One Long Year... / Anonymous (A childhood friend ) One year ago, many of us lost two good friends; No matter how strong the relationship, we never thought what we had would end.
We attended two visitations, cried more tears than we knew we had, It took many days to be able to cope with being so uncontrollably sad.
They were too young to die, too young to go, and didn’t get to say good bye. When I heard the news, I was in so much shock; I don’t even think I could cry.
But when that passed, the crying lasted for days; it seemed it was never ending, Eventually the crying subsided, but prayers to the family we kept sending.
Growing up with Travis, the one that I knew best, Certainly left me many memories, ones that stand out above the rest.
Many of my childhood memories are filled with his charisma, wit and smile, I’m sure we’ve all got countless memories of him; they can calm you for awhile.
Memories of him breaking his jaw at the school, or fishing at the pond, These are things we can treasure in the months ahead and beyond.
We’ve now had to stop making memories, and only remember the ones we had, I think it will take us all awhile to reminisce and not become sad.
Travis and James were taken from us; too quickly they were called home, None of us knew what was coming, because God had a plan of His own.
Before we even knew what had happened, before it was even dawn, They took a piece of each of us with them, the night they passed on.
Taken too soon, left too many behind, so many words left unspoken … It’s impossible to tell how many hearts have been irreplaceably broken.
Loving You Forever / Rhonda Chesling (Sarah's Mom )
"what we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we loved deeply becomes a part of us."
I am thinking of you / Sarah Arnold (cousin) Margene, I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and praying for you at this time. I won't say that I understand how you feel, but from one mother to another mother I do feel your pain. You are a remarkable mother to your boys, and they are so lucky to have you. I know Travis is so proud of you and you have your angel watching over you. Just know, I am always here for you and your family.
Too slow for those who wait, Too swift for those who fear, Too long for those who grieve, Too short for those who rejoice;
But for those who love, Time is Eternity.
I love you Travis.
To Travis' Mother / Margaret Milefchik (Grandma) Oh Margene, I just read the tributes and the poems and I know how hard it is for you with the anniversary of being without your Travis. We all miss him so much,but I know that your heart is aching for him. Some day you will get to hold him again. Just remember all of the good times you and your other boys had with him. When you look at his picture every night before going to bed that tomorrow is another day closer to him. That is what I tell Dad every night. I love you, Mom
I'll always remember the funny Travis I had growing up! / Melissa Maere (Cousin)
Margene~ Travis being only a year older than me, growing up I seemed to always have followed him around! I'll never forget at Grandma and Grandpa house when we were sitting on the steps and Travis was playing with his remote car. He kept telling me to move out of his way or he'd run me over!! And with my super long hair, I layed my head back on the stairs in Travis's way, and well, he warned me....... before I knew it, I had a remote control car stuck in my hair! lolI can still see Travis standing behind while you tried untangling my hair from that car! I have always looked up to Travis!! I still can't believe he's not here, I wish him and grandpa goodnight, everynight! I love you, Maggie
Try To Understand / Vicki Cash, Mamma To ^i^ Justin Hesse (A Grieving Mother )
Try to Understand
"I'll lend for you a little time A child of mine," God said; "For you to love the while he lives, And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be hours, sixteen years, Or twenty-two or three; But will you, 'til I call him back, Take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you, And should the stay be brief, You'll have his loveing memories As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay Since all from earth return, But there are lessons taught below I want this child to learn.
I've looked this wide world over In search of teachers true, And from the throng that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now, will you give him all your love Not think the labor vain, Nor hate me when I come to take This 'lent' child back again?
I fancied that I heard them say: 'Dear Lord, Thy will be done: For all the joys Thy child shall bring The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness; We'll love him all we may, And for the happiness we've known, Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him Much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, And try to understand.'"
So very sorry for the loss of your precious son, Travis / Cathy/Mom To David Giraud~~~ (A visitor ) Our deepest condolences for the loss of your wonderful son! He has such a beautiful smile, I know how proud you must be!! We lost a son also, he was our first born. We also had 4 boys, they were such fun to raise. We always wanted a girl, but after 4 boys, we decided to take our chances with Grand Children, well our # 2 son, Brian and his wife, Jodi, gave us a beautiful granddaughter, Kara. She is 7 years old, and such a cutie. Reading about your Travis, he sure was a special person. I'm sure, in my heart, that we will be re-united one day with our boys, their memories our etched in our hearts forever and a day! Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, strangers tied together by our grief. God Bless and keep you always surrounded by his tender arms and love.
The Giraud Family.
Forever Thinking Of You and Travis / DeeDee Maere (Aunt) Margene: From sister to sister, is there ever a right thing to say that will ever be enough. I do know that you raised 4 wonderful boys all of whom love you and yes, would all do anything for you. They all showed you that on that horrible day you found out about Travis and had to wait in an airport all day before you could get back home. They were all there to meet you and all clung to you knowing you needed them as much as they needed you. That will never change. Your MOM! You amaze me on how you have been able to pick yourself up and make yourself start your days. I don't know if I could be so strong. I know Travis would be soooo proud of you. When Travis died Margene, I began to understand a lot more why Dad had to die so soon as well. I believe that Dad was with Travis at the time of the accident and seen to it that Travis would not be alone or feel pain at the time of his death. I believe in my heart of all hearts, Dad was the first one Travis got to see when he got to heaven. I'm sure after getting a few of Grandpa's hugs, Dad still won't leave Travis alone. Ha! I hope you take comfort in knowing that Travis is not alone and that I know Dad is taking good care of him, and loving him the way you would want him to be loved. God had his plan. That is why Dad went when he did, so he could take care of Travis. His job will only be finished when God calls you home. Please try to find peace in your heart as you know Travis would want you to be happy and to enjoy those grandbabies of yours. You know Margene, they were his nieces and nephews, and he really did enjoy them, so try to live his joy in you. I will keep you in my prayers.
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS / TAMMY MOM TO ANDREW CARDWELL (CONNECTED BY ANGELS ) I KNOW YOU DON'T KNOW ME MY SON ANDREW DIED 4 MONTHS AGO.WE HAVE A WEBSITE ON HERE TO.I WAS READING WHERE YOUR SON DIED WITH HIS GOOD FRIEND WHICH I AM VERY SORRY FOR THAT FAMILY TO.MY SON'S BEST FRIEND DIED IN APRIL OF 2007.THEN 4 MONTHS LATER MY SON WAS KILLED IN A ACCIDENT I HAVE THAT IN ON HIS TIME LINE ON HIS WEBSITE.THEY WHERE BEST FRIENDS ON EARTH AND HOPE BEST FRIENDS IN HEAVEN. I PUT A ANGEL GRAPHIC ON YOUR SON'S TRIBUTES FOR HIS 1 YEAR THAT HE HAS BEEN GONE .I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND.I AM SO VERY SORRY 4 YOUR LOSS.GOD MAY HE GIVE YOU PEACE YOU HAVE A VERY BEAUTIFUL BOY I KNOW HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY FROM YOUR ANGEL FRIEND TAMMY RUSSELL
Margene, thinking of you / Judy Margene, You wrote a beautiful loving note to your son. It brought tears to my eyes. I think of you often, and of your boys and grandkids. I know how much Travis was loved by so many. Greg still feels his loss too. Know I love and support you all in thought. Always, Judy
Such a wonderful young man / Rick Milefchik (Uncle) What a wonderful young man. We were all so blessed to have Travis here with us while we did, and will be equally blessed when we’re reunited with him at the time that God sees fit. During his time with us, we were so fortunate to be blessed with his talents, his willingness to help so many, and a kindness and sincerity that is rare in today’s world. The time we had, and more specifically Margene, Greg, Shawn, Aaron, Lance, and Sarah was a gift that will forever be cherished. In his passing, we can and should all take this as an opportunity to look at our children, our siblings, parents, friends, or anyone close and realize how fleeting life can be and embrace the gifts that the Lord has placed right before us, for we do not know when God views our work to be complete here. I believe God wants our loss of Travis to be an opportunity for others. An opportunity to embrace life and wake up each day appreciating the fact that we have what we need and are not needing what we don’t have. An opportunity to hold our spouses, our kids, and our parents as tight as we can. An opportunity to see others who hurt in this world and reach out a helping hand of encouragement to them, and overall, an opportunity to share the greatest words of all, “I love you”. For Margene and her family, and of course for the extended family and so many of Travis’ friends that came to his funeral in massive numbers, the healing process is difficult. It’s hard to see the light at the end of what seems like a darkening tunnel. We often wonder or ask why does God allow this or hear statements such as “where is your God now?” You know God too knows hurt. His only son was mocked, beaten, and crucified. Jesus himself encountered the pain of losing his cousin and forerunner, John the Baptist in a horrific manner. A close friend Lazarus died. The Bible says “Jesus wept” upon hearing of his friend’s death. He was betrayed by those closest to Him. He knows our hurt, our pain as he experienced what we have on all fronts. He also went to prepare a place for us. We will encounter pain and hurt in this temporary life we have, however we are also blessed with hope. Hope that eliminates finality and births a new beginning. Travis today is enjoying the fruits of that new beginning in that place that Jesus prepared. I mention the time we “had” with Travis, however there is an eternity of time yet to HAVE with him. Travis “wasn’t” a great guy, Travis “IS” a great guy who I can’t wait to see again. Who I can talk to and walk with, and Margene, who you can grab a hold of and hug forever and ever. That day is coming sis! You can be so proud of the way you raised Travis. The fact that he touched so many people in so many ways is a credit to you. The day will come, perhaps in this life or in the next where all of what has been encountered during this temporary separation will be understood. Thank you to Travis for being so good, and to Margene for helping develop and shape that goodness. .
my condolences / Darlene Nuce what a wonderful story, about a wonderful & awesome son. when i read travis story, it hit home. my son clayton was also killed in an auto accident, and everything you wrote about travis is totally clayton, he was 20 years old, on january 21st, 2006 clayton was taken from us. He was on his was home from his girlfriend's home in fresno, ca and fell asleep behind the wheel 14 miles from home. clayton worked from the age of 12 with his dad and owned numerous trucks and dirt bikes and was ready to be hired on the tracy fire department as a fireman. clayton was loved by everyone, at his funeral the clergy told me to turn around in my pew to see how many people loved clayton, he had over 600 people. clayton was also tall 6' 41/2 and thin as a rail, also a cowboy. He left an older sister, stephanie, and younger brother colton, that adored the ground clayton walked on. even though clayton is gone, colton still follows clayton's life. my heart goes out to you and your family. we have also set up a website for clayton on myspace.com clayton nuce...sorry for the messy typing, it's 4:45a.m. never able to sleep an entire night.
Travis,my Grandson / Margaret Milefchik (Grandma)
Oh Travis,how we all miss you. Just wonder what God was thinking when he took you away and you were so young and had so much living to do yet. But I guess we don't question his works. I just thank him for you stopping by to see me the night before I was to leave for my cruise. he knew that I would never see you again. I remember so many things about when you were small but I am tired tonight so will write them another time. I love you and wish so many times that I would have told you that when you were alive. Love Grandma
To my son / Margene Willis (mom)
Travis,
I have been wanting to do this web site for you for so long. I didn't quite know how to go about getting started and I was afraid I'd screw it up but with the one year anniversary coming up I felt I needed to do this for you. I enjoyed looking at all of the old pictures and deciding which ones to upload. I had a lot of good memories, lots of tears. Your Birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas just passed, it was very hard for me. I stayed so busy that I didn't have time to fall apart. That was a good thing. I can't believe to this day that you are gone. I miss you so much. I don't question why your gone, I know it wouldn't make any difference. I know that someday I will have all of the answers. It has been almost a year since you died. I can still remember everything about that first day. They told us that you didn't suffer. I hope that is true. I wasn't there to protect you. I pray that you didn't have a moment to be scared and that God is taking care of you now. This has really taught me that life is so precious and that not only old people die. What God wanted with a 23 year old drywall finisher and a painter I will never know. You were so good to me. I loved how you would sit and watch my goofy tv shows with me. I remember you saying one time that I was a good cook. I said "I don't cook much" and you said "NO, But what you cook, is good." You always made me feel like I was a good mom. I feel like we had some good conversations over the years. I will miss those talks. I will miss everything about you. Sometimes when I shampoo one of the boys hair. it reminds me of how you always made me rinse you're ears out twice. I can still see you doing that. You were so funny. I have never cried so much in my entire life as I have in this last year. I am forever a changed person. I never have you out of my mind. That sick feeling in my stomach never really goes away. I am amazed that life keeps going after someone dies. I never thought it would if I lost one of my children. I now know that I can't stop the days from coming and going. I have to get up every morning and function. And I do. I will never get over losing you so soon. I only had you for 23 years. That is for such a short time. You made me so very proud of you and I am honored to have had you for a son. I loved you so much and you knew it. I knew you loved me. I will never stop loving you or missing you until I take my own dying breath, and then I hope you are there to greet me.
Happy Birthday / DeeDee Maere (Aunt) Travis: It's 4 am and just got home from work and have had you on my mind since I had left last night. I hope you had a very happy birthday and that grandpa and all the angels were good to you. You are missed so much but especially from your mom. Sure wish you could do some magic and make some of her pain a bit less. I know she will never be at peace again until the day she is rejoined with you. Can't say that I blame her. I can't imagine what it must be like to lose your baby! All we can do for her is pray that she has strength to get through the next day. You just be there for her to carry her through. Love and miss you. Love DeeDee
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