Birthday Message

Gary, it was your birthday last week and we should have been celebrating. How can we celebrate, when we miss you so much?

The years go by, but time stands still in the depth of the pain left behind by your leaving us.

We will always miss you Gary, this can't change, and can't be fixed, so we go on each day and make it through the best we can.

Love always,

Mum & Dad

Happy Belated Birthday Gary

Since I didn't get on here to say happy birthday on your birthday, I thought I would say it on mine. It's funny, but there are always times when I think "Gary would have liked this". I got the new Star Trek movie for my birthday and I remember first seeing it and thinking "Gary would have liked this". I seem to do this every time I see or experience something you would have liked.

We have a new dog and cat (Sydney & Sam), and as usual I know that you would love Sydney. He's a Cattle Dog, so he think he can herd us where he wants us.

Again, Happy Belated Birthday Gary!!!!

Love,

Phillip

Gary:
It was five years ago this morning when I got the awful news so even though July 21st is the horrible date, I think of the 21st as my last day of ignorant bliss.

A few weeks ago it was the TWENTIETH anniversay of Tiannamen (spelling? who gives a f) Square. I recall how we watched that incident in the hotel the night before going to PLC-Srs and we didn't give a shit about anything in China that's for sure. Twenty years man, can you believe it? Remember that Staff Sergeant Instructor who said to you, "Candidate, you got no lack of discipline!" and like the smart ass you are you said, "Thank you, Sergeant Instructor!"

I talked to your mom Monday night and was in a much better mood after that, strangely enough considering everything. I remember how full of life you were even in your darkest days, always doing stuff and never letting situations get the best of you. You were always in charge of yourself, even when everything around you might have been chaotic. I try to remember that example you set and apply it. It's not easy.

Anyway, not much going on here in New York, except that we have two puppies now and they take all our time. You would love them both, I remember how upset you when my little dachshund Rocky would get the best of your Gomez. Well these littls guys are FIERCE. Too fearless actually, they think Dobermans and Rottweilers are their equals. The girl is a total slut too, she concerns me. Don't see how people have kids I would be a basketcase.

Here are some pics:



















Whatever advance party you're on for the rest of us, I hope you get everything squared away before we get there, don't f it up, okay? Yoo know me, I don't want much, just a beachfront villa and five-star restaurants.

I miss you and it doesn't get any easier. Whatever fool said "Time heals all wounds" never had a real wound, that's for sure.

All our love
Rich

5 years later

Gary,
5 years seems so long ago now but at the same time that day is fresh in my mind (a little after midnight on the 22nd actually for me). It's funny how you can sometimes not remember what you did the day before but some days stay with you for your whole life. We all miss you and time won't change that.

Happy 41st Birthday Gary

It's hard to believe another birthday is here. It is always a bitter sweet day, but I know each one of us who love you, while at the same time missing you, are celebrating the beautiful life you lived and what you meant to each of us individually. You did live your life to the fullest and blessed every one of us.  Even though you accomplished so much, it was always people that were most important to you. You made sure those in your life knew they mattered--both to you and as individuals--and what a difference this made to so many lives, including my own. Thank you for this. Thank you for sharing your life, your friendship, your spirit. Happy 41st Birthday to you Gary.

Elizabeth

Happy Birthday Slim

We visited today;

John, Katherine and me, to wish you a Happy Birthday.

Rosecrans is such a beautiful place and being with the kids makes it easier. They love visiting you and the questions they ask always amaze me and make me smile.

I imagine you are smiling when you hear them too! And likely thinking up some smart-alec answer that I would end up having to explain!

We all love you, miss you and think of you every day.

Happy Birthday my friend.

Love

Tammy

Happy Birthday Gary

Happy Birthday Gary. If you taught us all one thing it was to be happy with what we have and what we are doing. There is a soldier in my church that has been in Iraq. He has been at church for the last couple Sundays. To see him with the two small children that were with him reminds me that we all have something for which to be thankful. Not knowing the soldier, I would assume being home for Christmas has to be a blessing.

Gary and his birthday reminds me that we all need to live, love and enjoy the time that we have with the people that mean the most. I will always remember Gary and the time I did spend with him, which looking back I always wish was more. He was an important person in many people's lives. He was a friend, brother, son, officer and he would have been a great father too I'm sure even though his time on earth must not have been meant for that.

One thing I think we can all do on his birthday is remember Gary's life. Birthday's are meant for celebrating life, not death, so even though it is a difficult day for those close to him, maybe we can remember all the good things and smile a little through the tears.

Happy Birthday Gary!