Joshua Crim Obituary

Written In Stone
by Shelly Ballard on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 4:40am ·
Written In Stone

Your gravestone finally arrived today,
That's what the voice on the phone had to say.
"Come check it over, make sure it's right,
and I will set it before tomorrow night."

I cannot begin to describe the shock that I felt,
When I laid my eyes on your stone, another blow was dealt.
Seeing your name, written boldly in stone,
My knees got weak, and I heard myself moan.

It is final now, you really did die,
The name on the stone is not a lie.
Denial has gotten me far in my life,
But I can't deny what is written in stone, my strife.

I had to run, and hide in the truck,
cause the tears are falling, and my heart has been struck.
That name that is written upon that stone,
is my beloved son, and yes, he is gone!

How many times can my heart be broken in two,
over and over, because I have lost you.
All I can think is "It's written in stone",
My son is gone, and I sit here alone.

I really didn't expect to feel this much emotion,
upon seeing your stone, and I wish for a potion,
to erase the wrenching torment I feel in my heart,
a pain I have become familiar with, since we have been apart.

"God,", I asked, "How much longer? How many more times,
must I feel this knife pierce my heart, live riddles and rhymes?
I know he is better off up there with you in heaven above,
but what do I do without the son that I love?"

I watched as the stone was placed on your grave,
And once again, I decided to be brave.
So I stuffed the heartache and pain deep inside,
with the rest of the feelings that I have to hide.

I told the caretaker, "It's a beautiful stone.",
as I stood there, I felt so horribly alone.
But my face did not show it, and that voice continued to intone,
You cannot deny it, it's written in stone.


Lynn Hardin Brown
Shelly this is one of the most beautiful stones that I have ever seen in my life. I know how much you miss Josh and my heart breaks for you. Josh had such a character about him that once you knew him you would never forget him. I loved him to...And he will forever live on in the hearts of anyone that knew him. Oh, when the heavens rumble can you just imagine what he has gotten himself into!? Lol...I love you and you are always in my thoughts and prayers
September 12, 2009 at 7:27am ·

Crystal Stanley
I must say I feel the same. I now remember the time getting pegged in the head with a rock that had a smiley face drawn on it, the cheeseburger with a tadpole in it, the song "Love is all around" by Wet wet wet, and us girls getting chased around the house so he could smooch us! Well... I'd do ANYTHING for one more peg upside the head with those custom made "make my day" rocks. I'd love to be the one eating the tadpole burger just to see the expression on HIS face! I'd die, to hear him sing the words "I feel it in my fingers. I feel it in my toes", to Nikki, because we ALL know how much he loved him some Nikki! I would love to trip over the root that pops out of the ground out of nowhere. You know, like they do in movies when the killer is chasing the girl!? Just to get that smooch he tried so hard for years to get! I feel your pain! Probably not to the extent of being HIS mother... but it's there because I care! Joshua, we ? you and someday will reunite! I cannot wait to see you again! I'm sure you make one beautiful Angel :) See you soon!
September 12, 2009 at 8:11am ·

Vickie Melton Taylor
This is beautiful. My heart aches with you. He was fulll of life and he will be greatly missed. Love you girl
September 12, 2009 at 8:47am ·

Cassidy Amanda Tucker ·
Honey, I feel so much for you. I know how much all Josh's friends/associates miss him, but I can't imagine your pain =( love you!
October 25, 2009 at 7:20am ·

Lisa Singleton Otts
What a beautiful monument, Shelly!
February 20, 2010 at 3:57am ·

Cassidy Amanda Tucker ·
I am terribly sorry for the pain you, me, and everyone else that loved Josh has to carry; but, this is beautiful Shelly. I love you! -Cassidy-
February 24, 2010 at 3:45pm

Three Years
By: Shelly Ballard
August 11, 2010

It's been three years now
And my how the time has flown.
It seems like just yesterday
God took you to another home.

Not a day has passed
Without so many thoughts of you.
Nor a more monumental task
Than holding at bay this constant feeling of blue.

I still look at your pictures
Every single day.
I still watch your videos
And laugh at the silly things you'd say.

The sound of your voice
Leaves me aching inside.
Then comes your laughter
And with it the tears I can no longer hide.

I suppose I am selfish
As I just want you here with me.
But I know you are now in a place
A place you would never want to leave.

So, my guardian angel,
As you dance and sing with the angels and God above.
Please know that someone here is missing you
And only thinking of you with love.

Always,
Momma

Gone To Soon
By: Shelly Ballard

Why did you have to go ?
Leaving me all alone .
Wondering what might have been.
What sort of man you would have become ?

Why did you have to leave?
Leaving me here to grieve.
Grieving the loss of my child .
Begging to wake up from this nightmare, all the while .

Why did you have to die?
Leaving me here to cry .
Crying for the son I miss.
Crying for one last hug or kiss.

Why did you have to leave me so soon?
With no warning, with no clue?
Just one last I love you
And then you were gone.
You were just gone …..
Gone too soon !

AUGUST 11, 2007
BY: SHELLY BALLARD
Aug 7, 2010

And on this day,
God took you
God took you from me.
Alone without you,
Alone I'd forever now be.
Always wondering,
Wondering what could I have done?
To change the outcome,
And not be left so alone.
I hate this feeling
This feeling of something missing.
This feeling of hoping,
This feeling of Praying and wishing.
I hate missing you,
I hate feeling so blue.
Just down in the dumps
My throat full of lumps.
Trying to fight,
Fight back the tears from falling.
Trying to hold,
Hold back emotions I'm always stalling.
Trying not to feel
Feel this pain I now bear
Not wanting to care
Not care about anything ever again.
Not wanting to give
Not wanting to give a damn.
My life is without meaning
Without you my life has no meaning now.
Going on without you,
How do I do that, how?
How do I let you go?
I just love you
Oh! I JUST love you SO!
August 11, 2007
The day God took you from my life
The day God took you to Heaven.

Shelly Ballard
I feel like I' ve just existed
And now it's been 4 years.
I don't know how I' ve lived and breathed
Without you being here.
I know you lived your lifetime
As short as that seems to me,
But the pain in my heart is still so great,
Yet I know your spirit is free.
At times I think I hear you
The thoughts come to my mind.
I struggle for the sound of your voice,
But your voice I cannot find.
Yet you come to me in many ways
So I know you did not die,
You want to tell me that you' re close,
And to please stop asking Why.
Our lives on earth seem all too brief,
Or brief as it seems to me.
But where you are is forever,
GOD calls that Eternity
August 11, 2011 at 12:01am ·

Kelly Cox
I can't help but smile when I think of Josh :)
August 11, 2011 at 12:02am ·

Shelly Ballard
He was such a funny and awesome kid. How lucky was I to be his momma for 19 years!!!
August 11, 2011 at 12:03am ·

Buzzy Cox
Indeed!
August 11, 2011 at 12:04am ·

Crystal Stanley
LAugust 11, 2011 at 12:07am ·

Cheryl Colello Avant
So beautifully said Shelly- sending prayers, love, and hugs!
August 11, 2011 at 12:11am ·

Shelly Ballard Love you too Crystal, Cheryl, Kel and Buzz
August 11, 2011 at 12:15am ·

Beverly Ginder Schlegel
I love you,Shelly! You know that too!
August 11, 2011 at 12:20am ·

Jeff Blake
Thinking of you my dear .Sending Lots of Love and Hugs xox
August 11, 2011 at 12:25am ·

Shelly Ballard
Luv you too Ms. Schlegel! Love and hugs back to you Jeff!
August 11, 2011 at 12:35am · Like

Lynn Hardin Brown
Love you Shelly! Josh was a character. He is someone that if you had ever met him, you could never forget him. Love you Josh! We all miss your sweet smile. Shelly you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
August 11, 2011 at 8:26am

Dennis L. Daniels
Love you Shelly, our thoughts and prayers are with you today. sending you lots of love.
August 11, 2011 at 8:43am ·

Shelly Ballard
Love you Lynn, Mom, Dad!
August 11, 2011 at 11:29pm ·

Diane I. Eslinger Cook
I haven't been on FB lately but didn't forget the Anniversary of JOSH on Aug.11th he will always hold the most fondest memory to me and I will always have him in my prayers I will see him one day just as you and we will hold him close and be so happy to be with him again. I love you Shelly and Justin and Jonathan and I am sorry for your loss. He is smiling down on all of us with his beautiful SMILE hold onto that. RIP Joshua, Aunt Di misses you too pieces until we meet again I love you!
August 15, 2011 at 4:08pm ·

josh was the most amazing person that has walked this earth he loved his family so very much.. he was a family guy till the end. he was loved by so many people. He didnt have a hurtful bone in his body he was truely unique. he had the most beautiful smile and when he smiled you couldnt help but to smile back he was soooo silly.. is is very much loved and missed

Les,
I just found out about your loss. May God bless you and your family.
Love
Sonya Crawford Elsey

JOSHUA WALKED!


I remember that day in December when Joshua was born. I'll never forget it because within seconds of his birth, Josh began to walk. Josh walked right into the heart and soul, the very core of his mother. He walked right into the life and heart of me, his "Darling".

Josh couldn't wait to take his first steps, and I think he would have skipped crawling altogether if he could and why not??? Josh was wonder struck by everything he saw or touched. He had no reserve, no caution and held nothing back.

Joshua walked right into kindergarten with no fear or anxiety. He was ready! He'd smile that radiant smile of his while all the time trying to loose his hand from his mothers.

Before you had the chance to turn around, Josh was walking into grade school and just as fast he was walking the halls of High School. Josh met and walked into the hearts of many girls, even walking on the the hearts of some of them at times.

Those who were lucky enough to meet and know Josh, knew his love and loyalty were rare in this world today. He never met a stranger and could hold his own in any conversation.

He walked into the hearts of his Uncles and his PawPaw like no one ever had before or anyone ever will again.

Josh walked into places he shouldn't have, but went in head first anyhow. He once walked off a roof, breaking his foot and ankle and got up walking anyway. He walked all over California, Tennessee, Alabama and South Carolina. He left footprints so big, no-one will ever be able to fill them.

Joshua was strong and independant. He had wings to fly...but walking he did. Josh always had a rason and a rhythm to his walk and sometimes his walk would keep him away for days and weeks at a time, but he ALWAYS, ALWAYS knew the family bonds of love were always there and would always remain.

Sometimes Josh would hang out and sometimes he would walk away and put a little distance but he never came to a wall too high for him to climb. EVERYTHING he did was with persistance and passion.

Then came the call. The call you never want to get. Joshua walked right out of this life and into the hands of God. He's now walking on streets of gold. I can just see him...so beautiful and proud.

As I sit writing this with tears running down my cheeks and nostalgia in my head and heart, I can feel his presence and know Josh would not want us to feel such pain and loss. If I close my eyes and listen real close with my heart, I can hear Josh walking. I can hear his silly little laugh. I can even see his footprints in my mind.

So for Always, KEEP WALKING JOSHUA!

I LOVE YOU!

DARLING

Dear Les and Shelly,Justin and Jonathan,
Our hearts grieve for the loss of your son, brother and our nephew. We cannot fathom the pain of losing a child, but we hope you can find comfort in your memories of dear Josh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family forever.We know Josh is now watching over all of us as our guardian angel.
Love Aunt Debbie and Uncle Charlie

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God's Blessings, Dominique (Custodio) Haftmann

SHELLY, OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. LINDA AND DEBRA SCOTT

Dear Les and Shelly, I cannot imagine the horrific pain you are going through with the loss of your precious son. All my prayers are with you. I remember whem Josh's first Easter , I bought him an Easter basket that was nearly taller than him. He was about 16 monthd old, and oh how happy he was that his grandma got him that. Josh enjoyed this old fashioned rocking horse we had in the family for about 31 years. His Aunt Beth, Aunt Becky and Uncle Seth also rode that rocking horse when they were young. Before Josh could say grandma he called me Giggi. For sleep overs at our house Josh would get the bottom bunk, Justin got the top bunk and Jonathan slept on the pullout couch. We had cookouts and they boys enjoyed our pool. As time went on all my grandons were always on my mind and heart. The last time I saw Josh was in 2003. He had grown into a teenager and was taller than me. Josh had a very loving heart and adventureous spirit. He's up in heaven with his Great Grandma Eslinger and Uncle Shawn. They both have their new angel with them. I love you and miss you . LOVE, GRANDMA BEVERLEY

Les, I was shocked to learn of the tragic loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Les & Shelly
My deepest love and thoughts are with you at this time. Just remember there is nothing like family and the blood is the strongest thing in the world. I know Josh is with Grandma and being taken care of. God Bless

Aunt Eileen

Dear Les & Shelly,
We are so sorry for your loss. Graham & I have both lost a son each; the pain never leaves, but time surely has helped. We hope you are comforted by all the joyful times. Thank God that He allowed you to know Josh, even if it was only for a short time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Les & Carrie,

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May God strengthen & comfort you and the entire family at this very difficult time.

Joyce & Papo

JOSH,DONT YOU HATE IT WHEN YOU HAVE QUESTIONS THAT CANT BE ANWSERED... I DO...BUT YOU STILL ALWAYS ASK THEM... LIKE WHY DID YOU HAVE TO GO, BUT THEN I THINK FOR A SECOND TIME AND I SAY ATLEAST WE ALL KNO... YOU IN A BETTER PLACE THEN ALL OF US. U IN HEAVEN WHILE WE ARE ALL STILL IN HELL....,THIS WORLD IS HELL THAT WE HAVE TO LIVE IN EVERYDAY!!....TONIGHT I SEEN YOU RESTING AND YOU DIDNT LOOK LIKE YOU. I KISSED U ON YOUR FOREHEAD AND THOUGHT JOSH PLEASE WAKE UP NO YOUR NOT GONE YOUR JUST FAKIN IT JUST WAKE UP...HA YOU WERE ALWAYS A LITTLE CLOWN!! I MISS YOU SOO MUCH I WISH YOU WERE HERE....YOU WERE TO YOUNG AND HAD SO MUCH MORE LIFE TO LIVE, STILL HAD TO GET MARRIED AND HAVE BEAUTIFUL BABIES. IT WILL BE OKAY THOUGH GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU THATS WHY HE TOOK YOU WHEN HE DID...I GUESS I JUST NEED TO FACE IT! ITS HARD YES ITS REALLY HARD TRYIN TO STAY STRONG AND NOT CRY! EXSPECIALLY KNOWIN THAT YOU NEVER JUDGED ME FOR WHO I AM OR WHAT I DID OR HOW MANY BABIES I HAVE...U WERE THERE FOR ME THROUGH IT ALL YOU HAD MY BACK NO MATTER WHAT YOU EVEN MADE ME LAUGH WHEN I WAS MAD OR SAD....THATS WHY I LOVED YOU SO MUCH,I WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH!! I REMEMBER THOSE DAYS WHEN WE USED TO CATCH TADEPOLES TOGETHER, AND WHEN U USED TO LIVE WITH ME AND I ALWAYS HAD YOU WHEN YOU WERE LOCKED OUT CAUSE YOU WOULD COME IN THE HOUSE LIKE 4 IN DA MORNIN YOU WOULD BE LIKE "CRYSTAL MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE DA KEY"! MAN I AM GOING TO MISS YOU.... BUT LIKE I SAID BEFORE REST IN PEACE AND WATCH OVER ALL OF US!
GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!!!U WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBER FOR THE LAUGHTER YOU BROUGHT IN THE ROOM!!!

I LOVE YOU!! MUAH~ YOUR CUZ CRYSTAL

TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU! MAY YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES, LOVE AND LAUGHTER YOU SHARED WITH JOSH.

I am so sorry about Josh! May God be with your family.

To The Entire Family,
We had all gotten to know Josh very well in the past couple of years. He was a very respectable young man. He will be deeply missed. Our thought's and prayers are with you in your time of need.

The Entire Godin Family,
Pops, Mom, Ray & Jen, Kenny & Lisa, Mikie & Jennifer

Shelly, I am so sorry for your loss. There is nothing more special than your first born child. However, find some comfort in knowing he will always be with you. I will pray for you and your family. Peace be in your soul.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!

Mamaw and Papaw Hardin love you and will miss you very much. You were like a grandson to us and will always be remembered.

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Josh and his family. May God bless his family and friends the courage, strength, and love during this time and always.

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

joshua
i love you and i will miss you always. you never walked in or out of a room without leaving a smile on everyones face . the world was indeed a better place with you in it ,i love you , aunt shannon

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Josh i know i only met u briefly thru cassidy,but i will always remember u as cassidy's true love.god bless u and your family.from the kesel family.r.i.p josh.

joshua my family and megan are going to miss you our prayers go out to your family love the collins family.


Joshua theres so many things i wanna say to you right now but
the words wont come out.
i miss you very much and im very sad that you are gone but i will alway be thinking of you and i will always miss you.But everyone knows that only the good die young
you will always be missed Joshua Thomas Lee Crim.

MY DEAREST JOSH, I KNOW YOU ARE AT PEACE NOW AND YOU ARE WITH US IN SPIRIT. WE WILL TRULY MISS YOUR SMILE AND LAUGHTER WHEN YOU WERE HERE.YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER. WE LOVE YOU,AUNT DIANE,YOUR COUSINS, MELISSA,BRITTANY,STEPHANIE& LORI GOD BLESS YOU MY DEAR NEPHEW XOXOXO

TIMES WERE HARD AND TIMES WERE EASY, I STILL LOVE YOU MAN NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS YOU WERE ALWAYS THERE FOR ME, YOU HAD MY BACK I HAD URS. IM GONNA MISS YOU MAN LOOK OVER ME AND WAIT FOR ME AT HEAVENS GATE.
LOVE YA
TYLER UR CUZ

To Josh, man we been through alot. all the good times n all the bad times, but we walked through it all. just want to let u no that im still walking along ur side through everything. no matter what ur my CUZ. i love u man my heart n my tears are all for you. im going to always remember you love always your cuz shawn

HEY JOSH ITS ME CRYSTAL YA FAVORITE COUSIN...I MISS YOU ALREADY...AND WHATS SO MESSED UP I DIDNT EVEN GET TO SAY GOODBYE!! BUT ANYWAYS LOVE YOU WATCH OVER US!!

CRYSTAL LUCHIE

TO JOSHUA'S MOTHER,WE DID NOT KNOW YOUR SON,BUT WE ARE PARENTS ALSO.OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO YOU AS YOU STRUGGLE WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT ALL OF THIS.JOSHUA WAS NOT ALONE FOR ONE SINGLE MOMENT,GOD WAS HOLDING HIM IN HIS ARMS.GOD NEVER LEFT HIM,HE COMFORTED HIM AS HE WILL DO FOR YOU THROUGH ALL OF THIS.GOD LOVES YOU,LEAN ON HIM.YOU WERE A GOOD MOTHER AND YOU DID THE BEST THAT YOU KNEW HOW TO DO.GOD BLESS,ROD AND ELAYNE KOLLARS