Monday, February 13, 2012
Please don't be sad now that we are apart,
Celebrate Valentine's with me in your heart.
Our best Valentine's ever is still yet to come,
For Heaven is where the first Valentine is from.
And so I look forward to when you'll be free,
to spend a Valentine's in Heaven with me.
I'm waiting with angels, & until that day,
I'll keep sending hugs & kisses your way.
I would not trade one moment...
I saw the sunshine and kindness inside your heart so true,
The smiles we shared -laughter and tears too -
I would not trade a moment, so sad at how fast they flew,
I would not trade a moment, so sad at how fast they flew,
I was so blessed to have a son like you.
I love you always and forever Josh
Happy Valentine's Day
Mom xoxo
Friday, December 23, 2011
Remembering you is easy, we do it everyday... xox
We thought of you today,
but that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday,
and will tomorrow too.
Snowflakes are kisses sent from Heaven....
A message from Heaven...
Dear Mom,
I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away,
we really aren't apart..
I'm sending you a special gift
from my heavenly home above,
I'm sending you a happy Christmas memory
and forever and always my undying love.
So have a Happy Christmas
and please wipe away your tears.
I'm spending Christmas with you
in your heart I'm always near.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
The Gift Of A Son.....
No one can count on the future or know what they someday might do, but could I have chosen the son that I wanted, the one I'd have picked would be you.
I'd have wished for your great sense of humor and dreamed of your spirit and style. I'd have hoped for your love and affection, imagined the joy in your smile...
Life holds some gifts and surprises, and one of the best there could be is having a son who is exactly the one who's already been given to me.
Happy Birthday to a son who has been a joy and a blessing.
I love you forever and always,
Mom
I'd have wished for your great sense of humor and dreamed of your spirit and style. I'd have hoped for your love and affection, imagined the joy in your smile...
Life holds some gifts and surprises, and one of the best there could be is having a son who is exactly the one who's already been given to me.
Happy Birthday to a son who has been a joy and a blessing.
I love you forever and always,
Mom
Monday, May 2, 2011
Semper Fidelis...... Always Faithful
Operation Enduring Freedom
In grateful memory of Lance Cpl. Dominic John Ciaramitaro, who died on April 23, 2011, while in the service of our country.
“Ever since I knew him. He wanted to be on the front lines fighting for his country.” - Joe Powell
“He was courageous, spontaneous, outgoing and the most amusing kid I’ve ever met. He was full of jokes and fun. There was really never a dull moment with Dominic. It was always his dream to go overseas. Dominic always did what he wanted to do. He lived life by his own rules. I think he made every decision the way he wanted to.” - Joe Powell
All Give Some, Some Give All
A Soldier's Poem
“Merry Christmas, My Friend”
by LCpl James M Schmidt, USMC
Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live
As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.
I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.
Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."
With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Random acts of kindness....
Observer & Eccentric Newspapers
Care of the South Lyon Herald Newspaper
By Diane Gale Andreassi
CORRESPONDENT
Linda Powell is overwhelmed by the random acts of kindness she's experienced since her son, Josh, died from an accidental overdose last summer.
She wants to return the favors by doing unexpected nice things for others — people she has never met and people who will never know who she is. Steven Bell, Josh's friend, suggested a Random Acts of Kindness fund that would mimic things that Josh was famous for doing.
“If this helps other people he didn't die in vain,” she said. “It's really hard, because you keep things tight inside, but I don't want to be selfish and not help other people. We're still learning how to cope. It's not like I'm trying to make him a hero. He wasn't a hero, but he was our hero, because he was a good, kind man, but he had his demons.”
Bell, a Michigan State University law student, started making jewelry from guitar picks, representing Josh's love for playing, and the money raised goes to the Random Act of Kindness fund. Each pick is etched with a memorial, “Josh Powell, Live in Heaven, July 21, 2010,” the day he died.
“He was extremely talented and we were always asking him why he wasn't in a band and doing something with his music,” Bell said.
Josh was also remembered at his funeral services, which was packed with people, many of whom told Linda stories about the things Josh had done — stories Josh never shared with his family.
“It brought a joy to me that he was cared about by so many people,” she added. “My son wasn't a rich man, but he was a good person and never judged people. So many people told me how he touched their lives.”
After his death, Linda said, countless people have reached out to help her family.
One of those people was a man whose son died from a drug overdose and now he gives anti-drug talks at local schools. Linda said she would also like to speak to school groups about the devastation that drugs cause, but she feels she needs time to heal herself and her two other children, Joe, 19 and Marcia, 24.
Another kind stranger surfaced when Linda went to South Lyon Watch and Jewelry Repair to buy a chain for the pick Bell gave her. The unidentified man behind the counter gave Linda the chain.
“Here's someone who didn't know me and he was so touched — it was a random act of kindness,” Linda said. “He didn't have to do that. He could have sold me a necklace. He took the time to stop and that's what it's all about. Instead of all the sadness, hopefully we can do the same for someone who needs us.”
The South Lyon Hotel has done so much too, she added, including selling the guitar pick jewelry.
Bell has been another incredible source of comfort, constantly doing kind things, like remembering Linda's birthday with a maple tree that will stand as a reminder of Josh.
Josh and Bell met playing community education basketball and going on to attend South Lyon middle and high schools together where they wrestled and played football.
“It was kind of always a joke, because we were two chubby kids who probably shouldn't have been on the basketball court,” Bell said.
Josh grew up in South Lyon and worked with his father in construction. But his passion was music.
“He was very humble,” Linda said regarding a piece Josh composed, which a friend played at the funeral. “We never knew about that. How thankful I am for people who loved him, because I don't want him to ever be forgotten. You should see all the hits he gets on the blog. I can't tell you the joy I get from that.”
Josh's memorial fund will “definitely be geared to help make drug treatment affordable,” Bell said. “If we can get someone the help they need so something like this doesn't happen that would be ideal. But it doesn't necessarily have to be for someone with a drug problem, maybe it would be for someone to go to college.”
Josh was extremely kind hearted, Bell said.
“He was a little rough around the edges, but when you knew him he was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it,” Bell said. “He would lend you $20 even if he needed the money. He always wanted to shoulder other people's burdens, but he's the first guy who would not want anyone to help him. The idea was to kind of further what Josh did himself and help people who need help.”
“He made some poor choices and some bad decisions,” Bell said. “He paid dearly for them. I don't want that to be his defining thing.”
Linda said sometimes she gets angry and asks herself, ‘Why?'
“Even in death I feel I have to protect him,” she said. “I can't say enough about family, friends and the community. We couldn't have gone through this without them and I want to do the same.”
Josh's aunt, JoBeth Stanfill, made a blog, http://www.joshuawaltonpowell.blogspot.com/, where people can see images of Josh, the jewelry and other memorials. Donations to the fund can also be made on the blog. Linda and Bell are working on getting a non-profit status for the Random Act of Kindness fund and Linda wants to develop a committee to decide who gets the money.
“We want to do this right, because if people give money, they should know how it's being spent,” she added.
The guitar pick jewelry, available in bracelets, necklaces and key chains, are available for $10 at the South Lyon Hotel; by emailing Bell at joshpowellpicks@gmail.com; by going to the website, http://www.joshuawaltonpowell.blogspot.com/ or from Bell.
Donations are also being accepted on the blog.
Care of the South Lyon Herald Newspaper
 |
| The guitar pick jewelry, available in bracelets, necklaces and key chains, are available for $10 at the South Lyon Hotel |
By Diane Gale Andreassi
CORRESPONDENT
Linda Powell is overwhelmed by the random acts of kindness she's experienced since her son, Josh, died from an accidental overdose last summer.
She wants to return the favors by doing unexpected nice things for others — people she has never met and people who will never know who she is. Steven Bell, Josh's friend, suggested a Random Acts of Kindness fund that would mimic things that Josh was famous for doing.
“If this helps other people he didn't die in vain,” she said. “It's really hard, because you keep things tight inside, but I don't want to be selfish and not help other people. We're still learning how to cope. It's not like I'm trying to make him a hero. He wasn't a hero, but he was our hero, because he was a good, kind man, but he had his demons.”
Bell, a Michigan State University law student, started making jewelry from guitar picks, representing Josh's love for playing, and the money raised goes to the Random Act of Kindness fund. Each pick is etched with a memorial, “Josh Powell, Live in Heaven, July 21, 2010,” the day he died.
“He was extremely talented and we were always asking him why he wasn't in a band and doing something with his music,” Bell said.
Josh was also remembered at his funeral services, which was packed with people, many of whom told Linda stories about the things Josh had done — stories Josh never shared with his family.
“It brought a joy to me that he was cared about by so many people,” she added. “My son wasn't a rich man, but he was a good person and never judged people. So many people told me how he touched their lives.”
After his death, Linda said, countless people have reached out to help her family.
One of those people was a man whose son died from a drug overdose and now he gives anti-drug talks at local schools. Linda said she would also like to speak to school groups about the devastation that drugs cause, but she feels she needs time to heal herself and her two other children, Joe, 19 and Marcia, 24.
Another kind stranger surfaced when Linda went to South Lyon Watch and Jewelry Repair to buy a chain for the pick Bell gave her. The unidentified man behind the counter gave Linda the chain.
“Here's someone who didn't know me and he was so touched — it was a random act of kindness,” Linda said. “He didn't have to do that. He could have sold me a necklace. He took the time to stop and that's what it's all about. Instead of all the sadness, hopefully we can do the same for someone who needs us.”
The South Lyon Hotel has done so much too, she added, including selling the guitar pick jewelry.
Bell has been another incredible source of comfort, constantly doing kind things, like remembering Linda's birthday with a maple tree that will stand as a reminder of Josh.
Josh and Bell met playing community education basketball and going on to attend South Lyon middle and high schools together where they wrestled and played football.
“It was kind of always a joke, because we were two chubby kids who probably shouldn't have been on the basketball court,” Bell said.
 |
While at the South Lyon Hotel, Steve Bell holds one of the custom-made guitar picks he is selling to honor his deceased friend, Josh Powell, and to raise fund for a new organization called Random Acts of Kindness in Powell's memory.Hal Gould | Staff Photographer |
Josh grew up in South Lyon and worked with his father in construction. But his passion was music.
“He was very humble,” Linda said regarding a piece Josh composed, which a friend played at the funeral. “We never knew about that. How thankful I am for people who loved him, because I don't want him to ever be forgotten. You should see all the hits he gets on the blog. I can't tell you the joy I get from that.”
Josh's memorial fund will “definitely be geared to help make drug treatment affordable,” Bell said. “If we can get someone the help they need so something like this doesn't happen that would be ideal. But it doesn't necessarily have to be for someone with a drug problem, maybe it would be for someone to go to college.”
Josh was extremely kind hearted, Bell said.
“He was a little rough around the edges, but when you knew him he was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it,” Bell said. “He would lend you $20 even if he needed the money. He always wanted to shoulder other people's burdens, but he's the first guy who would not want anyone to help him. The idea was to kind of further what Josh did himself and help people who need help.”
“He made some poor choices and some bad decisions,” Bell said. “He paid dearly for them. I don't want that to be his defining thing.”
Linda said sometimes she gets angry and asks herself, ‘Why?'
“Even in death I feel I have to protect him,” she said. “I can't say enough about family, friends and the community. We couldn't have gone through this without them and I want to do the same.”
Josh's aunt, JoBeth Stanfill, made a blog, http://www.joshuawaltonpowell.blogspot.com/, where people can see images of Josh, the jewelry and other memorials. Donations to the fund can also be made on the blog. Linda and Bell are working on getting a non-profit status for the Random Act of Kindness fund and Linda wants to develop a committee to decide who gets the money.
“We want to do this right, because if people give money, they should know how it's being spent,” she added.
The guitar pick jewelry, available in bracelets, necklaces and key chains, are available for $10 at the South Lyon Hotel; by emailing Bell at joshpowellpicks@gmail.com; by going to the website, http://www.joshuawaltonpowell.blogspot.com/ or from Bell.
Donations are also being accepted on the blog.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
February 1st, a special day... xox
No matter where I go
I'll always find you there
Because you're in my heart
Of this I'm quite aware.
I'll always find you there
Because you're in my heart
Of this I'm quite aware.
We breath the same air
We walk under the same moon
The sun shines on us both
We dance to the same tune.
We walk under the same moon
The sun shines on us both
We dance to the same tune.
Whether we're together
Or we're far apart
When you see the stars shining
Remember you're in my heart.
Or we're far apart
When you see the stars shining
Remember you're in my heart.
Warm memories of you on a cold Winter day...
Your life was full of loving deeds,
Forever thoughtful of everyone's needs,
Today and tomorrow, my whole life through,
I will always love and cherish you!
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