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    marye
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    Here's the place to talk about our departed loved ones -- friends, family members, tour buddies, and others we've lost along the way.

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  • Jodester
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    Candy Hill from Philly
    A really beautiful sister in so many ways! I heard she died from an overdose. She was into smack. You would never have known to look at her. I had a really freaky experience once. When I was at a Hare Krishna restaurant in New Zealand two girls came in with backpacks and were in line next to me. One with intense blue eyes. They had American accents so I said "hi"! We started to chat. The one said she was from Philly. I said I had a friend from there who died from an overdose. We locked eyes and both said her name at exactly the same time. Wow.........! I felt the presence of Candy standing in the space that was there where we three stood. Powerful! What are the chances of such a thing being coincidence? It wasn't a coincidence, of course. I think Candy was just trying to connect the energy and to send me a little message of love to give me strength at a trying time in my life when I really needed it and was going through some of the toughest times I've ever had! She was a good family sister and will always be missed. Gotta make it to the promised land...! Are you kind?
  • Jodester
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    CJ - Joe Emert
    Another wonderful and sweet brother. He was usually to be found on Telegraph hanging out or in People's Park when it was still relatively hassle-free to do our thing there. He was a really fun cat! I don't know the exact details of his passing so I don't think I should write what I think I remember being told. His ex told me that his parents lived in El Cerrito at that time but I didn't find any listing in the phone directory for that area with that name last time I checked. Any more info on this would be wonderful! He was such a classic head! Shining on forever!!! Are you kind?
  • Jodester
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    Junkie Jim from PA
    Jim was a kid who was one of the Haight St crew from the late eighties - early nineties scene. Also a regular tour cat! One of the who's who faces in the crowd. A really sweet guy! Yup, another with a drug habit unfortunately! From what I heard he got thrown into jail in SF and either hung himself or was hung by the guards or inmates. Some smack dealer apparently wanted him offed but I don't know the truth about that. It was all very shady and it would be nice to know if anyone has anymore info on this. Peace! Are you kind?
  • Jodester
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    George from Telegraph Ave - late eighties early nineties!
    My good bro' from hanging out on Telegraph Ave from 87-92. He had a bit of a drug problem as certain loved ones did but he was a peaceful wonderful soul! I think it was 1991 when he passed on. There was an incident with a van of family coming down a mountain outside of Santa Cruz. The brakes failed. George had to help the petite and very pregnant girl, Carrie, who was trying to keep the vehicle on the road. He leaned across and guided the vehicle around the curves but it eventually rolled. He saved them from going off the side of the road! He also shielded Carrie from harm but got crushed under the van after going through the window in the process. I still have one of his tye-dyes the others gave me after the accident. I think about him often. He'll always be with us. Are you kind?
  • mindbender
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    Man pleads no contest in
    Man pleads no contest in 2000 rest-stop slayingBy Jon Gambrell, The Associated Press Kristin Ann Laurite, 25, of Scotch Plains, N.J., found dead at the Morrilton rest stop in 2000. The Montanta prisoner accused of killing her pleaded no contest Tuesday in her death. 2007-06-12 16:02:00 LITTLE ROCK — A Montana prisoner pleaded no contest Tuesday to killing a New Jersey woman nearly seven years ago as she was stopped at an Interstate 40 rest stop in central Arkansas on a cross-country trip. Ronald James Ward, who is serving life in prison for another killing, was linked to the slaying of 25-year-old Kristin Laurite through DNA five years after the woman was stabbed repeatedly, sexually assaulted and left to die at the rest stop near Morrilton. Ward, 40, was arrested last year while in prison and returned to Arkansas over the weekend for his Conway County court appearance Tuesday. He initially told the court he would plead guilty. But after talking to a public defender, Ward changed his plea. He acknowledged he was responsible for Laurite’s death, although he claimed he couldn’t remember it because he had been high on “******, moonshine and *******,” Prosecutor Tom Tatum said. AP/Montana Department of Corrections Ronald James Ward pleaded no contest to the 2000 rest-stop slaying of a New Jersey woman. Tatum described Ward as a drifter who moved between West Virginia and Montana. Sentencing is tentatively scheduled for Thursday. The prosecutor said Ward had agreed to a life sentence. Laurite’s mother Lynn DiBenedetto expressed love for her daughter, and relief. “Finally, justice will be served for the brutal murder of my daughter,” DiBenedetto said in an e-mail to reporters. “Although the pain never goes away, I will finally get some peace of mind knowing that this alleged predator will never again be a part of society.” Laurite left her New Jersey home on a trip to Eureka, Calif., planning to take a job at a day-care center along California’s north coast. By Aug. 25, 2000, she made it to Arkansas, stopping her yellow 1972 Volkswagen van at the Morrilton rest stop to splash water on her face and let her dogs play at a nearby pond. The next day, truckers noticed one of Laurite’s dogs running loose. The trucker called the number on the dog’s tag, finding Laurite’s mother. Laurite’s dogs led officers to her body, dragged down toward the pond. The rest stop, where another murder occurred three years earlier, was closed by the state, and Laurite’s family put up a billboard along the well-traveled highway with a picture of the slain young woman. The image remained up for years, with the plea: “Do you know who murdered me?” Tatum said he was “surprised” by the no contest plea. “I figured we would be in for a long trial because the investigation took place over so many years,” Tatum said. “I think it helped the family quite a bit and it certainly helped the state, too.” Morrilton lawyer John Irwin said Ward didn’t understand the judge’s explanation about the consequences of representing himself so the judge appointed Irwin to represent the Montana convict. “His education level is about fourth grade. He is not dumb. He is unlearned,” Irwin said. “The easiest thing to do would be to have a lawyer.” Citing lawyer-client confidentiality, Irwin declined to talk about other aspects of the case. _______________ insert obligatory signature here
  • Lazy-Supp-Deal
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    Mikel
    He was a freind of mine. Many of you will remember Mikel for his stickers, set list hand-outs and newsletters, and some of you will remember Mikel as one of the most kind and gentle souls you ever met. I didn't know him well, but Mikel was the kind of person who was sincerely kind and somehow made you feel special to him the instant that you met him. Mikel became the first person I would look for at a show, and I know I'm sepaking for many of you, because I stood in his own little "hug lines" many times. I will never forget Mikel. He taught me to try to pour as much kindness and compassion as you humanly can on others. He was a friend of mine.
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Here's the place to talk about our departed loved ones -- friends, family members, tour buddies, and others we've lost along the way.
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16 years 8 months
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So sorry for your loss of your best friend Andy,may he rest in Peace
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16 years 9 months
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Thank you for your kind words , and if anyone discovers they knew him share a story
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15 years 8 months
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Recently My Friend and Boss passed away. His name is Ryan L. Black he's fom Lake Arrowhead California. He was a huge Fan of the Grateful Dead, Rat Dog and so on. He Died last tuesday, early morning, he lived excatly 33 years. I thought posting this here would be a good memorial for him. The community here will miss him as well as all of us who knew him well. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers and thoughts. KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Once a man and twice a child, Everything on earth is just for a while. Bob Marley
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Sounds quite tragic. Peace and lots of music for your departed friend and boss neondonnie********************************** Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you will still exist, but you have ceased to live. Samuel Clemens
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16 years 9 months
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so sorry for your loss of a good friend, neondonnie, and peace 2 u2
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16 years 3 months
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Peace and strength to Ryan Black, and to all those who hold him dear in their hearts. Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.
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15 years 8 months
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Thank you for your kind words. They help. You guys are truly kindred spirits.
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16 years 7 months
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He was a friend of mine (& many others) Cecil Francis Farmer, age 55, originally from the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota came to California in the early 70's, passed on April 11, 2008. He loved the Grateful Dead (we went to quite a few shows together) & many types of music. Cecil was great @ beading & making things. Always seemed to laugh. I would call him my "Faithful Indian Friend" He would call me "his faithful white woman" We were friends for over 30 years & shall be missed by many. Hope he's having fun in the Happy Hunting Grounds......love ya always from the Gypsy Cowgirl...............
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16 years 7 months
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'It rolls all into one"........isn't that part of a GD song?? (Stella Blue?) DAD-it's been almost 21 years since you left (Jan.16, 1916-Aug. 1, 1987) then we (my son & brother) all went to Telluride, Co.. for the gigs-I hope you were watching............UNC-the favorite uncle in the family, known as "the King" (Dec. 18, 1906-June 4, 2004) You led a charmed life, worked hard & died peacefully in your sleep @ 97 yrs young..........NANA- Aug. 6, 1891-March, 1971-you were the coolest grandmother to have-slamming the newspaper on the table when the GD got busted in 1967-"here, here, here's the GD you like so much" & 3 years later watching the GD on TV when it was broadcasted live from Winterland (I think it was there) & I was too pregnant to go . THANKS family!!!.........Elanna Dawson-miss your accent & laugh ...........RP-it's been 30 years-you were the Deadhead cowboy to bring me to more shows when we were so young & father to my son, who inherited all your good stuff...........If the 4 winds haven't brought yall home, may they do it now.........love yall, glad you were in my life-the Gypsy Cowgirl-now go out & make it a great day..............
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16 years 4 months
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So much loss ,, my heart and positive vibes go out to all who has lost loved ones and freinds..... Peace be with you all .... The sun will shine again ...
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16 years 7 months
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"the sun will shine in my backyard, someday"......aren't those the lyrcis??? it's shining anyways........Gypsy Cowgirl
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16 years 8 months
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is where I always understood that the sun was shining, W.W. but perhaps you are right. ********************************** Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you will still exist, but you have ceased to live. Samuel Clemens
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16 years 8 months
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The Sun will shine in my back door someday.The Sun will shine in my back door someday. March winds will blow all my troubles away.
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16 years 10 months
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especially today when it's cold, gray and gloomy in the Bay Area and I could stand a little of that sun in my back yard...
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16 years 7 months
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hey GD Mom-thanks-you would think I'd remember the lyrics, even @ that hour & after a long day & only hearing it a zillion times.....oh, well, memory loss is a horrible thing..........haha.............I'll start playing it for the grandkids......must've been thinking about the backyard..............xoxoo Gypsy Cowgirl...........
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15 years 7 months
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My cousin and loved one traveled with the show for awhile I believe. She was murdered in San Antonio last month. By an old roommate. She was a peaceful soul with nothing but love. I thought this should be said. Please pray for the soul!
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16 years 10 months
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I'm so sorry to hear this. Comfort to you and your family.
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16 years 8 months
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Healing beams to you and yours and may you find comfort in your memories of your cousin. Peace, Gigi A box of rain will ease the pain, and love will see you through.
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15 years 7 months
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I lost my dad, you guys, and I need some happiness and good vibes. I'm Logan, and he took me to hundreds of shows when I was a little girl. I don't really know what else to say, except I keep worrying about living my life in the way he raised me and honoring him. Going to shows with him, hearing Robert Hunter's lyrics, listening to Jerry, it all taught me how to be a decent human being. I'm 31 now, I'm a social worker in LA, and I still need my Pop. I put the line from "Crazy Fingers" in his obituary and it was the hardest thing, especially after my mom wanted to put a line from "Ripple" in there...I said, No, that's the first thing people would expect, I always liked this line from "Crazy Fingers," so she let me. Thank you, in advance, for the warmth and kindness. Love. "Who can stop what must arrive now? Something new is waiting to be born Dark as the night you're still by my side, shining side..."
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Your Pop sounds like a wonderful person and a grate DadHealing vibes are heading your way... You picked a grate line from a grate song to honor your Pop, He must be smiling down on you :) Peace, Gigi
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losing one's dad is one of the hardest thing in life.........we played "Throwing Stones" when we lost our dad & then went to Telluride for the shows-after 21 years he's still missed, but lucky enough to have had a great dad-sounds like you did, too! & you were SO lucky he took you to shows! how cool is that???? " & love will see you through"......xoxo Gypsy Cowgirl
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"One way or another, this darkness got to give"
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16 years 9 months
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I send you all the love, warmth, and kindness I can muster.What wonderful memories, keep them in your heart. He will always be there next to his beautiful daughter guiding you as he has always done. Keep that sparkle for him in your eyes. Quite sure of how proud of you he was. Take care,pk
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16 years 9 months
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Love will see you through. "Where does the time go?"
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16 years 9 months
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Btyant Brandenberg,,Aka "Stinky",,,Well I just got a phone call no one likes ta get,, my best friends and tour brother for many a years died out in Colorado this morning....Bryant you will be missed,, anyone that has a copper Jerry hand hanging in thier bus or car,, may know him as "Stinky",,(he did give up that nick a few years ago, something about meeting woman with the name stinky),, Bryant and I toured together for about 7 almost 8 years in the late 80's and 90's,, he is the one I ran off with to take a break from society when my marrage ended,, we spent about a yaer together then , I have not had the chance to see him in a few years,, but we always stayed in contact on the phone,, Bryant worked at Go Ask Alice in Brockport, NY for a short time but you may all know him ,,(if you were on Dead tour, or from Colorado area) as the guy that twist and wraped with copper,, he had been working with copper for almost 25 years,, Anyone that was close with him most likey has one of his Jerry hands,,, Bryant always said when he died he wanted his ashes spred at Cougar hot springs,, I will try and make sure that happens,,,, With a empty spot in my heart,, Mike
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16 years 8 months
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Today would of been my sister's 50th birthday today! She passed away 1 year and 11 months ago after the fight of her life with breast cancer. She was my best friend and I miss her every minute! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU PATTY!! I LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN TELL! Dance with Jerry!
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Thank you, Mr. Newman... from salad dressing to hard boiled eggs, you were one of kind and an inspiration to me, as well an entire generation.
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16 years 8 months
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NOT PAUL NEWMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! Learning sad facts here on Deadnet. Am so sad to read GRTUD and johnman's posts that have to go research and mourn a bit. Sniff.********************************** Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you will still exist, but you have ceased to live. Samuel Clemens
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So sad :(
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16 years 7 months
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Oh, dear...what a loss for us all. When Paul Newman came to a GD show in NY-it was a stadium show (Giant Stadium, I think) We were standing behind the drums & I turned around & there was Paul Newman. Introduced myself & the 8 yr. old boy I was in charge of @ the time. The kid says "OH, you're the man on the salad dressing" Needless to say, Paul Newman laughed very hard & enjoyed the rest of the concert......later rented some movies like "Cool Hand Luke" so the boy could get a clue on who Paul Newman is/was ..................Gypsy Cowgirl
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Great Motown songwriter, Norman Whitfield was buried today. "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and so much more from this man. Psychedelic soul kitchen cooker. It's a turn table night.
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16 years 4 months
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Otis Watts jr. Born , Febuary 6, 1928 Prosperity, South Carolina Passed away, October 5, 2008 Jacksonville, FL. Services held: Graveside October 8 2008 Uligy; God looked around his garden And He found an empty place, He them looked down upon this earth, And saw your tired face, He put his arms around you And lifted you to rest. God`s garden must be beutiful. He always takes the best. He knew you were suffering, He knew you were in pain. He knew you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. So He closed your weary eyelids, And whispered "Peace be thine". It broke our hearts to loose you But you did`nt go alone. For part of us went with you The day God called you home. Rest in Peace my dear freind . We will never forget you . Can`t forget ,, Paul Newman , the best of the best .. Rest in peace ..
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I forgot to mention that I did not write that .. His family wrote it .. it is beutiful they did a real nice job on everything .. Thank you .. Peace .. Stu ....
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John 14:27 (to you ;)Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Conforter, that he may abide with you forever;
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My sister Patty she passed away from breast cancer 2 years ago today on my birthday She was my sister and best friend. I miss her every minute of everyday. Peace to you Patty Dance with Jerry for me :)
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16 years 3 months
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losing someone you love..it hurts for a long time, i know........my thoughts and prayers are with you gigi....giant hugs!!
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16 years 10 months
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and I'm sorry your sister didn't get a chance to come hang with us.
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16 years 9 months
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My thoughts are with you Gigi, the love of your sister is evident in everything you say and do,she seems to be always with you. Be happy this birthday knowing she is in you and a part of you and you are one and being one is beautiful.
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I lost one of my sisters 10 years ago to breast cancer. I know what you are feeling and i wish you grace, peace & love. My sister loved the Grateful Dead too. Just about every dance concert I list here she was with me, dancing too. Her son was 12 when we lost her and our third sister (Missy Motown) finished raising him. We three live together. He's a drummer. Peace to you and your family
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for all of your kind words!!Love & Peace, Gigi
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stevie c Losing a family member is hard for anyone to cope with, but losing a child is the worst. Watching your spouse cry under her breath, the siblings looking on in confusion, not even close to being able to understand. These are things a dad has to deal with after finding his sixteen year old son the next morning lifeless after an overdose while you were asleep. Not being there to help him in his time of need isn't the only thing regretable, but not seeing the problem in the first place. I know he loved life though, his music, guitar and friends. I really hope he is in that better place we all hope to see one day- God's golden shore, until then, I love you more than words can tell.......
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Nothing could be worseI am so very sorry for your loss, may you find peace and comfort in your memories of your son. Peace,Gigi
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Peace and tranquility for both of your lost loved ones. Just feel them in your heart-they're there with you for sure.********************************** Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you will still exist, but you have ceased to live. Samuel Clemens
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16 years 9 months
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i am so sorry for the loss your family is suffering, peace and love
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My thoughts are with you. TigerLilly said it best in her post. Peace If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake