Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This was my first visit to DC for National Police Week. It was truly amazing. Police from all over the country were there to pay respect to those of you who fell in the line of duty. But what touched me most, I think, was the compassion that was shown to the ones left behind. I thank God every day that I've not suffered as Jen and the others have suffered. The candle light vigil was intense. It drove the point home. I thank you for the sacrifice you made and at the same time wish so much that you hadn't made it. Jen is the best friend I have ever had or ever will have. My heart breaks for her all over again now, after seeing your name on the Memorial Wall - a forever reminder that you are no longer here but always with us. Watch over your wife. She will never stop needing you.

Stacey

May 15, 2006

A man remembered with love will always live on in the hearts and minds of others.Michael Waters is such a man.G-d Bless his wife and parents.

May 9, 2006

I am still amazed when people ask me about the sticker that Jen had made for you. Other Officers (from different areas) might not remember your name, but they do remember the accident. They always get a sad look of acknowledgement when they realize the sacrifice you have made for others, as do we all. Your are doing a good job watching over Jen. Take care.

T.H.
Memphis Police Dept

April 17, 2006

Mike,
I know two things that will never change...me loving you and missing you every second of every day.
All my love, Jenn

March 20, 2006

Mike,
Police Week is fast approaching, and everyone is making plans to visit. Its sad that there will always be more names added to the Wall, but its good to know you are all somewhere better. You have been doing a good job of taking care of your loved ones, keep up the good work.

T.H.
Memphis Police Dept

March 4, 2006

Dad and I miss you so much!

Love, Mom

February 28, 2006

Missing you on Valentine's Day

Love, Jen

February 14, 2006

I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK AGAIN, TO INFINITY AND BEYOND, FOREVER AND FOREVER, FOR ALWAYS, AND NO MATTER WHAT... I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!!!

Mom

February 14, 2006

Mike,
I heard this song on the radio and I thought of you. I think that if you had the chance to give us "instructions" if you didn't make it back, they would be as simple as the lyrics in this song: Don't cry a tear for me, have a beer and drive my Camaro fast!! :) The song also reminds me of the nights you and your dad sat in the garage drinking beer with the radio blasting. I know those were some of your favorite times.
Hope you like the song.
Love, Jen

Lawrence, Tracy
Lyrics for Song: If I Don't Make It Back

We went out for beers and a couple of laughs
Knowin' full well that every bad joke that Jimmy told
Might be his last
So we laughed like the world wasn't at war
Said things to him we'd never said before
And he teared up as he held up his glass
He said, boys, if I don't make it back

Have a beer for me, don't waste no tears on me
On Friday night sit on the visitors side
And cheer for the home team
Drive my Camaro, 90 miles an hour down Red Rock Road
With 'Born to Run' blastin' on the radio
And find someone good enough for Amy
Who will love her like I would have
If I don't make it back

We said, hey, man that ain't gonna happen
Don't even think like that
If we know you, you'll pull through without a scratch
He pulled me aside in the parkin' lot
Said, Amy and me we're gonna tie the knot
You're my best man, just wanted you to know that
Just in case I don't make it back

Have a beer for me, don't waste no tears on me
On Friday night sit on the visitors side
And cheer for the home team
Drive my Camaro, 90 miles an hour down Red Rock Road
With 'Born to Run' blastin' on the radio
And find someone good enough for Amy
Who will love her like I would have
If I don't make it back

If the good Lord calls me home
I'd like to think my friends
Will think about me when I'm gone

Well, Miller Lite ain't my brand
But I drink one every now and then, in his honor
And we ain't missed a home game yet
Had that Camaro at 110 on Red Rock Road
When the speakers blowed
And I introduced Amy to a friend of mine from Monroe
He's a good ol' boy
But you know, she just ain't ready

February 6, 2006

Mike,
I just wanted to let you know that we still think about you everyday. Keep watching over Jen and your parents.

TH
Memphis Police Dept

January 29, 2006

Michael, I found this today (I am guessing is a song) and it expresses how I feel so well, I had to write to you.

"Who You’d Be Today"

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile
I see your face.
I hear you laughing in the rain
I still can’t believe you’re gone
It aint fair you died too young
Like the story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I am going through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today
Would you see the world?
Would you chase your dreams?

Some days the sky’s so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
God knows how I miss you
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know I’ll see you again some day

Love you, Mom

January 25, 2006

Here we are, beginning another year without you...

Love, Mom

January 3, 2006

Today, as the world celebrates the birth of Christ, our savior, I will go to church and thank God for everything He has done for us, thank him for his love, for setting us free, for giving his life for us so we can have eternal life... to thank him for you.

We trust that you are in heaven and in his care.

Merry Christmas, son. You know we miss you.

Love you forever and ever, Mom

PS: I can't help but wonder what kind of toys you got!

December 25, 2005

Merry Christmas.
I love you....
Jennifer

December 24, 2005

As I was thinking about all the things I was going to tell you on your birthday, I heard you say, "I know, Mom, I know." So, sweetheart, since you didn't like to hear me sing, I am writing it to you... Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear son, happy birthday to you!!!

Love you, Mom

December 18, 2005

Babe,
On December 18 you would have been 27 years old. I wonder what you would be like now. Would you be all grown up or still just a big kid? Yeah, I know, still the big kid. That's what everyone loves about you.
I hope you have a beautiful birthday in Heaven. We miss you down here, but knowing that you are with God is what helps us go on.
Pay a visit to your Mom and Dad - they're use to you being home for your birthday.
I love you and miss you.
Jen

December 17, 2005

I wanted to wish you a happy birthday...I know it's a little early, but I ran across something that made me think of it.

December 12, 2005

On Thanksgiving Day, as we do every day, we give thanks to God for you. There is no greater joy than God's allowing us to be your earthly parents. We love you and miss you so much!

Love you forever, Mom and Dad

November 23, 2005

Mike,
Yesterday was our 3 year anniversary. I thought of you all day as usual. I recalled our beautiful day in Hawaii. Just me and you saying our vows on the beach. It was just the way we wanted. No day has ever meant more to me. I'll never forget the look on your face when you first saw me walking down the beach. I could see the tears welling up in your eyes...you looked so happy. I was happy. Our life was perfect at that moment.
Thank you for being the love of my life.
I miss you.
Love, Jenn

November 22, 2005

Mike,
I hope you and Rawly enjoyed the ride in the Camaro. Jen thought you would, and it was my pleasure to do so. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

T.H.

November 13, 2005

Just thinking of you...
Love, Jenn

November 9, 2005

I'll Be There - The Escape Club

Over Mountains
Over Trees
Over Oceans
Over Seas
I'll be there
In a whisper on the wind
On the smile of a new friend
Just think of me
And I'll be there
Don't be afraid, oh my love
I'll be watching you from above
And I'd give all the world tonight,
To be with you
Because I'm on your side,
And I still care
I may have died,
But I've gone nowhere
Just think of me,
And I'll be there
On the edge of a waking dream
Over Rivers
Over Streams
Through Wind and Rain
I'll be there
Across the wide and open sky
Thousands of miles I'd fly
To be with you
I'll be there
Don't be afraid, oh my love
I'll be watching you from above
And I'd give all the world tonight,
To be with you
Because I'm on your side,
And I still care
I may have died,
But I've gone nowhere
Just think of me,
And I'll be there
In the breath of a wind that sighs
Oh, there's no need to cry
Just think of me,
And I'll be there

October 26, 2005

MIKE,

FORGIVE ME THAT IT TOOK SO LONG TO MEET YOU HERE. I GAVE YOU THE BEST TRAINING THAT WAS WITHIN ME TO GIVE AS YOUR FTO. I FELT DEEP GUILT AND LOSS FOR SUCH A LONG TIME. I STILL WONDER IF I COULD HAVE DONE MORE TO PREPARE YOU IN YOUR FUTURE AS A POLICE OFFICER.

I COMMEND YOU IN ALL THAT YOU WERE AND ALL THAT YOU STOOD FOR. YOU WERE ONE OF THE FEW 'GOOD GUYS' AND ALWAYS READY TO HIT THE STREET. YOU WERE LIKE A KID IN A CANDY STORE WHEN YOU WOULD COME TO WORK , SMLIE AND SAY 'LET'S GO TO MEMPHIS!!' I AM PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN YOU AND SERVED WITH YOU AS A FELLOW OFFICER.

MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU SAFE.
MY HEART GOES OUT TO JENIFER AND ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. YOU WILL BE FOREVER BE LOVED AND MISSED.

CATHEY

Retired POLICE OFFICER CATHEY INGLE
WEST MEMPHIS

October 19, 2005

Michael you are very,very missed.

October 13, 2005

Jennifer,
I hope you will always know that we do apreciate what Mike gave so that others would have the chance to live in a safe world. I know he must be so proud of you. I imagine there are many times that you don't want to be strong, but you are. Your husband IS a true hero, and he chose the perfect partner. Some people never have that Jennifer.You are blessed.

OHIO

October 11, 2005