<

LUKE'S BIRTHDAYS

LUCAS CHRISTOPHER ROSS.....1979....1980....1981....1982....1983....1984.... 1985....1986....1987....1988....1989....1990....1991....1992....1993.... 1994....1995....1996....1997....1998....1999....2000....FOREVER 21.... 2001....2002....2003....2004....2005...2006...2007.....2008.....2009.....2010.....2011

days since Luke was born





LUCAS CHRISTOPHER ROSS


"Luke"

October 31, 1979 - April 3, 2001

21 years old

Acute Bronchopneumonia

BORN... Soda Springs, Idaho

DIED... Cave Creek, Arizona

CREMATED... Ashes rest in parent's home

PARENTS... Robin and Christine Ross

SISTER... Emily





THE BOOK OF LUKE


Have you read this life-long story?
It's called THE BOOK OF LUKE.
Take a trip though yesteryear,
As you read each chapter through.

newborn, age 1, age 2, age 3


Introduction:
LUKE IS BORN
It's Halloween,
you know.

Chapter 1:
EMBRACING LIFE
How fast that first
year seems to go.

Chapter 2:
OUR LIVES ENRICHED
His love of life
he shares so much.

Chapter 3:
REACHING OUT
His unique and
special touch.

age 4, age 5, age 6, age 7


Chapter 4:
GROWING FAST
He runs, and laughs,
and plays.

Chapter 5:
OFF TO SCHOOL
Teaching others
his special ways.

Chapter 6:
OUR LITTLE MAN
A cub scout
he becomes.

Chapter 7:
ILLNESS PREVAILS
Unsure of where
it comes from.

age 8, age 9, age 10, age 11


Chapter 8:
ATTEMPTING ESCAPE
Epilepsy has
him enslaved.

Chapter 9:
THE WINNING KID
Rewarded for
being so brave.

Chapter 10:
SECOND PLACE RIBBON
The science fair
at his school.

Chapter 11:
ELECTED ESCORT
It's homecoming,
he's so cool.

age 12, age 13, age 14, age 15


Chapter 12:
CHOSEN SWEETHEART
In the court
he is a beau.

Chapter 13:
MOVING AWAY
To Arizona
we all go.

Chapter 14:
OUT ON A DATE
His very first
high school dance.

Chapter 15:
FALLING IN LOVE
His very first
real romance.

age 16, age 17, age 18, age 19


Chapter 16:
LEARNING TO DRIVE
So proud in his
very first car.

Chapter 17:
GRADUATION
High school's done
with plans to go far.

Chapter 18:
OFF TO COLLEGE
Playing music
from his soul.

Chapter 19:
TELLURIDE
Where heartbreak
takes it toll.

age 20, age 21


Chapter 20:
BACK HOME AGAIN
Such a blessing
in disguise.

Chapter 21:
CELEBRATION
Then he just
lays down and dies.

Luke's gravestone


Although it seems this is THE END
Pages ripped out at 21.
No more chapters here on earth,
But THE BOOK OF LUKE has just begun.

© Christine Ross
~ in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001



2001


TWENTY-ONE AGAIN

October and golden leaves are falling,
Drifting slowly to the ground in the wind.
It's Halloween, It's Luke's Birthday,
And he's twenty-one again.

With the changing of the trees around me,
There is a beauty in their dying leaves,
And if I listen really close,
His voice whispers in the breeze.

Like the trees that are barren in winter,
And are reborn again in early spring,
Luke's not gone no more than the trees.
He's alive in everything.

Light a candle on this Halloween night,
In honor of Lucas Christopher Ross.
He journeyed to a better place,
And he took that step across.

So every October when leaves are gold,
And tumbling to the ground in the wind,
Remember that it's Luke's Birthday,
And he's twenty-one again.

© Christine Ross
~ in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001



LUCAS CHRISTOPHER ROSS

.....by Cindy White "Luke's Aunt" in memory of Luke's Birthday October 31, 1979

There's a special angel, Luke, in heaven up above.
He's watching over his family, with tenderness and love.

We'll never understand why he had to be taken away.
I guess we'll never really know 'til we meet again someday.

It's so hard to understand why, when it's one you know,
A family torn to pieces, not knowing where to go.

But little by little with much pain they get by,
Knowing that someday they'll meet him in the sky.

Until then, their memories and dreams will have to do,
Leaning on each other with Luke's guidance to get them through.

The tears won't stop, the pain won't end,
There's nothing I can do to help their hearts mend.

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away,
Please God just help them get through day after day.

© Cindy White 2001
~ in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001



2002


HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE

Candles may be brightly burning,
Upon a special birthday cake.
Friends and family may be singing,
To what appears an empty space.

You see, that space is only empty,
To our normal human sight.
For our Luke is always near us,
With a spirit that is bright.

To touch may not be possible,
Although our Luke exists,
Not in a way we understand,
But with a presence that persists.

We'll celebrate this special day,
The day our Luke was born,
Shouting "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEET LUKE!!!"
Even though we deeply mourn.

© Christine Ross
~ in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001







2003


THE SPACE BETWEEN

"The day I was born and the day that I died,
Are the beginning and end of a dream.
But the days that really matter the most,
Are the days in the space between."

"I remember the lullabies that you sang,
And the bottles, and diapers, and tears,
Warm cuddles and kisses all through the night,
And your sweet whispers in my ears."

"Swing me real high, want you Mommy?
Kiss me and sister night-night.
Mommy I wanna help, please let me help.
My tricycle fits me just right."

"Mamma, see what I made at school today!
Look, Daddy taught me to ride my bike.
I like my teacher, but not more than you.
I tore my pants, Mamma, I got in a fight."

"Guess what Mom, I have a girlfriend.
Look, I made you something in shop.
I've really got a lot of cool friends now,
See ya Mom, I'll be down at the bus stop."

"Hey Mom, I've got a date for the dance.
Wow, driving a car is really cool.
Look, Mom I got my first real paycheck.
I can't wait to graduate from school."

"Damn Mom, college is really tough.
My choir sings next week, can you come?
I really like my new apartment.
I can't wait till I turn twenty one."

"Mom, is it okay if I move home for awhile?
My birthday in Vegas was fun.
It's nice at home with you and Dad.
It's hard to believe that I'm twenty one."

"I love my new car and I like my new job.
Life seems to finally be going my way.
I'll take care of things while you're gone, Mom.
Have a good time, see ya in a few days."

"Goodbye Mom, I really love you a lot.
Thanks so much for all the good years.
I'm so sorry that I had to leave you.
I know that you'll cry many tears."

"Mom, I came to you one autumn day,
And I left you in the early spring.
What I want you to remember the most.
Are the days in the space between."

© Christine Ross
~ in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001







2004


HE NEVER DID COME HOME

Did you see my little boy,
I have waited all day long,
To celebrate his birthday,
But he never did come home.

I guess he's not so little,
He is really twenty-one,
We had a cake and party,
But he never did come home.

I know that he is old enough,
To be out on his own,
We lit a candle for him,
But he never did come home.

I'm waiting for my baby,
My little boy, my grown-up son.
Many birthdays up in heaven,
But he never did come home.

© Christine Ross
~ in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001







2005


AUTOGRAPH

Your name was etched upon my heart,
When you first journeyed down this path.
You came into my life to live.
You touched me... with your autograph.

And then with crayons on the wall,
So secretly you placed your name.
No famous artist's works compare,
Although your autograph was plain.

Home from school with special papers,
So proudly placed upon the fridge.
Your writings and your works of art.
Your autograph along the edge.

Then came the essays and reports,
Employment and applications,
Greeting cards that you signed with love,
Your autograph, your foundation.

Your name, still etched upon my heart,
Again you journey down that path.
You left my life for worlds unknown.
You touch me... with your autograph.

© Christine Ross
~ in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001







2006


'TWAS HALLOWEEN NIGHT

'Twas Halloween night and all near the house,
Lots of creatures were stirring, the ghosts were aroused.
The pumpkins were carved and lit up with care.
Trick-or-treaters were roaming..... but he wasn't there.

Children were gathered at my door and said...
"Trick-or-Treat, Halloween, we want to be fed".
Decked out in their costumes from shoes to their caps.
I gave them some candy, went back in to relax.

Then out on the porch arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the front door I flew like a flash.
The noise made me shutter, then I heard a crash.

The moon on the crest of the pumpkin's bright glow
Gave the luster of midnight to creatures below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a cute little ghost.... I had nothing to fear.

He seemed so happy, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment he was no longer sick.
More rapid than bats his ghost friends they came,
And they all carried pumpkins with beautiful flames.

"Now mothers, now fathers, now sisters, and brothers
And family, and friends, and all of the others....
In the heavens we live, and we'll come when you call.
Just call us, just call us, just call us all."

As October witches on Halloween fly,
When they sail on their brooms up to the sky.
So up to the heavens his ghost friends they flew,
Then back down to earth to see me and you.

And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof.
The whispers and giggles of each little ghost.
Then one little ghost appeared on the ground.
He came from the roof without making a sound.

He was dressed all in white from his head to his foot,
His clothes were like silk and he carried a book.
A cute little pumpkin he had in his clasp.
As he opened the book I sighed and I gasped.

His eyes how they twinkled, his smile was so merry.
His hands were so gentle, but I was so weary.
His touch was the softest that I'd ever know.
And the pumpkin he held had a beautiful glow.

As I stood there and watched him I felt a great peace.
And a bright light encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a sweet face and a wonderful grin
That beamed when he laughed from his ears to his chin.

He nodded and knew that I needed some help.
I cried when I saw him in spite of myself.
The spark in his eyes and the glow 'round his head,
Soon gave me to know that he wasn't so dead.

He spoke not a word but went straight to his work
As he checked off my name in his book, under hurt.
He looked at me gently and wrinkled his nose,
He gave me a hug, to the clouds he arose.

He joined all his ghost friends and blew me a kiss
And away they all flew even though they'll be missed.
I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight.....
"Mom, we'll be back again next HALLOWEEN night."

© Christine Ross
~ in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001







2007


BABY BROTHER

A little baby boy was born
A long, long time ago
On Halloween 1979
In Soda Springs, Idaho.

We named him Lucas Christopher Ross.
Now baby brother had a name.
His mommy and his daddy,
Were so glad when he finally came.

His big sister, Emily,
Was so happy to have a brother.
Someone she could play with.
Someone she could love forever.

They liked to ride their bicycles,
And play out in the rain.
Emily loved her Luke so much
And Luke loved her the same.

They played for hours in the sandbox,
And they loved to play pretend.
Those two kids, Luke and Emily,
Were always best of friends.

They went to school together
And camping was such fun.
They built tall castles to the sky,
On the beach out in the sun.

Then one day they were big kids
And still best of friends you see.
They just belonged together,
Luke and his sister Emily.

But time ran out so suddenly
And took Luke on April 3rd
Without a single warning,
Without a single word.

Emily wants to be with Luke,
So they can run and laugh and play.
She waits until her time runs out
To take all the hurt away.

Although death has severed many things,
They refuse to be apart.
Because he is her baby brother
And he lives within her heart.

© Christine Ross
~ in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001







2008

YOUR PRESENCE IS EVERYWHERE

October repaints the summer landscape.
A fragrant chill engulfs the air.
October possesses a keen sense of you.
In October... your presence is everywhere.

October winds gently carry your soul
As they whisper to me your sweet name.
October leaves fall to the ground once again
Proclaiming... "nothing ever stays the same".

October sky in a contrast of blue
Opens that door from beyond the clouds.
October sunshine warms my broken heart
Saying... "today no sadness allowed."

October moonlight displays a soft halo,
A likeness of the one that you wear.
October colors fill transparent eyes
Tinting... all of my waiting tears.

October nights with sedating memories
Of rock-a-bye baby to sleep.
October mornings awaken my mind
With dreams... that are mine forever to keep.

October resurrects secret pleasures,
Obsessions I'll always hold dear.
October possesses a keen sense of you.
In October... your presence is everywhere.

© Christine Ross
~ in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001







2009


A BIRTHDAY UP IN HEAVEN

A birthday up in heaven....
Imagine all the joy it brings
To blow out all your candles
And not wish for anything.

To hear the angels sing to you
A happy birthday song.
To know that everything is right
And nothing ever will be wrong.

To eat as much cake as you want
And not count the calories.
To open up your present...
A big box of memories.

To reach out from above the clouds
Retrieving a balloon.
To see it came from those you love
Knowing they will join you soon.

To realize on your birthday
You won't be counting years.
To smile and laugh and giggle
Never shedding any tears.

To travel down to earth again
As they celebrate your day.
To help them all to understand
You really didn't go away.

To finally have the one you've missed
Come running when you call.
A birthday up in heaven
.....Is waiting for us all.

© Christine Ross
~ in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001


BRO HYMN by Pennywise

... dedicated to LUKE by his "forever friend" Ernie, October 31, 2009

To our best friend, present past and beyond
Though you weren't with us too long
Life is the most precious thing we could lose
While you were here the fun was never ending
Laugh a minute was only beginning
(Lucas Christopher Ross), this one's for you

Ever get the feeling you can't go on
Just remember whose side it is that you're on
You've got friends with you till the end
If you're ever in a tough situation
We'll be there with no hesitation
Brotherhood's our rule we cannot bend

When you're feeling too close to the bottom
You know who it is you can count on
Someone will pick you up again
We can conquer anything together
All of us are bonded forever
If you die I die that's the way it is

To our friends, present past and beyond
To all those who weren't with us too long
Life is the most precious thing you can lose
While you were here the fun was never ending
Laugh a minute was only beginning
(Luke), my brother, this one's for you


HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Halloween is in the air.
Little Spooks are out to scare.

Spirits Lurking all around
Trying not to make a sound.

You feel his presence by your side.
He's always there - He hasn't died.

He's Only moved to a better place.
Surrounded by peace, love, and grace.

© 2006 - Arlene Gundersen ~ in memory of Danny and Luke





2010


OCTOBER

O

"O" is for OCTOBER
and pumpkins that are ORANGE.

C

"C" is for us CRYING
happy tears when he boy was born.

T

"T" is for TRICK-OR-TREATING
on scary Halloween nights.

O

"O" is for my ONLY son
Who held me OH so tight.

B

"B" is for my BABY BOY
that I BROUGHT home with me.

E

"E" is for... my EVERYTHING
that he grew-up to be.

R

"R" is for REMEMBERING
his Halloween Birthday.


Tears again... in OCTOBER
just because he went away.

© 2004 - Christine Ross
~ in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001




2011


BABY BOY

Baby boy come to me,
Come to me upon the wind.
Baby boy touch my heart,
Touch my heart and soul again.

Fly from where the angels dwell,
And fly into my dreams.
Take me back to yesterday,
Before the morning gleams.

Let me rock you in my arms,
And sing to you a lullaby.
Let me hold you baby boy,
Before you say goodbye.

Baby boy come to me,
Come to me upon the wind.
Baby boy touch my heart,
Touch my heart and soul again.

© Christine Ross
~ in memory of Lucas Christopher Ross 1979 - 2001




LUKE'S BIRTHDAY CAKES

(incomplete, but working on it)


ONE YEAR - Luke our little spook






TWO YEARS - Luke our little pumpkin






THREE YEARS - Luke our treat






FOUR YEARS - Dukes of Hazzard






FIVE YEARS - Gremlins



SIX YEARS




SEVEN YEARS - Spooky



EIGHT YEARS




NINE YEARS - LSU Football




TEN YEARS - Skeleton




ELEVEN YEARS - Birthday Wishes




TWELVE YEARS - Baseball




THIRTEEN YEARS - Cemetery




FOURTEEN YEARS - Coffin




FIFTEEN YEARS - Nirvana




SIXTEEN YEARS - Jeep




SEVENTEEN YEARS - Chocolate




EIGHTEEN YEARS - Pumpkin Patch




NINETEEN YEARS - Ghosts




TWENTY YEARS - Happy Birthday



LUKE'S LAST BIRTHDAY ON EARTH - celebrated in Las Vegas




2001 - 1ST BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN



2002 - 2ND BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN




2003 - 3RD BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN




2004 - 4TH BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN




2005 - 5TH BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN




2006 - 6TH BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN



2007 - 7TH BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN




2008 - 8TH BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN




2009 - 9TH BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN




2010 - 10TH BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN




2011 - 11TH BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN






LUKE'S HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

(incomplete, but working on it)


LSU FOOTBALL PLAYER




HOPSING




RAGGEDY ANDY & ANN




COUNT DRACULA






GIRL CHEERLEADER






BIRTHDAY GIFTS FOR LUKE


"VISIT WITH LUKE"

Last Entry in Luke's Journal:

"When there is love in my heart and a smile on my face,
I need nothing else." ~ Luke Ross

"MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU"

Music playing:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY