This is my Uncle Stephen.  He was a really cool guy!  As long as he was there, there was never a dull moment.  He could make you laugh and make you cry.  He had the power to convince you that anything was possible.  I looked up to him as a father figure more than an uncle. 

     One day, I was still living in Kansas where I'm originally from, and I was awakened by the frantic voice of my aunt Tanya (Stephen's little sister).  She said he had been in a wreck and he didn't make it.  It was so terrible!  I couldn't belive it.  I ran across the street and used the phone.  I called my mom and she told me exactly what had happened.  He was coming home, late one night, and they said he had fallen asleep.  Instead of taking the curve in front of him, he went straight.  He hit a telephone pole and the car rolled over on its side.  He was partially ejected out of the passenger side window of his car and it rolled over on top of him, killing him instantly.  He was 34 years old and way to full of life for it to end.  I carry him and his love with me every day of my life and I always will.  Nothing and no one could ever take his place in my heart. 

     The next morning, I sat down with a pen and a piece of paper and this is what came out.

"Today I heard the saddest story,

I think I've ever heard.

Tears came quickly to my eyes

And I couldn't say a word

A newly wed father, brother and uncle

Nephew, cousin and son

Was driving home on a rainy night,

When the day was finally done.

No one knows for sure,

What happend on that curve.

All we'll ever know,

Is that he never tried to swerve.

It was over in a second,

And he never felt a thing.

The story continued on,

But still I hadn't caught his name.

Then the tears began to fall,

From my horrified eyes.

My heart skipped a beat,

And I could hear my own cries.

I didn't even realize,

They were coming from me

The shock hit me right then,

And I could'nt speak or breath

I ran to the phone,

I had to hear it for myself.

But then I heard the same story,

Coming from someone else.

"It's just a dream!" I screamed and screamed

I was having a nightmare or so it seemed.

To this day I still can't choke it down

No more 4 wheeling with you,

Or just cruzin' around.

No more singin' good ol' songs,

Or makin up our own.

No more jammin to the crazies,

Like "Vanilla Ice" or "Tone"

I promise, Stephen, I will miss you.

I'll never forget your face.

And no one in this whole wide world

Will ever take your place.

Go now and rest,

Where you've always wanted to be.

At home with your momma,

For at last, You are free!