Pictures of yesterday, happened upon,
Sweet, precious pictures of you, my son.
They're from a time that can't be erased,
And my heart fairly breaks as I gaze on your face.

Stirrings arouse in me....words can't explain,
I want to go back, but I can never again.
Such a sweet, pleasant child, how I wish you were here.
To reassure me with hugs and your own special cheer.

To see the beautiful smile just one more time,
And hear that you love me, would make everything fine.
Though I yearn for all this, I know it can't be.
Oh God, why on earth did this happen to me?

The pain of losing you is so hard to bear,
I hurt so badly, does anyone care?
This is not what was supposed to be,
I want and need my son; can't you see?

I want to love him and care for him and have lots of fun.
And I'm sad, because those days will never come.
Instead, a precious life was cut short,
Eighteen years of memories are my moral support.

I'm trying to live --- day by day.
How can I do this? I wish it weren't this way.
This love for you is mine to keep;
Pain is the price for the love so deep.

You're with me every day --- you live in my heart
And none of this will ever depart.
I'll look at your pictures, and remember with love,
Because you're at peace now....with God above.

May the memories of your son, help to ease your pain.

Although I did not have the privilege of ever meeting Stephen, I am a parent also.  I can't imgaine what you are going thru and will go thru. I do encourage you to keep the faith, be strong in the Lord, and do not blame yourself. There will be some tough days like holidays but think on the fun memories.   Sallie the way you have handle these stressful situations with your lost and what's going on with the job have been an inspiration to me. You are in  my prayers and will continue to be. God Bless You

Although I did not have the privilege of ever meeting Stephen, I am the mother of three boys who are just a few years older than he was. My oldest son tried to take his life when he was in high school. Thankfully, he was unsuccessful and we were able to get him help. So, I can relate to a degree with the trauma of losing a child in that way. I know how scared and bewildered I was and how much I blamed myself. I still get anxious when that son gets depressed. These things, though, are out of our control and the only way to survive is to totally surrender the situation to the Lord. Drugs have also affected three of my four children and though they are past that period of their lives, they have had to pay a price. I have grieved along with you, Sallie, over the loss of someone who had such promise. You have been in my prayers and will continue to be.