Angels Amoung Us / Annette Weaver ("AMLI Family" Friend ) Dear Sallie... Wonderful Memories...that's what they are and always will be. As a Mother and Grandmother myself, I believe without a doubt, our children, a precious gift, are "lent" to us....to love and care for.... all our time is uncertain, we don't always understand, but they are "Angels Amoung Us."
You are a special person Sallie...unlike anyone I've ever known. I am honored to have you in my life and call you my dear friend. You, Chirs and Olie are always in my prayers.
Love, Annette
Condolences to you and your family from England / Sean Gray (Stranger) May I offer you my condolences for your loss of Stephen. I am not a religious person, but I admire your faith and strength. I don't know you and did not know Stephen, but I can tell he was well loved, and still is, by his family and community.
Carry on going, Stephen will be watching you from heaven and looking out for you. You can rest assured that he will protect you.
The first time I really got to know Stephen was on a church youth backpack trip in July 2002 to Shining Rock Wilderness. He brought his own gear, never complained as we climbed the mountains, and always had that quiet, warm smile. I knew he was one of those kids I could count on. Then, the next time I saw him was at the St. Catherine's youth conference at Kanuga, North Carolina in March 2003. He rode up in my car that night with Elizabeth and some of the other youth. We played a CD of his music and I was surprised at how many songs were ones that I liked (since we so far apart in age). He and I talked about the various songs that night, much the same way that my son and I talk about music. I was really growing to like Stephen as a friend. I remember seeing him with Elizabeth that weekend alot and they both seemed so happy, always smiling and always glad to see me.
As time passed, he and I saw each other at church now and then, but no specific memories stood out until he came to a Saturday night Jubilate service at St. Catherine's by himself around May 2004. I remember we exchanged the Peace that evening and I remember thinking how good it was seeing him again. The last time I saw Stephen was at the mentor Braves game outing in July. I remember being surprised that he had a goatee, but he was still the same old Stephen, always with a warm twinkle in his eye. For me, Stephen was a person who liked many of the things that I liked: rock and roll music, soccer, backpacking, the mountains, contemporary church music. It was reassuring for me to know a young person who had values so close to mine.I'll always remember Stephen as a warm person who always seemed to care for me.I will never forget him as long as I live. And I will miss him dearly.
Memories and Belief / Guy Andrews (Friend of the family )
As our lives continue after the loss of a loved one, we are left with the wonderful memories of those that blessed our lives and our belief that we will see them again when God call us from this Earth.
Sallie you started a great memorial for Stephen. This will continue to reinforce those wonderful memories we have of him.
I believe that with everyone’s prayers good will come out such a tragic event.
Just want to say Thanks for all the support / Sallie Sompayrac (Mom) I just want to thank all the people that have been there for me for the last year and more now. My church, my friends at work, the people that have contacted me as a result of this website and my family and friends. I also want to thank Iris Bolton, of The Link Counseling Center for going and talking to the youth at St. Catherines and for the support and caring she and her orginization gave to me and my family after Stephen's death.
I really want to thank all the first responders that were on the scene that horrible night. The firemen, EMT's, the police and detectives, especially Sgt. Pickett. They were very caring and took good care of us as we were in shock. Some were better than others but I thank them all from the bottom of my heart. I also want to thank the medical examiner, Hal Bennett and the Lifelink contact Meg Kauffmann. They were all wonderful and answered all my questions very patiently. Father Jim and Liz Rea, Nate and Tammy, all from the two churches we had been to, Ann and Jim who were all there that night and took care of us. Danae who was there with Chris the whole time. Alicia Davis that just was there and prayed with me when I was overwhelmed with grief and comforted me many times. Then all the folks that came in the days following to bring food, sit with me, make me laugh and cried with me. Thanks!
I do not know what I would have done without those folks in my life.
My thanks to all of you!
Sallie
I share your grief / Jeanne Murray Dear Mom of Stephen,
If you believe in synchronicity then you will understand what I am about. I believe in it very strongly.
On the 1st of May this year I lost my second oldest son under very tragic circumstances. 8 years ago I lost my oldest son in a car accident. His brother, Graham never managed to get over the loss of his older brother. He truly loved his brother and missed him even more than we could imagine possible.
One night about two weeks ago I was feeling incredibly sad and decided to find a means of coping with my grief on the internet. The first site I came to was this one. I was very touched by it and decided to find out what sort of things people wrote in their memorials to their loved ones. I entered your site because somehow I was drawn to it - maybe your son reminded me of mine, I just don't know why I chose it, but I did.
It shocked me to read that your son was eighteen years old and he took his life with a shotgun. My son was eighteen years old and he shot himself in his head with a rifle. I don't know why he did, he never left us a note. He just spent the day with friends at a party and never came back home.
Anyway, what really really touched me on your memorial was the poem of the letter from heaven. I read it often now and it brings me some sort of comfort. In some way Graham and God were sending me a message from heaven and you delivered it to me. I thank you very, very much.
If you ever need to correspond with someone who knows the anguish that you are going through, please don't hesitate to contact me. You will know the heartache I am experiencing at the moment, and maybe we can help each other in our healing processes.
From a mother on a different continent, who truly cares for the loss you have had to suffer and the way in which you had to suffer it.
God bless you and your special family, Jeanne and her sole surviving son, P-D.
We loved Stephen / Natalie Whitlow (Church School leader, friend to mom and parent of a friend ) I will always remember Stephen on the pilgrimage and how sweet and helpful he was. Everyone was mindful of his illness and tried to relieve him of any strenuous responsibilities, but he wasn't having it. He wanted to participate fully, and he did. Sometimes we leaders had to step in and just pull rank to get him to slow down.
Now, mom, I know you must be in a significantly altered state. Just know that I love you and I'm praying.
Natalie
A Celebration of Life / Donald &. Alycia Davis (Friend)
Dearest Sallie,
The website is a wonderful celebration of Stephen's life! He touched so many lives with his jubilant spirit. Our lives have been enhanced because of him.
We enjoyed watching Stephen grow from a middle schooler into a mature young adult. He was always kind and friendly, thoughtful and full of fun.
Stephen and Alex had fun times together, especially during the four week visit with the French Exchange Student the Summer of 2000.
You and Stephen will always have a special place in our hearts.
May God's love, peace, and joy embrace you as you cherish the memories of your life with Stephen.
Love you,
Donald and Alycia
We Remember You / Monica Chapman (friend& sometimes fill-in mom ) I knew Stephen for many years. My son Grant met Stephen at school and they became great friends. Grant was on one of those fishing trips to the island with Stephen and his family. I remember Stephen as a happy, smiling guy. I couldn't even count how many times I would drive these 2 boys to buy some bait and drop them off at the newest fishing hole. I remember Grant and Stephen fishing off the pier at Gulf Shores, Al one of the times he went with us on vacation. He would go home with us to AL and play with my nephews. They would go hunting with my Brother. He just fit in with everyone. He was a great guy. I miss you Stephen. We love you and think of you so many times. It has been so hard thinking of how much you were hurting. I hope you are happy again. and know that Grant is thinking of you when he is going fishing, wishing his friend was there beside him. Stephen and Grant was always picking on Joshua (Grant's younger brother) and I will never forget this one day, i had taken them fishing and Josh wanted to stay with them. i came back a little while later to pick them up and Josh was really excited that he had indeed caught a fish, but Grant and Stephen had convinced josh that if he wanted to catch any more fish that he had to pay tribute to the fish gods by kissing the fish. and poor guy, he believed them. they were laughing like crazy and i was trying really hard not to laugh with them. Josh was so serious.. We finally had to come clean and tell him it was a joke, but, he didn't even hold it against them. That is the Stephen we remember. That is the Stephen that made us laugh.
In memory of Stephen / Becki Shannon (Friend) I wish I could have known Stephen better... but this photo album helps to get a glimpse of Stephen's precious life. Sally, my heart aches with yours and I am still praying for you and your family. May our friend and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, comfort you as only He can. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure..."Hebrews 6:19
Letter from Heaven / Shelia Colbert (Friend of Sally ) Sally,
As always my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have included a poem that I hope gives you some comfort.
This is a beautiful Memorial that you have created for Stephen. I know that he was a great kid
To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say….
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from heaven.Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there are no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal
Love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.
Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.”
It’s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you’re part of my plan.
There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.”
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you….in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years,
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o’er.
I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too….
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and pain,
Then you can say to God at night…..”My day was not in vain.”
And now I am contented…. That my life has been worthwhile
Knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet someone who is sad and feeling low,
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you’re walking down the street, and you’ve got me
On your mind;
I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it’s time for you to go…. from that body to be free,
Remember you’re not going…..you’re coming home to me.
My favorite memories / Kelly Manthe (friend of family ) of Stephen are from the Potter's House in Omaha. We were so surprised to be somewhere so far from home and family only to discover new friends and neighbors!
Stephen was always the one with a 'round the clock smile, who cheered everyone else and kept us all laughing in a sometimes difficult atmosphere. Stephen, you will be greatly missed.
Kelly and Gary Manthe
He was a great kid. / Norm Daudelin (Friend) Stephen taught me to fish and every time I go I think of him. I was with him in '99 when we went fishing in the sound off of Okracoke. It is a day that I remember as one of my happiest. I will always remember him as he was that day.
Prayers to Sallie and Family / Debbie Lopez (Friend) Sallie, You are such a wonderful mother. I just pray for you all the time in your grief. I know in my 3 years of grief for my mother and brother, it will get better some how. Lord, lead, guide, direct and protect this mother in her time of grief and sorrow.
Sallie/ Mary Jane Dempsey (Friend) You are in our thoughts and prayers. I can't even begin to imagine what you have been through--you are such a strong, faithful, loving Christian woman. Please know that you and Stephen led Mary Dee, Evelyn and me to know God better by taking us along to St. Catherine's. It is because of you guys that we have learned how to be faithful and to love God. I remember those times and hold them so close to my heart. Thank you for being such a wonderful role model to me and for always being there for me during my tough times. Always remember that even though miles seperate us, you are forever in my heart. I miss and love you and am sending you a great big hug through this message.
The old man in a kids body / Evette McDaniel (friend) I remember Sally you alwlays told me he was a old man in akids body. Smarter than the average Kid his age and fun as can be. His bright spirit and devine personality is captivating. You could be around him 5 minutes and your captivated my his charisma. I guess the adult problems overwelmed him. I still know hes the brightest star in the sky. People come and go in our Lives. Some leave footprint in our heart and were never the same. Stephen your footprints are forever in my heart.....Eve
Thoughts/ Kathie Monroe Dube (Mom's friend ) Sallie,
You and I were pregnant at the same time - You with Stephen, and me with Rhianna ~ that connection goes back years. While I am not a religious person, I would like to think 'spiritual' may describe it better. And fate has our paths crossing once again. Stephen is so with you - almost more than when he was here. I hope you share all your thoughts with him, happy, sad and mad. I am sure you do. Take comfort in knowing that so many Mom's send you positive thoughts and strength each day and while we cannot truly know what you experienced, we do share in your loss, as Mothers. Thank you for sharing him with us in this Memorial - Peace, Kath
AH memories / Marilyn Whitlow (Friend) I was looking over the photos and saw the pictue of Stephen rolling your house. I remembered that night, when we stuck "feminine products" all over stephen's room, it made me giggle. I just thought I'd share, and let you know I still think about him, and you, often. Love ya!
And God Said..... / Diane Angel Mom- Katie Cassidy
I said, God I hurt And God said, I know
I said, I cry alot And God said, That's why I gave you tears
I said, Life is so hard And God said, That's why I gave you loved ones
I said, But my loved one died!! And God said, So did mine!!
I said, It's such a great loss!! And God said, I saw mine nailed to a cross!!
I said, But your loved one lives!! And God said, So does yours!!
I said, Where is he now?? And God said, My Son is by my side and Your Son is in my arms!!
author-unknown
sorry for your loss / Courtney (passerby) I am so sorry for your loss.I lost my best friend in a car accident in 2005.We will miss them dearly for the rest of our lives.Please go onto her website and leave a candle or ribute her name is Jonna Begley.Her website is:
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