HAPPY HALLOWEEN,PRECIOUS KENT  / ROSE GRMA TO ANGEL BRITTANY SYFERT

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Happy Birthday in Heaven Kent!!  / Carol Pizzi (Angel Debbie's Mom )

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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY  / ROSE RMA TO ANGEL BRITTANY SYFERT (BRITT'S ANGEL FRIEND )

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PRECIOUS KENT,SENDING LOTS OF LOVE  / ROSE GRMA TO ANGEL BRITTANY SYFERT (ANGEL FRIEND )

THINKING OF YOU TODAY AND YOUR BELOVED MOM ON YOUR ANGELVERSARY,MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.

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Thinking Of You Kent On Your Angelversary  / Denise Kneale (connected by angels )

Dear Kent,

Please stay close to your precious family, leaving them your love, peace and strength.

Love and Blessings Denise mum to James. http://james-kneale.memory-of.com xxx

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PRAYERS FOR YOUR FAMILY  / BRIDGET DTR OF ALLAN R. PEACOCK (UNITED BY ANGELS )
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kent's anniversary  / Carol Carico (NO)
Sending all my love and prayers as we honor your angel Chri's's approaching heavenly anniversary. A candle will burn in my home in loving memory of your angel.I will be praying for you on this very hard day for you.I pray that you will find peace in your heart on this day. May your day be peaceful.
Love
Carol Close

Happy Birthday Kent  / Jenny Tavendale Mum To Ross

Happy heavenly birthday Kent
stay close to your precious family
and send them lots of special
'Angel Hugs'

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Happy Birthday Kent!  / Carol Pizzi (Angel Debbie's Mom )

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Happy Birthday Kent  / Rosemary Sis Of Alvin Cremeans

Happy Birthday to you Kent. I am sure today there is a grand and glorious celebration going on in Heaven for you (my brother too shares your birthday). But I know your family and friends miss you today and want to celebrate this special day with you and it's hurts so much not to be able to do that. But we will be there in heart and we know you will be here in our hearts too. Send your mom a special hug today, I can see how very much she loves you and misses her son. Just like my mother, it's a bittersweet day for them. I am sending my love and prayers to all of those who miss you today and ask that God will comfort them & give them peace. 
love and prayers,
Rosemary, sis of Alvin Cremeans
xoxo

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Happy Birthday precious angel Kent  / Janet (Mom To Nicholas Piccolo)
God bless
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Happy Birthday Kent!  / Melissa Eiler (Visitor~Daughter of Irwin & Renee Eiler )

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENT  / Kent's Mommy (Mom)
I’m writing this email to help me from being so sad. My son’s Birthday is today. Kent would have been 35 years old. To be so happy he’s no longer in pain and so sad that he’s no longer with us is so hard to accept. My faith gets me through each day that’s so unbearable. I mentioned at the funeral I would be sharing stories with you. I’ve shared several with many of you already. I want to keep his memory alive and what better way than to share him with you.

It was a very frustrating time for me when I was trying to get Kent to memorize the Our Father. We worked and worked on it. Some how, we were able to finally get it down just in time for his 1st Communion. That was one of the requirements at the time. He had to recite the Our Father. What was so upsetting to me at the time was that Kent had hundreds maybe thousands of baseball cards. He knew every card he had, every card he needed and what all the players’ stats were. So why couldn’t he memorize the Our Father? That was my boy. Thanks so much for listening. Love, Deborah

THANKS TO GOD
I pray that this will bless you as it blessed me.

Hello God,
I called tonight
To talk a little while
I need a friend who'll listen
To my anxiety and trial.
You see, I can't quite make it
Through a day just on my own...
I need your love to guide me,
So I'll never feel alone.
I want to ask you please to keep
My family safe and sound.
Come and fill their lives with confidence
For whatever fate they're bound.
Give me faith, dear God, to face
Each hour throughout the day,
And not to worry over things
I can't change in any way.
I thank you God for being home
And listening to my call,
For giving me such good advice
When I stumble and fall.
Your number, God, is the only one
That answers every time.
I never get a busy signal,
I never had to pay a dime.
So thank you, God, for listening
To my troubles and my sorrow.
Good night, God, I love You too,
And I'll call again tomorrow!






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My Fondest Memories of Kent - Chanute's Celebration of the Life of Kent  / Deborah Derendinger (Mom)
When Kent was a baby he had the biggest smile.  One of those ear to ear smiles.  His smile always made me happy because of the joy that I saw in it. I Love that Boy.  Uncle Jerry  

Kent 's laughter was the best.  He had such a special giggle laugh that made you want to laugh & it made you feel so good to hear him giggle.  I loved him so very much. His Aunt Dee Dee

"INSPIRING"
Holding him & him holding my brace between my breasts.  Sometimes he would go "speww" over his colostomy letting us know it needed changed.  Kent, Jeff & MiMi playing with the Kustom ottoman & Kent knowing to look through towards MiMi. His smile - His laugh - Coming home over summer & staying with him, Deborah, Peter & Stephan - Watching him play ball - His determination to be normal. Aunt Jo

Because Scott , Jeff, Michael & Jessica's birthdays fall close to the holidays, I have always given them their birthday presents at the Barker Christmas gathering.  When Kent was a boy I started giving him his birthday present at our Christmas parties too.  I didn't want Kent to ever feel like the other kids were getting "more" than he was getting.  When Kent was a teen-ager, he started teasing me that his birthday present was aways six months late.  I asserted that it was always early.  This past Christmas, I gave Kendall & Connor their February & May birthday presents. Kent told the boys that Aunt Kandy's birthday presents are always Late --- I told them that their gifts were early.  Then we laughed at each other.  From this Christmas on, I will feel Kent laughing besides me (or at me) when I give his cherished nephews their birthday presents early.  Love Aunt Kandy 

Every Christmas & Thanksgiving one of the big questions on the minds on my parents have been, "Is Kent coming this year?" When the answer was "YES" we all bacame excited & anticipated the get-together that much more.  I was always aware of how special Kent was to my family & he became just as special to me.  I remember that this Christmas (2005) the answer to the question was "Yes" and I was so anxious to see my special cousin.  Elise

Kent was one of the sweetest guys I have ever met.  He was always nice to me and never treated me like a little kid. He was a true friend. I will miss him, I can't wait to see him again.  Love Jessica Horine

My fondest memories of Kent is during out teenage driving years. We would always come up with an excuse or "reason" to bail out of the get-togethers for awile to either go to the store - the long way of course.  Or just drive around for 30-40 minutes.  I remember many talks we shared during those long hours.  Jeff Oliver

Kent made a folder of all the Ratt (Heavy Metal Group of the early 80's). It had magazine cut outs & was very neatly organized. He gave it to me when he saw I liked it.  I used it to memorize & sing along with the music.  It was the neatest gift. He just saw that I liked it & gave it to me.  It meant alot to me.  Also Kent never treated me like a little kid & always included me. Like when he use to go to Pizza Hut & play video games.  We had the best times at that Pizza Hut  & at the get-togethers.  I loved him & will always remember the kindness he showed to me.  Mike Oliver

In my lifetime I have had the great priviledge to not only know but also be related to a very special person.  Kent Jeffers, the strongest and most courageous person I have ever known.  Kent is an inspiration to me.  I love him with my whole heart and soul.  I will miss his unmistakable laughter and his contagious smile.  I am thankful for all the time I was blessed to spend with him.  And take comfort in knowing that Kent has gone back to the source of all life itself.  He will always be very dear to my heart.  I admire Kent Jeffers and hope to live a life as full of joy, love and faith like he did.  Regina Barker

Kent was like a best friend of mine.  I played a lot at my home outside with him.  Kendall

Kent and I always had a special bond, being born on the same day & same year.  No matter how long it was in between seeing each other, we always seemed to reconnect fast and it was like no time had lapsed.  I will miss that!!  Mike Jerome

I was not fortunate to know Kent well in his adult life, but I do recall playing with him when we were young.  I'll always remember hiking out with him into your large backyard in Overland Park one time and worrying that we were walking too far for him.  He shrugged this off and let me know it was nothing to him.  He wasn't going to let any - thing ruin our good times.  Adversity built an amazing character.  Philip Mathew II

Deborah, I wish I could say I had the priviledge to know such a courageous and strong soul.  You have been blessed to have had him for a son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  GiGi & Family

Kent was always glad to see me.  He would always kid with me and give me a hard time. At Scot's Birthday party, we talked him into singing Karoke with Scot. They were great - Later he said I can't believe you talked me into that. I would call him since he had been sick and he would talk and joke around with me.  About his mom and my boys.  He always said he was doing fine.  He had so much courage.  I loved him.  Donna Mathew

I didn't know Kent too well.  I remember being very young and seeing him at Uncle Kenny's house at a barbecue in the backyard. He was very happy, his smile was a one in a million.  I know his courageous life has led him"HOME" where he will be happy in God's Love and Peace.  Love you Debby Thanks for all you do! Kathy Clements

The Fentons lived next door to the Jefffers on 86th Street for 6 years. Kent was 2 years older than Robbie, but they become fast friends.  Kent had the greatest smile, always regardless of how he felt or how much pain he was in..All of us Robbie,JoAnn and myself will always remember that smile and the things he could do, which he could do everything.  He made you forget about his disability, because it never got in his way.  Kent had no disabilities and he could do EVERYTHING. The Fentons Pat, Rob & Jo Ann

Deborah, I didn't know Kent, but it is obvious after listening to every one share about his life that he was an inspirational individual.  My prayers are with you.  Love, Karen

I enjoyed babysitting Kent & Scot in the Overland Park apartments.  Kent was and always will be "The Stud." Love Cliff

My favorite memories of Kent, when he would come over to our house, he would joke around about his leg.  Then he would take and throw it across the room and just laugh -and boy!!   That smile.  Aunt Dorothy

A smile always! He will be a perfect angel now.  Dee Jerome

Determination with a Positive Attitude and a Winning Smile WOW!!  What a combination! Tom Jerome

Queen Bee Deborah, I cannot profess that I knew Kent well, but I wish I would have.  What I do remember him for is his SMILE - it lights up a room.  Love & Prayers, Tammy & Family

COURAGEOUS -- One word that truly defined Kent's success over his disablity while growing up.  Determination is another word that provided Kent with inner strength.  Uncle Jim

I enjoyed our time at the Royals game with Scott & Uncle Kenny.  Billy

My fondest memory of Kent is definitely dancing with him.  He was so much fun & a great dancer.  He had some smooth moves!  We will dance again together one day..... Love, Jamie XXOO

I didn't really know Kent - I wish I had of.  But when I think of him I think of his strenght of will and determination.  Therese Rafferty

If there is one word that comes to mind when I think about Kent would definitely have to be strong.  I didn't know Kent too well but from the stories I've heard and the updates.  I've read he held on and kept his spirits high until God wanted to be with him.  Mandy Jerome

Emails sent listing Kent's traits: One word or more.

Strong!!!  Scot Jeffers

Oh how I wish I could be there with you during this time. These are absolutey the hardest times to be so far away.  I have been  thinking about you almost constantly for the last couple weeks.  Kent was a strong perspon, and he obviously touched so many people's lives.  I wanted you to know of our love, thoughts, and pratyers for Kent, you and the rest of the family.  We love you Deborah!  Pat, Maria, Rebecca and Sofia

It's difficult to capture Kent with just one word.  Everyone could see that he lived his life with courage and dignity.  I think those were probably his most obvious qualities, and they were demonstrated continuously without fail. Although I did not have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Kent, what I would say impressed me most was his spirit and grace.  I tell my children that if we look hard enough we can see the face of Jesus in everyone we meet.  (usually when they're having trouble getting along with someone) There are a few people in this world, however, about whom, when you close your eyes and recall a conversation or an encourter, that the face, the very essence and character of Jesus comes clearly to mind, that loving spirit and enduring grace. especially in the face of adversity.  For me Kent was one of those people. Ultimately our lives will not be measured by their lenght, or by our prosperity, or even by our worldly accomplishments.  When all is said and done, we can only hope that we have lived a life that has served and maybe even inspired others to be better people.  Kent's was certainly a well lived life.  His spirit will live on in those fortunate enough to have known him.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Joe, Mar & Family




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My Fondest Memories of Kent - St Louis Celebration of Kent's Life - Feb. 24, 2006 at Tim & Mary Sullivan's.  / Deborah Derendinger (Mommy)

When I Must Leave You
When I must leave you for a little while. Please do not grieve and shed wild tears, and 
hug your sorrow too, thru the years. But start out Bravely with a gallant smile. And for
my sake and in my name, live on and do all things the same. Feed not your lone lines
on empty days, but fill each waking hour in useful ways. Reach out your hand in comfort
and in cheer, and I in turn will comfort you and hold you near. And Never, Never be afraid to die. 
FOR I AM WAITING FOR YOU IN THE SKY  

Wendy read the poem at The Celebration of Kent's Life in St, Louis.

One of Jackie's good friends wrote this poem to give at his wake when he was dying of cancer. It was very nice to meet you and we send a hug with this for you and your family.. Kent is not gone, he is with all of us in out hearts FOREVER!!! We all LOVED him and always will. Just remember he is with us all, all the time and watching us from the sky.  All our Love, Renee and Gang

I had just moved here to STL from California, without a friend , I went to the bowling alley for some video games.  That is where I met Kent. We started talking and the rest is history. He was my best friend for years. Shooting pool in my moms basement - watch your leave! I have Kent's 1st pool cue and I've been sinking 8's ever since - thanks to Kent. When we hit the clubs - Kent was a dancing machine; always styling crown & coke please. Jeff Strum 

My favorite memories are of that freah faced kid that used to call me his "Big Sister." He & his buddies would have a little too much fun. Jackie & I would bail them out one time after another. I miss him.  I remember playing "Quarters" at Kent's with him, Ricky & Tim. Tim was the first to go down.... HARD!!  Kent couldn't stop giggling because he was the lil' guy & always won.  Dinner with Kent was always an experience. I think he invented the statment. "Ya gonna eat that?" He was always hungry. We used to call him the 'Carry out King.' Wendy  

When Kent first came to live with mom & Ken (AKA Dad), we would stay up very late for weeks trying to beat Sonic the Hodgehog. I miss him very much. Kent's Bifg Bro, Rick   

On Sundays Kent would come over and watch sports with Ken & I.  I would ask Kent what he wanted me to fix for dinner. What ever it was, he always told me it was good & thanked me for fixing it. He was very easy to Please! I will miss all the things Ken, Kent & I did together. You will never be forgotten. You are ALWAYS in my heart. Joyce  

All the times spent with Kent where special. The best ones where at Christmas when all the men where on the couch watching football. They would all play pool & darts.  He always had a smile on his face that light up the room.  I will miss you my brother! Tell we meet again.  Love ya, Jackie Haney  

One night Robin & I told our Grandma Joyce we were spending the night at a friends house.  We walked around all night long with nothing to do and no where to go.  We woke Kent up and told him we were cold and had no place to go.  Uncle Kent gave us the keys to his car and told us to spend the night in there but if we got caught he didn't know how we got in the car.  Love ya, Dawn & Robin   

My fondest memory of Kent is watching scary movies after mom & Rick had fallen asleep.  I won't remember him as sick he was to lively for that!!! Erin Sundahuse   

The following were mailed to me after the Celebration at Tim & Mary's  

Even though his last hours were tough, I will always appreciate Kent's indomitable spirit. As I walked through the shop and waved at Kent, his eyes twinkled and he didn't let let any of his tough breaks limit his joy and his enthusiasm. I will always see him as a fighter.  I am blessed to have know him.  He will continue to be an inspiration for me. With kindest regards, David Walters  

I did not know Kent that well, but when I was around him I had a good time.  My fondest memory was when we played golf with Tim and Kirk.  No one did very well, but we had a lot of fun.  I will miss Kent.  Matt Woodworth CR Metal Products.

When I think of Kent I think of his big smile & his wild sense of humor.  I also think of how much fun we had harassing each other about our sports teams.  But with his KU Basketball teams he got to do most of the harassing.  Kent is a great guy and we will miss him and always keep him in our hearts.  Tony Muckerman 

All of the memories I have of Kent are Great! I met Kent about 14 years ago when we worked together at AMT.  He was always upbeat, positive and in a good mood, which spread to others!  He will truly be missed by everyone he knew!!  My prayers and thoughts are with him and his family.  PS. I hope God is a KC Chiefs fan!!  Kent's friend Mike Zednichek

 


 

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Great Job Deborah  / Janae Barker (Aunt)

I hadn't been on the website for a while, I can't believe what an awesome job you're doing with it.................

We all love you Queen Bee!

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Mommy's speech at Rosary  / Deborah Derendinger (Mommy)

Deborah's speech read at the Kent’s Rosary March 2, 2006

Don’t be sad for us. Be happy that Kent is with Our Lord. I have many memories of Kent to cherish and comfort me. Many of them, I’ll be sharing with you from time to time. Kent never said, “I can’t do that”, only that, “I won’t do that.” Kent believed in Jesus Christ and his strong willpower and courageous strength met all his challenges of his short life. He never complained and never wanted anyone to ever feel sorry for him. So, we mustn’t start now. Again, there’s no reason to be sad. Thank you all for coming. Let’s always celebrate the life of Kent.  His mommy will always be very proud of him.

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My Brother Kent  / Scot Jeffers (Brother)

Scot’s Eulogy for Kent’s Service March 2, 2006

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

What a fitting quote, and the reason all of us are here today. To remember and share all those special memories we have of Kent as we celebrate his life.

Love is not an easy feeling for me to put into words. Nor is loyalty, or trust or joy. But Kent was all of these. He loved life completely and lived it intensely, that intensity would sometimes get him into trouble. But it was never trouble that he would run from and he always took full responsibility for.

As all of you know, Kent Jeffers, my bro, was a strong person who had more than his fair share of crosses to bear. However, he always bore those crosses with dignity. From the very beginning of his life he never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him and his disabilities. If you did so he felt like it was an insult to him and what he could accomplish.

If you told him he couldn’t walk he would run. If you told him he couldn’t pitch, you better believe he was going to strike your butt out.

That was the way Kent was, never letting anyone dictate to him what his life would be or how he was going to live it. Kent loved to play baseball, I loved playing it with him and he was very good at it. I think the only time I really heard him complain about his disabilities was when all the other kids started to mature physically and he just couldn’t keep up anymore on the baseball field. He simply missed being able to play the game.

 

I want to thank Michelle for bringing back a good memory, in an email the other day, of Kent that I have from when we were kids growing up in OP. Right after his surgery when he was 9 years old. Michelle was watching Kent and I at our house. Michelle and I were playing ball in the backyard while Kent watched from the sidelines. After a while Kent told us that he wanted to play with us, I think Michelle was a little hesitant about letting him but relented after Kent told us that he could play just like anyone else now because he had his new leg. Boy was he right. After that I think we spent every waking moment that we could in that backyard when the weather permitted and sometimes even when it didn’t. That little guy sure could throw a baseball, and if you weren’t careful he was going to knock your kneecap off when he was at the plate as well.

What good memories. Memories I will have with me for the rest of my life.

At the end when he found out that he had cancer he didn’t want, even his closest of friends to worry about him during his sickness. One of his best friends of all didn’t even know he was sick until the day he died. Some people may call this a weakness, in that he didn’t want to deal with his problems. I see it as one of his greatest traits in that he didn’t want the people he cared for the most to worry about or feel sorry for him. I only hope that I can have anywhere close to the same strength and dignity as My brother had during his life, especially during these last few months.

Last Tuesday after Kent had seen the Priest there at the hospital and all of his family had told Kent that we loved him and that it was time to let go, I knew that I would see him again. I truly believe that Kent is looking down on all of us right now smiling, because he really loved his family and the times we would all get together. As a matter of fact he is probably telling me to shut up because he has a game to play. I can hear him now “I just struck out the Splendid Splinter, The Babe is coming to the plate and The Mick is walking on deck.”   I LOVE YOU BRO

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My nephew  / Janae Barker (Aunt)

Janae’s speech read at the Kent’s Rosary March 2, 2006

Here are just a few of My Favorite Memories of Kent Michael Jeffers:

First and Foremost He’s smile, that contagious smile of his!  Throughout his entire life, it never faded … the hospital despite many operations and procedures, I could always count on seeing Kent’s smile … At the pool which I was very fortunate to be able to spend many many summers with Scot and Kent and we swam all day long. Kent loved to swim; in fact he loved to swim so much when he was in his body cast (yes the entire body cast) I blew up an air mattress, put Kent on it and put him in the pool so he could swim, I don’t remember exactly but I’m sure Scoty was my partner in crime … Something else I don’t remember and that was exactly what Mommy Debby had to say when she found out what we did? Something’s are just better blocked from the memory banks J Oh the ball field Kent had more of a look of confidence and determination … He was a wonderful ball player with one heck of an arm, I loved to watch him play … I heard many people say over the last week that Kent didn’t know how to quit and failure wasn’t an option … It was shortly after he had he foot amputated we went and played miniature golf. We had so much fun and Kent didn’t miss a beet!  I was so fortunate to have many great times with Kent, at World of Fun, My first Royals game; the list goes on and on …

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My cousin Kent  / Michelle Jerome (Cousin)

 

 

 

 

In Memory of Kent Michael Jeffers              By Michelle Jerome

 

 

I don’t know exactly where to start my memories of Kent. I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with Kent and Scot while they were growing up? I babysat for them allot and it was fun.  From the day Kent was born, I knew he was special.  Debby taught me how to take care of Kent and his medical conditions, and it was my pleasure, because with all the problems Kent went through as a child, he never complained, hardly ever cried, he was the most happy go lucky child I had ever know. Kent never let anything get him down, and wasn’t about to let anything get him down. His physical problems were nothing to Kent, because he was a determined child.  He amazed me at times, I never knew of anyone who was as strong as Kent and had the will and the greatest amount of courage. He played baseball and he was great! I remember the time he got fitted for his new leg, because he was growing so fast! Scot and I were playing baseball and Kent said, “Shell I can play now I got a better leg this time”. It was great because he was smiling and laughing all the time.  I had never seen Kent down or depressed as a child, in fact he had more spirit than anyone I had ever known.  Then there was the time when we were playing Scot, Kent and I and Kent cracked his head open and blood was pouring everywhere, we got towels and got into the car and was heading for the hospital and of all the luck I got pulled over by a policeman for speeding.  Man, Kent thought that was the coolest thing because we got a police escort all the way to the emergency room door.  We were laughing and carrying on, who was thinking about the gallons of blood pouring out of Kent’s head. He was just excited that we were escorted by the police, even than Kent had a smile of encouragement on his face. I could go on and on but just wanted to share a couple of special memories, that I hold for Kent and believe me I have allot.  Kent will live forever in my life and keep the inspiration alive! May Peace and God be with you my little angel?

 

 

Kent you stuck through it all.

When times got hard

You never gave in.

You pressed your way through it

You held on til the end.

But now it’s over

You suffer no more

You’ll go in glory

And walk through heaven’s door.

We know you are still with us

Even though we are far apart

And we’ll never forget you

Because you’ll always be in our

Hearts.

Love Michelle

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