Remembrances

In Loving Memory of our beloved son
Stephen “Dido” Pierce

September 2, 1997 – July 27, 2013

I was awaken in the wee hours last night, it was oh so quiet and I laid in bed not making a sound and not moving a bone. It was the most quiet I have heard in days, I laid there in hopes that I would hear a sound that reminded me of Stephen. I was laying oh so silent wishing that I would hear his chirp, his neigh, or simply the sound of his feet hitting the tile floor as he jumped, hopped and danced towards the kitchen as he had done thousands of times in the middle of the night and early mornings, or the simple sound of his fidget falling to the tile floor as he approached the kitchen. Getting to our doorway his presence would then alarm the dogs and then they would began to bark. But lately Stephen was not making the dogs bark. He was simply sitting at his chair at the kitchen table and if either Marc or I was not out there within minutes he would begin to chirp for a mid-night meal, breakfast, a drink of juice, or simply company. But those sounds that I was wishing for did not come tonight. As we all know Stephen was so full of love, never once did he display any violent behaviors, never raised his hand in anger, never uttered an evil word. Everywhere Stephen went he showered those around him with love and affection, he would reach out and grab someone’s arm to smell them or their hair. Weather we were at school, the grocery store, at a meeting, at therapy or visiting somewhere, Stephen emitted total love, respect and affection, he was content. He treated people exactly like we all should do, he was not afraid to put his guard down and show his heart.

As I continued to lay in bed I began to realize how lucky, fortunate and blessed Marc and I have been to have had these eight years with Stephen, he gave our lives true meaning. He made us work hard, he tested our nerves, and most of all he showed us the true meaning of love, he taught us how to care for others, he taught us about Stephen and to stand up for what is right, we are oh so thankful and grateful for knowing and growing with Stephen. Because of him we are better human beings. I know that everyone who ever knew, worked or sat with Stephen will go away with a little bit of him in their hearts. And if there is anything to learn from Stephen’s life, it is that love is endless.

There will be those times when I do hear those familiar sounds in the middle of the night when it is quiet and dark, or when I am out working in the yard or just sitting on the sofa and I will know who it is and I will smile.

– Joseph Segura