IF TEARS COULD BUILD A STAIRWAY AND MEMORIES A LANE.
I 'D WALK RIGHT UP TO HEAVEN AND BRING YOU HOME AGAIN.

Dedicated to the Loving Memory of our son Michael Wayne Gardner
July12, 1971 - September 8, 1998

I remember sitting with you as a child thinking of the kind of man you would become.

All my hopes and prayers were for the best, in life, all your dreams would be fulfilled
I do not know where the time went... seems like yesterday you held my hand as we walked and gave me a kiss and a hug as you went to sleep.

Every memory of you growing up is imbedded in my heart. To watch you grow, and find your way was not always easy for you. You grew in such a remarkable way.
Always building your path with such determination, never giving up your dreams, always traveling towards the light at the end of that long road no matter how far away it seemed.

I know that some day you would have accomplished your goals and become the artist you wanted to be.
I know that someday you would have found your  way in love and life.
I know that some day we will meet again in a much better place where there is no hate and evil and I look forward to that day.
Your dad and I are so very proud of the person you had become in 27 years, only God knows what you would have accomplished if given the chance to go on with your life.

Evil took you away from us, we pray for justice!!!

We pray to God for strength to go on each day.
For we know-
You are now in his loving arms now - and will always be in our saddened hearts.

We miss you Michael
Love always Mom and Dad

On August 2, 2001 marcuse branner was given 24 years for the Murder of my only child.

IT WAS NOT ENOUGH !!!

8/28/2003
It has been almost five years and still I sit here in tears wishing that I could join you. If only I had known that you would not be with me forever I would have told you more often how much I loved you

With all my heart I miss you!

3/11/05

I sit here thinking of all you have missed and what your father and I have missed. I keep thinking of things I wish I had said or done that would have made your life easier or let you know how much we loved you.
I hear a song on the radio that talks about memories or the lose of a loved one and it makes me cry. I see someone with a new grandchild and I cry. Someone ask "do you have children" and I cry!
I pray to God your father and I will somehow make it until we see you again, we miss you so very much.

2/10/2006

          Another year has gone by and the pain is still very strong. We go to work, spend time with others as if our lives are normal, what ever that may be. No one can relate to the pain we feel unless their lives have somehow gone down this path. Losing a child is never easy. How you cope each day is something you have to do yourself there is no one other than God that can help. I believe with all my heart that you are with god and we will be together again.

10/16/2007

You were in my thoughts last night as I lay awake.What would you be doing, how many grand children would we have, would you have realized your dream of being an artist. All these questions and more can never be answered.
       We received a letter around Christmas that informed us your murderer has been moved to a less secure prison. He has filed an appeal that was denied and has now appealed to the start Supreme court. Every time we receive something like this it brings back all the hurt and pain. It is never ending! I do not know the reasons why your life ended and why mine goes on. I suppose I will find that answer when my life comes to an end.

Until we are together.

I will miss you!