Dominique Galavez Obituary

Miss you everyday....its been a long 19 years

Dominique,
Thank you for watching over all of crazy people down here. I wish you were here to be with your friends and family so we could have seen you grow up my dear girl.
I get to see your pretty face everyday because I have your t-shirt with your pretty face on it. I miss you. Your smile just your joy of life.

Happy Birthday Dominique...
MISS YOU....LOVE YOU
Always in my heart
Mom

Hey buddy. I wish you could be rockin' the college life with me. Roommates? Most definitely.

But, God's better than that.
He's good.
And sovereign.
And bigger than death.

Some people are still realizing that. But they will.

I love you!

-Nerissa Kadey.

All I can say is its been a long 5 years
Miss you and love you...Mom

Graduations have come and gone without you.
I know how excited you would be to be graduating and going off to college. I went to Prescott to hand out your award again this year and once again it was a very emotional time for me. This last week i have just been a mess with all the graduations, espicially Nerissa and Andrea who have both graduated and your cousin Devin to..
Maybe there was a graduation in heaven for you and I'm sure your Dad, Grandma and now your papa were there with you...
I love and miss you every day and every minute for the rest of my life....Mom

hey nikki just thinking of you. i miss you so much. just to get a hug from you right now would help me so much :) wish we had more time together but im grateful for the time we got.
i love you
~cathy~

I thought of you yesterday Dominique, knowing that it marked a beautiful day on earth when you first arrived. So much has changed since that day, reminding me how extraordinarily temporary this life is. I thank you for being friends with my daughters and will never forget how much of an impact you made in all our lives.

Happy Heavenly Birthday. xoxoxoxo.

Just one more picture

Dominique
Happy Birthday!!! 18 years old...I sit here remembering the day 18 years ago when you came into my life. Your dad said he could have gone to work since it was 4:00 and we were still home. We waited all day for you to arrive. Finally at 11:12 PM you made your appearance. Little did I know how short our time together was going to be. I remember the first time you called me mommy. It seems like just yesterday. I treasure every moment of it.. even the arguements we had aout your messy room. I would do anything to have those "discussions" with you again. I miss you every single moment of my life, in every thing I do and every where I go you are with me.

Love, Mom

Hi Dominique
I am thinking of you on this “special day”. You are always in our hearts and our thoughts.

Hey Dominique Just wanted to say your still very much missed. and i wont forget the times i had with you. even if they were when we were younger ur laugh will always remain in my thoughts and u will always be in my heart :) i miss you

Thinking of you Dominique and as Nerissa grows closer to graduation I can't help but think of how things might have been different if you were still here on earth with us. I know God has a plan and has used you to carry part of it out. Though everything is not guaranteed to be revealed to us now, I know someday it will all come crystal clear and there you will be, smiling, because you knew all along.

Forever in our hearts kiddo...on this side of Glory...until we follow you home.

The holidays have started again. It makes me very sad that I have another holiday season without you. I guess its true what they say the ones who are left behind are the one who are missing out

Mom

Just sitting here missing you

Mom

"God does EVERYTHING just right and on time, but people can never fully understand what He is doing." Eccl. 3:11 (:

Four years? It honestly feels like you were here likeeeee, 3 minutes ago. I still miss you just as much now as I did the day after you left. I think the fact that your with Jesus is what gets me through another year. Your with JESUS. That's so legit (: I'm jealous. I can't even wait.

I still haven't forgotten, and I never will.
I love you, more and more everyday.

Tell John I said Whaaaaad up.
Tell Jesus I say hi.
That's all (:


-Nerissa!

Tomorrow will mark 4 years since you left our little earth to sit be embraced by our amazing God. As a friend has recently said, you got your wings and flew...I do not need to tell you how much of an impact your life and death has made on your best friend...it is obvious it's played a part in bringing her to this place of loving the Lord so much. Your purpose in living may never be fully known by any of us, so we use our faith to know it must have been some kind of amazing good.

Last night was National Night Out which Nerissa and I have not partaken in since you left. It just seems like something you need to be there for...memories of you guys splashing down that water slide will remain with me forever. Yes, good times indeed!

And if I never said to you when I had the chance, thank you for being such a great friend to both Nicole and Nerissa. Your unconditional love and acceptance of Nerissa no matter size, color, braces, glasses, or any other quirk was just as perfect and pure as His grace. I wish you could know just how grateful we are that Nerissa had you in her life.

So with that said...4 years later...you are still missed and loved, and will never be forgotten...I know you are in a loving and peaceful place and we will all meet again someday... Until then, "peace out!"

xoxoxo

This is the hardest time of the year for me. I think back to 4 years ago and how we didn't know that you would only have 2 weeks of life left. We were on vacation in Hollywood and Disneyland, having fun, just the 2 of us. I am so grateful that we were able to take vacation and I will always treasure the time we had, even if you did get mad at me and didn't talk to me all the way home.
I wish I could go back in time and relive our last few weeks together. I dont think I would do anything different, just to be able to be with you again, to hear your voice, and just to be able to give you one last hug

Once again you are forever in my heart and soul.
Love Mom

I still cry over the times your not her entering our senior year with us.. you are 4ever loved and missed by us all.

Hi. I miss you.



Fall in love with John, cool? K cool :)
I love you.

I miss you more every day!!!
Sometimes I dont know how I get thru the days and nights knowing you're not here.
As always you are forever in my heart and soul.
Love, Mom

Happy Birthday candle...17!

Happy Birthday Dominique,
Just think you would have been 17 years old today. I am thinking about 17 years ago and how you changed my life for the better. You might not have been here very long, but the time we had together will have to do for my lifetime. Unfortunately I only have memories left, and my friends and family hear the same stories, and I am very grateful for them to allow me to repeat the same stories. I know in my heart that we will be together again someday and you will have a lot of new stories to tell me. I want you to know that you give me the strengh I need to go on everyday,espicially on days like today.
As always you are forever in my heart and soul.
Love and Happy Birthday, Mom

happy birthday girlie :-) took Nerissa to visit you this morning and take you your Swedish Fish. Of course, its lent, and I couldn't eat any with her but it's ok...more for you.

I want to thank you for shining your light on your best friend. She is quite special and I know you had something to do with it...as you are special too. We all miss you but know you are seated with God and enjoying Heaven...and getting answers to all the questions we still have!

17 today...wow...I am sorry you can not be here to hear everyone wish you a happy birthday...but I trust His plans for you were far greater than that.

xoxo

did you see the candles burning for you tonight?? I know you did...and you were the prettiest one at the whole table. :-)

Well another holiday has come and gone without you. Its supposed to get easier and I tell everyone its easier every year, but deep down inside it hurts so bad. The anticipation of the holidays isnt as bad as it was at first. but then the holiday arrives and then I realize, again, that you will not be here sharing it with us, at least not physically. I know you are here, but its not the same, I want to see, touch and hear you.
You would have had so much fun playing Beatles Rock Band with Tony and Ben and I know how embarrassed you would be to hear me sing!! I made green bean cassorole for you. You could have eaten the whole thing with no problem. I had a little breakdown during dinner, but I was ok, just had to release all the emotion of the day.I try to hold it in beacuase I dont want anyone to feel bad, but sometimes it helps me to just let go.
I often wonder what is it like wherever you are?? I go outside at night and look up to the stars and hope that somewhere you are also looking at me at the same time. When the wind blows I close my eyes and hope its you I feel. I can only hope.
As always and forever you are in my hearst and soul, Love Mom

You have been on my mind lately. Not like you ever leave but a little more so lately. I know you would appreciate and enjoy the new store...even if Nicole and Nerissa can't! :-) You should also be so proud of your best friend as she has really matured in her love for Jesus. We went to watch her play guitar on stage with the worship band at school this week and I wished you could be there, in physical form to see it. She is making good choices and not only talking but walking the walk with Christ, and we are so proud, I know you would be too. I am asking myself if your passing had something to do with all that... and not only your passing, but your relationship with God while you were here. Her and I talked about you the other day and she is so peaceful in her confidence that God had a plan when he took you. She is able to move forward today without questioning why just simply trusting. Thank you for being such a great friend to her all those years. And to Nicole. I am still so incredibly grateful for the years you were here with us all, even if they were too few. You have impacted the lives of many, and continue to do so. Your mom is surely so proud of you!

Dear John and Norma,

I was thinking of you two alittle stronger this month, noting that it was Dominique's 3rd year anniversary of leaving all of us. The saying time heals all pain does not ring so true in my mind. They also say that time will make things easier. That doesn't ring true with me either. What does ring true is that we are all put here on this planet as a test. A test of faith, love, compassion for one another and even loss. I don't think the pain of losing a loved one is supposed to go away. It's supposed to teach us, that life is shorter for some than others and that we should all treat each other like it was our last day together. Dominique is the teacher. She taught all of us how to be free, laugh, cry, and especially love. I believe you will see her again. A beautiful spirit like Dominque's does not go quietly in the night. I think of you often and pray that you can find peace in knowing that you will see her again and know that her spirit is all around us.

Love to you both
Rhonda

Well here it is August 5th. I am sitting here remembering your laugh, how you made me laugh. Remembering all the joy you brought me in such a short time that we had together. I would've loved to have more time. There was so much I still needed to say to you, Things we needed to do together, Things you needed to do in your life. Things you needed to do with your friends, with Nerissa.....
Today has been more difficult than I wanted it to be.I know time heals all, but I am starting to wonder if I truly will ever heal from the pain of losing you.
I love you with all my heart and I always will.
Love, Mom

Well it is that time of year again...tomorrow marks the 3rd year passing since you left this physical planet. I still dont think a day goes by that we do not think of you. I know we will continue to miss you forever, until we all meet up again and party up in the eternal. We are thankful for the wonderful friend you were to Nerissa, and the little sis you were to Nicole, teaching them both about friendship, trust, loyalty, love and loss. We are also thankful for the amazing friendship with your mom and John which you and Nerissa made possible.

Please know we all love you and pray you are at peace, comfortable and in God's care.

Love,
Rich, Michelle, Nicole, Nerissa

It is amazing how much you have impacted people in your short time here on earth. I received a random email this week from a former soccer player teammate of yours from our team who just wanted to say she was thinking of you...some four years later. Yes, you are thought about by MANY souls down here, more than anyone could even know. It is true that you will never be forgotten.

We all miss you!

The Hatters

Dominique...I am thinking of a bright sunflower I saw the other day and somehow I can hear your laugh.

I want to ask you to put in a good word for Rich for his surgery Thursday and perhaps you can even keep him company while he is asleep during it. Just don't keep him very long and then send him right back!

I miss you.

i MiSS yOU AND lOVE yOU DOMiNiQUE....

Dominique, Happy Sweet 16 birthday. We were out of town during this weekend, but had you in our thoughts like always. Not just during the special occasions of Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving or even your birthday. We continue to be so grateful to have you in our lives and always will remember how much you made all of us laugh. You are a very special person Dominique and will always be with us. Megan wore your shirt on your birthday and was so proud to wear it. The family we were visiting asked about it and Megan proudly told them the story behind it. She was able to tell it this time with out crying. I was glad of that. I want her to remember all of the great times she had with you and not the sadness that came when you had to go. We love you little angel and will never forget you.

Love Rhonda,Sean, Megan and Katelyn

Dominique, HAPPY SWEET SIXTEEN!!!!!
I've been remembering 16 years ago today. How happy I was to have you. You and that crazy black hair you had when you were born. Now its 16 years later and I only have the memories and you in my heart and soul. I am grateful I did have the 13 years we had together as short as they were. But I wouldn't trade them for the world. I know where ever you are you are celebrating with your Dad, Grandma's and your tio's and tia's. What a party you must be having. I know some day we will celebrate together again.
I love you and I miss you soooo much.
Always in my heart
Love, Mom

Happy Birthday Dominique! Sweet 16 you are in spirit...we love you and miss you.

Nerissa and I visited you over the weekend and despite the pouring rain, mud and cold wind, she tried to shine up your 'house' and make it pretty. I must say it was quite a muddy sight...using starbucks napkins and wishy wipes. Of course she said you would do the same for her! :-)

You probably know that you are missed still today as much as you were when you first left. None of us will ever be the same again and are just as blessed for having crossed your path in life.

Thank you for visiting Nerissa in her dreams lately...I guess she really needed that good bye.

Hey Babe.
I'm mising you, and thinking about you often.
I just came across a bunch of your emails, talking about rRed, Hottie, Hollister, Marchel, haha, and having cute little babys, its too bad you ever got to experience these things that you wanted so bad, but like that verse says, God has a reason for everything.
It feels like your still here, like you never left.
I can't wait to get up there and see you.
Love you girl!!

It is Christmas Eve and I am thinking of you...thinking about how it was doing another homeless project without you there along side Megan and Nerissa...thinking about how the girl at the end of 7 Pounds looked so much like you it was surreal...thinking about how much fun you would have with the new addition "Vesta" in your house...thinking about what kind of creative xmas gift you'd have made for your best friend...

I have prayed that your mom be given strength and grace in dealing with life without you and tonight of all nights, I especially pray you help comfort her and John.

We miss you Dominique and always will. In the meantime, rest in peace and know you are loved.

Happy Thanksgiving, Dominique

We are missing you today and everyday. You loved the holidays and its just not the same without you. I think about you everyday. Yesterday as I was shopping for the last minute things I was needed I was thinking you should be here to help me, but I know in my heart you are here with us. Tony, Ben and Taurean are here and I know you always looked forward to them coming over. You loved having big brothers and being an aunt.
These are my 3rd holidays without you and they are a little easier but not really. I will think of you all day as I do everyday. I know you are celebrating with your Dad as you did on your very first Thanksgiving.
Miss you and love you more everyday.
Love Mom

missing you

Nerissa was recently watching some old videos of you girls having a sleepover. She was laughing remembering how incredibly silly and goofy you all were acting. I am grateful you have given her such great memories to recall...you are missed, still, every single day. Even as we carry on and flow in the stream of this life, you never leave our thoughts or our hearts.

Dominique,
I have thought of you everyday since your passing. Because we are to believe for some reason that God has a plan for each one of us, it just doesn't seem to cut it. The rest of us you have to still stay on this planet without the ones we love so much seems cruel in a way. I know we were not as close to you as the Hatter family, but because of your undying personality, we stuck to you like glue when we were around you. You were like a light everyone was drawn to. Megan has your shirt that was made for all of the girls when you first past. Whenever anyone asks Megan why your picture is on her binder she weeps. She is very emotional when it comes to you. I think your passing scared her. She knows your safe and so do I. We will see you again Dominique and we will never forget the loving light you have bestowed upon us during your time here. We were so lucky to have you touch our family in so many different ways.

Love Rhonda, Sean, Megan and Katelyn

So, two years huh?
it's ridiculous, and really i still cant believe it. i dont have any idea how i have made it through the past couple years without you, freshman year is supposed to be the year i need my bestfriend the most, and well, i was flyin solo. i have met all these new great friends, but something just doesnt compare and i dont really get it. they all just dont have that one extra thing you gave me i guess. You were the best thing that came into my life, and i know that your only out of it for a short period of time. i love you girl, more than i can even try to express just typing words. you were the best friend, and mark my words, there will never be ANYONE that will ever compare to you. i promise you that. i love you.. and looking forward to what else God has in store for my life.
i miss you. period.

Well today it's two years into missing you. What a week this has been for your mom and I, a week where we have strongly felt you guiding things we are doing and had planned to do. Please continue to guide her as she will need you now more than ever.

Last week I walked past where I last saw you as yourself. I spent the night a few beds over and thought of you as I lay there. I knew that things would be ok and I felt peace.

You were an amazing friend to my girls and I just want to thank you. You were the kind of forgiving, non judging, and loyal friend that any mother would want for her daughter. I am still in wonder over how much you have impacted peoples lives in such a short period of time...I can only hope to make the same impact on the world you did!

Dominique, I just got home from playing golf with John and I was thinking about you. Just want you to know two years since you passed and I still miss you terribly, I cant help it when I see Woo, I think of you. We constantly talk about you and wish you were still here. We will visit on the 5th, just wanted you to know I have'nt forgotten you. Good Bye Sweetie. John and Norma, just want you to know i'm here for you any time. I love you guys.

On 6/5/08 John and I were invited to Prescotts 8th grade graduation to present the "Dominique Galavez award" for this year. It was very emotional for me but once again, I made it..
I know wherever you are, you must be thrilled that you will always be remembered at Prescott. Each new school year the students will come in and they will wonder, who was this girl Dominique? Why was she so special?? What happened to her?? Eventually there will be a bench in your honor at the entrance to the school. I am looking forward to seeing that. You are forever remembered at Prescott and I am so proud of that!!
You would have just finished your freshman year of high school. I am so sorry you didnt get to experience the whole high school thing. You would have loved it!! But to me you will always be in jr high and you will always be 13 years old. I may get older but you will be 13 forever.
As always you are always on my mind and my heart.
Love, Mom

Nerissa and I were going through some old photos today...found some that I don't think your mom has seen so will give them to her soon. Today is Mother's day and she has had it rough...of course, missing you. I know you are with her in spirit so please send comfort her way. By the way, Nerissa is in yet another cast, broke her ankle in a soccer game at school. yep, she is the clutz!

Everything else in the world has changed so much but really it is all just as you left it. We miss you.

Dominique,
I called your phone today. I just wanted to hear your voice, but it sounds so different now. It seems I cant place your voice with your face anymore. I knew the day would come when I couldnt remember your voice but I just didnt want it to happen. I thought I would always remember you calling me, talking so fast about something that excited you, how it felt when I touched you, what it felt like to hug you, but I guess thats what happens with time. I will continue to call your phone when I do need you. It is comforting to know thats your voice. Maybe someday when we are together again I'll say "Oh yea now I remember"
Always in my heart and on my mind.
Love Mom.

Well I wrote on your birthday but see it still has not posted here...so will write again. Happy Birthday Dominique...down a different road you would have just turned 15...full of plans, knowing it all and needing no one...headstrong and determined. It is odd to think how you would look now or how you might act different, but I can see Nerissa changing and assume it would be the same. But for you, we can always remember you as the innocent, always laughing 13 year old. We miss you today just like yesterday and know for all of God's plans, this one still stinks. We visited you and Nicole hid eggs for you :-)

hey girl =]
i miss you. like i dont even know how to explain it. not to many people understand it. i try to tell people how amazing you were and how much i want you here with me to play soccer and just be there, but they just dont fully understand it. i know that they would love to meet you, i cant even tell you how many people wanted to meet you.
happy birthday. you big ol 15 year old. lol. i love you so much. =]]]]]]]
and i hope you know how much i miss you. i hope you always watching over me and your familia. =]]
ilyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
love your bff rose-jill
=]

March 15, 2008

Happy Birthday Dominique

I know wherever you are you must be celebrating with your dad and your Grandma's. I am so sorry you didnt get to enjoy your teenage years. We all know how much you wanted to be a teenager. You will always be 13 to me. You would have probably organized a party. You did love to organize, even if you werent very good at it. I am grateful that you had your friends over for a sleepover for your 13th birthday. You had so much fun and I am sure your friends will never forget.

I went to the cemetery today to be with you. Your Nina Bernie went with me and Michelle, Nerissa and Nicole were there. You had so many flowers and balloons. Its comforting for me to go. If I've had an emotional week, I know its time to go and I will feel better even if
I know you arent really there, because you are in my heart, my soul and in every breath I take. I think of you every waking minute. You are always with me.

Happy Birthday,

Love Mom

Here's a picture for you and Adam :-)

Its grampa's birthday today and we went to Chili's to celebrate. It was nice to have everyone together...only missing you. I know your grampa misses you terribly and would give every birthday back to have you there again. You are loved and missed every single day.

Dominique,
Well I made it through another Christmas without you. A little easier than last year but still very difficult.I seem to relive the days that you were here helping me get ready for the holidays.I had to do all the wrapping, you did love to do that.I put out the food and think Dominique would be all over this, eating everything is sight.I think you would be very proud of how we are handling the holidays. Nerissa came to spend Christmas Eve with your nina Caroyln, Bob and John and I and we had a good time. I know you were there in spirt laughing with us.Remember when I used to wake you up on Christmas morning because Santa had been there. I used to be more excited about it than you. At least until you started opening gifts. We had a nice day on Christmas, The Hatters and Aldava's came and had dinner with us. Having alot of people around keeps me busy and I dont have to time to dwell on the thought that your not there. Not that it ever leaves me. I know someday we will spend Christmas again together.I miss you more than words can say and I love you.

Love Mom

well Dominique another Christmas eve homeless delivery project went smoothly this morning...I thought of you during the whole time knowing you were there with us is spirit. And another holiday is here again and I just hope you know how much you are missed. I left a photo for you on your spot with your future name "Dominique Cohen" on it...your famous jewelry line at Target...your favorite store!! Merry Christmas.

heyy =]
soo..its hard to believe that i have lived without your smile & your laugh & and my bestfriend. i have thought about you recently more then ever lately because of david. by the way you can have..i guess i will give him to you. =]]
show him around and make him feel welcome. i hope that you are always watching out for your mom and john. they miss you more then anyone will ever know. just ease her pain that i know she gets every single day. i love you and are in my mind every second of everyday.
i love you =]

love always, your best friend FOREVER, nerissa =]

HEy MAMAZ!! i MiSS y0U! i CANT WAiT T0 SEE y0U AGAiN. WE HAD S0ME REALLy G00D TiMES DURiNG BASkETBALL SEASON iN 7TH GRADE. :)
yOU ALWAyS MADE ME LAUGH. yOUR iN OUR HEARTS FOREvER! AND i LOVE yOU LOTS! ByE LOvE! (:

Happy Thanksgiving Dominique,
Another holiday without you.The anticipation of the holiday was easier this year, but the Holiday still hurts without you. I think of you everyday and every minute. What would Dominique think, say or do?? If Dominique was here what would we be doing?? Would we go shopping tomrorrow?? I know you would be working your Christmas list that would probably be about 3 pages. You were good at making any kind of list.We will be seeing family this year and as I sit there and watch everyone with their families I can only believe that you will be there with me by my side. The most difficult thing I have to go thru is when I see a mother and her daughter together shopping, driving in the car, laughing even arguing.The short trips to the grocery store, to Target or Walgreens which were your 2 favorite stores are sometime the hardest.But I've made it so far. They say time heals and I truly believe that now.Everyday things get just a little bit easier.
Since you've been gone Pepper has become closer to me. He follows me everywhere like he did with you. Sometimes I think he's tryimg to comfort me.
I know you are having a Thanksgiving dinner with your father. Your first Thanksgiving you spent with him and here you are again.
Tll we meet again, I love you and you are always in my heart.
Love Mom

well another young soul has entered your Heavenly home and I am hoping you can look out for him. His name is David and he was a good friend of some of Nerissa and NIcoles friends. And we had the end of season party last night and I know you were there in spirit and so was your jersey...
you will forever be the #2. We love and miss you.

Still missing you.

Hey babe!
omg!
i miss you soo much!
ive been thinking about you constantly.
=]
ily
ily
ily
<33
Blondie

thinking of you today and wishing you peace... we all miss you and love you.

thinking of you today as the girls played soccer was difficult...more than usual anyway. you would have had so much fun with those brutal players, they got nerissa so mad and rich and I could just see your facial expressions and frustration at their pushing and elbowing. :-) but we know you were there in spirit and your number 2 jersey is with us at every game since we 'retired' it and carry it in the team bag...it is always going to be yours and you will always have a place on our team. we love and miss you just as much today as the first day.

Dominique,
It's been a year already, and we miss you as much as we did the day before. And maybe even more. You'll always be in our hearts. You can have my word, at that. I miss you. I love you. Hope your in a better place now.

Dominique, we all miss you very much. You'll always be in our hearts. We love you.

Dominique,
Its been exactly a whole year.
&& i just wanted to tell you,
I miss you so much.
Andd i hope your doing greatt.
Ily.
<3.
Nila :]

hi
dominique was an awsome girl
as i hope she could have been with us longer :(
but we all no that she is in a better place....
sincerly LAKEISHIA MARTIN

dominique,
it has been 1 year since you left. i cant believe it is actually here. i just pray that you are up there watching down on your mom and john, and just everybody who has grieved in your passing. i wish YOU were here to help me through this, because i know you would have done great. i love soo... much babe, watch over and guide us through life.
iloveyou.
Nerissa

im sorry i did the same poem my mom did!!!
i promise it was on acciedent!!
Nerissa

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

Dominique, Well I am still waiting to wake up from this nightmare. When I wakeup in the middle of the night you are the first thing I thnk about.In the morning I think Oh it was just adream and then reality sets in. THIS REALLY DID HAPPEN! You aren't here. I go to sleep hoping to dream about you. But in the last year I can only remeber 3 times that I did. The first time you told me you were OK. I've dreamt about you twice this week. Maybe because its been a year now. It has gone by so fast, yet so slow. I come home from work and I sit in my car and wait for you to open the door like you used to, but you dont.

There is so much you have missed in the last year. Things you were so looking forward to. Just think, you would be starting high school this month. Maybe I shouldnt say you missed,because I know you were right there when your friends graduated from 8th grade,went to the school dances and just hanging out with them. We have been very fortunate to be blessed with the Hatter family. They have never left our side and have included us in all of Nerissa's and Nicole's activities. Now I know why you loved spending so much time at their house. In the last year I have also found how much people care about us and are really and truly concerned about how we are doing. I know that this has alot to do with you. People who didn't personaly know you, know you. Just goes to show you what an impact you have made.

This week will be very tough for us. But we made it this far we will continue to go forward. But its just not the same without you here, altough you have never left my side. I know when I get in the car, you are right there in the passenger side changing the station on the radio. You are always with me. I know some day we will be together again.
Love, Mom

hey girlfriend!!
Hey, i truly wish that you could have been here to excperience the things that life has brought me in the last year. i dont even know where to start! i cant believe it has already been a year...i dont know how in the WORLD i have gone an entire year without you...but i have. and i know it was from the years we spent together and all of the things we went through day in and day out, wether it was you coming with me and nicole to go do arrends, or i spent the night, we made so many memories together that i dont regret a thing. how can i? i spent four years with you and i enjoyed everyday of it. what can i say? you changed my life...FOREVER!!!
i love you and a day doesnt go bye that i dont wish you were here.
xoxox
your bff, forever and ever,
Nerissa

Norma and john
i know you know this already but there really isnt a day i dont think about her, and i know it is the same with you.
i love you guys more than amything and i will always be here...whenever.
iloveyou.
Nerissa

It was always great to make new friends along the road,
even though some friends were lesser known,
I will always remember every face that I see.

This girl who I met,
may have just been a face,
but out of all faces she was one of the kindest yet.

I never really knew her for the person she was,
and now I wish that I did.

We never really have a second chance,
in life, in the things we do,
and this is one of those moments that I can think back,
and say, "Why didn't I take some of my time, just to talk to her more often?"

Now she may be gone,
but in a better place,
finally I truely can smile with a happy face.

John and Norma,
I find it hard to attach myself to others grief and incomprehensible sadness. I truly wish that I would never have been given this duty as a result of the circumstances that created it. At the same time, I truly appreciate being granted this opportunity to offer my support and heartfelt condolences. I speak for my wife and son also when I say how blessed we were to know Dominique at least a little. What a unique and beautiful person she is to generate such love and emotion. Yours truly, Michael, Linda and Wade

John and Norma,
Our warm thoughts and prayers are with you. I know there are no words to say to help make the hurt go away. I just wanted you to know we continue to think of your family every day. Though Dominique was here only a short time, I know she had the time of your life. I know she is very thankful to you both for your love and allowing her to just be her. She is a light that will never ever go out.
Peace and love to you both.
Sean,Rhonda,Megan and Katelyn

Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

There will be a mass for Dominique on the annaversary day, Sunday August 5th, 2007 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 10 am, in the cafeteria of Mary Lou Deitrich elementary school (along Snyder).