Happy Birthday, Richard

It's that time of year again. Another Christmas, another birthday. You were supposed to be turning 28 on Christmas Day. Amid all the joy and celebrations, we still feel your loss. 

Merry Christmas from Heaven Throughout the Christmas season, don't fall into despair, Relive the special times we shared, I promise, I'll be there. You'll find me in the stories, of loved ones who stop by, I am the flickering candlelight, My spirit did not die. Continue with traditions and gather around the tree, I want you to be happy... You were everything to me! So fill the house with laughter, and know that I'm a part, Of all the joy the season brings, Here ALWAYS in your heart.

You are still the best Christmas gift our family ever received.  Know we miss and love you very, very much, but we know we can all be together again someday.

Richard Gene Kirk 12/25/1988-7/9/2008

Richard

Eight years. Eight years since we've seen your smile, heard your voice, and felt your hugs. We missed you then and miss you still. Some days are hard, but we know, without a doubt, that we will be together again someday. 

A Bridge Called Love

It takes us back to brighter years,

to happier sunlit days

and to precious moments

that will be with us always. 

And these fond recollections

are treasured in the heart

to bring us always close to those

from whom we had to part. 

There is a bridge of memories

from Earth to Heaven above....

It keeps our dear ones near us. 

It's the bridge that we call love. 

We love you, Richard. 

In remembrance of Richard Gene Kirk 12/25/1988~7/9/2008

Happy Birthday, Richard

Our seventh Christmas since you've been gone...

We have learned to live without you, but this time of year brings our memories to the forefront of our consciousness and you're ever present in our hearts.

Christmas Without You

Although it's sad to reminisce

On Christmases we knew,

This year I shall celebrate

In memory of you.

I'll put aside my sorrow

With every unshed tear,

And concentrate on all the joy

We shared when you were here.

Our time together taught me

What Christmas time is for,

And that's what I'll remember

Until we meet once more.

Richard Gene Kirk 12/25/1988~7/9/2008

Happy birthday, Richard. We love you so.

In Remembrance of Richard

My brother Richard with my oldest son Kyan

There should have been so much more of this, Richard. I'll never understand the why but I truly know you are forever out of pain. The years seem long, the memories sometimes distant, but we will never forget you. Love you and can't wait to see you again someday.

If Tears Could Build A Stairway

If tears could build a stairway

And memories were a lane

We would walk right up to heaven

And bring you back again

No farewell words were spoken

No time to say goodbye

You were gone before we knew it

And only God knows why

Our hearts still ache with sadness

And secret tears still flow

What it meant to lose you

No one can ever know

But now we know you want us

To mourn for you no more

To remember all the happy times

Life still has much in store

Since you'll never be forgotten

We pledge to you today

A hallowed place within our hearts

Is where you'll always stay

Richard Gene Kirk 12/25/1988~7/9/2008

Happy Birthday, Richard

Another year.

 Another birthday.

 Richard, you would have been 26 today.

 I cannot help but wonder: who you'd be today.

 The job you would have, where you would live, the things you'd be teaching your nieces and nephews...

Christmas hasn't ever been the same since we lost you. Being together as a family sure helps a lot, but I know we all feel the empty space where you should be. I can't adequately express in words how much you are missed at this time of year, so the words of another will have to suffice.

Someone Is Missing at Christmas

Let this be a loving reminder

That someone is missing today,

Someone our hearts still hold on to,

As we travel along life's way.

Someone who made life so special,

for all those who gather here,

Someone who won't be forgotten,

But cherished from year to year.

And now as we pause to remember,

Let us all fondly recall,

How dearly each of us loved him,

And oh...how he loved us all!

We will always love and remember you, brother. Merry Christmas and happy birthday, Richard.

Richard Gene Kirk 12/25/1988~7/9/2008

Remembrance

Richard Gene Kirk 12/25/1988-7/9/2008

Remembrance

You can shed tears that he is gone,

or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes

and pray that he'll come back,

or you can open your eyes

and see all he has left.

Your heart can be empty 

because you can't see him,

or you can be full of

the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow

and live yesterday, or you

can be happy for tomorrow

because of yesterday.

You can remember him

and only that he's gone,

or you can cherish

his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,

be empty and turn your back,

or you can do what he'd want:

Smile, open your eyes, 

love, and go on. 

                                                                         -Author Unknown

July 9 has rolled around again. Six years have gone by without you, Richard. We feel your loss most today and your birthday, but really we never forget that there's a hole where you should be. I miss you so much and love you even more. Til I see you again, brother.

Happy Birthday, Richard

You would have been 25 today. I still remember how amazing the Christmas of 1988 was. We got a new baby brother for Christmas--born at home, nonetheless!! Now, a piece of Christmas always seems like it's missing. Every song I hear that I know you'd love, every funny thing Kyan says that I know you'd laugh over, every milestone my boys achieve, I always find myself wishing I could call you to tell you.

Richard, I know you haven't forgotten us, and we haven't forgotten you.

When I'm Gone

When I come to the end of my journey

And I travel my last weary mile,

Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned

And remember only the smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken;

Remember some good I have done,

Forget that I ever had a heartache

And remember I've had loads of fun.

Forget that I have stumbled and blundered

And sometimes fell by the way.

Remember I have fought

Some hard battles and won,

Ere the close of the day,

Then forget to grieve for my going,

I would not have you sad for a day,

But in summer just gather some flowers

And remember the place where I lay

And come in the evening

When the sun paints the sky in the west,

Stand for a few moments beside me

And remember only my best.

I miss and love you with all of my heart, Richard, until we meet again.

Richard Gene Kirk 12/25/1988-7/9/2008