He adored his nieces Madison Grace, Reagan Anne and nephew Aidan Joseph to no end. He was the most loving Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Uncle, Cousin and Friend anyone could have. Simply put, Adam was a gentle, loving soul. 

                                       

Adam passed away peacefully on October 2, 2005, surrounded by his family and friends. Nga, I can never thank you enough for all that you did for Fred, Rachel and I the day Adam passed away. You helped us understand all that was happening at such a quick pace and gave us both emotional and moral support on the most terrible day of our lives. We will always love you for your kind and gentle ways. Father Fausto, you know all that you did for us and for Adam. Any peace of mind I do have right now is because of you and your actions.
Damon, Nichole, Roz, Kirk, Tony, Lavonne and Robert, Toni, Ayi, Diane ~ you made it easier to deal with all that was happening when you visited Adam in the hospital ~ thank you all for caring so much about all of us, especially Adam. I promise you, Adam knew you were there for him. I know I am leaving many names out, please forgive me but my memory of that day gets clouded at times. You all know who you are and what you felt for Adam, and we, Adam's family, thank you and love you for all that you shared. Adam knew that you were all there with him and I'm sure it made it easier for him to leave in peace. 
                                              
Adam's life was celebrated in the most beautiful services on Oct. 7th and 8th, by his loving Uncle and GodFather, Father Fausto Penafiel, at St. Joseph's Church in Phoenix. Thank you Father for being strong enough to do Adam's funeral Mass, I know it had to be one of the most difficult Masses you've ever done. I know you did it for Adam and for Freddie, Rachel and I.
Thank you Father Frank for allowing me to do what was important to me for Adam, you made those first days after Adam's passing easier to accept. Thank you Father John and Father Frank for con- celebrating Adam's Mass. Deacon Charlie, we appreciated your presence and thank you for being there for Adam and for our family. A special thank you to Deacon Harry for guiding us in the most beautiful and meaningful rosary I've ever prayed. Also, for allowing all the time you did for anyone and everyone to stand up and share those beautiful, funny and touching stories of Adam. All those who loved Adam were in attendance and celebrated his very special life with both tears and laughter. Very special thank yous to Adam's good friends, Damon, Kirk and Tony, without your support, Fred and I would have collapsed. We love you guys so much. Diane Mar, thank you for the beautiful tribute made to Adam Friday night, every word was appreciated. Thank you to all of Adam's friends and family who shared such beautiful memories with all of us gathered . Niki, Kirk, Damon - I remember your words as if you spoke them yesterday. You loved Adam and I know he loved you, Adam was blessed with such special friends.Tony, we will never forget your eulogy, delivered with such love. The picture of you standing beside Adam reading him his last comic book will remain in my memory forever. Thank you Kee, you were a good friend to Adam and continue to care and pray for Fred and I, thank you. 

                                      

Rachel, our beautiful daughter, you made your Mom and Dad proud with the beautiful eulogy that we know came from your heart and I know your words made Adam smile and love you even more. You are a very special sister and daughter. Adam loved you more than anyone and trusted you with his life to the end. Dad and I always felt so blessed that our children had such genuine love and respect for one another. I think you can feel sure that Adam will be around you Rachel, he will want to continue sharing this loving relationship with you forever. 

                                                  

I would also like to thank Warren, Cindy & Paul for the beautiful music they added to Adam's services. No one will ever forget "On Holy Ground" ~ "Fragile" ~ or "Love of My Life" performed the way only you could have. I know you made Adam smile with your beautiful music and voices. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You know that I love each one of you. 

                                                

Adam's death has changed my life forever. Part of my heart remains cold and broken. It may take me forever to understand "Why?" I know I am a changed person since Adam's death. It's just not natural to outlive your child and at times I feel so full of anger. Sometimes I don't like myself much, but I am doing the best I can to work on it. Everyone tells me time will help, I hope they are all right. So far time has not changed anything.  My heart feels like it broke in two. My hand was on Adam's heart when it stopped beating ~ I will never forget the feeling of my Son's life leaving his body.   I loved and still love Adam very much and losing him has left a big hole in my heart that is very painful.  If anything, time only makes me miss him more every day.  This never should have happened ~ I should have been able to save Adam, but I couldn't.

                                            

Adam once gave me (his Mom) a magnet which read: "Join together the center of your heart and your soul and your spirit will dance forever". I know for sure that Adam is dancing with the Angels in heaven, AND, in case you haven't noticed, he is painting the most beautiful sunsets ever seen each and every night for our enjoyment. Adam is still with us and I know he would want all of his family and friends to continue talking to him and about him and remembering him with love forever. 

                                           

My dearest Adam, I always tried to protect you from everything when you were my little, adorable, child, I loved you so much and never wanted anything to hurt you, but during the last days of your life I was no longer able to protect you and I am so sorry for that. It will haunt me forever, wondering if I did everything I possibly could to save you. I hope you know I did the best I could.
Everything went too quickly and I felt so helpless. I know that in that last moment of your life, you chose to take all decisions away from me, I knew that Adam. I know I would never have been strong enough to let you go. The day that I gave birth to you, my little Adam Joseph was one of the happiest days of my life, I never thought I would lose you this way.
Rest in peace my sweet, handsome son ~ I will miss you every day of my life ~ I love you so much ~ I always will.

All My Love,
Mom 

Maxwell & Pandora are in heaven with Adam,

Baxter lives happily with Rachel, Joe, Maddie, Aidan

& Reagan, but still misses his Master