May 5, 1961 - December 16, 1999

Paul was a son, father, grandfather,and brother. He was a very out going person that always smiled,and always had lots of friends. He was the type of person that never put a value on material things. He gave things away to people If they could use them. He was always helping others.

He was a excellent billiard player and a dry wall finisher by trade.He liked to party and took one day at a time.

He had a daughter and one year before he passed over he became a grandpa!

Paul fought his battle against ALS (Lou Gehrig's) for two and a half years. He did this bravely, with dignity,and never lost his faith in God.He always smiled and said "He knew he was going to walk,eat foods again and most of all see Our Mother soon once he left this Earth."

The day Paul went to a better place I was sitting out on the porch with other family members . It was the dead of winter and this huge black crow came flying by and was screaming for attention. It was swooping back and forth and flying free in the sky.

I knew at that time ..that Paul was happy and free and his spirit was one with the crow.

There is a saying that the crow is the final messenger at times. And as long as you cry and mourn for a loved one their spirit cannot go on and rest.

In the next few days the crow visited me often and I could hear it calling.

Then the day came we shed our last tears and We said goodbye.


" The Crow "

One more Angel in Heaven, one more star in the sky But please, Child, don't be saddened And don't, Child, say Goodbye

Look at the bird flying freely It stops, it lands, it is gone I gave him wings, he came to you And now he must move on

But wait, Child, look down at your feet 'tis a feather he left behind Stop, Child, now look around you... It is Our Friend you will find

Listen to the wind as it passes It wraps you in its embrace It carries the laughter of nearby children Leaving a smile on your face

Feel the warmth of the sun as it rises Calming with its golden glow It brings such a peaceful impression Allowing your tension to flow

And the clouds, as they burst, let them bathe you Caressing you with their tears Bringing the release of sadness Erasing all of your fears

Behold the blossoming flowers Surrounding you with Love A symbol of life ever-lasting A promise from God above

Hear me laugh in the wind, I am with you Bask in the sun, I am warmth Dance in the rain I will follow Bloom with the rose, there's no storm

These are what I once was: A name, a face, a true man But the wind, the sun and the rain These are what I still am...

By: Juanita