Name at birth: Hans Kristian Olsson Date of birth: 24 February 1973 Place of birth: Sundsvall, Sweden Date of death: 12 May 1997 Place of death: Sundsvall, Sweden Place of burial: Hagas minneslund
Submitted by: Kristian Olsson (asq267r@tninet.se)
7 November 2016
Love you, Buddy. Miss you so much.
Joanne Witt
<legend@itstriangle.com>
“JWittx2” (legend@itstriangle.com)
03 February, 2014
It seems impossible “years” have passed since I visited this site. It has been awhile since I have left a message, but my heart is with you, every day. Just want to say, you left me with memories of the best brother possible and I miss you every single day. As I read my previous messages, I remember each and every feeling I experienced as I wrote them. My heart aches as before, and until I see you again, I say, I love you my brother, and may the Lord bless you and keep you. Save a place for me.
“JWittx2” (legend@fortbenton.com)
07 November, 2009
I think of you everyday, but today is special. This is the day of your birth. Elaine called, and reminded me it was your birthday. I’m glad she remembered. We should have celebrated more, but we all had too much, “to do”. Now you are gone and instead of feeling a special birthday feeling, I feel sad. I can’t exactly wish you a “Happy Birthday”, that wouldn’t be appropriate, so I will do what I can… I will think of you, pray and ask that you know how much you are missed and I will hope to feel your presence. And I know something will happen to tell me, you are aware of your sisters and the thoughts they are sending to you, today. Love you, my brother. Joanne
07 November, 2008
November 7th 1931, the day of your birth. When I was ten and you were 20, you teased me, “I’m half as old as you, but you won’t catch up with me! In ten more years, you will be only one-third my age!” That was very perplexing for a 10 year old. But as usual, you gave me something to ponder and eventually figure out. My thoughts are yours today. I wish you we were sharing a celebration instead of me gazing at your picture and wishing you were still here, enjoying your great-nieces and great-nephews. They know today is “Uncle Buddy’s birthday”. I will not let them forget you.
18 November, 2007
Buddy, the day of your birth has passed and you may be gone from our presence, but you are always near. My heart and my mind reach out to you and you reach back. I just know it. Love, Joanne
05 August, 2007
Dear Buddy,
Today, I just need to say, “thanks”. I thank God, you are my brother and I thank you, for your continued guidance. Even from afar, I know you are still watching out for me. I still feel your presence and I do believe you are sharing my time here on earth. My life is blessed with family, good friends and wonderful moments. Over and over in conversations, your name or something you did, will come up. You are not forgotten. On this beautiful August day, from the banks of the Missouri River, flowers for you, my one and only brother. Love, Joanne
“JWittx2” (legend@3riversdbs.net)
04 June, 2006
Flowers for you, my brother, my friend. You are gone, but never far from my heart.
A Certificate of Recognition of your service in the military hangs on my wall. It is for your service to the United States of America in promoting peace and stability for this Nation during your tenure in the United States Army. And it states, “The people of this Nation are forever grateful.” It is signed by the Secretary of Defense. I am very proud to display this tribute for you. Love, Joanne
29 May, 2005
“Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain.
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am the morning hush.
I am the graceful rush
of beautiful birds in circling flight.
I am the star shine of the night.
I am the flowers that bloom.
I am in a quiet room.
I am the birds that sing.
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.”
…Mary Frye, Baltimore MD, Circa 1933
Remembering you, my brother, this Memorial Day. Love, Joanne
13 March, 2005
I sometimes wonder, who peeks at your flowers? Maybe a family member who should have the courage to leave a bouquet? How sad it is, but it doesn’t matter anymore. You are still the mainstay of my life, forever and ever. If you were here, I could count on you. My brother, my friend. Always, Joanne
12 February, 2005
“What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow; Our life is the creation of our mind.” Buddha
Love to you now as always… Joanne
26 May, 2004
As we visit cemeteries, Memorial day flowers placed lovingly on the resting places of our departed will bring remembrance and sadness. Also, I are reminded the distance can be too great and some memorials of love and appreciation cannot always be placed. So, again, I thank those who inspired and tend this garden of love, so that others, as myself, can place flowers at your resting place in the Worldwide Cemetery. On this Memorial Day, I bring you flowers, kissed by the prairie sun and tied with a yellow ribbon. And I am reminded, you are only a click and a heartbeat away. Love, Joanne
09 April, 2004
Dear Buddy,
You look out from the page, so sweet, so sincere. I visit you often and I almost hear, a sound from your lips and maybe a blink. But your gaze remains and reminds me of, all the love you gave, so true from your heart. And I say, “I love you, dear brother”, and then I depart. But when I return, you are faithfully here, waiting for me and others who care. Love, Joanne
07 November, 2003
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Hope never left your heart… I pray, I can be as strong. “Flowers” for you on this day, your day. Love, Joanne
26 May, 2003
Sending thoughts to you, this day and everyday. Rest in peace, dear brother. Joanne
11 March, 2003
It has been awhile since I left you flowers. You are always in my thoughts, but sharing my heart this way, is comfort and encouragement for my soul. My thanks again and again to those who were inspired to create this wonderful and lasting memorial of love and celebration of life. My love to you, my brother… you will always be near. Joanne
JWx2 (legend@3rivers.net)
27 May, 2002
“Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.” Winston Churchill Loving memories we share fill my heart this Memorial Day and everyday……you are everywhere. J
31 December, 2000
A bit of prose by Ralph Waldo Emerson for you, my brother… To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. Remember, save a place for me…
J & J Witt (legend@3rivers.net)
07 November, 2000
For this day, the day of your birth in your last life, I leave this message…
“I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the Heart’s affections and the truth of the Imagination.” John Keats
25 October, 2000
Dear Brother,
When I was young, I believed in you, but more than that, you believed in me. You never gave up on me and I will never give up for you.
According to Ecclesiates 4:9-12
Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone he is in trouble. Also, on a cold night, two under the same blanket gain warmth from each other, but how can one be warm alone? And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back -to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken. Amen
Shawn Wakefield (wakefield@foothill.net)
18 August, 2000
Quiet love, kind words and long waiting at the drive for your kin to arrive. Love given, not taken. Your Nephew Shawn
“WITT RANCH CO.” (legend@3rivers.net)
01 September, 2000
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something; and what I should do and can do, by the grace of God, I will do.
28 August, 2000
“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” Matthew 10:26
21 July, 2000
July has brought a early harvest to the wheat fields. Even though it is a busy time, there is never a day you are not in my thoughts. For what ever reason, my vision is more clear than ever before. I continue to pray for the guidance that I need to go forward to meet the challenges ahead. I am blessed.
10 June, 2000
To you my brother, I must say,
I know they think I’m foolish for hanging on so tight
But Buddy, they don’t know, I loved you with all might.
Each day can bring a challenge I face and set aside,
But nothing can compare to my emptiness inside.
Those who turned the other cheek and put your needs behind,
Will surely suffer more than I with all my days combined.
25 May, 2000
Memorial day is soon here. I wish I could go to the little cemetery in North Dakota and clean the the tangled grasses from yours, mother’s and dad’s headstones. But I can’t. It is too far. I will think of you and I will remember and I will feel so alone. I miss you so much. Yesterday, little Kyler said, “Thank you, Grandma.” and you were there, right in the middle of the kitchen. His mouth spoke the words, but his eyes spoke his heart and you were there, right behind his eyes. I wanted to cry. I miss you so much.
18 May, 2000
My flowers are speaking from my heart this day. “Some people are happy remembering the past, and some happy forgetting it. And some spend a lot of time rewriting the past so that remembering is less painful.” Anonymous Aphorism.
25 April, 2000
Not one day does pass without thoughts of you my dear brother. You are missed so very much. I was left with memories to cherish and carry me through and a bond of love that no one could or will ever sever. I wait, for I will see you again.
21 March, 2000
Today is the first day of spring and with nature’s promise of another season. In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon of Jerusalem wrote; “In my opinion, nothing is worthwhile; everything is futile. For what does a man get for all of his hard work? Generations come and go but it makes no difference. The sun rises and sets and hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south and north, here and there, twisting back and forth, getting nowhere. The rivers run into the sea but the sea is never full, and the water returns again to the rivers, and flows again to the sea…everything is unutterably weary and tiresome. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied; no matter how we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. Nothing is truly new; it has all been done or said before. What can you point to that is new? How do we know it didn’t exist long ages ago? We don’t remember what happened in those former times, and in the future generations no one will remember what we have done back here.” Ecclesiastes 1-11. I wish you were here to feel the warm kiss of the sun and the gentle touch of the breeze. I miss you.
29 February, 2000
The sun is shining brightly today. It is as bright as the love in my heart for you, dear brother. I am at ease, as I know you are at peace and no one can take our memories from us. I miss you.
14 February, 2000
I’m sending a bouquet of love filled memories to you this Valentine’s Day. As you rest so peacefully and patiently, I am comforted to know you are safe. You are never again at the mercy of someone else. I know you are near. I can feel your love. Thank you for being my brother.
05 February, 2000
Buddy, I love this place. It’s a beautiful idea and how else would I be able to verbally pay this tribute to you? There isn’t a day that passes that memories of you don’t cross my mind. I miss you so much. Love, Joanne
RMeder@aol.com
03 February, 2000
Buddy, A day doesn’t pass without thoughts of you. I’m sending you a bouquet of wild crocus because they remind me of our childhood days in North Dakota. You were the most loving brother and you were my idol. I miss you and love you. Your sister, Marjorie
Jonna Ward (jonnaw@avenuea.com)
01 February, 2000
To my special Uncle Buddy, Love Jonna
| Name at birth: | Swan David Olson |
| Date of birth: | 7 November 1931 |
| Place of birth: | Hansboro, North Dakota U.S.A. |
| Date of death: | 13 January 1999 |
| Place of death: | Shelby, Montana U.S.A. |
| Resting place: | Hansboro Cemetery, Hansboro, North Dakota, U.S.A. |
| Submitted by: | Joanne M. Witt <legend@itstriangle.com> |
TO MY BROTHER, MY FRIEND, MY “BUDDY”
You are gone now, but in spirit you are near. Quickly you ascended to the other side of life and you suffer no more. And I know, you will save a place for me. Even during the most trying time of your life, when you were removed from all you knew and loved, when mostly strangers ministered to your needs, and all watched as you grew weaker, a friend or relative was greeted with the familiar twinkle from your eyes. Almost as if by will, your broken heart stopped beating and you were finally set free. There will be no more indifferent caretakers and no one else to speak and decide your fate. On my last visit you said, “I’ll be okay. Just take care of yourself.” Once again, as so many times before, you tried to comfort and ease my mind. And, Buddy, I know you have saved a place for me.
Name at birth: Patricia M. O’Neil Date of birth: 11 October, 1948 Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York USA Date of death: 26 May, 1975 Place of death: Brooklyn, New York USA Place of burial: Cemetery Of The Holy Rood, Westbury, New York, USA
Submitted by: Steven Celli (scelli@swbell.net)
The Lord’s Peace be with you, Patricia. God chose to use you in a very special way and it is because of you that I moved out of the darkness into the Light. May He always watch over you, those you loved and those who loved you.
I pray that God will comfort and strengthen those who remember you fondly, and that He will especially bless and watch over your sister Sheila. Hopefully one day she and I will meet again so I may share with her the miracle that came about because of you. (Psalms 116:15)
Steven
Kat Wolf (wolfsfire@comcast.net)
26 April, 2010
God will receive you with love and gratitude for being the kind of human he wanted all mankind to be: kind, caring, loving, to your family and friends. May you rest in peace and may your family remain in God’s loving embrace while waiting to join you in heaven. ~Billf & Kat
Name at birth: WIlliam Robert O'Connor Date of birth: 02/13/1941 Place of birth: San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA Date of death: 04/24/2010 Place of death: Roseville, Placer, CA USA Place of burial: Rocklin, Placer, CA USA
Submitted by: Melody OConnor (wilmeloc65@yahoo.com)
William Robert O’Connor was a kind, decent and soft-spoken man who loved his wife, Melody Dawn Spencer, for a wonderful forty-five years. He loved all of his children: William Robert (Elizabeth Peltier), Sean Patrick and Shelley Dawn (Robert Johnson) and his three beautiful grandsons: Maxim Alexandre Osipov, Sean Henry Liam O’Connor and Jesse Robert Johnson very much.
William was preceded in death by his parents: Thomas Roland O’Connor (1945) and Jean Marguerite Smith (1972) and his brother, Walter Richard O’Connor (1973). He is survived by his brother, Thomas Roland O’Connor (Joann Versino) and his nephews: Thomas Roland O’Connor, Jr. (Christine Vincent) and John Michael O’Connor (Shandra Konshak) and a niece, Joan Margaret O’Connor (Mark Smith) and Tanya O’Connor Russell and several great-nieces and great-nephews: Katie, Thomas, Kelly, Nicholas, Ashley, Daniel, Ryan, Andrew and, Walter Russell. He is also survived by his loving aunt, Madeline Smith (Edward Ahlf _ deceased 2003).
William was an automobile mechanic by trade – he loved working on cars! At the time of his retirement (2001), he was an “Equipment Supervisor” for the City of South San Francisco, CA. He worked in that position for 26 years. William moved to Rocklin, Placer, CA to enjoy his retirement years in a new home – free of stairs that he didn’t want to climb anymore! His new house was a single-level home and he enjoyed watching his home being built.
His major enjoyment in life was cars! He worked as an auto body man for many years at his own business at 7252 Mission Street in Daly City, CA and he built two cars for his personal use: 1932 Ford 5-window coupe and 1968 Chevrolet Camaro. He enjoyed going to classic car shows and his weekend passion after retirement was watching NASCAR races on television where he rooted for Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin to win big! I will continue to watch the races … with you sitting at my side!
He wasn’t much of a vacation traveler, but he did take a couple of trips to Disney World in Florida. One memorable trip there was with his daughter, Shelley … he teased her that he purchased a home and would be moving to Florida. But, it was just a tease … after a long 13-hour flight from CA to FL, he knew that he could not live there and be so far away from his daughter and sons in CA.
I guess there is not much more to say except that I met William in 1960 and I married him in 1965 … he was the one constant in my life and “I stepped into the heart of a friend and found a home” is what we each did for each other.
My husband, you are finally resting in peace and comfort after several years of being in chronic discomfort and pain. A Vince Gill song says, “Go Rest High On That Mountain” … you are so loved and missed down here on Earth. Your family will see you again one day … please, just watch over us for now. You are our Guardian Angel!
I love you Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow and Always!
Melody
19 September 2023
Thinking of you
Virginia Smith <smith.virg@gmail.com>
25 February 2020
Happy Birthday! – Aunt Ann
Ann E OBrien <keepersathome4u@gmail.com>
19 May 2015
miss u brother
Debra Lee Wright <Local12heathen@gmail.com>
Francisco Garcia (fragaroth@gmail.com)
28 August, 2014
May the peace of God be with him and his family.
Anastasia (amlp2007@freenet.de)
02 May, 2013
I am not sure you left because you were very unhappy maybe you just left because you could see not much sense in this life in our world!
But you radiate kindness and beauty in every possible sense! Many who are surely missing you.
I send you flowers and my warmest thoughts to your mom who is probably as nice as you are! Because you are somewhere, even if we cannot see you!
Virginia Smith (Virginia@wholewomanshealth.com)
23 August, 2009
May the Lord bless you with peace in your heart, Donna.
RhoJeanneM@aol.com
04 July, 2009
Today is 4th of July I am thinking of all the times we were camping at Thousand Trails.You were such a blessing my first born grandson.. I miss you, your Mom and grandpa. Someday we will be together again. I love you
Grandma
cheriseinsocal@yahoo.com
12 October, 2006
Sean, we never met, although I always new about you. Growing up I thought about you now and again, and once I was a teenager into my early 20’s I thought about you all the time. I used to go to Holy Cross Cemetary and leave flowers on our father’s grave. Yes, OUR father. I am the sister you never met, nor may have you known about me. I was born March 3, 1971 and I too am a Piscean. I have read pages and pages about you, and how you touched so many lives. I am sad that I never met you, and I will never forget how I felt when I saw your grave stone, just one year after you had died. I felt as if a part of me had died too, and I sobbed for the rest of the day.
Reading about your life, I am crying outwardly as I realize how many things we had in common. Our interests, our ability to love, and many other things I have read give me chills to see that you, my brother, were so much like me.
I too have thought about ending it all – but have never had the courage to do it. I am so sorry you had to see the tragic accident to our father when you were such a young child. I am sorry that you had so many other horrific things happen to you while you were alive. I hope that you are happy and at peace, and I pray that one day, our souls shall meet.
Your sister,
Cherise McGarry
RhoJeanneM@aol.com
11 February, 2006
Two dozen red roses for Sean and his mother Donna Wotherspoon I miss you both so much
02 September, 2005
When links of life are broken
And a child has to part
There is nothing that will ever heal
A parents broken heart….
Author Unknown
Grandmother of Sean M O’Brien Feb 25 1972- Nov 20 1995
suicide- hanging
Sean’s story
http://childsuicide.homestead.com/SeanMichael.html
Donna R Wotherspoon Step 7 1954–Jan 31-2003
kidney and liver failure
https://cemetery.org/N-america/USA/California/obrien_sm.html
Sean.photos
http://groups.msn.com/unitedbysuicide/pictures
“garry bourne” (gazz2@optusnet.com.au)
15 July, 2005
My Son is one of the lucky ones who has pulled through
my thoughts are with you.
Garry
Australia
RhoJeanneM@aol.com
07 July, 2005
In Our Hearts
We thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday,
And days before that too.
We think of you in silence.
We often speak your name.
Now all we have are memories,
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake,
With which we’ll never part.
God has you in His keeping.
We have you in our heart.
Unknown Author
“Kim Scullin”
13 March, 2005
My heart is touched. I wish you the peace we all are searching for. I understand…my son took his life several months ago. He was my heart and it is broken. I wish I could offer some words of wisdom something that would make it all right again but all I can offer is understanding and prayers.
Kim
RhoJeanneM@aol.com
20 May, 2004
LOVING MEMORIES
Your gentle face and patient smile
With sadness we recall
You had a kindly word for each
And died beloved by all.
The voice is mute and stills the heart,
That loved us well and true,
Ah, bitter was the trial to part
From one so good as you.
You are not forgotten loved one,
Nor will you ever be,
As long as life and memory last
We will remember thee.
We miss you now our hearts are sore,
As times go by we miss you more,
Your loving smile, your gentle face,
No one can fill your vacant place.
Author Unknown
“Nathan T. O’Brien” (nobrien505@comcast.net)
10 May, 2004
As I was researching something, I came across Sean’s picture, a poem he had written, and some comments from his mother and a poem written by a friend of the family. As a young man of twenty-four years, I was moved by descriptions of this young man who is now with God..Though my own comments are brief and inconsequential, I would like to think they are also proof that Sean’s legacy carries on, impacting even those who never had the fortune of personally meeting him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and especially Sean’s mother, who, by these short accounts obviously knew his deepest and most precious personal traits and nuances like no other person on earth. May God Bless all of you..and may you find solace in the legacy your precious son, brother, and friend still leaves people to this day.
Sincerely,
Nathan T. O’Brien
“Paula Berry” (katz@oregoncoast.com)
04 April, 2004
Sean,
I only wish that I had been able to contact your mom before it was too late. We were friends when we were teenagers, but lost contact after high school. The last time I saw her was when you were just a toddler, and my oldest son was a newborn. Little did we know that in years to come we would both suffer the loss of a child, our first born sons. My son Scott was born in 1/74 and was the victim of a homicide in 11/91. I recall some time back that I got word your mom was trying to locate me. I wasn’t sure exactly where she was at the time, and was busy, so put off trying to contact her until later. A lesson to us all is… don’t put things off, as when you finally get around to it, you may find that it’s too late. I know that Donna knows I’m thinking of her and Sean, and I’m sure she’s met up with Scott, and my mom, who is also now in heaven, and she knew well from spending so much time at our house in junior high school. I’m leaving several flowers for all of these angels in heaven. I leave you all Carnations and Pansies, as they were Scott’s favorite… he said Pansies looked like kids with dirty faces when he was little. I also leave you a bouquet of Baby Yellow Roses with Babies Breath. Just for our sons, who left this earth way too soon, I leave a field of Sunflowers.
Paula
RhoJeanneM@aol.com
16 January, 2004
We are connected, My child and I,
by an invisible cord, not seen by the eye.
It’s not like the cord that connects us ’til birth
This cord can’t be seen by any on Earth.
This cord does its work right from the start.
It binds us together, attached to my heart.
I know that it’s there, though no one can see,
The invisible cord from my child to me.
The strength of this cord is hard to describe.
It can’t be destroyed, it can’t be denied.
It’s stronger than any cord man could create,
It withstands the test, can hold any weight.
And though you are gone, Though you are not here with me,
The cord is still there, but no one can see.
It pulls at my heart, I am bruised…I am sore,
But this cord is my lifeline, as never before.
I am thankful that God connects us this way,
A mother and child–Death can’t take it away!
~Author unknown
I am thinking about you Sean and your Mom
25 December, 2003
Merry Christmas Sean and Donna. We miss you both so much. I know you both are together you Dad free from hurt and pain, and with rejoicing with the Lord. I am thinking of all the happy we had in Christmas past, I love you both so much.
PUNNERSMA@aol.com
31 March, 2003
I was looking for a particular poem and I came across your website for your son. I was trying to find several different poems to put for friends and family to read while visiting my only brothers grave. He too, took his own life. I never expected to find the poem I was looking for where I did, but I believe there was a reason I found it there. Bryan was/is/and always will be one of the greatest people I ever knew. I was blessed to not only be his sister, but also his friend. My heart and thoughts are with you. Keri Struckman For Bryan 3/20/77-9/28/01
TigerlynnDi@aol.com
05 March, 2003
My heartfelt sympathy to your Grandmother. She has endured so much. A daughter and a grandson… oh I cannot imagine. May she be at peace knowing you and your Mom are together at last without pain and suffering. I will cherish each day with my son more than ever now. Thank you… Sean.
RhoJeanneM@aol.com
03 February, 2003
Dear Grandson:
Your Mother left us today to be with the good Lord you and your Dad. She told me your Dad was her one and only true love. I know she is at last at peace. She missed you so much and was very sick. We will miss her here on earth but know she’s happy now. lots of pink roses for the three of you Love you Grandma
20 November, 2002
Sean Thinking of you this day with much sadness, love you and miss you so much, red roses for you, grandson.
love Grandma
31 October, 2002
My darling Sean, It’s been almost seven years. We miss you so much. You will never be forgotten. You are in my heart always. I Love you so much Grandma
“LISA WAITE” (lisawaite1@msn.com)
28 July, 2002
It’s been many years since you’ve left Sean, and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about you. I still have a picture of your smiling face that I glance at when I am feeling lonely. I always feel better. To Donna: Although we have never met, I want you to know how much Sean touched my life. I did not find out about his death for a year or two after it happened. Perhaps you remember my phone call? I think about him often, and feel so lucky having known him. He treated me with such love and respect, always making me feel like the most beautiful girl on earth. And he wasn’t even my boyfriend! We could go years without seeing each other, and when we finally did, it was like we had never been apart. He was so special, always giving me stones to wear to protect and watch over me. (I too am a Pisces, born just a day after Sean). His thoughtfulness and insight about the world amazed me. He always saw the good. I am saddened still by his death, and will always wonder why he felt he had to go. I miss him. God bless you and your family. For Sean I leave a field full of daisies.
“Hagadorn, Pamela” (Pamela.Hagadorn@AdeccoNA.com)
23 October, 2001
The flowers I leave you are mums. As they were my fathers favorite flower. I lost my father to suicide on October 8, 1998 and it is still very painful for me. Like Sean my father was an incredible individual and is sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Time will dull the pain I hope. I just wanted to say that I was very moved by your memorial to Sean and I only wish I was as elequant with my words of sympathy to you and all of your loved ones. Please know that you are not alone and that someday you will be with Sean again. He is safe now and at peace. I like to think of my father as my guardian angel and it sounds to me like Sean is the perfect angel for you…..With much sympathy and respect. Pamela Hagadorn Oct. 22, 2001
“Robert Hughes” (rhughes@comsys.net)
07 January, 2001
Flowers
“Ubaldo Torre” (shaldom@fastlink.com.au)
01 February, 2000
Sitting here drowning in my depression, thinking of you.
People remember this….
People so seldom say I Love You
and then it’s either too late
or love goes.
So when I tell you I Love You
it doesn’t meant I know you’ll
never go
Only that I wish you didn’t have to.
Laurence Craig Green 1970.
“SIWL” (siwl@coupeville.net)
05 January, 2000
To Sean: you are already at peace with God and the angels…you lived only a short time in this world, but had a gentling effect on the lives of your family and friends, who miss you and love you dearly. Your mother has written a heartfelt tribute to your memory, and it is glorious and beautiful, just like your spirit. She sounds as wonderful as you do. May God bless you and your mother, and help her to feel less pain and more peace as time goes by, until you meet again when it is her time to follow you. Shine brightly, Sean, shine like a diamond in the sky, and help your mother to find strength in the light of God. Here is a lovely bouquet of colorful wildflowers for you, Sean, fragrant and free…mixed with bright green, sturdy shamrocks to symbolize your proud and strong heritage. Go Brach, M’aghra…
Judy O’Brien Bur
“Caroline Stewart” (c.stewart@cableinet.co.uk)
04 November,1999
For Sean and Donna
Footprints
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonged to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it. “LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.”
The LORD replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”
The text of this has meant so much to me over the years, I hope that you can see what I see, he is always with us and helping us, but sometimes he knows that people need to go, I have tried to take my life twice in the last three years, I now no longer feel that way… God has helped me have faith that things can get better, when he allowed you son to go.. believe that he had a good reason, he must have been too good for this world and he is truly blessed, keep that thought.
Caroline Stewart
Essex, England
“RKR31054” (RKR31054@email.msn.com)
17 September, 1999
i saw what was written on the internet, and it touched me very deeply. rest peacefully sean
“Dianna Bennett (Wencea)” (ghost@ij.net)
15 August, 1999
His story touched my heart. I was contemplating suicide. Now I know that I can’t go on with that… I wish his family peace
LovesRoses@aol.com
08 August, 1999
Donna:
I just had to tell you that your tribute to your son really touched my heart. The way I would describe your son from all the touching words spoken about him is that he was an angel here on earth. There are not many people like your son and the values he learned started with you. You should be very proud of him. I can’t imagine how hard this loss must be, but just remember that Sean is a heavenly angel sharing his love with others and making heaven a better place for all that join him. I know I will hold my boys a little tighter tonight and continue to thank God for everyday they are with me. I leave for Sean red roses for the love he gave to others, and white roses for the pureness in his heart and soul.
God Bless you and your family,
Toni Marie
“Vicki Halterman” (86fiero@accessus.net)
27 June, 1999
Rainmaker
Soft, clear formations
Wet, slippery jewels
This is how I think rain feels
When it touches the earth
Spreading out like hot butter
Penetrating the soil
Sliding on the concrete
Making colors in oil
Droplets on the tree leaves
Droplets on the car
Droplets on my cheeks
As I stare into the stars
Puddles form in the streets
Rivers will rise
Floods overtake me
Right before my eyes
Caressa (singlsrch@netscape.net)
06 April, 1999
Sean, I know you have found peace with God. Help my son to find that peace also.
Mother of Ronald {Piel) 3/22/99
Sample8005@aol.com
04 April, 1999
I’d like to let you know that I have delt with the suicide of a friend of mine, and many who have delt with depression and attempted suicide in front of me (well, two dear friends, to be truthful). I’d just like to say, may God keep you in His heart and bless you with roses to help you through your pain.
Margie Boone (ssaturn@swbell.net)
26 January, 1999
Although I never met Sean, I realize how hard it is to loose a loved one to suicide. I lost my grandmother that way, and you never out live the questions in your mind. All I can say is that he with God now and at peace, if you just remember that he will always stay in your heart. Good Luck in your healing. God Bless and be with you all. Margie Boone, Red Oak, Texas
Cycofish@aol.com
12 December, 1998
As i read your memorial to your son, i was reminded of my own loss only a year ago. I lost an old friend to suicide on November 7. 1997. I was away at college and found out the night before thanksgiving that he had committed suicide a few weeks before. The past year I have spent searching for clues or answers to why this happened and struggling to reach closure. Your tribute to your son is beautiful….
Julie Thompson (juliethompson@sk.sympatico.ca)
29 November, 1998
Dear Mrs. Wotherspoon,
As I read over Sean’s memorial it really touched me. It helps us see just how fragile and fleeting life can be. Sean is free now and the pain that must have consumed him is gone. He seemed like very special person. Loved by many. Grief really does suck. Thank God in time it does get easier. Sean now gets to learn things we can’t even dream of. We miss the ones we lose but at least we know where they are. Some are not as blessed as you and I. I lost my dad in a trucking accident 5 years ago and waves of intense pain still waft over me from time to time, but life is getting easier. Sometimes I wonder what this life is all about. It feels almost like a cruel joke. I know people who have never lost anyone close to them. That is when envy sets in. Then I go back to the scriptures and get my reality check. They say nothing on this earth is harder than losing a child. I can’t say I know personally but my Aunt lost her son of 17 yrs to a drunk driver and her life will never be the same. I guess all I really wanted to say was that when I read through Sean’s memorial I grieved with you. I will pray for you and ask God to step up the healing process. It’s only been three years and eight days since Sean left for greener pastures. I wonder what he does up there? Jesus probably has him pretty busy. Just remember Donna you have a friend up in Canada praying for you and your family.
God Bless,
Kim
“Bob & Jane Birkby” (bobjane@email.msn.com)
29 November, 1998
Flowers for Sean
Julie Chen (jchen2@artcenter.edu)
29 May, 1998
I’m very touched by the poems written by Sean ( yes, I am also a fish) … I can understand and emphasize with his feeling as well as his mother’s grief… in time I hope his mother’s pain will ease, but time won’t diminish the cherished memory of our loved one … may peace and love be with you always…
TeresaL895 (TeresaL895@aol.com)
10 April, 1998
Dear Donna,
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I lost my mom to suicide a year and a half ago. I have heard that time lessens the pain. Although the pain is not the same as it was the weeks following her death. It has yet to lessen for me. I truly hope that time is healing your pain somehow. God bless you and your family.
Love Teresa
Pam Lord (lord@worldpath.net)
26 March, 1998
A son as handsome as my own! May they both rest in peace.
Jennifer Gurney (jennifer.gurney@visionet.com.au)
08 November, 1997
I just want to leave my greatest sympathies, I am a 17 year old female, who thought of suicide only yesterday, i know the pain, after looking at this site i am glad that i am still here. I am so sorry that you had to suffer the grief that was left behind from a beautiful son taking his life, i am sure he is in a peaceful place now free from all pressures and pain.
Jennifer
Maria Pardue (mpardue@huntingdon.edu)
29 September 1997
i came across your touching tribute to a beautiful young man.. i wanted to take the time to reach out and offer my sincerest sympathies. i know the pain of losing a loved one.. my best friend killed himself in 1995, and, although time eases the pain..the loss is still there. i know there will never be a replacement for what you have lost. i only hope that you find as much happiness and peace as possible. i have faith that one day, when the angels guide you to your rest you shall see him again, just as i will see my beloved friend. these are the thoughts that help me move on, even through the hardest times. may you and your family hold each other dear and keep your beloved son’s memory close to your hearts and find comfort that he is at peace among angels.
with love and empathy,
maria pardue
Karen C. Kantor (swkantor@polysci.umass.edu)
Thu, 26 Dec 1996
In memory of Sean Michael O’Brien
Dear Donna,
My heart aches for you. I lost my son to suicide 5 years ago. The hole in my heart can never be filled. He was my first born and only 18 years old when he died.
No one knows the pain that you are going through. Not even someone who has lost a child themselves. Grief is so individual.
I wish you well. Enjoy your other children. They need you and you need them more than you know. They will be the reason you keep going on. As hard as it is to believe life does go on. Some day you will even be able to laugh without feeling guilty.
Take care of yourself,
Karen C Kantor
Mother of Michael John Eisenbeiser 11/27/72 – 3/14/91
Maureen Seifert (Moecow@aol.com)
Wed, 4 Dec 1996
For Sean O’Brien. He is a beautiful boy!
May God hold him in His care until you can meet him again.
In Sympathy, Maureen Seifert
Killeen Andrews (DOXYMAMA@aol.com)
Sat, 30 Nov 1996
May you find the peace that eluded you.
Dan Chupinsky (dchupins.ford@e-mail.com)
Tue, 19 Nov 1996
Do not stand by my grave and weep..... I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am a diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awake in the morning hush, I am the swift upflinging rush of quiet birds' circling flight. I am the soft star shine at night. Do not stand by my grave and cry.... I am not there I did not die. Author Unknown
Paul Newman (newman@mail.cyberhighway.net)
Fri, 15 Nov 1996
Even though I didn’t know you, you have touched my heart.
Susan Curlee (TexEyes1@onramp.net)
Wed, 23 Oct 1996
Dozens of beautiful white star flowers – white as a symbol of your pure heart and unselfish devotion to others … star flowers to remind those you left behind that you are now one with the stars of the universe, created and loved by God. Rest now in peace, Sean and know your short life here has touched many.
M. Christian (MChrist7@aol.com)
Wed, 23 Oct 1996
A bouquet of love, compassion and remembrance for a sweet young man.
| Name at birth: | Sean Michael O’Brien |
| Date of birth: | Feburary 25, 1972 |
| Place of birth: | Fontana, CA |
| Date of death: | Nov. 20, 1995 |
| Place of death: | West Covina, CA |
| Resting place: | Holy Cross Cemetary, Pomona, CA |
| Submitted by: | Donna Wothersponn (DWotherspoon@wow.com) |
JOURNEY OF THE FISH
By Sean M. O'Brien
I am the fish.
Death and birth is my role.
Back from the past, an old caring soul.
For I am two, one never seen.
A seacher of souls, dirty and clean.
This is the fish trapped inside of thee,
a endless journey with mountains to climb,
The life and death swim, till the end of time.
With forbidden wishom, seeing things unknown.
For the fish has the answers to what's never shown.
The first me, here on earth lost and scared,
And the second me, past and furture,
watching for the justice sign. . .
For the King that is Holy,
Show his face,
And begins to end time.
This poem was written by my deeply sensitive son some months before he took his own life. He was a loving, kind, young man who was just too beautiful for this world.
Sean’s life ment something, he touched so many lives. He will live in our hearts always. I pray he found the peace in his eternal life that escaped him in this one.
A grieving mother
I’M FREE – Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day. To laugh, to love to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that place at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void. Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss. Ah yes, these things, I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, he set me free. – Author Unknown
Sean M. O’Brien was born to Donna and Philip O’Brien on February 25, 1992 in Fontana, California. He was the oldest of three children and is survived by his mother, Donna, his step father, Jeff, and his sisters Debra Lee Ward and Nicole Michelle Wotherspoon. He is also survived by his grandparents, Bob and Jeanne Rhome, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who all love him very much. In his brief life, Sean did many things: Did auto detail work, volunteered for many organizations and did little theater work. He was very concerned about the homeless and mindful of the needs of others. It is never right for someone only 23 years of age to be no longer living in this world but I feel my son competed his work here on earth. His life mattered. He touched so many people in his short life. But death is supposed to come to old people. Never should it come to one so young, and certainly never should anyone take their own life. I have learned in my journey of grief that all suicides have a common consequence; they cause all the survivors to think that maybe they could have done something to have prevented it from happening. I have come to believe that a suicide is an emotional accident. It is the turmoil and inner unhappiness and confusion that a person is suffering and the hopelessness of where they are at the time that drives them to destroy them selves. Only God knows the pain my son was living with that drove him to take his own life. Sean was a delightful child who grew up to be and loving, kind, and sensitive young man. He spent his life giving of himself and helping ours. He endured numerous tragedies in his short life. He saw his father killed in a hang gliding accident when he was four. Although he did escaped with his life, he was kidnaped when he was eighteen. Sean loved unconditional. He never said a disrespectful word to me in his life.
Sean, being my first born, was my greatness joy. And now my deepest sorrow. On the night he died the joy that fill my heart on the night he was born died with him when he took his own life. If I could rid my soul of the intense grief and sorrow I must carry in my heart the rest of my life but in return I would have to give up all the beautiful memories that I have of him I wouldn’t do it. How empty my life would have been without him. In my life time I have been loved unconditionally but someone very special. Not very many people can say that, but I can. A dear friend of mine who conducted my son’s funeral wrote this poem in his memory.
IN LOVING MEMORY – Today we said “goodbye,” to a loving gentle friend. We may never understand, why his short life had to end. We’ll miss his handsome face, his warmth and delightful ways. Those who know him best, will remember all their days. Some special thoughtful kindness, a word, a smile, a deed. Reaching out a helping hand, each time he saw a need. And though our hearts are heavy, and our eyes are filled with tears, we know the Lord will help us, heal our grief down through the years. We know that he’s with Jesus, in God’s heaven up above. To all of us remaining, Sean left a legacy of love. For love will never die! It will ever bloom and grow, with a beauty that increases, though the years may come and go. We will miss his smiling presence, often with that he were here. But we’ll try to fill our hearts, with the memories we hold so dear.
WRITTEN IN MEMORY OF SEAN M. O’BRIEN, the son of my good friend Donna Wotherspoon By Lorie Pope Pauly, November 28, 1995.
Sean I will always love you, mom – Donna R. Wotherspoon,
mushroomsarebonkers@gmail.com
8 March, 2026
This really impacted me. Hope your family is well, greetings from the US.
LG
Ashenafi@aol.com
22 September, 2000
Leaving you flowers once again dear one, and asking that you protect and love your only son, my father, who has rejoined you in heaven.
Nina
Verena Noelke (verena.noelke@FernUni-Hagen.de)
21 October, 1999
I didn’t know you, but I think of you.
From a feminist to to a foremother in spirit.
Your struggle had been much harder.
V.N.
Randolph Heard (rhear@acpub.duke.edu)
Tue, 05 Dec 1995
Leaves flowers.
Dr. Ashenaf Kebede (akebede@garnet.acns.fsu.edu)
Fri, 8 Dec 1995
Flowers for my mother.
Nina Ashenafi (nashenaf@feaunited.org)
5 June 1977
To my beloved Grandmother, You are in my thoughts, Nina.