Dear Ma and Pop, Once again it's Happy Anniversary time. 73 years this year. It's one of those really important dates in my mind, obviously I wouldn't be here to write this had you two not got together and even though there was no cake or champagne to celebrate on your special day, it gave me more time to reflect on the special times we had during your lifetimes. I often tell people about Pop building my first sailboat in the garage and how my search for it today still continues and how lucky I was to spend so much time with you Ma during your last five years. Isn't it strange that the 23rd ended up being such a common number in the family, and utimately a pretty lucky one for all of us. Happy Anniversary and I hope this note brings some joy to your day where ever you are. Peach, love, and happiness to you both. rc

Dear Chris,

I can't believe it's been a year already since you went home to our Father. I miss you so much. I keep thinking about when we saw you at Chestnut and you hugged me and said I was your hero. I thought if you only knew what a hero was you sure wouldn't call me that. I do know what a hero does is out of love and I hope Chris that you always knew how much I love you. I look at the coconut and Life cereal at the store and always think about you. You are my hero honey. I know you struggled so much and maybe you thought your only way out was to go home and be with your Father. Even though I miss you so very much, I have comfort in knowing you loved the Lord with all your heart and gave your life to him. Grandpa and I were talking about you yesterday and how thankful we are for that. I know this is such a comfort to your mom too. She misses you so much but I have seen a very big change in her life and I know it's because of you. I think your Aunt Jenny is coming closer to the Lord too. I know that's what you wanted and your prayer is being answered. Leah too sends her love. She has such cute pictures of you and she on her wall when the two of you were little. They make all of us smile.

There has been alot going on in the family. Grandpa and I bought a pontoon boat so all the family could go on at one time. And we have our own campsite now by a lake. That too we want the family to enjoy all together. You will be with us too when we're on the lake. Aunt Jenny bought a house and we all helped her fix it up over the summer. She and Leah are in it now...finally they have their own house. Aunt Jenny said she took a step of faith to buy it because of you. Somehow you gave her the strength to do that. Lizzie always writes things to you and Nathanial asks about you alot. I know they miss you so much. Matt and Shannon send their love too.

Just like your mom, I am very thankful for the dreams God gives me of you. The one I had last week was so awesome. I got to hug you and I was very thankful for that. I am sorry for the times I didn't call you or give you a hug. You are very very special to me and I am so thankful that for the time we had with you.

I pray you are having an awesome time with your Father and your dad. I know you missed your dad very much and I hope you are enjoying getting to know him. You are missed so much honey!

Love
Grandma

Dear Christopher R. Baker,

Hi Chris, it's me mom. lol Remember when you used to write me letters and say that. You're so funny. I just wanted to say hi. I know I write you everyday in my journal, but I like going on this site and writing you also. How are things going up there? It was just your 17th birthday yesterday. I brought balloons and a card out to the cemetary. I always hope God gives you a glimpse of at least the card. I love you and miss you very much. I just want to call you or something. Of course, I wish you were here and I could see you, but even to talk on the phone would be so nice. The Lord gives me many good dreams of you. I'm so thankful for that.

Andy is doing pretty good. You'd be so proud of him. He's holding a job, trying to get visits with Kailyn, and making plans for his future. If you could've held on for just a little while longer things would've turned around. Andy misses you so very much. It's heartbreaking to me. He says he looks in the mirror and sees only himself now. The 3 of us were always together. And Jarrod and the entire family have had a hard time and miss you terribly. We all just continue to have faith in the Lord and ask Him for strength to get through each day.

I will see you in a moments time, Chris. That's my new saying. I know once I walk into heaven all this pain will seem so far away, all the waiting will seem like a distant memory - it will be like we were never separated at all. I look forward to that day - in God's time. For now I'll just try to keep focusing on what He has for me to do.

Love always and forever,

Mom