IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY SON, WINFIELD "BUDD" STALEY, III WHOSE WONDERFUL SPIRIT WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED & LOVED. WE MISS YOUR SMILE,YOUR LAUGHTER, YOUR DANCE, AND ESPECIALLY YOUR HUGS. MAY YOU FOREVER DANCE WITH THE ANGELS BOO ! 

A mother who misses you sadly

Finds the time long since you went

And thinks of you daily and hourly

But tries to be brave and content

As often I shed tears in silence

and breathe a sigh of regret

For you were mine , and I remember

though all the world forgets...

I miss and love you every hour of everyday Son,

God gave us a wonderful son,

His memory will never grow old,

He fashioned his smile out of sunshine,

He moulded his Heart of pure gold.

He needed a new star in Heaven,

A beautiful light to shine,

So out of this old world of sorrow,

He chose that dear son of mine.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beside your grave I often stand

With heart both crushed and sore,

Silent till the sweet words come,

"Not lost, but gone before."

God knows how much I miss you,

He counts the tears I shed,

And whispers "He only sleeps,

Your loved one is not dead."

So I'll be brave dear Bubba,

And pray to God each day,

And when He calls me home to you,

Your smile will guide the way

Budd, how this day breaks our hearts every year when it comes

My Boy... Budd

Something will remind me
I never know just when
It might be something someone says
And it all comes back again

The times we spent together
The happiness, tears,and fun
Once again I feel the pain
Of life without my Son

It's said that's time's a healer
I'm not sure this is true
There's not a day goes by Son
That I don't cry for you.

Love you Forever, Your Mom

Thank-you Delia...

You are our Special Gift !

My Prayer
Though my face is stained with tears,
My heart is racked with pain
In God I trust for your sake
All is not in vain
Days and weeks have passed 
Months have turned to years
Time matters not dear
I still feel your presence near
Memories are precious Son
It seems not so long
Since I kissed your brow
It is my prayer we meet again
If God would so allow
Oh Dear Lord if you are listening
Keep my Budd by Your side
For I need not have to tell you
He is my joy and pride

I'll Always Be Watching Over All Of You

To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me- let me go-
I have so many things to see and to do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love..You can only guess-
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you have shown
But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So, grieve awhile for me if grieve you must-
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So, bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on-
So if you need me-call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart you'll hear
All of my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and  "Welcome Home".

Until we meet again-all my love, Budd

Thank-you Delia...

God took him home, it was His will,

But in our hearts we love him still,

His memory is as dear today

As in the hour he passed away.

We often sit and think of him

When we are all alone,

For memory is the only friend

That grief can call its own

You & your sister, Trisha

To You, Son,  For All The Good Times...

They say there is a reason
They say that time will heal
But neither time nor reason
Will change the way that we feel.

For no one knows the heartache
That lies behind our smiles
No one knows how many times
We have broken down and cried.

We want to tell you something
So  there won't be any doubts
You're so wonderful to think of
But so hard to be without...

We cannot bring the old days back,
When we were all together
The Family Chain is broken now
But memories live forever...
You will always be our cherished memory Budd !

Winfield R. Staley III...aka "Budd"

To All Who Enter Here,

In loving memory of our Son , Brother, Daddy, Nephew and Friend, Budd, who was born in Columbus, Ohio on August 24, 1979 and died unexpectedly on September 26, 2001 at the tender age of 22. Pick a song, light a candle or recall a favorite moment you had with Budd as he left us with many memories of him.

What can I say about my boy?? He was a good and loving son who from time to time was full of it !! Budd loved his family and friends. He loved music and loved to dance as many of you already know that from being in the clubs with him. He loved to party..He was a fighter and that was his downside to life. He wouldn't run from a fight. To all the girls he knew and loved before..please forgive him for his faults. Remember that he took your love with him to the "other side". 

I had Budd for 22 years and to know him was to love him even through the hard times. I miss him everyday especially when a car passes with the loud hip hop music playing and my pictures are rattling on the walls - (sigh). I miss that beautiful smile (the light up a room kind) and his voice as he came rolling thru my back door hollering- "Whatcha Cooking Baby?" I miss that wonderful 2 armed hug from up behind you that only he could give. I will no longer feel those 2 arms around me and that cheek -to-cheek kiss again in my life - but to have never had one of them would have been more tragic to me.

Don't feel sorry for me for I had a great love in my son, Budd and I see him from time to time. He lets me know he is still here with me and I hope someday he will visit you too. His spirit is still here for the love between a mother and her child is forever. He left his fingerprints on my heart and I'm a better person because of him. He lives on through all of us who love him and miss him daily. Let Budd's life be a reminder that tomorrow is not promised to any of us and make a memory here each day with all of those we care about. From a broken-hearted mother to others -please hug and kiss your babies tonight and tell them you love them- it was the last thing I did say to my son. Remember Not the way he died but the way he lives through on in our hearts forever...

Thank-you for taking the time out of your busy day to visit this website and for lighting a candle for Budd.

Within each of our hearts....he left a piece of his behind

Please don't ask me if I am over it yet.
I will never be over it.

Please, don't tell me he is in a better place.
He isn't here with me.

Please, don't say at least he isn't suffering.
I haven't come to terms with why he had to suffer at all.

Please, don't tell me you know how I feel.
Unless you have lost a child.

Please, don't ask me if I feel better.
Bereavement isn't a condition that clears up.

Please, don't tell me at least you had him for 22 years.
What year would you choose to have your child die?

Please, don't tell me that God never gives us more than we can bear.
Please, just say you are sorry.

Please, just say you remember my child, if you do.
Please, let me talk about my child.
Please, mention my child's name.
Please, just let me cry and cry.

I  found a penny today
Just lying on the ground
But it's not just a penny
This little coin I found.

Angels put them there
That's what I've always heard
They say angels toss them down
So you won't always wear a frown

They say when an angel misses you
They toss a penny down
Sometimes just to cheer you up
To make a smile out of your frown.

So don't pass by that penny
When you're feeling blue
It may be a penny from heaven
That  your angel tossed to you.

Angel Kisses

You go through life so often,
not stopping to enjoy the day.
And we take each one for granted,

As we travel on our way. For in your pain and sorrow,
An Angel's Kiss will help you through,
This Kiss is very private,
For it is meant for only you.

We never stop to measure,
Anything we just might miss.
If the wind should blow by softly,
You'll feel an Angel's Kiss.


A Kiss that's sent from heaven,
A Kiss from heaven above.
A Kiss that is very special,
From someone that you love.

So when, your hearts are heavy,
And filled with tears and pain,
And no one can console you,
Remember once again...

About the ones you grieve for,
Because you sadly miss.
The gentle breeze you took for granted
Was just an Angel's Kiss.

BUDD SURE LOVED TO PARTY !!!!

Budd in Florida in 2001 a few months before his death..

At the finest level of my being, you're still with me,
We still look at each other, at that level beyond sight,
We talk and laugh with each other, on a level beyond touch,
We share time together, in a place where time stands still,
We are still together, on a level called love,
But I cry alone for you, in a place called REALITY.....

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes;
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.
There  shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.Revelation 21:4

Ask My Mom How Is She

 My Mom, she tells a lot of lies

 She never did before.

 From now until the day she dies.

 She'll tell a whole lot more.

 She used to tell the truth, a lot

 But now it doesn't matter.

 I died and went to heaven,

 Her life is all a-shatter.

 Ask my Mom how is she.

 She'll say, "Yes, I'm fine!"

 She wants to beg "Please help me.

 I can't find that boy of mine!"

 Ask my Mom, how is she,

 She'll say, "I'm alright."

 If that's the truth then tell me,

 Why does she cry each night?

 Ask my Mom, how is she,

 She seems to cope so well.

 She 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 she.

She will smile and tell you,

 "It's o.k. God has a plan."

 But she will turn away and cry

 'Cause she just can't understand.

 Tell a joke and she will laugh,

 But she is not o.k.

 She wants to share the joke with me,

 But it will not be today.

 I watch from here, in Heaven.

 Her distress disturbs my peace.

 Will someone please take care of her,

 And thus take care of me?

 "Some day you will feel better."

 "Yes I will." she lies.

 She knows this will not happen,

 Until the day she dies.

 "I was so lucky!

 I had him all those years!"

 (They passed in a minute,

 I shed so many tears.)

 Ask my Mom how is she,

 She'll say, "Thank you. Good."

 She cannot tell you how she feels.

 Oh, how I wish she could.

 Ask my Mom how is she,

 "I'm fine, I'm well, I'm coping."

 For God's sake, Mom, just tell the truth

 Just say your heart is broken.

 Ask my Mom how is she,

 "I'm well, I'm good. And you?"

 I'll shake my head in Heaven.

 It simply isn't true.

 She'll love me all her life.

 I loved her all of mine.

 But if you ask how is she,

 She'll lie and say she's fine.


 Her carnival is over.

 She's stepped off the carousel.

 But, to save you feeling badly,

 She'll say, "Thanks, all is well."

 My Mom, she's not gone mad, yet.

 But, oh so very nearly.

 Don't ask my Mom how is she,

Ask how is she, really.

 I am here in Heaven.

 I cannot hug from here.

 If she lies to you, don't listen.

 Hug her, hold her 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, Mom,

 With all the lies you told!"


 Written by Jo Burr  3 months after losing her 15yr old son, Simon 




        BUDD... AFTER A NIGHT OUT CLUBBIN'

You with Leah at her prom

                             My Uncle, The Angel 
                             By: Devin Martinez 
                                   12-12-07

As I rapidly fell asleep, I heard a sweet voice. It was a voice that I had heard before, but some time ago. I realized the voice was my Uncle Budd's. I realized it was a dream but yet it felt so real. I knew the voice was his, and suddenly he said to me “Come with me.”
I then asked him “Go with you where?”
He replied “Just come with me.” I agreed and went with him. 

He took me to the “Golden Gates,” and showed me where he had been for so long. The room was like a College dorm, with several people living in the quarters. The room was very clean and neatly arranged. He asked me “Would you like to see Jesus?” I said “Yes, sure that would be awesome.” 

When I met Jesus, I was amazed. His hair and skin were the color of sand, and he was adorned with a beautiful robe. He looked at me and smiled. 

My Uncle asked me “Are you ready to return to earth?”
Even though I wanted to stay with him there, I knew I must return to my family. My Uncle kissed me on the cheek and told me
“Take care of the family down on earth, tell them “I love them all, but I must stay here.”
When we were returning to earth, my clothes got stuck on a cloud. My Uncle helped me to get my clothing unstuck. As we returned to my bedroom, he said “Good night Devin.”
I asked him
“Will you be coming again?” he looked at me and said
“I am with you every night and everyday, I am always watching over you.” 

I smiled and away he flew. In the morning when I woke up, I found an angel wing beside my bed. I smiled, and tucked it under my pillow.

They say that life is fleeting
I know that this is true
I left this world so quickly
With no goodbye to you.

I know how much you miss me
Your tears fall ever light
The pillow where you lay your head
Is wet with them at night. 

I know your heart is hurting
The words we left, unsaid
I love you’s, left unspoken
Are spinning in your head.

The strength that I have carried
That served to make you whole
Remains to make you stronger
Within your grieving soul.

For you see, while you were weeping
On the day I passed away
At the gravesite near the flowers
Where my loved ones knelt to pray.

An angel came to see me
She took me by the hand
She led me to a kingdom
In a very distant land.

As I look down from heaven
And see you standing there
Your heart so ever burdened
With more grief than it can bear.

I long to bring you comfort
I long to give you peace
I long to hold you closely
Cause all your tears to cease.
             
The joy I’ve found in heaven
Goes far beyond compare
The love that’s so elusive
Can be found here everywhere. 

The light is softly shining
There’s no storm clouds here or rain
There’s no teardrops found in heaven
There’s no suffering, there’s no pain.

You needn’t be so troubled
Stay close to God and pray
That someday we’ll be together
One bright and glorious day.

So Momma, you shouldn’t question
My dear you need not cry
I’ve gone to be with Jesus
I really didn’t die.

I Hear Each Tear Fall On Her Face
Author unknown

My Mom doesn't know I'm watching her
but I'm watching her just the same.
And I hear each tear fall on her face
at the very mention of my name.

She says it sounds like music to her ears
and can be heard over a crowd.
Oh, I hear each tear fall on her face
when my name is said aloud.

I watch her stumble through each day
as she wishes the day would end.
And I hear each tear fall on her face
as she talks of me to her friends.

But there are few who truly understand.
Oh this I've heard her proclaim.
And I hear each tear fall on her face.
Will my Mom ever be the same?

I know that her smile lights up a sky.
But I don't see that smile today.
Oh, but I hear each tear fall on her face.
Her blue skies have turned to gray.

Oh I send to her my warmest hug
with the rays of the morning sun.
Then, I won't hear a tear fall on her face.
For I shall erase them one by one.

Yes, my Mom doesn't know I'm watching her.
But I'm watching her just the same.
And if I hear a tear fall on her face
I'll just softly whisper her name!

My Little Brother

I want to tell you, Bubba, that I miss you everyday
It's hard to know my little brother had to go away.
But I know you are in Heaven with our Grandma so dear
And I promise you forever that I'll keep your memory near.

Now that you have Angel wings and can really fly
I'll keep you in my heart ...no need to say goodbye.
I'll bet you fly faster than all the angels there
Like riding on a Harley, the wind blowing through your hair.

All I ask of you Boo is to keep an eye on me
Because you're my little brother and you'll always be.
Send a sign that your okay in Heaven up above 
In turn  I'll say a prayer for you and send you all my love.

From the day God called and you had to leave
I have missed you very much and in my heart I grieve.
But I have all the memories of my wonderful little brother
And when God calls me home we'll be with one another. 
Love you My Brother, My Baby, My Boo
Your Big Sis, Trisha

It's Okay to Let Me Go, Mom

Mom, you have to let me go,
Because it was meant to be.
And just because you let me go,
Doesn't mean you'll ever lose me.

You hold my hand and stroke my cheek,
As your heart is breaking in two.
And my spirit is still right there, you see,
I'll always be there within you.

I see your tears and I feel your pain,
And I know you just want to die.
But it's not your time to come here yet,
And right now I can't tell you why.

There's more you have to do there,
More lives and hearts you must touch.
There's others there around you,
Who still need and love you so much.

So please don't feel like you've lost me,
For you haven't I'm still by your side.
Now I'm holding YOUR hand and stroking YOUR cheek,
So you'll want to live and not die.

Oh Mom, I want you to live now,
And I need you to let my body go.
The part of me you love so much,
Is now in the breeze as it blows.


When you're in the kitchen cooking,
Or simply just combing your hair.
When the light in the room flickers a bit,
Know it is me and I'm there.


When I was hurting and I was in pain,
You were there with your comfort and love.
Now let me do the same for you,
Let me give you those things from above.

I'm walking and smiling, and happy.
And I want you to know this is true.
I'm with you and around you still.
And I'll be here to help you get through.

Close your eyes and you'll hear me talking.
Open your heart and you'll then feel me there.
It's not a `trick' or just 'your mind',
It's "me" that you feel on the air.

So it's okay to let me go, Mom,
I'm not in my body, you see.
Cause I'm in your heart and in the air,
And I promise You'll never lose me.

Love Your Son, Bubba

 I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU

As long as I can dream,
As long as I can think,
As long I have memory...
I will love you

As long as I have eyes to see
and ears to hear
and lips to speak...
I will love you.

As long as I have a heart to feel,
a soul stirring with in,
An imagination to hold you...
I will love you.

As long as there is time,
As long there is love,
As long as I have a breath
to speak your name...

Because I love you more than anything...in the whole world  Boo !!

Do you think we'll win this cash??

DEAR MOMMA,

I SEE HOW MUCH YOU MISS ME AND WISH I WEREN'T GONE.I TOOK A PART OF YOU WITH ME THE DAY GOD CALLED ME HOME.
PLEASE TRY TO UNDERSTAND DEAR MAMA,THAT WE'RE NOT THAT FAR APART,FOR I'LL BE FOREVER NEAR BECAUSE I HAVE YOUR HEART.I KNOW THERE'S TIMES YOU FEEL THERE'S NO REASON TO GO ON, YOU WISH YOU COULD BE WITH ME, AND YOU HAVE BEEN ALL ALONG. JUST BECAUSE I WENT HOME AND I'M IN THE MASTER'S HANDS DOESN'T MEAN I'M NOT STILL WITH YOU...BESIDE YOU'S WHERE I STAND.PLEASE TRY TO UNDERSTAND DEAR MOMMA,THAT I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU SO,I CAN'T STAND TO SEE YOU HURTING SO THERE'S SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW.EACH TIME YOU FEEL THE SUNSHINE UPON YOUR LOVELY FACE,IT'S ME SMILING DOWN UPON YOU AND TOUCHING YOU WITH GOD'S SWEET EMBRACE. EACH NIGHT YOU'RE SAD AND LONELY AND THE TEARS YOU CAN'T CONTROL. I'M RIGHT THERE BESIDE YOU AND INEVER WILL LET GO.GOD TOLD ME TO TELL YOU THAT HE KNOWS YOUR PAIN INSIDE. FOR HE LOST HIS SON TOO, UPON THAT CROSS HE DIED. HE WASN'T TRYING TO HURT YOU BY CALLING ME HOME SO SOON, THERE'S JUST PLANS THAT HE HAD FOR ME THAT NO ONE ELSE COULD DO. I WANT TO THANK YOU DEAREST MOMMA, FOR ALL YOU GAVE TO ME, BUT MOST OF ALL, I THANK GOD BECAUSE YOU'RE THE BEST MOTHER ONE COULD BE. SO, EACH TIME YOU THINK OF ME AND TEARS FILL YOUR EYES,WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING UP, JUST LOOK UP TO THE SKIES. LIFE ON EARTH IS HARD, I KNOW,BUT YOU MUST BE SO STRONG. FOR I'LL BE FOREVER WITH YOU UNTIL GOD CALLS YOU HOME.I LOVED YOU FROM THE START AND I LOVE YOU STILL,PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP,MOMMA, FOR IT'S JUST NOT IN GOD'S WILL. I NEVER WILL FORSAKE YOU,I'LL BE THERE EVERYDAY,I'LL HOLD YOU IN MY ANGEL WINGS AND GUIDE YOU ON YOUR WAY.
ALTHOUGH, I'M GONNA GO NOW, REMEMBER IT'S NOT FOR LONG. FOR I'LL STAND BESIDE YOU THROUGH IT ALL AND I'M NEVER
REALLY GONE. I LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY AND I HATE TO KNOW YOU FEEL SO LOST. JUST REMEMBER WE WILL MEET AGAIN CAUSE JESUS LEFT THAT CROSS.

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,
Son, I only wanted you..
A million times I've needed you,
A million times I've cried,
If love alone could have 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,
That 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...

Just come on home Babyboy-your Momma misses you so...

Breaved Parents Wish List

         I wish my son hadn't died. I wish I had him back.             
 I wish you wouldn't be afraid to speak my son's name. My son
lived and was very important to me. I need to hear that he was
important to you also. 

If I cry and get emotional when you talk about my son, I wish you
knew that it isn't because you have hurt me. My son's death is the
cause of my tears. You have talked about my son and you have
allowed me to share my grief. I thank you for both.   


Being a bereaved parent is not contagious, so I wish you wouldn't
shy away from me. I need you now more than ever.

I need diversions, so I do want to hear about you, but I also want
you to hear about me. I might be sad and I might cry, but I wish you
would let me talk about my son; my favorite topic of the day.

I know that you think of and pray for me often. I also know that my
son's death pains you too. I wish you would let me know these
things through a phone call, a card or note, or a real big hug.


I wish you wouldn't expect my grief to be over. These first years
are traumatic for me, but I wish you could understand that my grief
will never be over. I will suffer the death of my son until the day
I die.

I don't want to have a "Pity party", but I do wish you would let me
grieve. I must hurt before I can heal.

I wish you understood how my life has shattered. I know it is
miserable for you to be around me when I'm feeling miserable. Please
be as patient with me as I am with you. 

When I say, "I'm doing okay", I wish you could understand that I
don't "feel" okay and that I struggle daily. 

I wish you knew that all of the grief reactions I'm having are very
normal. Depression, anger, hopelessness and overwhelming sadness 
are all to be expected. So please excuse me when I'm quiet and 
withdrawn or irritable and cranky.

Your advice to "take it one day at a time" is excellent advice.
However, a day is too much and too fast for me right now. I wish you
could understand that I'm doing good to handle an hour at a time. 

Please excuse me if I seem rude, certainly not my intent. Sometimes
the world around me goes too fast and I need to get off. When I walk
away, I wish you would let me find a quiet place to spend time alone.
I wish you understood that grief changes people. When my son died,
a big part of me died with him. I am not the same person I was
before my son died and I will never be that person again.     
  
 I wish very much that you could understand ~ understand my loss and
my  grief.  But....I pray daily that you will never understand.

And God said, "I know."

I said, "I cry alot."And God said, "That's why I gave you tears."

I said, "Life is so hard."

And God said, "So did mine."

I said, "It's such a great unbearable loss."

And God said, "I saw mine nailed to the cross"!

And God said, "So does yours."

And God said, "My Son is by my side 
and your Budd is in my arms....."

              HOW HANDSOME YOU ARE..

  I'm Everywhere

My family, my friends, don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see
I'm right by your side each night and day
And within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone, but I'm always near
I'm everything you feel, see or hear
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight
I'm the brightest star on a summer night
I'll never be beyond your reach
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first blossom you'll see in spring
The first warm raindrop that April will bring
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine
And you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you
You can talk to me, I am here, always with you
I'll whisper my answers through the leaves on the trees
And you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face
Just look for me, I'm everyplace.

It's me Budd, your Son, your Brother, your Friend
Did you really think that my journey did end?
For in truth my life has just taken flight
So when you think of me, allow your smile to shine bright.

Remember the good times we shared, the music, my dance
Realize the bond formed between us did not happen by chance
I am still with you, as you are with me
In the blink of an eye, together again we shall be.

We walked together, you and I.
A mother and her son.
We had hopes and dreams for tomorrow,
But tomorrow didn't come.

We walked together, you and I.
We talked, we laughed, we loved.
We shared so many happy times
And for that, I thank the lord above.

We walked together, You and I,
But only for a short time.
For all too soon it ended
Leaving pieces of broken hearts behind.

And even though I miss you,
More than words can say,
I thank God that I got to walk with you
Every precious moment of every day....

"UR Not Forgotten Budd-We Love You 4-Ever"