This memorial website was created in memory of our lost loved one, Michael LaDue, who was born in Leominster, Massachusetts on August 9, 1981 and passed away on October 10, 2005 at the age of 24. Michael touched many lives in his much too short time here with us.  We will remember him forever and he will live on in our hearts and our memories until we meet again.

Michael has been away from us for almost three years. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday, while feeling like eternity at the same time. We miss him dearly and wish every day for one more chance to see his smile, hear his voice, hug him closely, and tell him just how much we love him. There is a void where he once was in all of our lives and we are left with just our cherished memories to try and fill that hole.


Michael was blessed to have his two loving parents, Craig & Kim, two older siblings, Kevin and Lacey, and his grandparents, Carol & Larry, who always stood by his side.  Michael is the youngest of three children, and as if that wasn't enough, he was also the youngest of seven grandchildren.  He was the baby of the family. 

He also has two beautiful nieces, Selena and Hannah, and many young cousins that he adored.  Michael loved kids as he grew older and would stop what he was doing at any moment to play a game, chase a giggling child, or just pick up a smiling baby for a quick hug. He was very close with his family and loved spending time with them.  

Growing up with Michael was never dull, he always kept you on your toes.  He was a ball of energy and constantly bouncing off the walls from the time he woke, til the time he fell asleep.  He was always so full of life and excitement.  You couldn't help put smile or laugh at most of his antics, even if he was getting on your nerves. 

Throughout our childhood, he was quite entertaining.  He was always good for a laugh, usually at his own expense.  He managed to get into just about anything and everything possible.  As children, he was entertaining because he was so accident prone and, of course, that was very amusing for the other children.  He was also at the receiving end of a joke more often than not, usually as a result of his insistence on being a ninja(it's no joke, we have the pictures to prove it!).  
As Michael grew up, he developed quite a personality and had a great sense of humor.  It seemed that he could just tell when somebody needed a good laugh and he was always there with some joke to get that laugh out of you.  His smile and laugh were infectious, so much so that you couldn't help but laugh, even if the joke was bad.  



Michael was a wonderful person, he had a wonderful heart and the world is a lesser place without him in it.  He touched so many lives in his short life and will live on in our hearts and our memories.  Our family will never be the same without him, for there is a void where his bright smile once was.

We love & miss him very much and we will never forget all the wonderful times!







Forever Changed

Can you see the change in me?
It may not be so obvious to you
I participate in family activities.
I attend family reunions..
I help plan holiday meals.
You tell me you're glad to see
that I don't cry anymore.
But I do cry!
When everyone has gone
- when it is safe-
the tears fall.
I cry in privacy so my family won't worry.
I cry until I am exhausted
and can finally sleep.
You tell me you admire my strength
and my positive attitude.
But I am not strong,
I feel that I have lost control;
and I panic
when I think about tomorrow....
next week....
next year.
I go about the routine of my job.
I complete my assigned tasks.
I drink coffee and smile.
You tell me you are glad to see I'm "over"
the death of my loved one.
But I'm not "over" it.
If I were to get over it,
I would be the same as
before my loved one died.
I will never be the same.

At times I think
I am beginning to heal
but the pain of losing someone
I loved so much
has left a permanent scar on my heart.
I visit my neighbors.
You tell me that you're glad
to see I'm holding up so well.
But I'm not holding up well.
Sometimes I want to lock the
door and hide from the world.
I spend time with my friends,
I seem calm and collected.
I smile when appropriate.
You tell me
it's good to see me
back to my "old self"
But I will never be back to my "old self".
Death and grief, have touched my life....
and I am changed forever.











Letter to Mom



Mom, please don’t feel guilty
It was just my time to go.
I see you are still feeling sad,
And the tears just seem to flow.
We all come to earth for our lifetime,
And for some it’s not many years
I don’t want you to keep crying
You are shedding so many tears.

I haven’t really left you
Even though it may seem so.
I have just gone to my heavenly home,
And I’m closer to you than you know.

Just believe that when you say my name
I’m standing next to you,
I know you long to see me,
But there’s nothing I can do.

But I’ll still send you messages
And hope you understand,
That when your time comes to “cross over,”
I’ll be there to take your hand. 





DAD'S GRIEF

It must be very difficult
to be a man in grief
since men don't cry and
men are strong
no tears can bring relief.
~
It must be very difficult to stand
up to the test,
and take calls and visitors
so she can get some rest.
~
They always ask if she's alright
and what she's going thru,
but seldom take his hand and say,
my friend how are you.
~
He hears her crying in the night,
and thinks his heart will break.
He dries her tears and comforts her,
but stays strong for her sake.
~
It must be very difficult to start
each day anew.
And try to be so very brave for
HE LOST HIS BABY TOO!

Click these links for beautiful inspirational videos

Interview With God

Pathways to Peace