Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Well, you know how much music touches me...it did you too...so although these lyrics may not be just right...they're just right now...I know you know what I mean...sometimes it's just the way the song is sang...the emotion in the voice of the singer...this is from one of my favorites, Sugarland, and it just made me want to reach out and touch you...how can so much time have passed and yet I still hold you so close in my heart...I think I miss you now more than ever...I wish I could tell you that....I love you baby...now and forever

Keep You
Sugarland

We said goodbye. Tried her hand at magic.
But we couldn't make us disappear.
Not a day goes by I don't wish I had you.
So run away, I'm glad you're still here.
It's a bitter sweet victory.
Lovin' the ghost in front of me.

Now I can't laugh, can't cry.
And I can't run, can't hide.
What do I gotta do?
What do I gotta do to keep you?
What do I gotta do to keep you from doing this to me?

I wrote a couple of notes.
One in love, one in anger.
They're lying there dying in the dresser drawer.
Lived louder than my voice. Struggled through a stranger.
He loved me until I loved you even more.
It's a bitter sweet victory.
Lovin' someone else who wanted me.

Now I can't laugh, can't cry.
And I can't run, can't hide.
You get used to the pain, and numb to the sting
Till you can't feel anything.

You tried to explain, but I couldn't hear it.
As if your words were my tears.
Flowing freely, warm and quiet.
From the edges of my eyes and my ears.
Then all that disappears.

Now I can't laugh, can't cry.
And I can't run, can't hide.
Now I can't laugh, can't cry.
And I can't run, can't hide.

What do I gotta do?
What do I gotta do to keep you?
What do I gotta do to keep you from doing this to me?

Chrissy
yours forever

October 21, 2008

Hey baby....I have to tell you how amazing your son is!! He is smart and kind, just like you...although he is not nearly as modest!! I guess he'll end up taller than you, since he is already as tall as you were and he's only 14! I'm grateful that he hasn't forgotten how much I love him and how much he means to Alex, CJ and me...He is all grown up now! We love you and miss you very much! I wish you were here to watch the kids growing up. They sure could use a Dad to help them along...but I know that you are with us always....love you more than words can say!!

always, your wife....me

Chrissy

October 14, 2008

Drew
Your are a true hero to your family, friends, department and community, not only by the way you died but by the way that you lived life to the fullest. You are an inspiration to us all, and I hope to use some of that inspiration to find and answer to a question that I have had for over 3 1/2 years.
Just like you I always wanted to be a cop, then in early 2005 I had a heart attack. Every so often I would ask the question why, then in late March I was told I had to retire by doctors and staff from my department. Then I had the question of if being a cop was all I wanted why was I still on this earth. About two weeks ago I came across your page and read your story and reflections, and now the question is even stronger. Don't get me wrong I am glad to be alive to be with my wife and family, but unlike you I have no kids. So the question is why spare me, and you with four beautiful kids and wife and family pay the altimate price.
Sir your memory will never be forgotten, and I pray for your family. Also come to your family in their dreams to let them know you are alright, and they will be with you again.
Drew's Family
I cannot begin to know the pain that you are going through, but know that you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. And know that Drew is always in your hearts.

Mark (Retired WPD)

October 1, 2008

oh Drew...why do things happen??? Your Granddaddy was so sick for so long and I know it's a blessing that he is finally there with you...I know you are happy to see him...I just feel so sad....I wish we could have seen him again over the past 3 years...CJ talks about him all the time....he kept asking to go visit....I kept thinking we would go the next time Liz came down, we could go up and meet her there...the last couple of times she went, we weren't able to go up....Take care of Bunny....As I already know, this is a hard thing to get through....I hope you know that no matter what people may say, I'm a good person...honest...hard working...caring....loving...I take good care of my kids....I try to teach them to be kind and loving...and they are so good...so thoughtful...wonderful children....they should not have to deal with so much pain...you should be here to love them and teach them and play with them...and they need you so much...we all do....you should be here to protect all of us...we love you and miss you more each day...all my love always...me

Chrissy

September 23, 2008

Hey baby...I know that you are there to welcome your brother Percy...I hope that whatever pain he was suffering from here is gone....Let him know that we here will continue to pray for his family and that he will be missed so very much!!

Please be with Liz during these hard times...she needs to feel your love more than ever. We sure wish you were here to help us deal with all the day to day suffering we are left here to navigate on our own.

I miss you with all my heart...I love you so very much!! All my love always...me

Chrissy

September 22, 2008

Remembering today and always the men,women and children who lost their lives on this day in 2001. Not just in the law enforcement community, but people just like you and I, trying to do a job, tragically taken from this world and from their loved ones. Gone but not forgotten. Always.

Chrissy, Wife

September 11, 2008

Hey Baby....I want you to know that I still miss you everyday....it's still so hard for all of us...yesterday in school Alex had to explain to her teacher why she didn't have a dad....she doesn't want to talk about it cause she knows she will cry, but for some reason it keeps coming up...she's so smart you know, she said to me "they make you fill out that information card...but they don't even look at it...everyone here has a mom and a dad....why can't they notice the one with no dad"....she's right...I always think that when the school calls me and says Mrs Prygon....I think, you had to get the card out to look up my number, was it so hard to look at my name too!! I always correct them!!! I'm Henley....always will be....I'll always be your wife....never again will I marry....or change my name!! it's the best name, who would want another!!! I love you so very much....I miss you more than words can say....always....me

Chrissy, Wife

September 10, 2008

Hi Drew........just wanted to let you know I am still and always will be thinking about you. To Chrissy and Liz, I love you guys and miss you so much. Things are still the same here in Texas.....miss you Drew!

Anonymous

September 7, 2008

Drew-be with your little sis....she is needing support and love...let her feel your arms around her...Give your wonderful wife a big hug too! Chrissy has had to deal with some things recently but she has handled it with class. People have not treated her the best and it is really sad, because these people have no clue as to what she has been through. She amazes me daily with her strength.
Chrissy sent me a picture of Skyler and I almost fell out of my chair because he looks so much like you! I love all your kids and miss them like crazy. I love your nephew Lawson too (we call him Horton though!)
Well...I love you and miss you Drew...I still look for you when I am going over that bridge in Suffolk...miss you always, Les

Leslie
friend

September 3, 2008

Touch Liz's heart in only the way you can. She still needs you.

Anonymous

August 18, 2008

Hello my love...Today is the day you made me your wife...one of the happiest days of my life...I remember how much I cried, trying to hold back the tears...I was scared, but you were sure...I'm so glad we did it...It was too short, but it was awesome...I'll never forget how we spent our anniversary, riding rides at Bush Gardens...eating at the Octoberfest in Germany...and that giant piece of chocolate cake that we split...ugh...we were sick after that...how nice it was to stroll around, no kids tugging in different directions...not a romantic candle lit dinner in some fancy restaurant, just you and me, laughing, holding hands...having fun...we saw the Riverdance show that day for the first time, remember? Then we brought the kids back to see it...it was so awesome..I wish I could have that day with you again today...I love you so much...I miss you...always my husband!!! Thank you for making me your wife!!! I love you with all my heart and soul...always...me

Chrissy

August 16, 2008

Chrissy
I was reading your reflections and wanted you to know you are in my thoughts. Drew sounds like a wonderful husband and father. I also lost my husband in the line of duty and know all to well the pain and sorrow left behind for us to deal with. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in your grief. I'm not sure if you have heard of C.O.P.S. but they have a spouses retreat every September, I have made many close friends there and found great comfort in being with others who have shared such a tragic loss. Hope to see you there and you and your children will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Take Care.

Anonymous

August 10, 2008

Honestly, i dont know where to start, ive erased and typed then, erased again on this comment box thing, i dont know where to begin, i hold up a smile not becuase i dont want people to feel bad for me, or becuase im afraid if i dont laugh, illl cry. Just becuase everyday i know there are people out there who have it worse, but im 13, and i worry everyday of my life, who will walk me down the isle of my own wedding, i dont have that other side that alot of my friends do. i miss it so much, and latley i dont know what to do, whenever i think about those times before bedtime we would dance together, or when i would get scared at a friends house and you'd be there in a heatbeat,it makes me realize how good of a dad you really were. you have made the biggest impact on my life, i look at life in a whole new way, i know not to take advantage of people, or anything becuase in a second it could be gone, i care for everyone, and a shoulder to cry on for anyone who needs it . And i wish i could tell you this in person, but i love you,& miss you everyday of my life, and its so hard not having a dad, you are my dad drew, the closest thing i will ever of had to one, no one could ever replace you, or how much you ment to me, im sorry if i ever treated you with disrespect or attitude or anything, im so so sorry, i would take it all back if i could. You gave me a chance to be daddys little girl, and i never knew what that felt like untill i met you, and thank you for loving me and treating me like i was your own daughter, love always alex(:

alexx

August 5, 2008

Another one Drew...I hate when the similarities show up...3 yrs...33 yrs old...kids...5 and 10...It just breaks my heart to think that there is another woman out there right now thinking, how will I get through this...how can I be a "widow" at such a young age...who will help me raise my children???? Questions I still don't have answers to myself...the pain just doesn't seem to go away...I hate being around couples...it's like a daggar to my heart...I know I am just in a low right now, and I'll bounce back...I'm sure of it...but I sure would rather not have to keep riding this roller coaster...you know how I get motion sickness!!! Keep watch over the new family...and all of us down here missing you...love you baby....always, me

Anonymous

July 23, 2008

There are days when I just don't want to be here anymore. Life without you has become so empty. How will I ever fill this empty place in my heart? How will I ever be able to be happy again? I know there are times when this feeling passes, but then it comes back and I feel I am right back where I was and I'm here all alone. There is noone to lean on...no one to hold me...to tell me everything is going to be ok...where are you when I need you most? I can't feel you...I can't touch you...I don't have your arms to hold me...there is noone to love me Drew...not like you did...never again...and so forever more I will be here all alone...it's not fair...I want to be strong..I want to hold back the tears. Then I read stories like Debbie's...her husband was shot and killed when she was pregnant...he never got to meet his dad...and yet he writes to him like they were best buddies...how can so many people have so much pain? where are the good days? Maybe I will never get over losing you...maybe I will feel sad forever...maybe I will never again be that happy person who had it all...I will always remember your face...your smile and your crazy laugh!! I remember that night Drew...it's burned in my mind...I don't want to remember you like that....I want you to come back, just like you did in my dream...but come back to stay...or take me with you where ever you go...I told you I would go any where with you...I still would...I just miss you so damn much...I love you Drew...I love you so much it hurts...it hurts so damn bad...I can't get rid of it...I'm sorry baby...I'm sorry for being weak...I know I'll make it and one day we will be together...I know that you will still love me as much as you always did...and I can't wait to see you again!! I love you baby...always...me

Chrissy
wife

July 21, 2008

I had the worst dream this morning...I dreamt you were back...somehow you had come back...but you were going to die again...we already knew that...and it was soon...and I had to call Skyler again and tell him again...ugh!!! I would love to have you back, but I never ever want to go through that again...hearing Skyler cry like that...it still rips right through me...I miss him...I look forward to being able to hug him again, of course by the time I see him again he'll be 6 feet tall!!! I wish you were here :( Life will never again be the same...how could it? I love you baby....so very much...always and forever...your wife....I do so love being your wife...the best title I've ever had :) love you...me

Anonymous

July 18, 2008

Miss you Drew, just wanted to say hello and sorry that I never said Happy Birthday to you. I thought about you as always. I still miss and think of the guys back in Suffolk a lot! Chrissy and Liz, just know that you guys are on my mind 24/7 and I do miss you so much. I have to run Drew, thanks for keeping us safe my friend!

Officer John Lane
McKinney TX PD, prior Suffolk VA PD

July 10, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I wish so much you were here so I could have called you when you were sleeping and wake you by singing to you. That's what you use to do to me and it made me so mad. You used to call me before the sun was even up just so you could be the first one to wish me Happy Birthday. I wish I could do that for you. I wish Lawson could sing to you.

I try to keep your memory alive as much as I can Drew. I want Lawson to know what a wonderful person you were and how lucky he is to have an uncle like you. I wish you could see him and play with him and make him laugh like I know you would have done.

We took cookies around to the Police Offices again this week. I thought it was only appropriate with the loss of Trooper Blanton. Lawson told each policeman we saw... Thank you for keeping us safe. It was the cutest thing you've ever seen. I tried to talk to him about Trooper Blanton and how he is in Heaven with you... he said that he thinks the two of you are really good friends. I hope that is so. He seemed like a great guy. I went to his services and it was so very hard. All those hundreds of policemen and I didn't know one of them. I just wanted to hug each and everyone of them and tell them that my brother was so proud to be one of them. I knew you would have been there in that auditorium with them if you could. I stared out the window at the Lake where we grew up and remembered my high school graduation. I graduated in that same auditorium and I can remember you giving me that Drew Henley smile as I walked up that aisle. It was so hard being there Drew. It was entirely too close to home for me. But I made it. I had to. I had no choice. Those Troopers stood beside us when you passed, and I had to be there for them too. I know they didn't know me from Adam's house cat, but I knew I was there, and I had to do it for you, for them and for me. And I did it. I survived. Somehow I think you had something to do with that. Holding my hand the entire way through. Thank you.

I miss you so much. You are always in my heart and on my mind. I can't tell you how much I want to hear your voice again. I can close my eyes and still remember the way it felt to hug you the last time I saw you. I can remember the sound of your voice when you told me you loved me in my ear just before you loaded up the mini van.. that I gave you such grief over... and drove off. If I had known that was the last time I would have seen you, I never would have let you go. I love you so much. I can only hope you know just how much.

Happy Birthday old man. I love you to the moon and back again.

Liz
Baby Sis

June 26, 2008

Okay so i know i dont write to you very often, but to be completly honest it isnt real for me yet, i still believe i will come home to find you sitting in that black chair of yours, but everyday i walk in and realize your really gone your really not going to be there when i need you the most.

When people ask questions about what happend to you, the most common one is what do you miss most, i say the same thing every time, the little things, how your were always there for me, how we'd dance to our song before id go to bed, how i memorized the marine corp hym just for you, and the look on your face becuase you were so proud of me,how you were protective of me,your laugh, your smile, your yell,how you took care of me, how you loved me as if i was your daughter, but in my world i was, there was no one better then you, how we would hide from mom and c.j in walmart, how you'd run so fast id be flying becuase you'd lift me up with your arm, how i stood on your feet when you danced with me, how i wanted to calll you daddy but just didnt know the right time.

When you picked me up from kidzone every afternoon youd go "how was your day at school" in the calm voice of yours and every afternoon id say the samething"good", and i regret it till this day im sorry i shouldve told you every detail, and when i see you again i will.

i wanted to say happy Birthday drew i love you & miss you more everyday, and i just want you to know, your my dad, that will never change.

Alex

June 26, 2008

Hey baby...Happy Birthday!!! You would have been 37 today...although I know you would have told everyone that you were 29...AGAIN!! We wish that you were here so we could have a party and sing to you...you always hated that so much...lol...I miss you with all my heart...not a day goes by that I don't think of you and miss you...I love you forever...me


www.drewhenley.com

June 26, 2008

Hello my love...not a day goes by that I don't miss you...today was so hard for Lizzy...she went to the funeral for Trooper Blanton...I can't even imagine...I watched the news reports of the service...it just tears at my heart...I don't know how she sat through that...I wished so much I could have been there for her..and for the Trooper's family...they were all there for me when you passed...why Drew? why do these awful things happen to the best people? Everytime another officer is gunned down, the stories are all the same..."he was a great man, kind, giving, generous"...and on and on...hardly seems right that all the bad ones get to stick around here! You are a perfect example of one of the good ones, taken way too soon from this place...I still don't quite buy into the fact that you are in a better place, but if you are, then why do I have to stay here and suffer? Shouldn't we all want to be where you are? where is the motivation to continue to struggle alone? I ask myself this question all the time. I feel so very alone...everyday...alone. I have the kids...I have friends...and yet, I feel alone...because there is a huge piece of my heart missing that can never be replaced...3 years, 3 months...still feels like yesterday...how can if be so long since I have touched your face...Drew I remember your face...every line...the way your mustache would poke my face it was so wirey!! I loved your pointed nose and the way your chin stuck out..it was just who you were...I remember every tooth in your beautiful smile...and your balding head!! I remember how you would lay in bed and stretch your leg across so that your foot was always touching mine...and how you would chew in your sleep as your chin was pressed against my back...I would always say "what are you eating"...lolol...you never remembered those conversations...and your big brown eyes that always looked at me with such adoration...how could you have loved me that much? how could not still be here to hold me...somedays I need your arms to hold me so bad...but I just can't find you anywhere...its not fair Drew...its not fair that we finally had it all...and we didn't get to enjoy it long enough...you didn't get to see the kids grow up...watch them mature into young adults...you won't get to see them graduate from high school or college...or attend their weddings or see your grandchildren be born!! I would give anything to go back and be with you again...you were my dream come true...you and I were so perfectly matched...I never believed it was possible to find...but you were real...and I miss you so damn much...there is a piece of me that is broken...you could fix it...but since you are not I'm afraid it will never be fixed...and the disappointments of others only makes it worse...I believe them when they say they love me and will be there for me, but none of them is you...I just wish I didn't get so attached to people...it breaks my heart...and my heart can't take it anymore...I just really wish you were here...so I wouldn't have to be alone anymore...I love you with all my heart...I will love you forever Mr Henley...you were my night in shining armor...you will my prince charming...my dream come true...thank you for making me yours...always, me (Mrs Henley) xoxoxoxoxoxo

June 21, 2008

Hey Big Bro...

Well... This past weekend was a blast!! Chrissy brought the kids and the Irwins came!! It was so cool showing them around our stomping grounds. I wish I could have shown them more, but time was short. Took them to the Lake where we spent every summer and showed them the house. Took them by the farm and into Waynesville. Wanted to show them everything! Being with them makes me feel so close to you. I find some strange sense of comfort when I'm surrounded by people that knew and loved you. I'm so glad you brought them into my life... I just wish you could be here to share all these moments with me. Why didn't we hang out? Why didn't we get together and just hang as adults? I have so much fun when I'm with your friends and Chrissy. I just can't help but think how much fun we would have if you were there too. I miss you so much Drew. No matter how much time and life come between us, you will always be in my heart and I will always want you here.

A Trooper was shot and killed Tuesday on I-40 near the Canton exit. His wife Michaela took dance from me. They just had a baby two weeks ago... seven weeks premature. Now, tell me... how is this fair? It's not! Last night I was just chilling on the couch watching tv and the news came on. The first ten minutes of the broadcast was all about Trooper Blanton and his family. I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach. I sat and cried and cried and cried. All those feelings coming back over me. I just relived the whole thing. It might as well been your face and our family on that screen. Why? Why do these things happen?

So I'm going to the services. The visitation is at Wells in Canton, where you were. I don't know how I'm going to get through it, but I have to. I have to do it. And the funeral is at the Auditorium at the Lake, where we grew up. Somehow, someway I have to muster up the strength inside me to get through it. It will be one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I have to do it. When you passed, a swarm of people and police surrounded us and gave me the strength to move forward. Gave me reason to get up in the morning. I have to pay that forward. That family may never know I'm there.... but I will, and I have to do it. I have to give back to the Police Brotherhood in anyway that I can.

I love you Drew Henley. I hope you knew that. I hope you know that now. I love you so much. I was stupid and took you for granted, and I regret that everyday of my life. I should have told you more what you meant to me. You deserved to hear it. But I didn't. So I have to live with that now. But I know you loved me. I know you were proud of me... and I hope I will always make you proud.

Help me through the next few days. Help Trooper Blanton's family too if you can. I know just exactly what they are going through, and no one should ever have to endure that kind of pain.

I love you so very much.

Liz
Baby Sis

June 19, 2008

Well we made it through...although it was sad to re-visit the places you had taken me before, none was as hard as going into Sagebrush in Canton...I thought I could take it...but as soon as we walked through the doors I was taken back to the night before we buried you...the guys and I walked there for drinks and to hang out...then they gave me that awesome shadow box...so I immediately texted john to tell him where we were, but the tears came pouring out...it seems like just yesterday and at the same time so long ago...I still look at that picture of you, the beach one, and I think to myself, how can this be real? how can you really be gone? I visit the cemetary, but it doesn't feel like you are there...I guess cause you are not...maybe living in Fl is good...I don't look for you here cause you never were here...but I still wish I could find you somewhere...I miss you very much....everyday..I love you...always me

John Lane...thanks for the memory...you are the best!!

June 18, 2008

We're on our way baby...see you very soon...I love you with all my heart...always, me

June 13, 2008

Hey Drew (Dew-as Kristin called you) I just wanted to let you know that we are coming the NC to see you this weekend! So I will be with Jeff, Kristin, Lizzy B, Chrissy, Alex, and CJ! Still miss you everyday! Chrissy still misses and loves you so much. Her bad days are less now but she still has them and it makes my heart ache so badly for both of you and all the kids. Chrissy and the kids will be meeting us for vacation in FL in July so we are all looking forward to that!! We love and miss you so much Drew! Wish you were here with all my heart. Always, Les

Leslie Irwin
friend

June 11, 2008