Damian entered our lives in March of 1998. Our only son, he is our second born and survived by his three sisters, Alekzandria, Madison, and Zoe. Although small in size he was big in heart. He wasn't afraid to stick up for his sisters even if their opponent was twice as big as him.
We knew Damian would be bright when he was just a baby. He'd wake up looking for his binky in the middle of the night so we placed extras where he could always find one. We later caught him in the middle of the night feeling for these extras, and if any were missing he would still wake up. We were amazed to watch a baby actually counting, and in his sleep. Then there was his speech. He was a lazy talker. Rather than ask for an apple or a waffle, he would say "app" or "waff". Then he discovered dinosaurs, and went from those one syllable words to saying names like parasaurolophus, ankylosaurus, and Tyrannosaurus Rex. At two years of age he could identify and pronounce twenty different dinosaurs. As he grew up he always talked about becoming a teacher in the field of Paleontology.
At school, he was an excellent student, always bringing home awards for academic achievements and for possessing good character traits. His teachers commented on how wonderful it was to hear his contributions in discussions. During his spare time Damian loved to play video games, skateboard, and go shooting, (he loved guns and was a natural shot), but he enjoyed watching shows on the Military and Discovery channels. One of his favorites was "the Universe". He loved the stars and learning about how everything was created. Damian also had a lot of fun being in Boy Scouts. He looked forward to becoming an Eagle Scout and joining the Navy like his hero, his Grandpa, Gary.
Our time with our Buddy was much too short, but we know we are lucky to have had him at all. We could not have asked for a more wonderful son and brother. He gave us so much to be proud of. It made him happy to make others laugh. Everyone who was fortunate enough to have met him loved him and we are grateful that he will live on forever in all our hearts.
We miss you so much, Damian. Our love for you is eternal. May you shine on above us making the night sky brighter for us all.
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The Broken Chain
Author unknown
We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
