Please click at the link here to see pictures of
Angel Families Gathering in Virginia Beach
in Sempter 2006












I loved you once, I love you still,
I always have, and I always will...

I'd like to dedicate a song, "Me and You". 
Singer: Kenny Chesney.  That is playing in the
background for you, my sweetheart Susan.
10/19/08







SUSAN'S CANDLE LIGHT AND OTHERS 
ANGELS' CANDLE LIGHTS WERE VERY BRIGHT
AT CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY NIGHT. 





DEAR SUSAN, I WROTE YOUR NAME ON
THE BEACH SAND IN VIRGINIA BEACH
IN SEPTEMBER, 2006

 



























   









This Memorial Website is a forever lasting site.  It was created as a place where family and friends can come to honor in the memories we all have of our precious and beloved one, SUSAN D. BENDER who was born on April 29th, 1961 in Bossier City, Louisiana and passed away on November 15th, 2005 in Rogers, Arkansas at the age of 44.  She was gone to the Lord's home but she will never be forgotten.  She is our angel now and she is in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers forever.  She will always be remembered for her passion, strength and ceaseless courage that became her hallmark.  She is forever loved and eternally missed until we meet again.  Until then we trust our Lord to hold her close and remind her everyday how very much we love her.



 



THE EIGHT SPOKED WHEEL,
THE BUDDHIST SYMBOL OF
THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH





  

















 










  




MS. BENDER, SUSAN D.

BORN: APRIL 29, 1961

DIED: NOVEMBER 15, 2005

"A GOOD CHARACTER IS THE BEST TOMBSTONE.
THOSE WHO LOVED YOU, AND WERE HELPED BY
YOU, WILL REMEMBER YOU WHEN FORGET-ME-
NOTS ARE WITHERED.  CARVE YOUR NAME
ON HEARTS, AND NOT ON MARBLE."


   
  
   

   

        







 



 







     







 



  




MS. BENDER passed away on November 15, 2005 in Rogers, Arkansas.  Her Memorial Service was held at 10 a.m. on November 18th, 2005 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church with Father Alan Bates and the Rev. Pamela Cincioni officiating.  Many of people came to pay their respects.  We will always love her but we know she is not alone, she is with those who have passsed (her grandparents, her loving and caring daddy, her aunts) and in God’s loving embrace looking down on us and smiling and proud of her family and friends for their strength and courage to keep going.  Ms. Bender left behind family and friends that love her and miss her so much.  With the loss of Ms. Bender comes a deep sadness for all of us who know what a wonderful person she was.  She was a wonderful and caring mother, daughter, sister, and friend.  She was a true inspiration of courage, strength, and determination.  We are grateful for the time we had with her.  She has taught us so much and has left a permanent mark on the hearts of all who love and miss her.  She will be greatly mourned and sorely missed.

     
           




     



  














 






Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health.  But no one can ever take away your precious memories... So, don't forget to make time and take opportunities to make memories everyday.  To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.  You never know when you will need each other.  You will always remember to let them know that you will never forget them.

Please join me in honoring this very special and precious friend who I am fortunate enough to share a friendship with.  For all who knew and loved her are welcome here to honor her, to share memories, and to express the ways in which her love, care and extraordinary life spirit touched all of us who are blessed to have known her; or just light a candle to pray for the peace of Ms. Bender's soul.  Thank you for visiting, gathering, and uplift her memory alive in our hearts today, tomorrow, and always.

      


      

Ms. Bender is my very special and precious friend.  I will not pass on her in the past tense because she is and will forever be my very precious friend.  I am the lucky one to be able to call her my best friend.  She taught me how to love, how to give and receive love unconditionally.  We have loved each other with unconditional love.  Our loves have been the strongest force on earth it helps us overcome all obstacles in life.  I am blessed to have had her be such an important part of my life.  She is and will always be a part of my life.  I love you Susan and I miss you more than words could ever say.   It is better to have loved and lost, then to never of loved at all...that is how I feel...  I miss her more than words can explain and I am so thankful to have known her.  Having her made me feel love and happy life.  Losing her made me realize how short and precious life is.  Precious are memories of times spent together, of all that we've shared - how precious, how dear.  Human beings are social creatures and the friendship is one mind in two bodies.  A concern for each other is the very basis of our friendship together.  There is not a day goes by that I don't think of her and miss her terribly.  She was such a beautiful gift from God.  I think of her each and every day and it never gets any easier.  I feel all the feeling of grief and sadness.  Hearts ache and tears are shed daily over the loss of my precious friend.  Saddened hearts are healed in knowing the pain of life is over.  And the beauty of the soul revealed.  I will remember her with all my love today, tomorrow, and always.  Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness.  What the heart has once owned and had, it shall never lose.


       

       

God had brought you into my life then He called you home.  You were my life, my reason for living.  You made my life so full of love and happiness.  My heart aches to hold you again.  I miss your smile, your voice, your laugh, your witty humor, and your sweet kiss upon my cheek.  The memories you gave me will outlast the pain and sadness I feel today.  Time has helped to heal the pain but it is something I never get over... I just learn to live with the loss and memories are all I have left.  The only thing that seems to keep me going at all is trying to focus on the good times.  The time that God let us borrow our angel here on earth and the fact that we shall meet again.  Remembering the sweet unforgetable spirit is all I can do.  Although you are gone from my presence you live on strongly in my heart.  Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure... You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure...  You are forever loved and eternally missed in my heart and soul.
"Love is a moment that lasts forever... There is no emotion superior to love.  Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all."


   


We all know it is very painful to lose a loved one.  One thing that always brightens my days now, is remembering her true inspiration of courage, strength, and determination.  She brought so much happiness into my life and she will always with me wherever I go.  I keep her spirit alive with me, and will always treasure every moment I did have with her.  Although I wish she were with me.  I know in spirit she is with me everyday.  I am so greatful that I had such a great friend.  Thank you, Susan for being a very special friend to me.  Your love was the greatest gift I have every received and I will cherish it in my heart always.  There is not a moment has gone by that you have not crossed my mind.  I carry your beautiful spirit and love with me in my daily life.  I cry daily for you Susan, you were and still are very much loved.  My heart aches for you constantly and it rebreaks daily as the knowledge sinks in yet again, that you are not here.  I no longer fear the end of my life because I know it will bring me back to you again.    You are deeply missed and loved in my heart everyday but never to be forgotten.  You will always hold a special place in my heart that no one can ever replace.  I will never forget you as long as I live.  In my heart and soul have your memories those will forever remain.   Your indomitable spirit will stay with me always and serve as the true example of how we should live our lives. 

               


               
People come into your life for a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime. When you know which one it is for a person, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.  They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.  They may seem like a Godsend, and they are!  They are there for the reason you need them to be.  Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.  Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.  Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.  What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.  The prayer you sent up has been answered, and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.  They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh.  They may teach you something you have never done.  They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it!  It is real!  But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons: things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.  Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.  It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. 

My dearest Susan, you were and always are a brilliant person in my life.  My life will never be the same, since the angels have called you home.  I miss you more and more each and every day! I am still filled with so much pain and sorrow.  The memories are endless, and so is the pain.  There is a part of my life everyday that is empty, and a moment of every hour that is darkened by your passing.  You are forever loved and eternally missed in my heart and soul.  Thank you for being a part of my life. The flame of Hope should never go out from our lives... and with Hope each of us can live a life with Peace, Faith, and Love.  In pictures, in memories, and in spirit I will love you forever.  I miss and love you so much, but I know that I will see you again someday.  You will prepare a place for me, so we can meet again.  May you rest in peace until we will be reunited in one sweet day my sweetheart Susan.

 



THE SPECIAL LIFE STORY OF





Ms. Bender graduated from Jefferson (Texas) High School.  She and her children moved to Rogers, Arkansas.  She attended NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.  She worked in the Human Resource department at St. Mary's Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas.  She loved her job very much.  She had many wonderful qualities.  She was a tireless worker with so much energy she made others she worked with and for better people.  She was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilge of knowing her.  She always had that beautiful smile on her face, even on her bad days.  She had such a big heart and a wonderful laugh.  She was always ready to help others.  She was a very kind, spirit filled woman who made the best of all she was given.  Her trademark was her smiles and her pleasant personality.  You could not help but love her.  People who just met her for the first time was touched by her carefree ways.  A room would brighten when she came in with her beautiful smiles.  She loved to make people smile and laugh.   She was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Rogers, Arkansas.  Her faith in God never wavered.  She has taught us everlasting love, cheer, and loss.  Everything that life should be.  She was a wonderful person!  Now she is an angel looking down on us from Heaven.  I truly believe that she was blessed by the Lord, because she brought so much Joy and laughter to people, she enriched so many lives for her short time with us.  I once read that, "if you have a sense of humor and can make people laugh, its the best way to display your blessed by the Lord because you enrich souls."     

      



      

Ms. Bender was a single working mom with two children: her daughter, Jessica Bender; and her son, Jacob Bender.  She worked all her life to give to her kids.  Her daughter and her son had been playing basketball, softball, and soccer for the Teenagers Club in Rogers, AR.  They had been playing violin for Symphony Concerts at their schools or churches in Rogers, AR.  She attended most of their concerts and sport activities.  Ms. Bender loved being and spending time with her children and they were very important to her.  She loved and cared for her children with all her life and always put them first.  She was so proud of them.  Also, she took care of an extended family including her mother and sister.  She was a wonderful and loving mother; a loving and caring daughter, sister, and friend to many.  She was always the center one who kept her family and friends together.  She never realized how many people she touched in her life.  Everyone who knew her, loved her more than life itself.  She was truly an amazing, love, understanding, laughter, and fun person full of life.



Battling with Esophageal cancer since September 2004, Ms. Bender demonstrated her incredible strength, courage and love of life by pushing through all chemotherapy and radiation treatments for months after months.  She did what was told of her to get better.  She would make all the trips to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas and the Local Cancer Care in Bentonville, Springdale, and Fayetteville in Arkansas.  Ms. Bender fought all the way to the end.  She was a true fighter, she fought with everything in her to continue her life and be there for her remaining family.  Unfortunately, the cancer had invaded her body.  The chemotherapy and radiation she took just made her miserable and caused her pain.  It was very devastating  to watch her suffer so much from the cancer.  I was praying and wishing if there were some miracles that could take her pain away from her body.  There was a time she just wanted to be home and not suffer like she did anymore.  This was a hard time in her life.  She knew her time was coming but never this soon.  Never in a million years could I imagine the pain she went through, but, never in a million years could she imagine how painful it was and still is for me to lose her.  
"The tears in my eyes I can wipe away,  The ache in my heart will always stay.  Your love will be forever missed."



Ms. Bender was always brave, strong and positive but God had other plans for her.  She finally reached the ultimate goal in life, eternal life with our Father.  She feels no pain, she sees no sadness, she experiences no worry, she is eternally satisfied in the arms of God.  During Ms. Bender's last moment of life, her faith in God never wavered, and she had such an incredibly postive attitude through it all.  She began every day by admiring the sunrise, and never ceased to astonish and inspire us with her unfailing ability to see the best in everything and everyone.  She wanted everyone she knew to be happy.  She expected every day to bring new miracles, and she brought those miracles with her strength, her love, and her faith.  A few of the things, those we all loved her for, were her courage, her faith, her humor, her generosity, her smile, her warmth, her hugs,  her gentle grace, her incredible strength, her childlike wonder at all things beautiful, and her enthusiasm for life.  The way she loved her children Jessica and Jacob, her mother, her sisters, her brother, her nephews and niece, and her grand-niece and grand-nephew.  The way she kept everyone together.  The way she never stopped putting others before herself.   The way she made everyone around her feel loved and welcomed.  She will be missed by those whose lives she has touched in her very short life.

    

Ms. Bender was a gift and an inspiration to her family and friends, and she lives forever in our hearts.  There are some people out there who will never find someone like her and therefore everyone of us who knew her are that much more blessed.  Everyday we miss her just the same, everyday we think of her and wish it could of been different, and everyday going forward we will continue to miss her.  We know that she is with God now, enjoying the peace and joy of His love, and that she is watching over us and waiting for us in Heaven.  We have only to think of her, and she will be with us, reminding us that we are still in the arms of her love, God’s love, and the love of each other.  Thank you, Susan for all the rare gifts you gave with your life.  We will forever miss you but know you remain forever a part of everyone you touched.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF



For those who care, please help
to research a cure for Esophageal Cancer
or help another life
by making your donation to:

Memorial/Honor Online Donation at the link here to:
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS - M. D. ANDERSON
ESOPHAGEAL CANCER RESEARCH
In Memory of SUSAN D. BENDER

Or by mail with checks payable to:
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS - M. D. ANDERSON
ESOPHAGEAL CANCER RESEARCH
In Memory of SUSAN D. BENDER
P.O.BOX 4486
Houston, Texas 77210

Or by mail with checks payable to:
ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
In Memory of SUSAN D. BENDER
1200 West Walnut
P.O. BOX 98
Rogers, Arkansas 72757













One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
trouble sometimes in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."







Love is not a necessity, but it is life’s greatest gift and luxury.
Love is caring, kind, and patient.
Love does not expect anything but love in return.
Love knows when to put pride to the side,
Because the greatest thing one can be proud of
Is a love that is shared.

Love is or should be unconditional.
Love is giving and selfless.
Love is therefore unselfish.
Love is not arrogant, or does not insist in its own way,
It is a celebration of what is right.
True love never ends.

For the unperfected will pass upon
The coming of that which is perfect,
And Perfect love never ends.

Love is undying devotion (yes that too).
Love is not resentful and does not rejoice in wrong,
but celebrates the right.

Love is the desire to be intimate...physically and emotionally.
Love endures all, hopes all, bears all.
Love is believing, sharing, dreaming.
Love is Honesty.
Love is friendship, companionship, and more.
Love is completion, forgiving, understanding and inspiring.

Love is the attainment of life's greatest inspiration.
Love is supporting, but not overbearing.
Love is the free and complete expression of oneself to/for another.

Love is being open to an other's expression...
True friends, companion, lover, and mother (or father).
Love is faithful and loyal.

Love is the one thing in life (true love is),
that man (as a whole race) longs for and strives for,
and in many cases, more than anything else
it can be the hardest to find.
Love can be strong, yet so fragile.
There are those out there who have not been lucky
enough to find it...some never will. (Not all, but some)
In addition, what one would call true love...
love in its best, purest, truest sense
is even rarer and harder to find.

Not that no one ever does; many probably do.
It is still the hardest thing that mankind strives to obtain.
The dream of finding and marrying for true love exists and
Concludes by everything falling into place.




May my friendship always be
The most important thing to me;
With special friend I feel I'm blessed,
So let me give my very best.

I want to do much more than share
The hopes and plans of friend who care;
I'll try all that a friend can do
To make her secret dreams come true.

Let me use my heart to see,
To realize what friend can be,
And make no judgments from afar,
But love my friend the way she is.

There will never be another "You".
You were and are always a brilliant friend
who I forever love and eternally miss
until we are reunited in one sweet day.





Love, real love, comes invisibly and unexplained,
Lapping at your door and your windowpane,
Like the rain that waters the earth,
Love comes to bring new birth.

Love is all consuming with joy and rapture divine,
When you fall in love, your life is complete
Giving you perfect happiness and oneness with your mate,
Love changes your life, your ultimate fate.

Don't let love pass you by
When you see it, feel it, want it, desire it,
Capture the moment and reach out to find
Love is there, it was all the time!

Never fear the darkness or future ahead
Look to each other in complete trust
Love will keep you together as life you face
With bonds of love, your life will never be a waste!





I want to write to you in my pen-ink but I did not find ink,
so I moved a vein from my heart and I start to write.
I want to tell you that I know the truth, and
I want to tell you how much I love you.

I want to breath when you breath.
I want to see when you see.
I want to die when you die.
I want to listen to the wind of changing,
Listen to the dark of the light,
Listen to my heart beating.

When I see you, my heart begins beating more and more.
When I see you, my eyes begin to talk.
We were together it seems forever.
We build together the kingdom of love.
We were alone, and we promised each other to make forever.





If I ask you to say, will you tell me yes.
To hold me in your arms,
and keep me there away from harm.
So close together or hearts beats as one.

If I ask you to say, will you tell me yes.
To say you do care for me,
and never take it away.

If I ask you to say, will you tell me yes.
Can you love me, for me and the way that I am.
I can love you for you and the way you will be.

If I ask you to say, will you tell me yes.
Will you kiss me the night away.
And love me until this Fallen Day.

  

  



Someone you loved has gone
from you physically,
and you miss them more
than words can say,
and more than any other
could ever understand.
But in their leaving,
they have left you wonderful
memories of moments only
the two of you shared.
Cling to these memories.
They will get you through,
and so will...God.








Cherish the love that's so new.
Bringing joy so magically to two.
Embrace the thrill of love at its best.
Rely on its tenderness.
And as you start your lives as one.
Realize that the love can be arduous as well.
Go toward the future hand in hand.
Loving, Laughing, and Learning Together you will stand.
Give whenever the other needs,
and take unselfishly, never with greed.
Love the other the way you want to be loved,
and continuously ask God's blessings from above.
For better or worse To the very end.
Know that you have found Your very BEST FRIEND.


 




Money spends,
Friends leave,
Material things go away,
Beauty and youth fade...
and health...in the end.

 What is the only thing
in life that lasts?
Family...
They are always there
from begining to the end. 

As long as I live...
You will still live.
As long as I live...
You will be loved
As long as I live...
You will be remembered
today, tomorrow, and always.





A life without YOU
Tears without end,
Days without nights,
Nights without days,
Time without forgetting,
Food without taste,
Sleep without rest,
Sorrow without comfort,
Pain without limit,
Emptiness without bottom,
Gone yet not forgotten.


 


 






To love means loving the unlovable.
To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable.
Faith means believing the unbelievable.
Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.

I thought of you with love today.
But that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday.
And days before that too.
I think of you in silence.
I often speak your name.
Now all I have is memories.
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is my keepsake.
With which we'll never be apart.
God has you in his keeping.
I have you in my heart...

But I do know this --
that no matter
how much time goes by,
I can't imagine that
you'll ever find another
who will love you
with a beauty
and a passion
and a happiness
like that which I feel for you.

I wish I could put into words
The depth of my feelings for you
When I think about
The good times
we've shared
I feel simply and quietly grateful,
To have found you.
Precious memories will never be fade.
My thoughts and prayers are always with you.
You will always be missed and loved. 
I love you with all my heart and soul
forever and ever...





Are you lonely?
I'm lonely too.
Let's be lonely together.
They say that:
Misery Loves Company.
Maybe it's the same for
Loneliness
There's just me and you.
And if we're together
maybe we won't be as lonely.
Because then it'll be,We,
you and me,
and we won't be alone.





When life becomes difficult
Sometimes you find
That it helps if you know
You're on somebody's mind.

And I just want to say
That whatever you do
Please remember that someone
Is thinking of you!

So don't ever feel lonely
Or full of despair,
If you need me I promise
I will always be there!





If tears could build a stairway,
And memories were a lane,
I would walk right up to Heaven,
To bring you home again.

No farewell's were spoken,
No time for goodbye,
You were gone before I knew it,
And only God knows why.

My heart still aches in sadness,
And secret tears will flow,
What is meant to me to lose you,
No one will ever know.





A chance encounter of the best kind
A meeting arranged by fate.
Two souls have come together
Two hearts can now relate.

Exploring has uncovered
A tender love sublime,
Whose roots are strong and deep,
To withstand the test of time.

This much, I know within my heart,
That you are meant for me;
To share with me the joys of life;
Throughout Eternity.


            





 I believe-
         that our background and circumstances
         may have influenced who we are,
         but we are responsible for who we become. 

I believe-
         that no matter how good a friend is,
         they're going to hurt you every once in a
         while and you must forgive them for that. 

I believe-
         that just because someone doesn't love
         you the way you want them to doesn't
         mean they don't love you with all they have. 

I believe-
         that true friendship continues to grow,
         even over the longest distance.
         Same goes for true love. 

I believe-
         that it's taking me a long time
         to become the person I want to be. 

I believe-
         that you should always leave loved ones
         with loving words. It may be the last
         time you see them. 

I believe-
         that you can keep going, long after you can't. 

I believe-
         that we are responsible for what we do,
         no matter how we feel. 

I believe-
         that either you control your attitude
         or it controls you.

I believe-
         that heroes are the people
         who do what has to be done
         when it needs to be done,
         regardless of the consequences.

I believe-
         that money is a lousy way of keeping score. 

I believe-
         that my best friend and I can do anything
         or nothing and have the best time. 

I believe-
         that sometimes the people you expect
         to kick you when you're down,
         will be the ones to help you get back up. 

I believe-
         that sometimes when I'm angry
         I have the right to be angry,
         but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. 

I believe-
         that maturity has more to do with
         what types of experiences you've had
         and what you've learned from them
         and less to do with how many
         birthdays you've celebrated. 

I believe-
         that it isn't always enough to be
         forgiven by others. Sometimes you
         have to learn to forgive yourself. 

I believe-
         that no matter how bad your heart is broken
         the world doesn't stop for your grief. 

I believe-
         that just because two people argue,
         it doesn't mean they don't love each other
         And just because they don't argue,
         it doesn't mean they do. 

I believe-
         that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret.
         It could change your life forever. 

I believe-
         that two people can look at the exact
         same thing and see something totally different. 

I believe-
         that your life can be changed in a matter of
         hours by people who don't even know you. 

I believe-
         that even when you think you have no more
         to give, when a friend cries out to you
         you will find the strength to help. 

I believe-
         that credentials on the wall
         do not make you a decent human being. 

I believe-
         that the people you care about most in life
         are always taken from you too soon.








            





I love you so much that words cannot explain
this joy that I have for you.
When I am at the weakest point of my life
you are there encouraging me to run this race
because I am not only cause you are there with me.

You are on my mind day and night.
When we are apart
I picture you gracious smile and gentle hug.
I can let my feelings out to you and will not regret it
because no matter what is you are always on my side.

I thank God for sending me someone like you
who is precious and loving.
So I can truly say that
you are the Angel of My Life!

            

You are the one who owns my heart,
There is just one thing making it cry,
Why do we have to be apart?
I think of it and have to sigh.

But maybe this is meant to be,
Were proving our love is strong,
And dreaming about you and me,
I know in your arms is where I belong.

So we remain hoping and longing,
For this lovely day to come at last,
When our loneliness is ending,
And missing each other will be past.







You're the first thing I think of
Each morning when I rise.
You're the last thing I think of
Each night when I close my eyes.

You're in each thought I have
And every breath I take.
My feelings are growing stronger
With every move I make.

To know love is what life is all about.
To be in love is to posses something
that is beyond the reach of age or time.

To give love is to be rich in the joys
that give color to each day.
To share love with someone is to know
the fullest meaning of what happiness can be.

I want to prove I love you
But that's the hardest part.
So, I'm giving all I have to give
To you... I give my heart.







The moment I opened my heart and let you in
I saw this great love starting to begin.
I opened my eyes to a vision of you
I hope, I pray your feelings are true.
I have loved and I have paid the cost
And I have felt the pain of the love I lost.

But, now, I think I have truly found
An Angel who walks upon the ground.
You go beyond all limits for me
Just to show your love endlessly.
I could search my whole life through
And never find another 'You'.

You are so special that I wanted you to know
I truly, completely love you so.

            



Gazing at the stars in a dark cold night,
Uttering sweet words beneath pale moonlight,
I wish you can see I wish you can hear,
I wish you can hold me tight.

I close my eyes and shed those tears,
Thinking how far you are from me,
Then I look above and see the stars,
How they light, they glitter and sparkle
Despite how far they are by sight.

I find myself smiling as I realize,
That though distance between us,
Kept us apart but only in body
And never in heart.

You gave me reason to smile,
You gave me reason to hope,
You gave me life and love,
You gave me so much and
I can never ask for more.

And if I have one thing to thank right now,
That's when you came into my life!

            









Written by Charles Mashburn


     I found a penny today,   
  Just laying on the ground,
   But it's not just a penny,   
 This little coin I've found.  

   Found pennies come from Heaven, 
   That's what my Grandpa told me,    
 He said, "Angels toss them down."  
        Oh, how I loved that story.          

 He said, "When an angel misses you,
           They toss a penny down,           
      Sometimes just to cheer you up,     
  To make a smile out of your frown."  

         So don't pass by that penny          
           When you're feeling blue,           
     It may be a penny from Heaven       
        That an Angel tossed to you.         

         An Angel is Watching Over You      
       We all have angels looking over us,   
 no matter how young or old we might be.

   So the next time you are feeling a little blue,
 Maybe a penny you find laying on the ground,
  Was tossed down from heaven by an angel,   
                       Just for you . . .                            









Forever with you love is rising
as sure as the moon does shine.
I'll be here forever for you.
I will be the thunder
of your whispers
the island in your oceans.
I will be here as long as
you want me.
And when you cannot hear
a sound in my breath
in your tomorrows...
I will be the song
that enters your heart
with a memory from yesterday
singing sweetly of our love
forever for you...
Our love rising higher
up above us as the moon.
I will live forever
in your heart
as you will be in mine.

 
  

Honor is the reward of virtue.
Light a candle for those we mourn.
Into a new life they will be born.
Do not look for them at the gravesite.
They are somewhere else radiating their beautiful light.

They have gone to a new world where there is no darkness, no pain.
Their light and essence will always remain.
Light a candle for those who have left this mortal place.
They are free to travel through time and space.
When we think of them, they are near.

When we sit in a beautiful garden, their voices we hear.
When we listen to a divine symphony.
We close our eyes, their faces we see.
Light a candle for they have not really gone.
With each flickering flame, in your hearts they will always belong.




I never get to tell you what I really need to say.
How I long to hold you each and every day.
You mean more to me than words can ever express.
Without you my life would be a total saddened.

As I look into your eyes, and at your perfect face.
I know there will never be anyone to take your place.
No matter what problems we may go through.
That place in my heart will always be for you.

If I am having a hard time letting you in.
It's because I have played the game, and never win.
Your love means so much to me.
I just don't know how to make you see.

I don't care what people say.
We can stick together anyway.
When they come to me, all I see is your face.
When they start to speak your voice takes their place.

It's a voice that promises to always be there.
No matter what they say, I know you still care.
Always and Forever is what this means to me.
I LOVE YOU, now can you see?




Feel no guilt in laughter, 
She knows how much you care. 
Feel no sorrow in a smile,
That she's not here to share. 
You can not grieve forever, 
She wouldn't want you to. 
She'd hope that you can carry on, 
The way you always do. 
So talk about the good times, 
And the ways you showed you cared 
The days you spent together,
All the happiness you shared, 
Let memories surround you. 

A word someone may say 
Will suddenly recapture 
A time, an hour, a day 
That brings her back 
As clearly as though
She were still here. 
And fills you with the feelings
That she is always near 
For if you keep these moments, 
You will never be apart. 
And she will live forever
Locked safe within your heart. 





I heard you call my name as if
you were here by my side...
I heard the wind blow loud
through the leaves at nite.
I know your safe and happy...
all fears were taken away .
I know you will dance among the
angels awaiting for me someday.
I know your love shines on...
in all that I say or do...
I know that you will forever love me
as I forever love you...
I know that you share my dreams
as I dream about you alot...
And when the heaven's open their doors...
It won't be without me for long.
We will meet again...
in another time and life.
And in those days of angels
and grace maybe then
We dreamed of a normal life..
one like all other's.
And in the heavens we shall love
with no hate or anger among us.
I hold your love inside my heart ...
forever to remain.
And no matter where I am.
I will love you all the same!
Rest in peace my angel.
May you be God's angel,
and watch over those we love
today, tomorrow, always.





You've been there for me through the good times and bad,
I know I can count on you to be there when I'm sad,
Life without you just wouldn't be right,
I wouldn't be able to get through each day and night.

When I've had a bad day,
I know that you're only a call away,
When life takes that crazy turn,
You are always there to help me learn.

We've had so many good times together,
I know we'll be best friends forever,
No matter where we are,
I know we'll never be too far.

You're my idol, my sister, my friend,
We'll be together until the end,
Even when we're old and gray,
You'll be here still, to help me get on my way.

Everyone hears what you say. 
Friends listen to what you say. 
Best friends listen to what you don't say.
Friendship is one mind in two bodies.

A real friend is one who walks in 
When the rest of the world walks out.
True friendship is like sound health, 
The value of it is seldom known until it is lost. 

Cherish the time you have, 
And the memories you share...
Being friends with someone is not an opportunity 
But a sweet responsibility.





If I could catch a rainbow,
I would do it just for you,
And share with you its beauty,
On the days you're feeling blue.

If I could build a mountain,
You could call your very own,
A place to find serenity,
A place to be alone.

If I could take your troubles,
I would toss them in the sea,
But all these things I'm finding,
Are impossible for me.

I cannot build a mountain,
Or catch a rainbow fair,
But let me be what I know best,
A friend that's always there. 





~ By Amanda Bradley ~


PEACE will come when people live
In friendship, side by side,
And cherish understanding
More than hatred, greed and pride.

PEACE will come when people see
All people as the same,
And no one has to live in fear,
In ignorance, or shame.

PEACE will come when people
Who are needy can reach out
For shelter, food, or love,
And no has to do without.

PEACE will come when people
Learn to listen and to care
About the rights and dignity
Of people everywhere.

PEACE will come when love and trust
And kindness know rebirth,
And on that day all people
Will rejoice in peace on earth.

Turn away from mischief.
Again and again, turn away,
Before sorrow befalls you.

Set your heart on doing good.
Do it over and over again,
And you will be filled with joy.



Music is such a universal language, it can make you happy, it can make you sad.  It can bring families and friends together for many joyous hours of fun.
I'd like to dedicate your favorite songs to you,
 my dearest friend.





Singer: Savage Garden


I’ll be your dream.
I’ll be your wish I’ll be your fantasy.
I’ll be your hope I’ll be your love.
Be everything that you need.
I’ll love you more with every breath.
Truly madly deeply do.
I will be strong I will be faithful.
Because I’m counting on.

A new beginning.
A reason for living.
A deeper meaning yeah.

(Chorus)
I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bath with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me.

And when the stars are shining.
Brightly in the velvet sky.
I’ll make a wish send it to heaven.
Then make you want to cry.
The tears of joy for all the
Pleasure in the certainty.
That we’re surrounded by the
Comfort and protection of.

The highest powers
In lonely hours.
The tears devour you.

(Chorus)
Oh can you see it baby.
You don’t have to close your eyes.
Because it’s standing right here before you.
All that you need with surely come.

I’ll be your dream I’ll be your wish.
I’ll be your fantasy.
I’ll be your hope I’ll be your love.
Be everything that you need.
I’ll love you more with every breath.
Truly madly deeply do.

(Chorus)
I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to live like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me.






Singer: Jessica Simpson

You set my soul at ease
Chased darkness out of view
Left your desperate spell on me
Say you feel it to
I know you do
I've got so much more to give
This can't die, I yearn to live
Pour yourself all over me
And I'll cherish every drop here on my knees

[CHORUS]
I wanna love you forever
And this is all I'm asking of you
10,000 lifetimes together
Is that so much for you to do?
Cuz from the moment that I saw your face
And felt the fire in your sweet embrace
I swear I knew.
I'm gonna love you forever.

My mind fails to understand
What my heart tells me to do
And I'd give up all I have just to be with you
and that would do
I've always been taught to win
And I never thought I'd fall
Be at the mercy of a man
I've never been
Now I only want to be right where you are.

[CHORUS]
I wanna love you forever
And this is all I'm asking of you
10,000 lifetimes together
Is that so much for you to do?
Cuz from the moment that I saw your face
And felt the fire in your sweet embrace
I swear I knew.
I'm gonna love you forever.

[CHORUS]
In my life I've learned that heaven never waits no
Lets take this now before it's gone like yesterday
Cuz when I'm with you there's nowhere else
That I would ever wanna be no
I'm breathing for the next second I can feel you
Loving me ... I'm gonna love.

[CHORUS]
I wanna love you forever
And this is all I'm asking of you
10,000 lifetimes together
Is that so much for you to do?
Cuz from the moment that I saw your face
And felt the fire in your sweet embrace
I swear I knew.
I'm gonna love you forever.

[CHORUS]
Forever





From the movie: "Breakfast At Tiffany's"
Singer: Andy Williams


Moon river wider than a mile,
I'm crossin' you in style someday,
Old dreamer,
You heartbreaker,
Wherever you're goin',
I'm goin' your way.

Two drifters off to see the world,
There's such a lot of world to see,
We're after the same rainbow's end,
Waitin' 'round the bend,
My huckleberry friend,
Moon river and me.

(Chorus)
Moon river wider than a mile,
I'm crossin' you in style someday,
Old dreamer,
You heartbreaker,
Wherever you're goin',
I'm goin' your way.

Two drifters off to see the world,
There's such a lot of world to see,
We're after the same rainbow's end,
Waitin' 'round the bend,
My huckleberry friend,
Moon river and me. 





Words and Music by Jimmy Davis
and Charles Mitchell


The other night dear, as I lay sleeping,
I dreamed I held you in my arms,
but when I woke dear, I was mistaken,
and I hung my head and cried.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
you make me happy when skies are gray
you'll never know dear, how much I love you,
please don't take my sunshine away.

I'll always love you and make you happy
if you will only say the same
but if you leave me to love another
you'll regret it all some day

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
you make me happy, when skies are gray,
you'll never know dear, how much I love you,
please don't take my sunshine away.

You told me once dear you really loved me
that no one else could come between
but now you've left me and love another
you have shattered all my dreams.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
you make me happy, when skies are gray,
you'll never know dear, how much I love you,
please don't take my sunshine away.







Thank you for visiting, gathering, and lighting a candle to pray for the peace of SUSAN D. BENDER's soul and uplift her memory alive in our hearts forever.     

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