Mama misses YOU...

It is January and it has been a very cold January. This makes it hard for me. I miss you so much even though I know you are where the weather never makes a difference. I know you are safe and in no more pain. That is the only reason that makes me happy and to be able to survive another day without you. I have been thinking about our flower beds for the spring and I hope they bloom beautiful just for you. Sissy is the silliest and spoiled little girl I have ever seen. She still misses you and she remembers your name because I keep telling her that you loved her so much. She shows off all the tricks you taught her when we have guest over. Everyone asks how old she is and I am very quick to say this is Daniel's little dog. She will always be your little dog I am just the Grand who is taking care of her for you. We love you and  miss you so much. Daddy, Ray and I are trying to do the best we can but it is hard without you. It is hard to believe that mama has been gone for 19 years. I miss her so much. Give her hugs for me and tell her I still look like her and so does Jean. She will get a kick out of that.

Love You baby boy....

Merry Chirstmas in Heaven Daniel....

As I look at the night sky I look for the brightest star. I can just see you shining up there on the fluffy white clouds. I imagine all the wonderful sounds and sights your eyes are beholding, the majesty of Christ Himself. My heart is happy for you although it hurts so much sometimes I have to tell myself to breath. Oh how I wish I could see your big brown eyes again with that sweet smile on your face.
Five years ago I could not bring myself to go to the family Christmas gathering because you would not be there with us. I am not saying that I am better but today I think I can do this. It will be hard to laugh and be happy without you. Oh why did things have to change? Why did you have to go? I wanted you to live so much, I would give my life for yours. I cannot understand why I have survived so long and not you too. I just want you back I don't want anything for Christmas but you. Life is so hard here on earth. Things have changed and I know you are in a better place but I just want you.

 I wish you could have seen sissy tonight when I gave her a new blanket. I told her it was from you and that you would love to be here to teach her new tricks. She is so funny, she looks like a deer when she runs. Oh and Mattie is just as spoiled as Sissy. A few of the chickens went into Mattie fence and you know what happened to them. She is a bird dog after all that is what your daddy says. He said if you want to live stay away from Mattie. Of course she still misses you too. I put her on the leash and try to walk her but she runs me all of the yard. Dad says that she is giving me a run for my money. I finally got sissy to ride on the golf cart with me. She loves it.

We decorated the house and yard this year too. Dad made a huge star to go on the Arbor. It reminded me of the one that you three put at our old home place. Our hearts are still so broken and grieving so much for you. I don't ever want to forget anything about you. I want to always remember even the smallest details. Merry Christmas Daniel you are our bright shining star of HOPE. One day my sweet boy I will never have to let you go again.
Love Always and Forever,
Mom, Dad & Ray

Christmas Goodies are on there way to UAB....

Daniel's Cookie Ministry is almost complete for 2013. Two hundred and fifty five bags of goodies along with 48 cupcakes are on there way to UAB Kirkland Clinic Oncology Department and to the Hazelrig-Salter Radiation Department. This time of the year is very hard for Donald, Ray and I, however The Cookie Ministry does help to take some of the sting out of our hearts with the pain. Our prayer is for you to have a healthy Christmas Celebration, a Celebration of the birth of Jesus. May you find in God His love and peace as you fight cancer. We pray for healing and a cure to be found so you will never suffer from cancer again.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,

Donald & Pennie Bickerstaff

 

 

 

LET THE PEOPLE REMEMBER ALL OF OUR CHILDREN.....

Here we are waiting on the special night that all across the world people have the opportunity to pray for all the mom's, dad's, and siblings who have a sweet child that now lives in Heaven. If it was a accident, a disease, or a sudden death that took the life of our precious son or daughter the pain is so unbearable. Not one of us could even begin to tell you how we feel, not because we don't want to but because you cannot comprehend the pain that is afflicted on our heart, mind, body and soul. Our only HOPE and REFUGE comes from GOD HIMSELF. We need your prayers and tomorrow night should be the night that HEAVENS DOORS are STORMED WITH PRAYERS. PRAY for STRENGTH, GRACE and MERCY that GOD will HOLD US IN HIS HANDS.
PLEASE LIGHT YOUR CANDLE AND BEGIN TO PRAY AT 7:00 PM DECEMBER 8, 2013.

Thank You,
Donald & Pennie Bickerstaff

Daniel Ray Bickerstaff

June 4, 1985~May 18, 2008

GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!

Thanksgiving Eve

Here I sit Oh Lord depending on YOU to help me through another Thanksgiving. Memories fill my mind of how we all used to gather around the table to enjoy each other. To catch up on all of our lives and to reminisce of the days past. Mama sure could cook the best chicken and dressing I ever put in my mouth. She had a way in the kitchen of making it taste just right. I miss daddy working out in his shop on cars and trucks. I miss chasing the chickens with my little brother Lamar. I miss Daniel and all of his funny jokes he would pull on special occasions. I miss hearing him tell me how good the house smelled while cooking for our Thanksgiving Feast.

Some people think that Thanksgiving is all about the food. I think of it as a time to gather with family to make beautiful memories. I sure do cherish all my memories. Please make beautiful memories tomorrow and get out the video recorder and enjoy being on the screen in years to come. I am so thankful that we have videos of our sweet son's together. Yes, Yes I know no one likes to be on camera but please leave that one very important movie so your family will be able to go back and hear your voice.

Happy Thanksgiving
Donald & Pennie Bickerstaff

 

Guilty....

As I was bringing down Christmas decorations I pass by our family photos on the wall of the stair case. I stopped and felt a tear drop down my face. This is the first Christmas since Daniel's passing that I am actually enjoying trimming the tree. Six long years and I feel guilty about being happy. I told Daniel, mom, dad and Lamar that I still miss them and love them very much. The journey we families travel through grief is not just the passing but now and the future. Each day our mind has the same thought what would it be like with you here today? Please pray for all of us during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years along with all the other anniversaries.

Thank You,
Pennie Bickerstaff & Family

Another Birthday Without You...

I never dreamed you would not be here for my 49th birthday. I sure do miss you and my heart hurts so much. Each day is a new journey that I must remind myself to breath. I am not healed from your passing I am simply a mother on the long journey of skipping rocks to stay above the water. I wish I could hold you one more time, kiss you and laugh with you. I know you are having a great time in Heaven but I miss you so much. I thank God for all the time He gave you to me, dad and Ray. I look up at the stars at night and I search for that special star that shines the brightest. You will never be forgotten as long as I have breath here on earth. I will share your story and memory with anyone who will stop to listen.

 I LOVE YOU,
MOM