This issue of the Angel Moms newsletter is dedicated to all fathers who have lost children.

Date	Name	On This Date	Mom/E-mail
June ?, 1992	Dawn Marie Sierra	Became An Angel	NaDeen S.
June 1, 1999	Kathy Joe Maynard	Became An Angel	Sharlene A.
June 1, 2002	Alys Budge	Was Born An Angel	Tracy B.
June 1, 2002	Elizabeth Mayol	Became An Angel	Lorie M.
June 1, 2003	Rossy	Became An Angel	Leslee G.
June 1, 2006	Ava Lynn Voelz	Was Born An Angel	Heather V.
June 2, 1975	Adam Ayer	Was Born	Nancy
June 2, 1987	Jeff	Was Born	Shelly
June 2, 2000	Todd Blessing	Was Born	Wanda J.
June 2, 2000	Jesse James Kiley	Became An Angel	Karen E.
June 2, 2002	Noah Apple-Lipson	Became An Angel	Pamela A.
June 2, 2003	Andrew Aguilar	Was Born	Lonna
June 2, 2004	Anthony "Tony" Chevalier	Became An Angel	Flo S.
June 2, 2004	Jesse	Became An Angel	Margie N.
June 2, 2004	Stephanie Gabrielle	Was Born	Roselind
June 2, 2004	Matisse Aiyanna Chov	Became An Angel	Shelle C.
June 3, 1969	Mark Tidman	Was Born	Marlene T.
June 3, 1978	Justin Perkins	Was Born	Vicki P.
June 3, 1987	Nicholas William Lopez	Was Born	Jill C.
June 3, 1998	Robert Edmond Allen Gartrell "Robbie"	Became An Angel	Christy G.
June 3, 2002	Reggie	Became An Angel	Liz B.
June 3, 2003	Jordan Miller	Was Born	Rebekah M.
June 3, 2004	Sarah McDade	Became An Angel	Melanie H.
June 3, 2005	Alex Jefferies	Became An Angel	Zana M-J.
June 3, 2006	Gabriel P. Hermanson	Was Born An Angel	Rebecca A.
June 3, 2006	Justin Jones	Became An Angel	Tammy P.
June 4, 1974	Rick Dean Chapko	Was Born	Debbie H.
June 4, 1989	Annette Danielle Carver	Was Born	Sandra M.
June 4, 1998	Alliyah Lashay Dingus	Was Born	Talita D.
June 4, 2000	Arthur	Became An Angel	Susan F.
June 4, 2000	Nalei Sakowski-Smith	Was Born	Virginia S.
June 4, 2001	Alexander Harrison Soto "Alex"	Became An Angel	Karla S.
June 4, 2002	Sammy	Became An Angel	Jenni P.
June 4, 2004	Chanece Dorris	Was Born	Brandy D.
June 4, 2005	Joseph James McKittrick IV "Joey"	Became An Angel	Melissa
June 4, 2005	Caitlin Ann "Katy" Flynn	Was Born	Millie F.
June 4, 2005	Robert "Bobbo" Flynn	Became An Angel	Selma F.
June 5, 1970	Shawn Michael Cook	Was Born	Linda
June 5, 1971	Daniel Harbold	Was Born	Barbara H.
June 5, 1974	Thomas P. Luyster	Was Born	Micki L.
June 5, 1987	Shane Ellis	Was Born	Dana
June 5, 1974	Jason Dunn	Was Born	Susie D.
June 5, 1982	Paul "Jeffery" Snyder	Was Born	Michelle S.
June 5, 1992	Blake Young	Was Born	Laura M.
June 5, 1995	Kaan Mert Altindag	Became An Angel	Filiz B.
June 5, 1998	Chase Thomas Auvigne	Became An Angel	Kelly A.
June 5, 2001	Hannah Hatlin	Was Born	Kathie H.
June 5, 2004	William S. Carney "Billy"	Became An Angel	Suzanne M.
June 5, 2004	Tyson Wilkes	Became An Angel	Lori W.
June 5, 2005	Joshua Johnson	Became An Angel	Vickie J.
June 5, 2005	Eric Ray Reeves	Became An Angel	Ann R.
June 5, 2007	Amanda Susan Thierer	Became An Angel	Sally T.
June 6, 1971	Krista Petroski	Was Born	Shirley
June 6, 1978	Virginia Grace	Was Born	Joanne G
June 6, 1986	Jenn	Was Born	Kathryn
June 6, 1994	Jesse	Was Born	Margie N.
June 6, 1996	Sabrina Rae Bays	Was Born	Amy B.
June 6, 1998	Marcia Schwartz	Became An Angel	Arlene B.
June 6, 2003	Cody Hughes	Became An Angel	Wendy M.
June 6, 2004	Dylan Jacob James	Was Born An Angel	Megan T.
June 6, 2005	Gracie Ann Riggs	Was Born	Shelley R.
June 6, 2005	Gracie Ann Riggs	Became An Angel	Shelley R.
June 7, 1984	Kyle Wayne Lederer	Was Born	Pamela R.
June 7, 1996	Lamar	Was Born An Angel	Debbie B.
June 7, 2001	Keegan William DeVaney	Became An Angel	Trish D.
June 8, 1975	Dennis J. Faucher Jr.	Was Born	Mary D.
June 8, 1981	Cory Masch	Was Born	Linda L.
June 8, 1998	Chase Thomas Auvigne	Was Born An Angel	Kelly A.
June 8, 2001	Nathan Douglas Lent	Became An Angel	Linda L.
June 8, 2002	Juliette Olivia Wright	Became An Angel	Carrie W.
June 8, 2002	Carrie Ruth Fullerton	Became An Angel	Carol F.
June 8, 2003	Bradley Taylor Thornton	Became An Angel	Kris T.
June 8, 2004	Will	Became An Angel	Ann N.
June 8, 2005	Craig Jones	Became An Angel	Denise J.
June 8, 2006	Jamie Meredith	Became An Angel	Julia H.
June 8, 2006	Holly Ann Cannon	Became An Angel	Linda M.
June 9, 1978	Nicholas A. Vella	Was Born	Angela J.
June 9, 1991	Galen Wayne Masterson	Was Born	Jackie M.
June 9, 1993	Bridget Kate Owbridge	Became An Angel	Kelly O.
June 9, 2001	Daniel Pierce	Was Born	Erica W
June 9, 2005	Jessyka	Became An Angel	Christie
June 10, 1996	Rita King	Became An Angel	Sandra
June 10, 2004	Nicholas Anthony Mack	Was Born An Angel	Gina M.
June 10, 2004	Nicole Alexa Mack	Became An Angel	Gina M.
June 10, 2004	Keanna	Was Born	Connie
June 10, 2006	Carl Weller	Was Born	Stasia W.
June 10, 2006	Carl Weller	Became An Angel	Stasia W.
June 11, 1968	Mitchell Todd Stevens	Was Born	Dee S.
June 11, 1974	Amanda Abilez	Was Born	Judy A.
June 11, 1989	Michael Paul Smith	Was Born	Brenda S.
June 11, 1995	Jacob Gabriel	Was Born	Sharika O.
June 11, 1995	Jacob Gabriel	Became An Angel	Sharika O.
June 11, 1997	Baby Dean 1	Was Born An Angel	Darla D.
June 11, 2000	Joshua Freitag	Became An Angel	Judy F.
June 11, 2003	Shelby Lynn Howard	Became An Angel	Linda H.
June 11, 2004	Brandon	Became An Angel	Jill W.
June 11, 2005	Gabriel James Burns	Became An Angel	Kim L.
June 11, 2005	Kyle Bradly Zessi	Became An Angel	Gayle Z.
June 12, 1975	Jeremy Fisk	Was Born	Bridget F.
June 12, 1993	Chelsie	Was Born	Linda A.
June 12, 1998	Jordan Eva	Was Born	Yvette B.
June 12, 1999	Ashley Rain DeLoach	Became An Angel	Niki D.
June 12, 2002	Andrew J. Cooper	Became An Angel	Tammy W.
June 12, 2004	Christopher Harmom	Became An Angel	Karin B.
June 12, 2005	Tristen Alexander Lord	Became An Angel	Melissa L.
June 13, 1977	Michael John Donald Burrows	Was Born	Gail B.
June 13, 1979	Jennifer Stanko	Was Born	Laura G.
June 13, 1982	Camron Murphy	Was Born	Carolyn S.
June 13, 1988	Tamara Kuhlmann	Was Born	Shelli K.
June 13, 1989	Joshua Michael	Was Born An Angel	Karen
June 13, 1997	Thomas A. Wintz, III	Became An Angel	Cindy S.
June 13, 2001	Baby Caudill A & B	Were Born Angels	Holly C.
June 13, 2002	Dustin Sean Pion	Became An Angel	Nancy P.
June 13, 2005	Robert "Bobby"	Became An Angel	Joyce M.
June 13, 2005	Aranicia Navin Jermyiah Harris	Was Born	Ashley P.
June 13, 2006	Isaiah Lelek	Was Born An Angel	Julie L.
June 14, 1977	Bradley Clifton	Was Born	Carol C.
June 14, 1982	Andrew James Dobbins a.k.a. "Andy" or "Dobbs"	Was Born	Nancy D.
June 14, 1999	Ariel	Was Born An Angel	Sheri J.
June 14, 2002	Caitlyn Renee White	Became An Angel	Christianne W.
June 14, 2004	Connor Trey Sands Irwin	Was Born	Dyaan B.
June 15, 1975	Anabelle Maki	Was Born	Anita M.
June 15, 1980	Steven	Was Born	Sara C.
June 15, 1983	Dustin Huntley	Was Born	Brenda L.
June 15, 2001	Savannah Kristyne	Became An Angel	Darcy
June 15, 2001	Matthew	Was Born An Angel	Darlene D.
June 15, 2006	Jaden Michael Fournier	Became An Angel	Jessica F.
June 15, 2005	Aranicia Navin Jermyiah Harris	Became An Angel	Ashley P.
June 15, 2006	Lucas Ford	Was Born An Angel	Heidi F.
June 16, 1989	Ali	Was Born	Val M.
June 16, 1992	Megan Pelzer	Was Born	Ginny
June 16, 1993	Catherine Theresa Doherty	Became An Angel	Debra D.
June 16, 1998	Alexandrea Metcalf	Was Born	Sarah B.
June 16, 2001	Robert Olgers	Became An Angel	Amy
June 16, 2005	Michael Wayne Griffith, Jr.	Became An Angel	Judy B.
June 16, 2006	Blake Young	Became An Angel	Laura M.
June 16, 2006	Annalisia Flores	Was Born An Angel	Vanesa F.
June 16, 2006	Isabella Amalfi	Was Born An Angel	Mercedes M.
June 17, 1965	Beth Ann	Was Born	Naomi Q.
June 17, 1979	Matthew James Shilling	Was Born	Cathy S.
June 17, 1980	Raford James Felts	Was Born	Cherie S.
June 17, 1992	Katie DesRochers	Was Born	Rose D.
June 17, 1997	Kyle Bradly Zessi	Was Born	Gayle Z.
June 17, 2001	Addison Lee Jinnette	Was Born An Angel	Jennifer T.
June 17, 2002	Derek William Bufkin	Became An Angel	Deneen B.
June 17, 2004	Mia Angelina	Was Born	Lori
June 17, 2005	Christian	Was Born	Stacey C.
June 17, 2005	Christian	Became An Angel	Stacey C.
June 18, 1978	Christopher Kessler	Was Born An Angel	Donna F.
June 18, 1985	Susan Elizabeth Jones	Was Born	Kristi V.
June 18, 1985	Brandon Ackerman	Was Born	Kathy A.
June 18, 1989	Blake Fischer	Was Born	Linda F.
June 18, 1998	Madison Elizabeth "My Maddie”	Became An Angel	Stacie W.
June 18, 2002	Jay Thomas Struck	Became An Angel	Joanne S.
June 18, 2003	Adrianna Rochelle Ramirez	Was Born	Angela R.
June 18, 2004	Kari Renee Davis	Became An Angel	Suzanne B.
June 18, 2004	Karl "Benjamin" Gustav Sandberg	Was Born	Johanna S.
June 18, 2006	Shannon John Mark Lawler	Became An Angel	Erika L.
June 19, 1984	Derek James Geibe	Was Born	Brenda D.
June 19, 1988	Kristin Gillis	Was Born	Gail M.
June 19, 1997	Marilynn Williamson	Became An Angel	Renee W.
June 19, 2000	Jennie Cathryn	Was Born	Jeanine B.
June 19, 2000	Jennie Cathryn	Became An Angel	Jeanine B.
June 19, 2000	Tabitha Jade Downey	Became An Angel	Timi D.
June 19, 2001	Drew Curtis Sloan	Became An Angel	Debra S.
June 19, 2002	Virginia Grace	Became An Angel	Joanne G
June 19, 2003	Andrya Lianne Hobbs	Became An Angel	Theresa H.
June 19, 2004	Daniel Edward Selby	Became An Angel	Jennifer S.
June 19, 2004	Aidan Patrick	Was Born An Angel	Stacey S.
June 19, 2005	Lisa Holdgrafer	Became An Angel	Lynette H.
June 19, 2006	Patrick Thompson	Became An Angel	Casey
June 20, 1978	Cristopher	Was Born	Karen S.
June 20, 1997	Anthony Cox	Was Born	Carol C.
June 20, 1998	Destinee	Became An Angel	Connie
June 20, 2005	Hannah Uchytil/Weinert	Was Born	Terry W.
June 20, 2005	Hannah Uchytil/Weinert	Became An Angel	Terry W.
June 21, 1958	Julie Renee Britt	Was Born	Maxine E.
June 21, 1983	Christopher Trottier	Was Born	Michelle T.
June 21, 1986	Justin Jones	Was Born	Tammy P.
June 21, 1997	Aaron Michael	Became An Angel	Seanna
June 21, 2001	Christopher Rueben	Became An Angel	Melissa F.
June 21, 2001	Tucker Bates	Became An Angel	Traci B.
June 21, 2002	Xandar Oliver Gould	Was Born	Anne L.
June 21, 2002	Kevin Jacob Festa	Was Born	Stacey F.
June 21, 2004	Patricia Linda	Was Born An Angel	Beth D.
June 21, 2005	Darcy Quinn	Was Born An Angel	Coley S.
June 22, 1981	Sarah McDade	Was Born	Melanie H.
June 22, 1981	Eric Ray Reeves	Was Born	Ann R.
June 22, 1984	Jason Eric Stief	Was Born	Tina S.
June 22, 1997	Chantell Ericka Buckner	Was Born	Bridgette B-G.
June 22, 2001	Michael Pangallo	Became An Angel	Jeanne P.
June 22, 2003	Amy Marie Freeman	Became An Angel	Monica F.
June 22, 2006	Tevin Kreitz	Became An Angel	Kim S.
June 23, 1990	Danielle Nicole Klase	Was Born	Sherry C.
June 23, 1979	Stephen	Was Born	Cheryl R.
June 23, 1982	Daniel Dwayne Cook	Was Born	Tina E.
June 23, 1995	Michaela Rickii Owbridge	Was Born	Kelly O.
June 23, 1997	Alexis Cartagena	Was Born	Melanie C.
June 23, 1997	Jacob	Became An Angel	Dawn G.
June 23, 2002	John Charles Paterson, Jr. "Johnny/Scooter"	Became An Angel	Traci P.
June 23, 2004	Noah Allen Silliboy	Was Born	Sammie S.
June 23, 2005	Richard Faber	Became An Angel	Melinda F.
June 24, 1976	Ashley Kate	Was Born	Elizabeth B.
June 24, 1983	Christopher R. Crawford	Was Born	Rosemary C.
June 24, 2004	Zoe Kathryn Grace Miller	Was Born An Angel	April M.
June 21, 2004	Erika Kai Nogel	Became An Angel	Debbie N.
June 25, 1970	Joe Gardiner	Was Born	Nancy G.
June 25, 1988	Christopher Stephen	Was Born An Angel	Karen
June 25, 1996	Braydon Jay Ryan	Was Born	Ana-Isabel D.
June 25, 2001	Tyler McAdam	Became An Angel	Kathy M.
June 25, 2002	Albert C. Lawrence Jr. "A.C."	Became An Angel	Peggy D.
June 25, 2002	Kayla Marie Werner	Became An Angel	Debbie W.
June 25, 2003	Trevor	Became An Angel	Julie C.
June 25, 2004	Sharlene Marie Orrvick	Became An Angel	Linda O.
June 25, 2004	Jordyn Makayla Vaughn	Became An Angel	Rebecca V.
June 25, 2006	Jamie Marie Prosser	Became An Angel	Troi P.
June 26, 1991	Nathaniel Sonny Watie III	Became An Angel	Philesha W.
June 26, 1995	Robert Olgers	Was Born	Amy
June 26, 2001	Jamie Hart	Became An Angel	Kathi S.
June 26, 2003	Arron Bradley Kay	Was Born An Angel	Nicola M.
June 26, 2003	R.J.	Was Born An Angel	Jennifer J.
June 26, 2003	Zachary Michael Richards	Became An Angel	Heather R.
June 26, 2003	Bob	Became An Angel	Amy H.
June 26, 2004	Joshua Fugaro	Became An Angel	Tania F.
June 26, 2004	Zachary Shane Andrew Bugden "Zach"	Became An Angel	Heather B.
June 26, 2005	Giovani Andres Encinas	Became An Angel	Erica E.
June 27, 1962	Brian	Was Born	Lorene
June 27, 1972	Michael Dale Walker	Was Born	Arlene W.
June 27, 1982	Jason Porter	Was Born	Claudette P.
June 27, 1986	Nicholas	Was Born	Joanne H.
June 27, 1989	Owen Dainty	Was Born	Amanda
June 27, 1998	Zachary	Was Born	Melanie P.
June 27, 2000	Ethan Root	Was Born	Stacey R.
June 27, 2001	Ethan Jacob Miller	Was Born An Angel	Kris M.
June 27, 2004	Lian Mari "Elmo"	Was Born An Angel	Benjiegirl
June 27, 2004	Keanna	Became An Angel	Connie
June 27, 2005	Nalei Sakowski-Smith	Became An Angel	Virginia S.
June 27, 2006	Francesca Dadeena Contrera	Became An Angel	Lara N.
June 27, 2006	Taylor Sullivan	Became An Angel	Debbie S.
June 27, 2007	Heather Nicole "Nikki" Weed	Became An Angel	Connie J.
June 28, 1984	Aaron Elijah	Was Born	Valrie
June 28, 2001	Valerie Henderson	Became An Angel	Kelly H.
June 28, 2002	Sarah Lynn Cornejo	Became An Angel	Judy D.
June 28, 2002	Rayven Rose Dalbec	Was Born	Kelly D.
June 28, 2003	Trevor	Became An Angel	Cherylann T.
June 28, 2006	Kimbii Daniels	Became An Angel	Cheryl B.
June 29, 1980	Jeremy	Was Born	Donna A.
June 29, 1986	Jeremy Gehue	Was Born	Anne F.
June 29, 1989	Jamie Dawn Grinolds	Was Born	Renee G.
June 29, 2000	Joseph William Black	Was Born	Nicola B.
June 29, 2004	Kurtis R. Cleaver	Became An Angel	Susan S.
June 29, 2005	Natalie Morales	Became An Angel	Nicole M.
June 30, 1998	Mikayla Michelle Cain	Was Born	Brandy C.
June 30, 1998	Alexandrea Metcalf	Became An Angel	Sarah B.
June 30, 2000	Shane Stephens	Became An Angel	Sylvia S.
June 30, 2000	James David Mawson Jr.	Was Born	Christine M.
June 30, 2001	Baby Dean 2	Was Born An Angel	Darla D.
June 30, 2003	Cade Dawson Wright	Became An Angel	Lisa W.
June 30, 2006	Myorra Tyller Bullock	Was Born An Angel	Willette W.

This month's Featured Mom is Irene "Reeny" Fitzer

Hi Everyone, First of all I want to thank everyone that responded to my Daily Affirmations and quote In the group . I also want to thank Judi for requesting me for Angelmom For June .I was so surprized and very apprecitive of this special honor.

Now for a little about me and my angels Dustin And Becky .They were the youngest of my 6 children.

My Name is Irene (Reeny ) Fitzer . I am 67 years old and live in the great state of Oklahoma. I'm a stay at home mom and am currently raizing two of my 7 grandchildren . I make dream catchers and beaded jewelry . I love the outside and gardening also dapple in writing poems every now and then . I also crochet and make afgans in the winter months . I am outgoing and love People . That is enough about me .

Now about my Angels: I lost my angel Dustin in 1995 due to blunt head trama in a boating accident .He was 18 . His Sister Becky joined him in heaven 10 years and 27 days later in 2005 due to sesiures from a cancerious brain tumor she fought very bravely for over 8 years. Their Dad joined them in 2006 three days after Dustin Birthday anniversay at the age of 75.

Though all the trials in my lfe over the last almost 13 years .I have maintained a steadfast love of Our Lord . At time I think this along with help from the beautiful friends I have met here on this little white screen has kept me from going insane at times . Judi Walker was one of those first People I came in to contact with way back in 2001 when I first learned how to turn on a computer . I met her and 10 0ther beautiful AngelMoms at a retreat in Tenn. in 2002. Back then there were if I remember right about 34 of us in angelmoms, my how the group has grown . Each and everyone here now has a special place in my heart .I don't always respond to all the e-mail but please know I do read and appreciate each and everyone of you . I light a candle every day in my home for all the angels and say a little prayer that we all will find the grace to survive til it is our time . Each time I read a of a newmember my heart just breaks ,but want you all to know that in Angelmoms there is always someone here that will resond and let you know that you are not alone in your walk of grief.

The month of July is a very hard month for me as it is the month I lost both my Children .If any one would like to read more about my angels they have a site that I maintain it is in the link here:
www.reenysangels.com
Please if you visit them leave your heart prints in my bravenet guestbook .

May the Good Lord Bless and keep you
All my love
Reeny Fitzer .





Men Do Cry

I heard quite often "men don't cry"
Though no one ever told me why
So when I fell and skinned my knee
No one came to comfort me.

And when some bully boy at school
Would pull a prank so mean and cruel
I'd quickly learn to turn and quip
"It doesn't hurt" and bite my lip.

So as I grew to reasoned years
I learned to stifle any tears.
Though "Be a big boy" it began
Quite soon I learned to "Be a man."

And I could play that stoic role
While storm and tempest wracked my soul.
No pain nor setback could there be
Could wrest one single tear from me.

Then one long night I stood nearby
And helplessly watched my son die.
And quickly found to my surprise
That all the tearless talk was lies.

And still I cry and have no shame
I can not play that "big boy" game.
And openly without remorse
I let my sorrow take its course.

So those of you who can't abide
A man you've seen who's often cried
Reach out to him with all your heart
As one whose life's been torn apart.

For men do cry when they can see
Their loss of immortality.
And tears will come in endless streams
When mindless fate destroys their dreams.

Author Unknown







I thought I would talk about how thankful I am to have Angel Moms in my life. When Ifound Angel Moms I was so lost I felt so alone, Then I met these wonderful women and found out Iwas not alone at all. I have many wonderful friends in this group that have supported me and loved me for who I am and when I cry and want to vent they are right there for me. All these Mom's are so very special to me and some of us meet every year at retreat and it is awesome! I share a birthday with one of my special friends and i love her dearly. I talk to her every day and if something happens when we don't see each other on IM then we are calling each other to make sure everyone is alright. I look so forward to seeing all my special Friends at retreat this year. Happy Birthday Laurie!

I share my June birthday with a dear friend of mine who I have a lot in common with. We both celebrate our birthdays this month, we both lost our daughters in 2001 and we met each other in Angel Moms. So I thought it would be fitting to share with all of you some more of the reasons I am so thankful for this group. I have found so many wonderful friends here, many who I have met personally. I am the type of person who can talk and “open up” easier online rather than in a face to face support group. There is always someone on line to talk to, vent to, cry with or laugh with no matter what time of day or night. It is a place I realized right away that I don’t need to feel alone in my grief. No matter how we lost our children or how long they were here on earth with us, our pain is all the same. This group gives me something to look forward to every time I log on to my computer. You never know what the topic of conversation will be from day to day. Maybe I will share my thoughts or maybe I will just read and take in what others have to say. It doesn’t matter as long as I keep in touch with my friends. And Angel Moms has given me a place to vacation every year on retreat. Talk about something to look forward to - that is it! Angel Moms has helped me like nothing else on my grief journey and I thank God every day for that. Happy Birthday Holly!





Father's Day

With June comes Father's Day, just as Mother's Day was hard for us, Father's Day is hard for the father's of angels. Some may not show it, but their thoughts go to the child they have lost. We try to find ways to comfort them and share their pain with them. A few years ago for Father's Day, I gave Mike a scrap book. The beginning of the book started with a poem I wrote for Mike, the next pages were a Father's Day book Shane had made for him out of construction paper, I had them laminated. I included pictures of Mike and Shane and pictures of special gifts Shane had made for Mike or given him. Tears flowed Mike's eyes as her turned the pages of the book, this book has become very special to him.

Here is a link that has the poem and the Father's Day book Shane made for Mike. You Were There

Lots of times after the loss of a child, the attention is focused on the mom, Dads are often over looked. Many times a mom is comforted, especially when she cries, but the dad is not, he hides his tears and pain, but it is there just as a moms is. They try to be strong and be there for us, take care of us and comfort us. But they hurt too.

Here is a poem I wrote for Mike and for all Dads who have lost a child.

A Dad hurts Too

People don't always see the tears a dad cries,
His heart is broken too when his child dies,
He tries to hold it together and be strong,
Even though his world's gone wrong,
He holds his wife as her tears fall,
Comforts her through it all,
He goes through his day doing what he's supposed to do,
But a piece of his heart has been ripped away, a Dad hurts too,
So when he's alone he lets out his pain,
And his tears come like falling rain,
His world has crashed in around him,
And a world that was once bright has gone dim,
He feels he has to be strong for others,
But Dads hurt too, not just the Mothers,
He searches for answers but none are to be found,
He hides behind a mask when he is feeling down,
He smiles through his tears,
He struggles and holds in his fears,
But what you see on the outside is not always real,
Men don't always show how they really feel,
So I'd like to ask a favor of you,
The next time you see a mother hurting over the loss of her child, please remember.....a Dad hurts too.

Judi Walker
Copyright 2002

I wish a peaceful Father's Day to all Dads of Angels







I was laying awake the other night (as many of us do in the quiet of the night) and I found myself thinking about how lucky we are to have each other as Angel Moms. It is truly a blessing that somehow, across the miles, we are able to connect with each other, and support each other. In the years since I have joined Angel Moms, I have been raised up out of my shock and initial grief, and hopefully have been able to return the favor to moms that have joined after me. I have watched as we celebrate happy moments in our lives, mourn new losses, pray for each other in times of crisis, and offer hope during those awful days when the memories come crashing down on us. When someone asks me how I am able to handle the loss of my son, I can tell them that I have a wonderful support system in Angel Moms. Even on the worst days, I know that somewhere here there is another mom who has been through it before me, and has survived, and that helps me survive too. I like to think that our angels brought us together in this group, knowing that we would need each other. Most of us will never meet face to face, but the bond we share will always keep us close, and I consider you all my sisters. I am so very grateful for all of you, and for our angels who so wisely guided us here. Sending you all many hugs and prayers!!

Love,
Krista, angel Zackary’s mom





If We Could Turn Back Time...

My son Matt, wants a time machine. His plan is to travel back to May 19, 2008 and just go home after he returned to school with the lacrosse team. It was the last game of the season and some former teammates, home from college, had attended the game and returned to the high school to congratulate them on the win and to reconnect with their former teammates. Matt was very happy to see a couple of kids. Rob had a skate board and was riding in the parking lot. Matt wanted to try. In all honesty he hasn’t used a skateboard since he was in elementary school, but they have “improved” them and it seemed like fun. Matt rode a few times in the parking lot and then Rob said, “I’ve got to go.” Matt asked for one more ride. Well, that is the point to which he would like to return and just get in his car. Rob said sure and Matt went the one more time, putting his weight on his heel (incorrectly) and forcing the board to pop up underneath him. He came down on his ankle, dislocating it, fracturing it and tearing a ligament in the process. Rob called 911 and accompanied him to the hospital instead of going home.

Matt had his ankle realigned after a few hours of crying and pain in the ER. He was admitted to the hospital and had surgery on May 20th. He was discharged on May 21st and saw the surgeon on May 27th, when they removed the staples and put a cast on his left lower leg. It is doubtful that he can work this summer and his summer as he thought he had planned it will probably not be as he had envisioned-prom, after prom party in the Hamptons, graduation festivities, hitting the beach and riding his graduation present-a Colnago road bike. Crutching around the hight school is wearing him out. He thinks he is walking about 4 miles a day. He is sore, frustrated and apologetic. How could he do something so stupid? That is an easy answer for me-you are human, male and 17. See why parents worry?

Who among us hasn't wanted to turn back time and get a chance at a do over? I would imagine most of us have at least one action, decision or conversation that they would like a chance to re-write. Don't let this month contain moments like that. Enjoy the moving up, graduation, weddings, Father's Day as if it is your last. I know that this was a reminder that simple decisions can have a lasting impact on those you love. I have told Matt that since I have been helping him to the bathroom, he owes me big time. I hope I never have to collect on that!





Diana's Memory Lane

Through sharing our memories
It keeps our children alive.
With each special moment remembered
They help us to survive.
As we walk down memory lane,
We always keep them near.
For they are the ones we will never forget.
The ones that we hold so dear.

Written by:Zana Maxwell-AngelMom to Alex

alexchristopher.memory-of.com

This month will be Father's Day and I don't want to leave our Dads out so I found this poem for all the Dad's who hurt as bad as we Moms do over loosing their child. Thank God for Dad's!! What Makes A Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

Author unknown

This month Angel Mom Beth is sharing her memory of Angel Danny with us..thanks Beth!

In May of 1995 I lost my father on Mother's Day. What is so unusual is that he was in a coma for about 3 weeks and Danny went every day to talk to him. Well, one day I heard him telling my Dad that he couldn't just go away because he hadn't said goodbye yet. I was heart broken because the doctors all said he wouldn't regain consciousness and this was going to be devastating to my 15 year old son who idolized his grandfather. On Friday May 14th my father did wake up and Danny was right there. My Dad told him he had to wake up for him. Well, all day Friday and Saturday Dad saw all of us kids and his grand kids.Then on Sunday May 16th Dad saw Mom in the morning, told her to go home and get some rest and he fell asleep. He never woke up. Danny told me not to be sad that PaPop had done what he needed to do and was waiting for us in Heaven under his tree. Little did I know that 4 years later my beautiful son would be joining his PaPop under that tree. Danny was a lot wiser than his years.

Please send Memory to dianaandharold@bellsouth.net

Thanks Diana





Click on photos for instructions





A PARENT'S WORST NIGHTMARE
Dealing with loss of a child
Elizabeth Fernandez, Chronicle Staff Writer

The first few months are a fog.

When the shock and numbness lessen, the deepest pain sets in.

As the years pass, the heart begins to heal, but never is there closure when a parent has lost a child, particularly in the wake of sudden, grievous loss -- a shooting, a fatal car accident.

"When your child dies, you gasp in the air,'' says Winifred Potenza, a Santa Rosa artist whose son, Jonathan, was killed by a drunken driver on a Saturday night 17 years ago. "I used to crawl into our car, trying to breathe him. I still cry for him. Every birthday, every Christmas, every Saturday I think of him. The missing of one's child is eternal.''

In California, more than 300 teenage drivers die annually in fatal accidents for which they are considered at fault -- 385 in 2005 alone, according to the California Highway Patrol. Additionally, more than 20,000 teenage drivers are injured every year in at-fault accidents. The statistics have remained constant, leading to tighter regulations in the last few years.

"Studies show that for a first-year driver, it's the most dangerous year of their life,'' says Officer Michael Wright of the CHP's Golden Gate division. "A huge factor, besides speed, is distraction: kids have cell phones, radios, food, other teens in the car with them. There's a five-year learning curve. As kids mature, they take fewer risks. It's like a rite of passage.'' In January, eight Bay Area teenagers died in car accidents.

In the aftermath of such accidents are grieving parents seeking solace -- and new roles.

Some join support groups. Some become activists, championing legal or public policy reforms.

Potenza became an informal counselor. She also forgave her son's killer, who was convicted of second-degree murder. For six years, she visited him weekly in prison in Corcoran, a six-hour drive from her home. When he was paroled, she befriended his family.

"I talk to a lot of mothers who have lost their children,'' she says. "I tell them they will never get over it, but they can still have a great life. That part, they don't believe, they cannot digest it. I now have a great life. But I would give it all up to see my son's smile again.''

Sue Hunt Le May formed a nonprofit, Alex's Free Ride Home, an idea born while writing her son's obituary.

Her son, Alexander Hunt, 19, and Scott VanHootegem, 18, both of Novato, were killed in November 2005 after becoming drunk at an 18th birthday party attended by scores of people, mostly minors. Kegs of beer were purchased by Cristina Elu, a 25-year-old friend of the party-giver, Debra Bauer, whose parents were out of state on vacation. Both women pleaded guilty to felonies and were sentenced to six months in jail and community service.

After partygoers were ejected from what had been billed as a sleepover, VanHootegem's pickup truck, in which Hunt was a passenger, crashed into a tree, killing both teens.

Le May's nonprofit is based in Novato, but she hopes to expand it to other cities. So far, about $10,000 has been donated.

"I'm dedicating the rest of my life to helping kids and the community to understand the perils of underage drinking,'' says Le May, who is also a representative of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Cindy VanHootegem has found voice for her own cause: to overhaul what she thinks is an overly permissive parental culture in the United States.

In an effort to save others from experiencing her own heartache, VanHootegem believes adults should be held responsible for underage drinking. Parents, she says, must return to being parents.

VanHootegem and Le May successfully lobbied for a new law in Marin County that imposes civil penalties on adult hosts of parties where underage guests drink alcohol, the first of its kind in the Bay Area.

"We don't want our children to dislike us, we want to be cool,'' says VanHootegem. "You would not believe how many parents have told me they bought kegs for their children's garage parties. We have got to say no, it is against the law ... I'm trying to shake people up or these tragedies will continue to happen, they will continue to destroy families. Alcohol won't go away, but better parenting will help control a situation that is out of control.''

Pleasanton residents Ron and Teresa Borchard want to spearhead a memorial in honor of Kyle O'Connor, a 16-year-old Pleasanton resident who died in a car accident Jan. 3. The Borchards hope O'Connor's death will serve as a lesson for their community -- and for their own close-knit street where a half-dozen youths will soon begin driving.

Twice the Borchards have taken their two children to the accident site. And for years, they've tried to teach their children about the risks of driving. Teresa Borchard worked as an insurance adjuster, and sometimes her children saw gruesome accident photos.

"I talk with them about not driving when you are sleepy, about not fiddling with the radio,'' she says. "Kids are so easily distracted. You just hope they get it.''



Acts Of Kindness




The Act Of Kindness Award will be given to an AngelMom that was nominated for their kindness and thoughtfulness. It will not be a contest, it is "Thank You" kind of award. Anyone can be nominated. If someone has touched your heart by doing something special, please nominate them by emailing Loni. There is no exclusions, everyone is included. We will list each member that has received an Award.

Acts of Kindness for the month of May were presend to
Teresa Shireman by Susan Huddleston
Samantha by Susan Huddleston

Angel Mom's Acts of Kindness





Sesame Chicken Wings

20 Chicken wings (about 4 pounds)
2 tb Margarine or butter - melted
l 1/2 c Bisquick baking-mix
1/2 c Sesame seeds
2 ts Paprika
1 1/2 ts Dry mustard
1/2 ts Salt
2 Eggs
2 tb Milk
1/4 c Margarine or butter - melted
Preheat oven to 425F.

Separate chicken wings at joints; discard tips.

Spread 1 tablespoon margarine in each of 2 13x9x2" pans.

Beat eggs and milk with fork in the first bowl.

Mix bisquick, sesame seeds, paprika, mustard and salt in the second bowl.

Soak chicken in egg mixture in first bowl; then coat chicken with sesame seed mixture in the second bowl.

Arrange close together in pans.

Drizzle the margarine over chicken.

Bake uncovered 35 to 40 minutes or until brown and crisp.



Sock It To Me Cake

1/2 c Sugar
1 ea Box yellow cake mix
1/2 c Oil
8 oz Sour cream
4 ea Eggs

Filling:
3 tb Brown sugar
2 ts Cinnamon
1 c Chopped nuts

Glaze:
10 1/2 tb Butter
1 1/2 c Sugar
1/4 c Milk
Vanilla to taste
Mix sugar and cake mix.

Mix oil and sour cream and then add cake mix.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.

Pour half of batter into greased tube pan; then add filling. Pour rest of batter on top.

Bake at 350 degrees F. for 45-50 minutes. Cool in pan 30 minutes. Remove and glaze.

Filling: Mix together sugar, cinnamon and chopped nuts.

Glaze: Cook the butter, sugar, and milk until smooth; add the vanilla.





James was an independent individual from early on. He was an “old soul” that marched to the beat of his own drum. A fond memory I have of him was our weekend trip to the Jersey Shore on my 30th birthday. After a day at the beach James and I went to dinner. James was always a good dinner companion that had varied tastes even at a young age. I suppose that is why he chose to be in the culinary field. We went to seafood restaurant that evening. James at the time was 9.5 years old. Shortly after we were seated, James excused himself from the table. Bathroom break he stated. However, he actually walked over to the hostess and explained that it was my birthday and he would like to celebrate with a cake after dinner. He pulled the money from his pocket, money that he had saved, to buy me a birthday cake. To my surprise, following our meal was the birthday cake. I will forever cherish that special moment. That was James – never afraid to ask, not afraid to live, always planning, and trying to make others smile. I miss you, James. June 23rd this year just won’t be the same.

Vickie Mom To Angel James



Hi moms, I am Donna ^I^ Paul's momma. Angel Moms has a penpal program that we encourage all that may be interested to check into. It is a list of moms and their information, along with their angels info. Moms that may need more than just the group emails. Since taking over the program I have found most new moms reach out to this. As I felt when I joined it can be overwhelming. This is a chance for them to ease into the group. For me when I was asked to take over the penpals, all I could think was how I want each mom to have someone to talk too. I/We encourage all members to visit this link often, as we all know we get new moms almost eveyday. It is forever changing. I believe there's a mom for all of us!!

For more info, contact me at Indidonna58@aol.com

Thank you, Donna ^i^ Paul's Mom



Some Links To Share

Handcrafted Jewelry By Rosemary
Bears For Bereaved Mommies
Whispers From Heaven Windchime
Angel Art, Angel Pictures, Angel Gifts - Angel Art by Eve





The caterpillar dies so the butterfly could be born.
And, yet, the caterpillar lives in the butterfly and
they are but one. So, when I die, it will be that I
have been transformed from the caterpillar of earth to
the butterfly of the universe.
-- John Harricharan --




Memorial Donations

In Loving Memory Of


Angel Moms Newsletter-June Printable Version

If you have something you would like included in next months newsletter, please e-mail Judi

Editor: Judi,
Staff: Diana, Karen, Krista, Lynn, Laurie, Holly, Linda, Natalie

Angel Moms Web Site