Did you want me to go? Did you want me to stay? What do you do with the guilt of being left behind when someone you love dies?

This is a poem about the impact my dad had on me before his death by leukemia four years ago.

Having a loved one pass away can cause mixed emotions and hurt, but just remember the good times and one day you will join that person again.

Gordon Ansley Kinchen II Nov. 9, 1973-Sept. 14, 1994

This poem was written in dedication to my brother who was tragically killed in an accident while on vacation with his girlfriend in Antigua. I was proud to read it at his Memorial Service on May 14, 1999. Sadly he was only 33 years old and will be deeply missed by many.

This poem was written for a friend of mine that left us, seemingly much to young. But she always seemed to have an inner knowledge that urged her to lead the most fulfilling life she could.

This was written in memory of my cousin, Bobby. He was in a wheel chair most of his life and couldn't move anything on his body except his fingers. His strength to go on touched everyone he ever met.

Without any symptoms, he got sick very fast. His death affected the whole family in a lot of ways. This is my attempt to express my love for him and my family.

My dad coughed up some blood in January this year. Four days later we were told that he had lung cancer. There was a 6- centimeter diameter mass growing on an inoperable part of his lung and there was break away cancer in his liver.

My dad did not look or feel sick. My dad died last month, and I held his hand while he drifted away.

He was a warm caring man with a big heart. He used to wipe away my tears with his strong hands. I wrote the following poem while my dad was sick and read it at his funeral. It will reveal to you my selfishness.

Death is such a hard task-master. A child's death is the hardest to understand. But, from all experience is born new knowledge. If we but look and hope, new life can be found beyond the tears of grief.

I recently lost a woman that raised me, through actions and her loving guidance, from birth. She showed me how to love others, consider their feelings, and to always have pride in myself and know that I am loved.

I will miss her greatly, but God needed another angel, and she already has the experience from her years here - guiding and loving all, from her closest family to a person she might be waiting in line with at the grocery store.

Everything I do, everything I accomplish, I do with her in my mind and in my heart.


In Loving Memory of Marie 1928-2000