Ross Edward Price blessed us for 25 short years. Born on May 29, 1981, he blessed everyone's life he touched through his music, beautiful smile and wonderful humor.
Ross loved family above all and was so giving of his time to his brothers and sister, many friends and could light up a room with his laughter.
Two hearts were joined together when Tiffany entered our son's life. Ross often spoke of the soul mate he had found, the life together they had planned and was so in love. Soon, they would become parents. Hunter Matthew Price entered our world on September 15, 2004. Along with 'his girl, Tiff', Hunter was the center of Ross' world.
A devoted musician, Ross joined the worship team at their Church. Many a day would find Ross strumming his guitar, creating his own music or 'improving' on well known artists' latest songs. I'd often ask him to play "Tears In Heaven", a favorite from Eric Clapton. He's smile, complain a bit, 'Aw, you know that's the hardest song to play', all the while falling into the song.
On September 2, 2006, we received 'the call' that forever altered our world. Ross died 'instantly' in a tragic auto accident. We'll forever remember what we were doing at 9:53 AM, the words we heard that no parent should ever endure and the coming days that blended into a foggy haze.
Only a Mother knows how a heart can stop beating even for a moment. I had been washing dishes, staring out the window at the beautiful flowers in our yard. I'll never look out that window and enjoy the same view again. Ed, my dear husband, had gone out earlier to assist an elderly couple with their air conditioner. I remember calling our other children, asking them to please come home. As the front door opened, I knew I was about to shatter Ed's heart. 'Dear God, lead me to say what needs to be said' was all I could pray. Unable to stop the flood of tears, I told Ed that our son was gone. There are no sounds more mournful than the echoes of a father's heart breaking.
Our children began arriving and we all headed to the hospital, thinking this is some horrible mistake. Enroute, a call came in from the doctor, 'gently' suggesting that we not come, that 'this is something no parent should see'. How hard to absorb those words, desperate to see our son just one more time.
Our family began arriving from the 'four corners' of the world. Many of our precious online military support Sisters and Brothers began calling, sending sweet cards, flowers and words of gentle support. Somehow, we drifted through.
Ross' Memorial Service was entitled 'A Celebration of Life'. We learned later that 5 people had accepted Christ on that day.
During the coming days, as the house settled back down to just us grieving parents, we held on for dear life to each other. Ed summed it up best during a recent testimony at Church: 'We had 2 choices, to curse God or embrace Him. We chose the latter.'
Our hearts, lives and souls were forever altered on that fateful day. We've walked through many 'firsts' since the death of our son. Only by God's Loving Grace have we traversed these immense mountains, deep chasms of despair and a parent's ultimate heartbreak.
Our 'saving grace' is knowing our son lives with the Angels. Just one week prior to his death, Ross re-dedicated his life to Christ. We will see him again.
There are no words one can say to understand this grief unless they've walked this tragic path. Each day is a challenge, with most blending into the next.
We give thanks to all who have walked with us. Your love, sweet thoughts, prayers and amazing friendships have been our blessings.
Son, you may be gone, but you're never forgotten.
Until we join you in Heaven,
Dad and Mama Lynn
Benjamin Cox |
I was a good friend of ross in high school. We just kinda fell out of touch. I have thought of ross many time sence i saw him last. Wondering how he was doing. If i could have found a way to talk to him i would have in a sec. Ross was always very cool. Laid back. Had the face of a million smiles. All the girls loved him. He was so nice all the time. He never really lost his temper. All said in done. He left far to early. I have missed you for a while now. Now i miss you even more. Take care old friend.
Lynn Price |
Well son, we made it through your birthday. Each and every one of us remembered you, your life and all the love we carry with us in our hearts in our own special way.
Ed played onstage at Church (for the first time) on the 26th of May. I wish you could've been sitting where we were, watching the glow of Christ across his face, radiating from within.
Both your dad and Chris look so 'peaceful', sharing their hearts, souls, voices and talents when singing/playing for the Lord.
Your Dad had a dream the night before your birthday.....he awoke scared. Seems you and him, along with one of your friends were camping in the mountains. Ed said you and the friend were 'going for a walk' and he said to you, "I love you, son." You glanced back, not replying. Ed began his daily activities with this on his mind. As he was driving to work, God spoke to him. He said, "I know it was God.....and it was loud and clear." God told him, "Fear not, he is with me." What joy to hear....our Lord's voice, with such a beautiful message.
Crystal had her birthday on the 1st of June and Justin's was the 2nd. Each one thought of how previous birthdays were spent, holding you in their hearts. Justin will graduate high school on the 10th. Although you won't be there (physically) to see him walk across that stage, we know you'll be there in spirit. Our hearts are heavy, knowing Justin is leaving for Basic/AIT/Jump School on the 28th. He's often told us, 'I'll have my own Guardian Angel, so don't worry about me.' Yeah, like this is something parents won't do.
Life is moving forward, times are changing. There are so many times we wish we could have that 'one more day' with you....even knowing it would leave us 'wishing for one more day'.
You may be gone from Mother Earth, but you remain forever in our hearts. Our love continues on. Visit us often, shine your light from Heaven and reach down to catch our tears.
Love to a very special son,
Mama Lynn
Rich Reith |
Felt this overwhelming need to write this.
Love, Ross
By Rich Reith
And my love will try to dry each tear
Lynn Price |
HURRICANE RAIN
Much like the weather, our emotions can change,
I've seen nothing more powerful than the Hurricane Rain.
Spring's gentle breezes reflect life's new beginnings,
Winter snowstorms are much like our endings.
The good and the bad, we've been through it all,
Spirits will soar and like autumn leaves fall.
Family and friends, like roses with sharp thorns,
Bring us great beauty, leave us shattered and torn.
Every once in a while someone special comes along,
God sends us His Angels when our spirits aren't strong.
A chance encounter becomes a friend to the end,
Shoulders to lean on, with bad weather, won't bend.
When our work on Earth is over and done,
Angels will gather to lead the way home.
Some of our loved ones we must leave behind,
Need special Angels to ease troubled minds.
Heaven's door opens, the sunlight shines through,
God reaches His arms, "How much I love you."
"Lord, I've been blessed all of my life,
With wonderful children and a most cherished wife.
I know they'll join me one of these days,
But, Lord, now they need you in so many ways."
God gently smiles, "Son never fear,
I've sent 10,000 Angels to gather them near.
My Angels are treasures, their work is so hard,
Bringing such comfort when the days become dark.
My son, they have feelings, they'll cry with your pain,
That's how men bear witness to the Hurricane Rain."
Lynn Price © August 1986
In Memory of My Angels
Your Bro Donnie |
Lynn Price | Missing You | June 11, 2013 |
mom 2 Waylon Kitchens | xoxoxoxo | September 5, 2009 |
Dad & Mom | Third Angelversary | September 3, 2009 |
Son,
Another 'milestone' has passed, the third Angelversary. We miss you more and more each day but know you're at rest in God's Loving Arms.
Everyone met at church last night, sending up many 'hugs', love and our prayers to you. Each of us are still affected with you leaving us so soon.
We feel you near us each and every day. As we sent Justin off to Iraq on August 18th, we knew you'd be his Guardian Angel, watching over him as he defends his Country.
Son, we love you and will join you in Heaven one day.
Loving hugs,
Dad and Mom
mom 2 Waylon Kitchens | hugs | August 21, 2009 |
Waylon's mom | words of comfort | May 31, 2009 |
There's a place
I've never seen
beyond this world we know,
A place I've only heard of
but someday hope to go -
It's not on any map,
there are no roads
to take me there,
But it's a place of perfect peace
where hearts are free from care.
And though I understand
some may be saddened
when I leave,
One day, we all will meet again -
that's what I believe...
When it's time to travel there,
I think I'll wear a smile,
I'll say good-bye to those I love,
but only for a while,
Knowing there are others
who have traveled there alone,
Who cannot wait to greet me
and to whisper "welcome home."