Sweet Luke, Four years ago today, you left this world....and went to a special place, free of pain and suffering. Holding you as you took your last breath was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, and it still hurts just as much as that day, if not more. The only thing that has gotten me through is knowing that you are no longer experiencing the pain you did here on Earth. I love you so much Luke. You changed me forever, and until we meet again, you are always in my heart. Love and Kisses Mommy

Hello Sweet Boy.... missing you more than ever on what would have been your 6th birthday. i think of you everyday and miss you so very much. you have helped so many sick children Lukey!!! hugs, mommy

Hi Lukey! It's Daddy. Happy Birthday! Six years ago it was a beautiful day like today and on that day you made me the happiest I had ever been becasue I was finally a dad. I'm so proud to tell people that I am your daddy and you are my son. I will always miss you and love you more than you will ever know. Every day you are still doing things to change the world. I'm so proud of you buddy! Happy Birthday! Love, Daddy

You are still sending love to many who are desperately in need to find it. You are an amazing young man who brings so much joy to so many - people that even your parents, family and friends do not yet know....not until we see you and Jesus face to face will we fully know!!. Bless you always baby boy. your friend, and mommy's friend, Amy

Hi Lukey I miss you as always baby boy. It's another year- 2012. Hard to believe. Not a day passes that I dont think of you and how deeply I love you. YEsterday was National Rare Disease Day and I wished that a cure had been found for Ring 14. So sorry you had to live with that. All My Love Mommy

Oh Luke, I miss you so much. My heart continues to ache for you, and it always will. My only comfort is knowing we will be together again someday and that you, sweet boy, are at peace. Celebrate with Jesus and the angels in Heaven on this day of His birth. I'll be thinking of you and wishing I could hold you again and tell you how very much I love you. Kisses and much love, Mommy

Hi Lukey. It's daddy. I miss you so much buddy. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and tell you how much I love you. I miss your smile and all the silly things I would do to try to make you smile. You mean more to me than you will ever know. I know I will see you again, and I can't wait until that day. I love you bud. Keep smiling and having fun! Good night champ! Daddy loves you!

Dear Luke, Three years ago today you went to Heaven. It was the hardest day of my life. You were the greatest gift I have ever received and I cannot wait to see you again. I know you are my angel, and that you keep a watchful eye on your baby brother. I am so grateful that you are pain-free, running, singing and climbing around in Heaven. I think of you everyday sweet boy, and my love for you will never go away. I love you and miss you so very much. Love, Mommy

I just need to let you know I am thinking about you. I know you know this becasue I tell you every day! I am so proud of you and miss you so much. I love you so much buddy!!!!! Love Daddy!

Hey little man. This is so wonderful for your Mommy to do. I think about you often. Although I only took care of you for less than a year, you left a lasting impression on my heart. I really miss reading you stories in the morning when you woke up. I know you are happy and have no more pain. Keep heaven as beautiful as you. Nurse Robin

Angel Luke, we are quickly coming up on what would have been your 5th birthday. Hard to believe. Your little brother will be turning two 6 days after your birthday. There is not a day that passes when I do not think of you and wish I could hold you again. Life without you is not the same but I am glad you are at peace. All my love, always and forever. Love, Mommy

Hi Sweet Boy Just wanted to let you know I miss you so much and there is not a day that passes that I don't think of you and wish you were here. Love you so much. Love, Mommy

Hey buddy. I wore my bell today, and I still do everytime I'm thinking of you. Your Mommy gave me a big one, that still hangs over my head when I sleep. I'm think about you everyday when I go to sleep, but today I knew I had to tell you that I'm thinking of you. Hope you're having a great time in heaven Luke. Love, Jessica

Happy 4th Birthday Sweet Baby Boy (!x qaqxxs sxc saq- that is a little note from your brother Jacob!) I cannot believe you would have been 4 years old now! I remember your second birthday party. Wish you were having a fourth here this year. I continue to miss you each and every day. I tell Jacob about you and we look at your pictures. You are living on through the Luke Hadley Foundation and making great things happen for so many kids. You would be so very proud of Daddy. He accomplished his dream of becoming a Principal! Yay for Daddy! Miss you buggy- today and always. Happy Birthday! Love, Mommy

Luke, Today is the first time I've visited in what seems like forever. I haven't forgotten you at all I've just been busy. I look at everyone's comments and I realize the love we all share for you. I think of you so often it's like you've become part of my mind. You could never leave those who love you Luke. Love, Elena

Dear Sweet Luke, I cannot believe it is now 2010. Daddy and I were just saying that it is hard to face a new year b/c we get further and further away from you. I know you are always with me, but I still miss you so much. What I would give to hold you tight. If it weren't for Jacob, I think I might go crazy. The Foundation is doing very well. Your name is everywhere and so many people know about you!! You are famous. It seems as though it has been forever since you were here. Your pictures are everywhere and I look at them all the time. I put all of your ornaments on the Christmas tree, too. I always will. I love you Lukey. Please visit me in my dreams. Love Mommy

Dear Luke, You are continuing to bring out the best in so many people who love you and are always thinking about you. There is a huge group of people all working together to help with your Foundation that your wonderful parents started. Lots of exciting things are being planned for the next few weeks all for YOU....so, keep on watching over us and filling our hearts with your goodness. Love, aunt mjb

Dear Luke, You are continuing to bring out the best in so many people who love you and are always thinking about you. There is a huge group of people all working together to help with your Foundation that your wonderful parents started. Lots of exciting things are being planned for the next few weeks all for YOU....so, keep on watching over us and filling our hearts with your goodness. Love, aunt mjb

Dear Lukey, I just wanted to let you know that i am still thinking of you and your family. I hope that this past year has been happy for you. Jessica

My sweet boy, I cannot believe that today marks one year since you left us. I still miss you just as much as I did the day you passed. Your favorite nurse Erin was here yesterday and we watched your video together. I tell your baby brother about you all the time. He often smiles when I say your name. I know he already knows you. Thank you for him. The Luke Hadley Foundation is doing very well- you should be so so proud. You've left quite a mark on this world and are helping so many kids. Everyone misses you Luke. Keep looking over us and making the world a better place. Love, Mommy

Hi Luke, I am having a hard time believing that it's been a year since your passing. It seems like just yesterday you were a little lion for Halloween. That was 2 whole years ago! when Jessica reminded me that today marks a year, I almost started crying. I still have so much trouble believing that you are gone. I miss and love you Lukey. Elena

Hi Baby To some people it might sound crazy, but I know you have been here making special visits and watching over little Jake. I think of you all the time and realize now that your baby brother is here, how many things you struggled with each and every day. You were such a fighter though! I also feel better knowing that you are here with us all the time. Jake looks so much like you, Luke. And I call him Luke a lot, by accident. I wish you were here to read stories and sing songs with us. I know that Lukey Had a Little Lamb was your favorite. :-) Jake likes it too. We are coming up on the one year anniversary of your passing. It makes me really sad. Just this time of year makes me hurt inside. Know that I love you and miss you and that will never, ever change. Love, Mommy

Hi Lukey - Happy Birthday! I hope you have tons of cake and ice cream today - know that I am thinking of you and blowing big birthday kisses up to heaven! Love, Amy

Lukey, it is your third birthday. Your first in Heaven. I hope it is a wonderful celebration for you. Eat cake and run around. I wish you were here to celebrate with me. I miss you so much. Remember your party last year? You were quite popular! Still are. I keep wondering if your baby brother might be born today. I guess if he is, it is a special gift from you. Although I hope he waits until another day. Since I have been in the hospital, I have had an awful lot of time to sit and think of you. I imagine you sitting next to me in your chair. I know you watch over Jake, Daddy and I. But for today, this special day of your own, do something you have never donw before, and visit me in my dreams tonight. I am glad this is a pain free birthday. I love you Luke. I miss you and pray that your are comfortable and happy. Happy third birthday buggy. Mommy loves you!

Luke, It seems that as the days pass by, I miss you even more. Looking at your pictures just tears me up. I would give anything in the world to hold you again. Last week marked 8 months since you left us. I can't believe it has been so long, as it feels like just yesterday. Every time I think of you my heart breaks. I have dreams about you all the time, it just hurts. The only thing that comforts me is knowing that you are no longer in pain or having seizures. I have been writing a book about your life and as I reflect on all that you went through I am amazed at what a wonderful little boy you were. Have you peeked in your old room lately? Yeah, it looks different huh? That is so your baby brother has a place of his own and we hope that you will watch over him there. I know it was so very hard for Daddy to have to paint it and change it around. Luke, I miss you, I love you, and I cannot wait until the day I see you again. Love, Mommy

Hi Luke, I know I haven't written in almost 3 months, but I have been so busy! Don't think I've forgotten, because I never will. On Wednesday, I leave for camp. I will be gone for a month. I'm bringing a picture of you to cheer me up when I'm sad. This year was probably one of my worst school years. I miss your mom so much, and I miss you. Love, Elena

Hi Lukey The end of the school year marks something big in our hearts. This was the hardest year yet. You started the year off being so sick and just going downhill. Your passing impacted us, our students and their families. Today, as many of those kids move on and leave our classrooms, they carry your memory with themThey will always remember this year and they will always remember you. Thanks for being so loveable!

Hello little man - I just wanted you to know what a wonderful time everyone had in your honor last Friday. We got to share lots of memories with people who love you and your mommy and daddy. Thanks for asking Jesus to hold back the rain for the night. I hope you stopped in and stuck your fingers in some icing - the cupcakes were delicious, weren't they :)

Oh Luke, you continue to amaze and inspire me. We had about 150 people attend the Launch Party for the Luke Hadley Foundation. That is incredible. I know you were there checking things out, but I have to mention the sock monkey arrangement that was especially for you! And did you know that Ms. Schanwald had me a very special sock monkey purse made? You would love it! Do you think I should have your baby brother a diaper bag made thta has sock monkeys? That would be cute huh? I want you to know how many lives you have touched buddy- Dr. Leslie was there, Amy Morgan, Nurse Kim, Dr. Otteson and Dr. Burns, Carol May and Kim from the Children's Home, Pam and so many others. Daddy and I are so incredibly proud of you and we love you so very much. Keep it up buddy! Love Mommy

Lukey - I haven't written in a while because I have been very busy. One of the things that has been keeping me busy is planning the first event for the Luke Hadley Foundation. I am so proud of you buddy. You have touched so many people and in turn you are going to touch so many children who have to face medically challenging conditions. The party was amazing and we raised a lot of money that we will be giving to The Children's Home. Isn't that awesome!!!! You are so special bud. I miss you every minute and lover you more and more all the time. Thats for being the greatest son in the world! I love you Luke!!!! Have a good day Champ! Love, Daddy

Hi Little Buggy I really miss you. I feel terrible about the fact that I havent been able to go see your old self recently. It isn't b/c i dont want to- i just have to rest now, for your baby brother, to keep him safe. I know you are always here with me anyway. I think you like to play tricks on me and tease me. Thats fine- I am glad you are having fun. I miss you and I love you and wish you were here in my arms. Love, Mommy

Dearest Lukey, Today marks 6 months since you left here to go to Heaven. Words cannot express how very much Daddy and I miss you. Its not just us- everyone in the family misses you. I know you are always with us and not a moment passes that I dont think of you and how special you are. Keep a close watch on this baby brother of yours. I wish you peace, babydoll. Love, Mommy

Hi Lukey, I've been thinking of how it's been 6 months today since you left today. I think of you often and I hope that you don't think that because I'm not writing that I'm not thinking of you. I have conversations with you in my head sometimes, but I guess I feel that maybe the thoughts may be too private to write for everyone to see. So, I will continue to pop in to view your pictures, and maybe write a line now and then, but thinking of you always, especially on today. I miss and love you little Lukey. Mary Ann

Hello little man! I just wanted to say Happy Easter and let you know I've been thinking about you... I'm sure you see the various places your equipment has gone and are watching over your new friends who are so happy you wanted to share your things with them... You will always be a blessing to each life you touch! Love you - Amy

Hi Precious I know it has been a very long time since I wrote here, but I've already explained to you why. I just want the world to know I am thinking about you and missing you very much. This just is not the place for me to do that anymore. I just felt that I needed to say that. I love you Lukey. Love Mommy

Luke, So many times I have thought of you and your parents. Today was one of those days when you were on my mind just a bit more because I signed up for an event your parents are planning. Your mom and dad have been so busy doing so many nice things for children who need help. I know that has to put a smile on your face. You will always be in my heart. Jane

Hi Luke I know it's been a very very long time since I've written to you. Don't think I've forgotten, because that day will never come. There are times where I just sit in my room staring at a picture of you for hours. Your memory brings warmth to my heart. As you may know, Jessica and I were hurt. I don't know about her, but I know that even if my arm is in so much pain it can't move, I remember the fight you put up and I will never have to go through that. Your memory makes me realize how lucky I am to have everything I do. You will be forever in my heart. Elena

Hey Lukey, I know it has been a long time since I've written you. I hope that you know it isn't that I don't still think of you daily. You have a permanent spot in my heart. I guess sometimes I don't know what to say. I wonder sometimes if you can read our thoughts and just know when we think of you. I hope so. Well, I guess I just wanted to say hi. I still love you little Lukey. Take care and I look forward to seeing you again someday when we can really play! Love, Mary Ann

I'm pretty sure you know that I keep a string with a bumblebee on it to remind me of you. Well yesterday I was in a rush to get to school, and I grabbed it and stuffed it into my pocket before I left. Later, when I came home I noticed that the pocket that your bumblebee was in was flipped inside out and I couldn't find it anywhere. But this morning, I was wearing a different pair of pants, but during school I put my hand in my pocket and I felt some string. I started looking for the charm with my fingers and there it was. I pulled it out and I was amazed. How did it get there if I never even put it there? I think I know who did it... :) Zoe

Hi Baby If February had 30 days. today would mark 4 months since you left us. I cant believe its been that long. It feels like just yesterday. I miss you so much. I had a dream last night that you were still here. You didn't have a trach and could breathe on your own. I was carrying you all around the place. You would look at me with that sly smile like you were up to something. I'd give anything to have you back. I was very sad when I woke up. I usually am. When I wake up and turn off the alarm clock, I see your picture (the one when you were in the incubator in the NICU) and also your prayer card. They are the first thing I see before I go to bed and when I wake up. I love you so much. And I wish you were here. xoxo Love Mommy

Lukey!!! I just need to tell you how much I love you. I hope all the time that you hear me saying how much I love you. I tell you all the time in my thoughts and every night when we say our prayers!! I miss you a lot bud. Here is the sports update. Our Panthers had great wins last week and moved up to #1 again. Then, they lost a tough one Tuesday. That is okay. You can win all the time. Hopefully they will learn from that one and play better in the future. I have really cool news to share - the money donated in your memory at Children's Hospital is almost $20,000 now. Isn't that amazing?!! They are purchasing a lot of great things that will help the kids that have to be in the hospital. One cool thing they are doing is getting art and craft carts that will have your name on them. I am so proud of you buddy. Kids will smile every time they see a Luke Hadley Art Cart coming into the room because they will know it is time for some fun. I'm proud of you for making other kids smile. I'm a little biased, but no one will ever have a smile as awesome as yours. I also want to tell you we have the Luke Hadley Foundation pretty much up and ready to go. I talked with our friend Jen tonight about planning a kick-off party. I'll let you know how the planning goes. Well, I'm going to start heading up to bed. I'll be up to say our prayers soon. I miss you and love you buddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy 2 and 1/2 Birthday! Good Night Champ! Daddy Loves You! Dad

Dearest Luke, This is the first time I am writing to you. In a way, I am your aunt. You have always been my nephew in my heart. And forever will be. I hope that your big cousin,Noah, celebrated your half birthday with you. Please him a kiss for his mommy. Tell him that his mommy loves and misses him, but am at peace knowing he is with God. I want to thank you for your blessed gift to your mommy and daddy. Your little brother or sister will be a very special gift to them who will his or her person. And he/she will never be able to replace you. However, he or she will bring unique joy to them. I cannot wait to see if your brother or sister has your smile. Love you, Aunt Jeannie

It has been a while since I have written. I just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten. Keep amazing the world. Jessica

Happy Half Birthday Lukey. You would have been 2 and 1/2 yesterday. Then Make A Wish could have actually granted your wish. But we wont get into that- you know how I feel about them. Did you celebrate with a half a cake in heaven? I hope so. I walked in your room today- its been a while- and couldnt stay. It was too hard. We are going to have to get in there at some point and start getting ready for your little brother or sister. I hope that is okay with you- that he/she will live in your room. It is probably more okay with you than it is with me. That is YOUR room, and I wish you were there. It is going to be very hard to take your name down off the wall. But don;t worry, just because your name will come down doesnt mean you will be forgotten, or set aside. The new baby will have a lot to live up to as your little sibling. I know in my heart that you are excited about the baby and I know it was your gift to us, your way of letting us know you want us to be happy. Thank you Luke, you are one amazing little fellow. I just wish you could be here to meet him or her, and that he/she could have a chance to get to know you. The real you. But dont worry, we will let him/her know everything about you. I know you are being a super wonderful guardian angel up there, and I sure do appreciate it. Again, I hope you enjoyed yesterday and that the celebration is still going strong today. But isn't every day in Heaven a celebration? Love you Tiny, Love Mommy

Hi Luke.... I had to write and tell you how much I miss you. I don't know why but it seems that it is getting harder and harder to live without you. Absolutely everything makes me cry. I can't look at your pictures without getting very overwhelmed....it actually gets hard to breathe. I feel like you don't come around much anymore. You are probably too busy having fun up in Heaven. At least I hope so. I guess that I just dont really understand what happened. I mean, I know what happened- I know you got really sick and couldn't be here anymore- but I can't understand why. I never asked God, "Why us?" I never questioned Him and got mad at Him, and I never lost my faith. But lately I am feeling a bit of those feelings. Why now? I won't lose my faith- no, that won't ever happen, b/c my faith has helped me through this horrific journey and b/c of my faith, I know you are in a better place. However, I do feel a need to ask, Why did this happen? It is all so mind boggling to me. I hate it. I hate every bit of it. I stopped at the cemetery today and left your Valentine. I was sad to see your Steeler bear was gone. He must have blown away in the recent storm. Grammy and I are brainstorming to come up with something that will allow us to leave little things for you that will not blow away. Like I said before, I know that you aren't really there, but I like to make sure your old self has some special things. Jen brought your Legacy project today but I am not ready to look at or watch it. I can't even think about it without crying. I miss you so much Luke. I just want you back. Love you Mommy

Hey Lukey! How was your Valentine's Day in Heaven? I bet it was spectacular! I spent part of mine at work taking care of the babies, and that was the best part of my day. I always like taking care of them and sure do miss taking care of you! Most nights I just watched you sleep, but you were so cute and peaceful and I liked making sure you stayed that way and had sweet dreams! I had dinner with your mommy and daddy about a week ago. It was great to see them! We spent a lot of time talking about you and our favorite memories of you being happy and cute and silly! They sure do miss you Lukey, but it's so great that you remind them everyday how much you love them. You're the best! Keep doing what you do and being an angel. I miss you!

Even though I'm a day late, happy Valentine's Day! I was thinking about you so I wrote this poem. I really hope you like it. To look into the eyes of love, What does one see? As time goes backwards, And it leads to a beginning, You come upon something that just one can't withhold. Through the darkness of the sky, Truth shall be told. To be sane, In a world of insanity, Could show the true colors of love. To understand that you will never part, And can withstand anything once hand in hand, Could be the start of a beginning that began long ago. Does it make sense to you? It makes sense to me, but I think the meaning of a poem isn't something that everyone can feel, but maybe only makes sense to the person who knew what each line really stood for. Love, Zoe

There is a song that I have one my ipod, Luke. This song is very special to me because it reminds me of you. It is called "Keep Holding On" by Avril Lavigne. I listen to this song everyday, Luke, just to remind me of you. This song helped me to get over the fact you were gone. The title alone is strong enough to give me hope. Whenever i feel like crying i hear this song in my mind with pictures of you and other things this song has given me hope for. Everyday I see a picture of your smiling face and no matter how awful my day was, your smile brightens it. I really think that song was written for you. Good night luke, Love Elena

Hi Precious....How are you celebrating Valentine's Day in Heaven? Daddy and I weren't able to celebrate since I am sick. We watched a movie last night that made us both so upset. It just brought back so many memories of you and your time here, as well as the time we have spent without you. It is so damn hard to face each day without you, Lukey. As much as I hate to admit it, the only thing that keeps me from crying all the time is to keep busy with other things and try not to think about you. Do you know how hard that is? I can be okay, but when I stop and look at pictures and think about our time together, it just tears me apart. It's been just 3 1/2 months since you left. Sometimes it feels longer, but sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday. Somehow, I know that it won't ever get easier. Father Ken came to see Daddy and I today. We had not had an official visit since around the time of your funeral. Every time anyone comes over to talk to us about how we are doing, I claim I am doing okay (believing I am) and end up breaking down within minutes. He mentioned that he hopes we still have no regrets and I can truly say that I have none. I had this conversation with a friend recently, about regrets, and I said the same thing. What Father was getting at and what my friend and I were discussing were slightly different, but in both cases I felt the same. If I had it to do all over again, and I would do it in a minute, I would not change a thing. I would have avoided working altogether, but that wasn't an option. I had a lot of time with you and I am very grateful for it. I think sometimes you needed a break from me smothering you and telling you how much I loved you. You barely got any rest! I just cant stop thinking about how happy you were. All the time! Thank you for enjoying the life you had, Luke. It makes me feel so good to know you were happy while you were here. I am sorry I haven't made it to the headstone, but this cold/flu has kept me at home for a few days. I will get over there with your Valentine in the next day or two. And if you see Cupid around up there, tell him that Daddy and I say thanks! Love you buddy.......so so much, xoxo Mommy

I almost asked, "How are you?" but I stopped b/c I know you are wonderful. Things here are status quo. We all still miss you. Did you know I sit with your special fleece blanket around me every single night? Its the one the Donna and Sam made for you. I am freaking out b/c I cannot find the dark blue blanket with the dogs on it that you got in the hospital anywhere. I dont know where it could possibly be. Can you help me find it? Saturday is Valentine's Day. I wish you could be here so I could give you your Valentine, but I will leave it at your headstone. I sure could use a hug, that would be the best Valentine ever. Paula from Hospice contacted me today to let me know she has finished your Legacy project. I was very happy but then I got very nervous. She is sending it out with Jen on Monday. I will probably have a nervous breakdown when I see it. She made one for Grammy Cracker and your other grandparents too. That sure was nice. They will be surprised. She also put all of the pictures we ever took of you onto a CD. Do me a favor Lukey, keep a close eye on Ian....he needs it right now. And keep a close eye on his Mommy too. I love you buddy. Thanks for being you! xoxo Mommy