Anniversary By Liz Miller

Today is the 4th anniversary of my precious son's death. Today is not unlike any other day during these past four years, except that it shows me how much time is going by. I have received calls and e-mails from a few family and friends letting me know that Travis and our family are in their thoughts today. I can never truly express how much this means to me. As everyone is progressing in their lives, I can't help but always think to myself, "What would Travis's life be like right now? Would he be out of college, would he be married, have a family?" I wonder if people remember him. Then times like today, Mother's Day, his birthday and the holidays roll around and people contact me and I realize what an impact he made on other people's lives and that he will never be forgotten by those of us who love him. During the past four years not a day has gone by that I have not thought of Travis, nor felt the pain in my heart that his passing has left with me. During good times and bad times in these four years, I always wish he was here to share my successes and heartaches with. I miss his friendship and all of our talks terribly. When the phone rings, a part of me still hopes that is him calling me to share his latest adventure with. I still hear his voice saying, "Hi Mom!" Sometimes I see him smiling down on me with that big, vibrant grin that he has and I thank God for that gift and most of all I thank God for blessing me as Travis's Mom. I wish that he could be a part of watching his brother grow up. We would have such a good time harassing Troy with dating tips and about shaving, just like I did with Trav. This past weekend I gave Troy Travis's leather jacket and it fit Troy perfectly. I couldn't help but see Travis smiling proudly down on his brother and it brought a tear of joy to my eye. I just want to say today to all of you that I appreciate the love and friendship that you have shared with our family and most of all with Travis. He is watching down on all of us with love and is looking forward to seeing us all again in heaven.