Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This week I had the chance to get to know a wonderful young widow. I also had my monthly lunch with Ang. It has opened my heart lots of memories and new feelings - good and bad. Life is a scary place when you have to figure it out all over again. I love you and miss you each and every day - that's a given that will forever be there. I spent alot of time reflecting and find one thought sticking in my mind. Life is a blessing but love is an honor - both should be cherished!!!

April 28, 2007

Every night that we can see stars we pick out "Daddy's" star!!!

April 26, 2007

Gaby, there's no doubt your daddy is looking down from the heavens to see you, your sisters and your mom at this very moment! He sees you and you are alive in his soul, as he is in yours. When you see the bright and twinkling stars in the night time skies, that's your dad winking at all of you! My heartfelt sympathies that you have had to endure such difficult pain. He is by your side, helping you with each step. God bless all of you, always.

April 25, 2007

dear daddy,I really miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're the best!!!!!!!!
love,
gabby

April 21, 2007

Katy, you are in our thoughts - yesterday, today, tomorrow and always. God bless you and your girls.

April 20, 2007

Happy Easter!! Love you and miss you!!!

April 8, 2007

I know that you really did'nt know us but we miss you! i cried when i heard that you got in a car accident when you were working. I hope you and your family get through it without you and i wish you all the best of luck! and your future. LOVE Haley & Kaylee

Haley Hensley & Kaylee Teall
Friends with daughter

April 4, 2007

Middle of the night - the house is quiet. Strange and lonely. I miss you!!! Funny I still have the urge to pick up the phone and call you at work - what a horribly long shift you have taken on this time. You will always hold a very special place in my heart - I love you!

April 3, 2007

Kevin,

I was called upon, as Commander of Ingham County's Honor Guard, to assist with your funeral. I met your mother then, but did not have time to spend with her. One year later, when Deputy Fillmore of Clinton County died on duty, I met her again. It was one of the most touching experiences I have ever had. Your mother has done and continues to do wonderful things in your name, for MiCOPS and in your memory. I know she has touched so many lives, when tragedy strikes, as well as every day. You should be proud of everything she has done, and is doing.

RIP brother, and continue to watch over us all........

Sergeant Todd Jenkins
Ingham County Sheriff, Mi

April 1, 2007

Meagan and I went to a meeting about the DC trip we will be going on with her school. I finally talked to the ladies who cordinate the trip (I have been meaning to do it for at least 6 months - yes I am still a horrible procrastinator). They had no idea that there was a National Law Enforcement Memorial but it looks like it will be included on this trip and all of the future trips that Clare Schools take. I was really happy that they were so great about including it and excited to have it be a part of the trip. We'll be going the month before for National Police Week too - every other year is our plan.
I miss you SO much!!! I just want to understand ...... I know it is a selfish thought but we lost so much. My best friend and my partner in life - it gets frustrating sometimes to try and do this alone. You know I have loved you for almost 15 years - I only wish you could have shared all of those years with me! I could sit here and type something to you everyday - there is so much I ALWAYS want to share. But I keep lots in my thoughts to you .... every once in awhile this helps me feel like you hear me a little better. I know you would be happy to see us smile ..... and we do! Unfortunately the happiness gets mixed up with confusion and constant second guessing. I will see you in Heaven sweetheart .... and when I am lucky in my dreams.

March 23, 2007

Kevin - you must look down with amazement upon Katy and your three wonderful daughters. Your girls have so much of their mom in them - all those wonderful assets that shine each and everytime we see her. She lights up a room by just walking into it. Katy says they have so many qualities from you - I only wish I had known you better so I too could share those memories with her. She is doing such an awesome job raising Meagan, Gabby, and Gwendolyn. They are so respectful, kind hearted, and full of life. That is not an easy task for any parent but she will not let their lose or her pain be reflected in the quality of their lives. She is her worst critic. Keep shining down on her and letting her know she is doing great - let her know mistakes are okay. Let her know we all know how much it still hurts. She told me that she had lost part of her own soul when you died and that there will forever be a piece of her heart missing. Hold her tight when she cries at night and give her peace with new beginnings. Make sure she knows that she deserves happiness.
Katy you are one of the most wonderful friends I have ever had - I don't think I could tell you that enough!

March 23, 2007

Hi Son,
Well, Pat's mom has joined you this week. It was a hard time watching her go. I asked her to look you up and give you a huge hug and to tell you how much we love you and miss you. She promised she would. I told her how you would never share any details on stuff that happened up in Clare. She said, with a grin "he probably won't tell me anything either!". Hope she has found you and passed on my hug.

We are still doing okay. Don't miss you any less, though. It is amazing how our lives changed so dramatically on October 9, 2003. We will never be the same. It is like we took a U-turn on our life's journey, and are travelling on a strange new road.

Today we are going to watch Evan's pinewood derby race. Remember the one you/we made, and Robert spilled the polyurethane all over his belly?

Save a place for us all, Cub. I love you so much.

Mom

March 17, 2007

Hadn't wrote in a while......we know that you're doing well in heaven......You're still talked about constantly at the department.....Everytime I go in there I hear someone talknig about the good times that they had with you.....There'll be plenty more, when everyone meets up with you....god bless

Explorer Aaron McLearen
CCSD

March 15, 2007

Miss you!!!!!!!!!! Love you!!!!!!!!!!

March 10, 2007

Your family remains on our minds, in our hearts and prayers, today and always!

March 6, 2007

Thank you for leaving me three beautiful little girls!!! They help me everyday to know that love is neverending and we can always give more love. Sometimes they do things that remind me so much of you - it can be scary to see them use mannerisms that were so distinctly yours. They are beautiful. They make me happy and fill my heart with joy. They are crazy and sometimes put me right at the edge. They test the limits and scare me. Meagan is growing into a beautiful young women - you would probably never let her leave the house since she has discovered boys. But she is an awesome kid with a good head on her shoulders. Smart and beautiful. Gabrielle is stubborn and bull headed - she will stand up for what she believes is right no matter what (just like her dad). But she is the most loving child and cares freely. Gwendolyn - I have no idea where her temper came from. It is funny to watch in a 4 year old and will be niped in the bud before she gets too much older. But she is a true comedian - she makes us laugh without even trying. We are strong together! Also thank you for leaving me a select group of friends - you choose well. It has helped me in so many ways - to understand what is vauable in people. I miss you. I love you.

February 27, 2007

Kevin,

Just thinking of you buddy.

Officer B. R. David
Clare PD

February 25, 2007

We met a few years back at a luncheon during my visit to Clare County. I will remember your kindness and hospitality forever. You're in a good place, Kevin. Know that I am praying for your family.

Sgt. Ron Shankin
Farmington Hills Police, MI

February 23, 2007

You know Valentine's Day was a little wierd this year and extremely depressing. It's not like we made a big deal of it but there was always a card from you and one you picked out for the girls. Funny I knew how much time you spent picking out those cards - I still have them all - I am not sure where they are right now but they are here somewhere. I miss you everyday. I still wonder why .... I think only a fool wouldn't. And when things get tough with the girls I am so mad you aren't hear to talk to. I do talk to you while I am driving down the road - I swear people must think I have a screw loose - sometimes it helps and sometimes it doesn't. I get tired of doing this without you but I have to have faith that there is a greater plan - some reason. Some days the pain is still terribly sharp and frightening and others it is dull and depressing. The pain has changed but I do understand it will never be gone ....... not when you love someone as much as I do you but I am trying to live life the best I can. Trying to find happiness for myself and the girls. Living on for you and with you in my heart.

February 18, 2007

I saw this on another reflection page within the ODMP website and thought it was a beautifully written poem. Katie, remember Kevin IS at your side, yesterday, today... always has been, always will be. Have faith, believe, and feel him in your heart! We all think of you each and every day. Kevin is watching over his beautiful angels (you and your girls) every day! God bless you always, Katie.


Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I've found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembering joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with time of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now; He set me free.

February 13, 2007

Wanted to stop in and leave a reflection to let you and your loved ones know that I was thinking of you today. I know they think of you each and every day and will never forget you and will keep your memory alive as will the Blue Family. Thats how it should be as you are a true hero. There are no magic words any of us can come up with to help with the grief except to keep your memory alive by telling stories about you and also soliciting stories from those that worked with you or were close to you. The reason we gather these stories now is because we all know that there will be no more and we want to preserve all those loving memories for all to know in the future. Continue to watch over your loved ones. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

February 8, 2007

Kevin,

Memories of you are with many of us. Keep us safe and protect us. God bles you and your family.

Lt. Mike Nichols
Indiana State Police

February 8, 2007

I think of you often Kevin.

Your untimely and tragic death had me struggling with my alcoholic demons, and the right and wrong of what I was doing. I am proud to say, that my prayers were answered, and I am alcohol free now for almost a year.
Thank you Kevin. I am officially declaring you as my Hero in conquering that disease. Your death had an immense effect on me. Keep up the great work Kevin, I am listening and I am learning.

I love you.
Always and forever,
Chrissy

Mom/Mary,
I love you so much. I will always be eternally grateful to have you, Camie especially, Rob and Kevin as my 2nd family. You are all, and have always been, a blessing to me. It's a very lonely feeling to be away from Camie and you now..hopefully you feel my thoughts and prayers. I'll always be here for you. Always.

Christine Woods
Family Friend

February 7, 2007

Hi daddy,I miss alot but, I still love YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope your .O.K.

February 1, 2007

I think of you everyday .......... I miss you everyday. I hope that each day I live without you in my life - you are still here helping me. Helping me to raise our wonderful girls and do what is best for all of us. It's lonely because no matter how much I still love you I walk this earth without you by my side. I would not wish that pain on anyone. It's hard to feel confused so much of the time but I have faith that when I die I will understand this destiny for our lives. I do know that I have learned to cherish every happy moment more than I did in the past. To let the people in my life, including myself, make mistakes and grow from them.

January 28, 2007