But it will be hard, I will try. I Love you!!! You will alway's be my Uncle Puss.   Love alway's your Little Miss Piggy, Shannon    

Vance got some home made cards from his Great Nieces and Nephews. His smile said it all. Crissy made a card with pet's bird's and Alice in wonderland, the card said Get Better Soon and I love you at lease 5 times it also has hearts drawn all over it, Joesph, made him a blue one with Birds and little Mice. It said I Hope you Feel Better, and I Love you, and stars all round to frame it in.Ty's has 2 players on it and it say's Get Better soon., and that he Loves him. Little Kylee Mom had to write Feel Better soon, She colored hearts inside,and Mom helped her write I Love you Uncle Vance. Thank you Babies for making that day better, and Uncle Vance Loves you to. 

Dear Granpa's Boy,  I Love you and miss you so much, you be good for Grandma or I might have to put a knot on your noggin. I'm proud of you.  Love Grandpa XOXOXO

One of Vances greatest love was his Grand Children. Brittany called him " Happy" Pappy was what Vance wanted to be called. When Brittany got to visit, when ever Vance came home from work he would stop and buy her a treat. All you could see was this little girl jumping up and down, and yelling Happy, Happy, Happy. Later he turned into her " Happy Grandpa."  Vance never wanted to be called Grandpa. But then came Tyler and he had a deep Voice, and one day Vance was walking outside and Tyler called out " Grandpa"  Vance asked if Tyler said what he thought he said, and I got to laugh and say yes. He Loved them both so very much. 

Tina their mom came to visit, and I taught Shannon to call her uncle puss " It means he's a big oul Kitty cat" so I taught them to say their night time prayers. At the end of the prayer they would say God Bless Mommy, God Bless Daddy and when I would say and God Bless Uncle Vance. Shawn would say God Bless my Uncle Vance, and Shannon would say, and God Bless My Uncle Puss. we all smiled and knew God knew who she met.    

Dear Sandra, Well write this here at work since I got plenty of time to mess around in. I just want to get one point over in to you, and that is that I love you so very much, and it will never die. I can promise you that much, sorry about the paper, but act as if it weren't there OK.  I have missed you this entire night so bad that it isn't even funny. I know you will be tired tonight when I get in, but don't worry I will wake you up. in the morning that is a promise to. I will be gald when I work 8 hours shift, come home and hug and kiss my wife and tell the children hello, put them on my lap and ask questions, and then a bath and eat. And then help you with the dishes, then spend more time with my whole family, And after the children go to bed. I'll have my sweet wife to myself. over the past few months I have became very gready with you. I Love You and worship the ground you walk on, and as I said time after time. I Love You.I pray you don't go to work this week I want you to go with me. I worry so much  that I will do something or say something to loss your love. Must go now will wake you in the morning. I Love You I'm not much of a talker of love nor a writer, so please don't forget the most important thing . I Love You I can't wait tell we have our Family. Love you with every inch of my heart with love Vance XOXOXO