One Year

Thank you to all of those who have sent me messages of support recently. Last year, on July 1, 2007 it seemed like my world stopped when I found out that Todd Rogers had died. Just the fact that it was July 1, made me emotionally exhausted. I called in sick to work, and ended up sleeping half the day.

I often think of Todd, but memories in these last few weeks have been particularly poignant as I have recollected events of last year. Sunday I found myself of Phillips Drive, pondering the changes that have come. I am of course saddened, but also grateful to have known Todd and been blessed by having him in my life.

Todd is a man of great faith and humility. He inspired righteousness. We both loved to sing, and felt an extra special connection when we studied and discussed our religious beliefs together. We loved to hold hands and talk and plan. Todd was a great gift giver. He was a great cook. He found frequent opportunities to express appreciation and praise. He was intelligent and practical. He was honest and insightful. The list could go on and on. Todd had and continues to have an amazing calming influence on my life.

I love reminiscing on our dating and courtship and all the good memories of our time together. I love hearing Todd’s family express how happy he was while we were dating. In many ways our time together seems like a dream.

I am sure that every year as we approach the 4^th of July, my heartache will be more acute, as I think of this brave man who ended up sacrificing all –to ensure my freedom.

As a tribute to Todd, a family friend wrote this poem.

THINKING OF TODD

by Sheryl Sims

Who knew on this day last year

what memories time would bring;

or, how you'd long to hear again

The songs that Todd would sing.

The happy days he spent with you

the plans he so lovingly made;

the way he valued your family, and

the sweet things he'd often say.

To walk among the angels and to

face our Lord at last. To enjoy

his Heavenly future, knowing his family

still shares memories of his past.

Todd was filled with such great kindness

and your stories tell of such, yet one

can't grasp the senseless death

of Todd, who offered others so very much.

Familial dreams drift all around you

and at times some tears must fall;

But, your comfort lies within the truth

and, that was Todd's nature, after all.

To share with those he loved most

to bring a smile and still even then;

to comfort others left still wanting, to

give so much of what was really him.

His character is still standing

like a redwood in the woods; and the

gifts God surely gave him allowed him

to do what so few others could.

A lasting word of love he gave

to you and your family. And,

you only have to close your eyes

to see him alive for all eternity.

A smile can span a lifetime

like heaven-sent kisses upon the heart

and, while physically, Todd may not be here,

from you, he's never really been apart.

Rest peacefully each approaching evening

after sharing, quiet, tender prayers;

rejoicing in the morning over the happy years

you were so blessed to have and share.

And, when you think about your Todd

as I know you surely, truly, must do

Just remember how much it meant

to Todd, to simply spend family time with you...