Merry Christmas in Heaven Johnny!

Here you are celebrating another Birthday for Jesus. I can only imagine what you are experiencing. The Hallelujah Chorus's are probably very loud. Are you playing your drums for them? Missing you son and hoping we will all be together very soon. Love you Mom and Dad.

Happy 32nd Birthday in Heaven Johnny!

You know, every year since loosing you Johnny, I go down the Birthday card isle and look at cards to put on your grave. Most cards aren't appropriate because you are no longer here, but it gives us comfort to read and write our thoughts down. Most years I buy a card, but don't even leave it at the grave. This year is no exception.

I hope everyone reads this and realizes , time is short. Love your children, hold them close. Don't take them for granted and treat them how you want to be treated. But most of all, be the Christian example before them and teach them how to love God. So one day they will be saved and live eternally. Do you want your children, your grandchildren to know God? Here is the card I bought this year.

Dear Son,

If only, I had known then how fast the time would go, how days would turn to months, then years- how quickly you would grow...If I knew then what I know now, I'd leave some to-do's undone. I'd worry less, let go of stress, and focus on fun. I'd let the dinner dishes sit, turn off the nightly news, I wouldn't sweat the little things like muddy floors or shoes... But even though I'd change some things, I know this much is true. No one's ever loved their son as much as we love you. Have a wonderful Birthday in Heaven. WE WILL seen you soon!

Love Mom and Dad

Trisha, Jim, Ally, Megan, Malia and Jena send their love too!

John L. Thiem Jr - Nov 12, 1977- July 21,1999

Here it is July 20th 2009, and I'm thinking of you Johnny. 10 years ago our lives changed forever. Of course, not a day goes by without thoughts of you. We try and just dwell on the good memories, but unfortunately those bad days come back to memory because of the horrible disease you lived with every day of your life. Cystic Fibrosis, a disease we continue to fight for a cure of. We do celebrate the fact that you are in Heaven, a place of no more pain, no sorrow and picture you playing the drums and singing in that heavenly choir. We found a few pictures, not of real good quality, and the scanner isn't working, but wanted to add a few new ones. Thanks Oscar for finding this one. Johnny loved to play his drums as often as possible, so playing at camp was a blast for him. I hope you will share some memories of Johnny with us. It is our way of dealing with our grief . We love you Johnny, Mom and Dad.

Johnny playing his drums at church camp, approximately 1997 or 1998.

The picture below is of Johnny and one of his greatest mentors,

his Band Director, Paul Locke. This is at band camp in I believe 1993.

The picture above is at one of our band functions, either a band pool party

or band practice night.

This collage of pictures was put together by a very talented friend and co-band member, Eric Beckett after Johnny died.

Somemore favorite pictures

Our first Bowl for Breath - 1982 or 1983

Wow 10 years!!!

In just a few days on July 21st will be 10 years since Johnny was promoted to Heaven. Its hard to believe its been that long. I still remember every detail like it was yesterday. I remember when I got to the hospital knowing that things were not good but never thinking that he would die. He always went to the hospital but always came home so there was no way this could happen to him and us. There was family waiting in the entrance lobby to take Ally for me and I was escorted up to the 3rd floor by Clark and Uncle Scott. When I got there the hospital chaplain was there with my mom and dad along with my grandparents and lots of other family. The chaplain and my parents explained to me that there was nothing left they could do for him. They had done all they could and it was time to let him go home. I was devasted! I asked to see him immediately by myself so that I could talk to him and say goodbye on my own. I will never forget that moment. Its something that no one should ever have to go through. Then family started to trickle in the room and we took turns for a bit. Aunt Liz took me out on the balcony and said Trisha look at the sky. Its a beautiful day and remember what the day you lose your brother looks like. It was a beautiful day. Warm and not a cloud in the sky. Then we went back in his room with all of our family and close friends at our side and sang Gospel Way songs to him as he had asked. It was such a beautiful yet heartbreaking moment and right before my mom and dad were going to have to take have him taken off life support God took him instead. Thank You God for taking that burden from my parents. That day was the worst day of our lives and hurts tremendously to this day, but was also the day my brother met Jesus face to face. I cant wait to see him again in Heaven some day soon. I love you and miss you everyday my sweet brother! Love always and forever in my heart, your sister