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 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!
I am so sorry. / Dad (Loving Father )
Dear Son,
I am so sorry that I have not been here in such a long time ... I thought that there was a problem with the website but anyway I am back now. I miss you so very much I can barely put it into words. As you are aware I have been having ...
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Thinking About You / Kim LaDue (Mom)
Hey Michael,
I so often think about you and send you messages in my mind. If that's you sending those butterflies... I love them! Thank you Honey.
Stay by our side Michael and help us to come to terms with everything.&nbs...
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Missing You / Mom LaDue
I miss you so very much Honey. Another Mother's Day gone by with not seeing you or hearing from you. That day made it 43 months since you've been gone from us. It was hard. I so wanted to hear your voice, see you and hug ...
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FAMILY PEACE / Audrey Pack (Aunt)
Michael,, Our families didn't keep in touch , I guess we were all too busy with our own little worlds. Since there is a reason for everything, we are trying to recapture some of the years we lost. I am so greatful for the past few months to get to kn...
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Hello / Lisa
Whoa! It's been a crazy few weeks my friend! Can you believe that Selena is 12 already? Where does the time go??? Lacey and I are very depressed over it!
Last weekend was the MADD walk for my brother. It was a gorgeous and crazy weekend! ...
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Letter From Heaven My Mom & Dad, they tell a lot of lies, They never did before. From now until the day they die, They'll tell a whole lot more.
They used to tell the truth, a lot But now it doesn't matter. I died and went to heaven; Their life is all a-shatter.
Ask my Mom & Dad how they are. They'll say, "Yes, I'm fine!" They want to beg "Please help me. I can't find that boy of mine!"
Ask my Mom & Dad how they are, They'll say, "I'm alright." If that's the truth then tell me, Why do they cry each night?
Ask Mom & Dad how they are, They seem to cope so well. They didn't have a choice, you see, Nor the strength to yell.
You think you know the feeling, But this cannot be. For even though you loved me, You didn't love as much as they.
They will smile and tell you, "It's o.k. God has a plan." But they will turn away and cry, 'Cause they just can't understand.
Tell a joke and they will laugh, But they are not o.k. They want to share the joke with me, But it will not be today.
I watch from here, in Heaven. Their distress disturbs my peace. Will someone please take care of them, And thus take care of me?
"Some day you will feel better." "Yes I will." they lie. They know that this will not happen, Until the day they die.
"We were so lucky! We had him all those years!" (They passed in a minute, We shed so many tears.)
Ask my Mom & Dad how they are, They'll say, "Thank you. Good." They cannot tell you how they feel, Oh, how I wish they could.
Ask my Mom & Dad how they are, "I'm fine, I'm well, I'm coping." For God's sake, Mom & Dad, just tell the truth Just say your heart is broken.
Ask my Mom & Dad how they are, "I'm well, I'm good. And you?" I'll shake my head in Heaven. It simply isn't true.
They'll love me all their life. I loved them all of mine. But if you ask how they are, They'll lie and say their fine.
Their carnival is over. They’ve stepped off the carousel. But, to save you feeling badly, They'll say, "Thanks, all is well."
My Mom & Dad, they’ve not gone mad, yet. But, oh so very nearly. Don't ask my Mom & Dad how they are, Ask how are they, really.
I am here in Heaven. I cannot hug from here. If they lie to you, don't listen. Hug them, hold them near.
On the day we meet again, We'll smile and I'll be bold. I'll say, "You're lucky to get in here, With all the lies you told!"
A Message to Michael from Mom I WISH
If I could have a lifetime wish, A dream that could come true, I'd pray to God with all my heart For yesterday and you. A thousand words can't bring you back, I know because I've tried. And neither will a million tears, I know because I've cried. You left behind my broken heart, And happy memories too. I never wanted memories, I only wanted you. A million times I've needed you, A million times I've cried. If love alone could've saved you, You never would have died. In life I loved you deeply, In death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place, No one else will ever fill. It broke my heart to lose you, But you did not go alone. Part of me went with you, The day God took you home.
Author Unknown
A Talk with God from Mom I said, God I hurt. And God said, I know.
I said, I cry a lot. And God said, That's why I gave you tears.
I said, Life is so hard. And God said, That's why I gave you loved ones.
I said, But my loved one died! And God said, So did mine!
I said, It's such a great loss! And God said, I saw mine nailed to a cross!
I said, But your loved one lives! And God said, So does yours!
I said, Where is he now?? And God said, My son is by my side and your Michael is in my arms.
Author Unknown
A Candle For My Beloved Brother
A flame shines in the darkness, A single, flickering light, A candle held in memory, Dispelling the darkness of the night. A candle filled with memories, It speaks a loved ones name, And shines a light for all to see, In a single, flickering flame. Soon other candles join the light, Then thousands fill the sky Illuminating the darkness, Proving a love will never die.
Reflections by Kathy & Janice
Michael was a very special person to all of us. He touched so many lives, but one special life he touched was our fathers', his Uncle Bud. One evening, Michael rented the movie "Saving Private Ryan" and took it to Bud's house. Together they made popcorn and watched the movie. Later, our Dad would call us and say, "Guess who came to see me? Mikey!" (he always called him Mikey)
After a snowy winter day, Mike would go and clean off our father's car and make sure it was moved for the plows. He often put his own plans aside to care for his Uncle Bud.
Of course, there were perks in it for Michael! Uncle Bud would let Michael drive his car even before Mike had a license. Our dad would brag about his good driving skills as Mike drove him to NH to get his beloved cigarettes! Mike spent a lot of time with Uncle Bud, a rarity by today's standards. That was the kind of person Michael could be, kind, sensitive and caring.
And it didn't stop with our dad. Michael was a caring person to all those who came into his life. He touched many hearts.
We believe strongly that Michael is once again visiting with our dad, maybe even with his great grandparents! That he is looking down upon us here with his all too familiar smile, knowing that at some time we will all be together. So, on this day we won't say "Good-bye", We will embrace fond memories of Michael, holding them dear to our hearts and say "Until we meet again!"
Michael's Photo Album
Michael got a perpetual candle for his one year anniversary as our Angel.
Tributes and Condolences
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