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Patti,
It is a daily walk that breaks my heart still to this day. I hope that I can encourage you by saying time is
key. The first two years are a blur. I went from fighting to keep his name on the tip of my tongue to pushing
his memory deep in the back of my mind to help with the sleepless nights. I would love to help in any way that I can,
even if it is just someone who will listen when no one else understands. I would love to hear more about your son and
the circumstances you went through. Talking about it is very good in spite of what others might think. I'm here
for you Patti. One day at a time.
With love,
Martha Walker
I attached a photo of our son taken the night before he died. Jonathan died following his 3rd open heart surgery
to correct a very serious heart defect. He was a fighter!!!
Grieving Mother
She clings to
the hand of God
To keep from
going wild
And in His presence
Comes to know
His other hand...
Holds her child
©Thais F. Henry
Date: 10/20/2007 12:46:56 PM
Subject: Re: Sister in the Lord/ Michigan
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Patti,
All the emotions you are having are ok. Of course you miss your son and what loving mom would not want to join her child.
But, from the day Dustin was born God had a plan for him, a plan that does not make sense to us.
My mom died suddenly at 72, some would say but she lived 72 yrs here on earth.
But, she was doing so many things for the Lord, she went to the womens prison every Tues night to facilitate a bible
study, participated in retreats for wayward teens, she and my dad were the " older couple" of their church and
brought so much to that church family, the Pastor became depressed when my mom died.
Her funeral was unbelievable, you would have thought they were honoring Mother Thereasa, some of the x prisoners talked
to the crowd and shared how much hope she gave them. She was not always that faithful servant may be for about 15 yrs.
But, why would God take her when she was helping so many? One day we will know.
I hardly compare the loss of my 72 yr. old mom to your young son, I think you know that.
My middle child, my only son Matt/33yrs. old just got married 18 months ago, but I tell you what I would awaken at night
and pray for his safety, he lived hundreds of miles away, worked in bars and restaurants until the wee hours of the morning,
I was terrified one night the phone would ring. I can not even pretend to know what you are going through but slowly
your emotions will stabilize, I promise, most of all God promises.
Dustin would want you to hang in there, I bet you my mom was one of his greeters at the Pearly Gates, she was something
else, NO, she is something else. I know my mom is dancing at Gods feet and singing w/ the angles.............they are Happy
up there. But for now its our job to stay down here and fulfill the plan God has for us. ( ) hug
Love, Marsha
Date: 10/19/2007 7:16:01 PM
Subject: Sister in the Lord/ Michigan
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Patti,
I just happened to look at your web site, my mouth is wide open, I am so sorry about your son. May you feel the hug and
love I am sending you. I read many the letters, poems, viewed the pictures...all very touching.
God Bless you,
Marsha Childers
Plymouth Michigan
Date: 10/17/2007 12:40:15 PM
Subject: Re: Letters from Heven
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Patti,
What an awesome poem. It is so hard to try to live without those we love here on earth, yet that is
the very thing we do have hope in, that one day we will be reunited with them forever. Always know that it is okay to
cry. God loves for us to come and let him catch our every tear. Not one goes unnoticed and He is there to comfort
us all along the way. When there is great love, there is great grief. I love you and I know that God will continue
to walk with you every day.
Love,
Jennifer
Date: 10/16/2007 9:54:57 AM
Subject: Re: Sunday
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Patti,
I can’t say how sorry I am for
your loss. I haven’t checked my email in a few weeks, logged on this morning
and saw yours. I am so so sorry. Your
son was obviously an amazing man. I wish I could’ve known him, but I feel
like I do from your loving words about him, your family and your amazing relationship.
You all are so uplifting to everyone you come across.
I found this poem when my father passed
and I felt it spoke well towards our feelings at the time. I hope it offers you
some comfort too.
Know that my prayers are with you
all. Lola’s too.
God Bless,
Tamara and Lola
( I put the poem on I love you Mom page
so when you are all ready to read it ....very hard for me right now but the part I was able to read knew were words from
Dustin.)
Date: 10/4/2007 11:14:20 AM
Subject: Fwd: Important Message
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| In a message dated 10/4/07 2:12:58 AM Central Daylight Time, BronstonBCarroll@aol.com writes:
This is an answer
from Bronston Carroll that Dustin loved and respected so much
Mrs
Wallace,
Words can not express my gratitude for you sending me this email. I am amazed that in your time of
grieving you would be gracious enough to send this email. I found out a few days ago what had happen to Dustin and my
heart has been heavily graved in his loss, even though I know he is in a better place (The Heavenly Father's warm embrace).
Dustin had a special place in my heart, he was honestly one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. I remember
on numerous occasion Dustin and me discuss the deep things of God. I loved/love Dustin's heart and his ability to be
authentic at all time. He was/is a lover of people. Dustin was/is the kind of person that impacted the lives he
came in contact with. I believe that many will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ not because of Dustin's
death but because of his life. Know that I am deeply praying for you and the family. Over the last few days as
I have been reflecting and morning over Dustin death, the Lord reminded me of the poem/song I read at my grandmother's funeral
a few years back that I would like to share with you.
There is a part of me
That's only visiting
Torn
from eternity
A stranger here
The awkward mingling of
The loveless and beloved
So far from things above
While I am here
So when the last notes of my soul's summer symphony
Go stealing through this old world's cold
garden gates
I will hold no fear as You close my book of hours
And the hands of heaven carry me
Carry me home
to stay
O Death where is your sting
Your tears and your tremblings
His peace is lingering
Even now
O
Grave the battle's fought (no graver battles fought)
Your vict'ry has been lost
To Christ who gave it all
To take
me now
I love you, I love Dustin, and I am praying for you/family/friends,
Bronston
Date: 10/5/2007 10:35:32 AM
Subject: Re: Wed Morning
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I am soooo glad she could come and be with you. I know it must mean allot to you to have her there.
You know I lost mom in Mar and I still feel the loss adn the absence of her in my house, but also know she is with God
and my dad where she has wanted to be for so long. That gives me allot of comfort in its strange way.
I too can not imagine what you are going thru either, I pray I never live to see one of my kids pass before I do. Doug
is 30 now and I worry about him more than anyone the way he drinks and thank God every time he gets behind the wheel that
he has not hurt or killed someone or even himself.
We don't realize how precious life is until we loose someone that close. I know you will get thru this and only in time
will the pain start to getting duller but will never go away. We only find a way to deal with it better over time.
Know that I love you and am with you in spirit since I could not be there in body.
BIG LOVE HUGS,
Sandy
Date: 10/10/2007 5:35:56 PM
Subject: I am So Sorry for your loss
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Dear Ms. Rawls,
I would just like to convey my sympathy for your beloved son Dustin.
Although I have not purchased a puppy from you, I visit your website from time to time and was shocked and
saddened by the news.
May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
God Bless,
The Mignogna Family
Date: 10/10/2007 9:13:51 PM
Subject: Re: Looking for a Yorkie
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Dear Patti -
You are so strong!! Your faith and love in your son has saved you. Please
know we continue to pray for you and your family and admire your inner strength. I am so glad that you and your puppies
are part of our life.
God bless you always,
Roseann Fisher
Date: 10/9/2007 8:47:30 PM
Subject: Dustin
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Hello,
I worked with Dustin on the Vantage just a few weeks
ago. I only worked with him for 2 weeks, but everytime I saw him in the hallway he always had a big smile and a friendly
hello. he always seemed to be a genuine friendly guy. We would often see each other in the gym after shift and he would
always get me pumped up with his loud music and his enthusiasm on the machines. that guy could run for hours!
I lost a brother 2 years ago and my parents lost a son, so I understand how hard it is. I am so sorry for your loss
and wish you all the strength and courage that I know it will take to get through it. My parents often say that time
doesn't lessen the pain but you learn to deal with it better everyday. And he is there with you helping you through
it. Again....I am so sorry to hear about Dustin and the pain that your family is going through. All my love and
prayers to you and your family.
Sincerely
Jennifer Surette
Date: 10/5/2007 9:22:22 PM
Subject: Re: Thank you
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Patti,
I am glad for your sake the day is over, and hopefully the healing process can begin. I was amazed at how
strong you were on the outside, even though I know your heart is broken on the inside. Continue to be strong and know
that he is in a truly greater place than we are, and in the grand scheme of things the time is short till you will see him
again. The ceremony was beautiful and such a wonderful tribute to his life. With all of the stories, pictures,
family and friends I felt like I knew him, he really seemed like a great person and I wish I had a great friend like him.
He has apparently blessed so many lives and he blessed mine today, he reminded me not to take life for granted, and to really
enjoy life more. I hope I was able to bring you some comfort today and I will be here in the future. I love you
dearly and will always be here when you need a sholder to lean on.
Love
Josh
Date: 10/4/2007 8:02:57 PM
Subject: Dustin My Hero
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This is for Patty and David to know how much
of a hero Dustin really is to me and Jr.
Not knowing that Jr has a medical
condition that is life threatening Dustin had no idea what was ahead of him. A while back Dustin and Jr went out on
the town together and must have had a really good time (smile). Jr stayed the night at Dustin's afterwards. In
the morning Dustin went to wake Jr and could not. Jr was stiff and unresponsive. Dustin picked Jr up in his arms
and carried him to the truck. As Dustin was driving a stick shift truck he managed to get Jr's cell phone, look up my
home number and call it. When I answered the phone I hear someone yelling "Jr wake up please, Jr wake up". I screamed
into the phone "what is wrong?" Dustin answers me with a voice like none I will ever forget. The fear in his voice
was horrifying. He said, "Susan, it's Dustin. Does Jr have seizures?" I said "no" and before I could say anything
else Dustin said "he's stiff and not moving, I can't wake him up". I said "Dustin call 911 right now, you have to get
Jr to an emergency room right now". Dustin said, "I am in the truck taking him to the hospital". I told him "pull
over and call 911 NOW". Dustin said "I'm right here by the hospital". I told him "okay, pull up to the emergency
room doors and call me as soon as you get him there". A few minutes later Dustin calls me and says "we are here at the
ER, they are taking him out of the truck." I said "Dustin listen to me, you need to tell them this." He said "okay."
As I was telling him what was wrong with Jr he was repeating it back to the nurse and saying "oh my god." I told
Dustin I was on my way. When I arrived at the hospital Dustin was sitting beside Jr's bed watching the doctor and nurses
working on him fear in his eyes and tears rolling down his cheeks. I asked Dustin what happened and he said "they went
out that night and he couldn't wake him up and he didn't know what to do". I asked him if he knew what Jr had and he
said "no". For some reason and to this day I don't know why I got angry. I don't know if I thought it was Dustins
fault but deep down I knew it wasn't. I asked Dustin to step out of the room and he found a chair right outside Jr's
ER door. I went out, sat by Dustin and we talked. I explained to him what Jr had and that it was not his fault.
I told him thank you for getting him to the emergency room so fast because every second counts when Jr gets like that.
I told him that this had happened once before but everything would be okay. He never took his eye's off Jr and
the tears never stopped. I hugged Dustin and told him it was okay. We then went back into the room and Jr's vital
signs were coming back up.
This was a very serious situation and Dustin handled it
without second thought. I have to smile though when I think about him driving a stick shift truck, yelling at Jr, having
the sense to look on Jr's cell phone for my number, and calling me. Now, who do you know that can multi task like that,
My hero Dustin.
Because of Dustin I still have my son. Dustin is my Hero!
I am so sorry that you have to go through this pain. Yet so young Dustin has done
his work here on earth and God has bigger and better plans for him now. He will always be there with you and watching
over you. I know he will be Jr's Guardian Angel as he will be yours.
Susan
Date: 10/2/2007 12:11:44 PM
Subject: To remember
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David,
Sometimes in these situations its hard to know the right thing to say. I went to John Wells funeral a few days ago. The
preacher, he talked about what we the ones left behind go through after life here on earth. He said as we transend into the
next stage of life we all go through, those left behind are saying no don't go don't go, the other side is in joy
saying in a loving and caring exitement, here he comes here he comes with open arms .... I believe he has greater
plans for, and need of Dustin at this time.
Your Friend,
Ian
I met dustin in the 3rd
grade when I moved to katy and he made an impact on my life then little did I know how long that influence would continue.
By the end of 3rd grade we were best friends my fondest memory of being a child is when he would come over on the
weekends we would watch the movie alive while we were watching it we would turn my a/c down as far as it would go then we
would grab a sheet he would get on one side and me on the other and hold the sheet over the vent while we were under it and
we would see if we could survive the cold like in the movie..the last time I saw dustin was june 1 2006 we were planning on
meeting up sometime while he was home this time. But the first thing we talked about was being a kid playing alive and of
course he had that huge trademark smile of his on.
Mrs. Rawls I just want to
truly tell you from the bottom of my heart thank you so much for the son that you gave this world. Even though his time was
shortened on earth he lived his life the way that we can all only dream of. The influence that he had on everyone he came
in contact will last forever in the hearts of us all. I have not lost a son but I did lose my sister when she was 22 and I
was 14. I am truly sorry for your loss but just remember your son was amazing in every aspect of life and he will always be
in your heart and everyones that was ever affiliated with him. Thank you once again and I am extreamly sorry for your loss
Barry Graff
Hi Patti,
I just want you to know that you have been on
my heart most of the time the last few days. I am so, so sorry for your loss. The website you created for
Dustin's memory is so precious and it was such a privilege to get to view it. All I can do is imagine what you
are feeling but I do know one thing, God loves you so very much. I'm overwhelmed by the sense of His feelings
toward you. My prayer is that His peace envelops you even when it doesn't make sense.
We have been out of town, which is why I haven't
called you. I am going to call you tomorrow. Even if it is just to leave a message, I just want you to know that
our hearts and prayers are with you.
We love you,
Kesha and family
Date: 10/4/2007 12:41:34 PM
Subject: RE: Funeral Services
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I have
a friend that has a son that went to school with Dustin. His name Is Jaugue Ardoin. He went to elementary and junior high.
He said to give you his prayers and that Dustin was a great person and he will be missed.
Kathy
Hi Patty,
This is Danyell, I am Robin's
daughter. I just want to tell you I am so sorry to hear about Dustin, myself and all his friends are just completely
heart broken. Dustin was amazing and was the funniest person I knew. I put up your link on myspace through
a bulletin for all his friends to see. If I can do anything please let me know.
Mrs. Rawls,
First and foremost, my thoughts
and prayers have been with you and your family since I heard about Dustin's passing. He was such an incredible young man that
could always put a smile on any one, including a total stranger. I've had the pleasure of knowing Dustin since high school
bible studies at First Baptist Church.
Dustin will be greatly missed and moments cherished every day for the rest of eternity. You and your family remain in my family's
thoughts and daily prayers.
May he rest in peace.
~Kristi Moore~
hello, my name is cody elliott and i went to school
with dustin all my life and would like to help you out in any way that i can. i dont have alot of money to give but i do have
alot of heart. please let me know how i can help you and your family out in anyway possible. i am a stay at home mom and i
have all time in the world to help you. very sorry for your loss and he is safe with god now.
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