Dante's Eulogy

Dante's Eulogy:

O Dante – where have you gone? We miss you so very much. I sat up for many late hours trying to think of what to say. How can you possibly put into words the love a father has for his son? How do you speak about someone who you know you won’t see again for a very long time? How do you?

For that very reason, I will see Dante again. We all will see Dante again some day. With Dante being the kind, think-of-others-first type of young man, I know he is up in Heaven saying, “Please don’t cry. There’s no need. I will be watching over all of you”. And that typifies Dante. Always worried about others. As Lance (Dante’s step dad) said, Dante had a mother hen type of attitude. He would get home from practice and peek in on Natasha, Desiree and AJ – just to make sure they were alright.

I liked to call Dante the “14 year old with no attitude,” although I know that Stephanie would disagree with me! Dante had a special relationship with both his Mother and me – often getting into deep conversations that showed the wisdom he possessed – wisdom that most 14 year olds won’t get until they are thirty.

I remember the trips that we took and Dante’s newfound love of the American West. One of Dante’s favorite memories was when we were at Badlands National Park and we saw a beautiful eagle flying against the huge rock wall that forms that Badlands. The eagle left an incredible shadow on that wall, almost looking like it was in a dance with itself. Whenever I watch that video now, my thoughts will immediately go to Dante.

I was looking forward to many more trips with Dante, showing him some of the things that I have been fortunate enough to see. But alas! Dante will still be there with us when we go, he will just be watching from a place that is far more beautiful then the mountains. And that is the message I want you to leave with today. Dante is not gone. He is all around us. As Dante’s step-mom Valerie said, “He is in the warm sunshine that hits your shoulder. His is the gentle breeze that blows through your hair. ”

Dante was an excellent big brother. He loved his siblings so very much. There is an excellent story about the time that AJ fell off his bike and Dante swore that someone beat his kid brother up. Dante wanted to form a “posse” to track down who did this to his brother. That was Dante. Sticking up for his siblings. When he found out that someone was picking on Calvin at the bus stop, Dante offered to go and talk to the boy to encourage him to leave Calvin alone. With his littlest brother, Curtis, Dante was always watching out for him, making sure he was alright.

Dante also loved sports. They gave him enjoyment and focus. Dante often told me that he wanted to stay in sports because it would force him to keep his grades up. Dante had plans – he wanted to go to college and become a police officer – vice squad in particular. He was so enthusiastic about playing for Central. He loved his school and his classmates. And he had another brother – even though they weren’t related by blood. Tyler was Dante’s best friend. I would pick Dante up from Tyler’s house so often that I thought Dante had moved in! My message to you Tyler is that you too will see Dante again some day. Don’t worry. He will still be here with you.

Always remember Dante. That’s all I ask. He was too loving, sweet and fun of a human being to be forgotten. For I know that my son has fused part of himself into me, and I am grateful to God for the wonderful 14 years that Dante was here with us. Dante, God called you home at an early age. There must be some very important purpose that God has for you Dante. And I trust that God knows what he is doing.

Parents, hug your children tonight and tell them that you love them. Kids, even though you think your parents are wacked, please tell them that you love them. For love is our purpose here on earth. I always end my discussions and phone calls with my kids with “I love you”. I recently told Dante that he didn’t have to say he loved me too when he was around his friends or classmates. I gave him that out. But you know what? Dante still said “I love you too Dad,” even at school around his team mates. Wow. What a great son.

Dante – I love you. You know that. And I look forward to the day when you and I will be reunited in heaven. I am expecting a full tour of the place from you and Grandpa. Please continue to look down on us Dante and send your love in any way you can. I will recognize it when it comes. I promise you Dante – I will recognize you.

From Lance, Stepfather

Dante,

I can't stop thinking of you. We all miss you so very much. I'm up thinking of all the times I picked you up from your practices, and I can't believe you're gone. Everywhere I look I see your smiling blue-eyed face. I know you're in a better place now.

All your parents and brother and sisters miss you tremendously. Watch over us on your new journey. We all can't wait to see you again. When I look to the sky I think of you . When I hear the wind I think of you.

I love you Dante.

With love forever,
your stepfather,
Lance

To Dante, From Natasha

Dante,

I miss you so much. I know I never told you this enough, but I LOVE YOU.

You were a really sweet kid and just all-around a fun person to be around.

I love you with every ounce of my heart and soul,

Your sister tasha

To Dante, From Dad

Dante - I love you so much.

I look forward to the day when you and I will be reunited in heaven.
Stay strong, like you always were -although I think I am the one who needs your strength!

Love,
Dad

To Dante, From Mom

My little man, I will miss you tremendously!!! Everyone loves you so much. That will never fade.

You have a new path now and I want you to embrace it with comfort and make your journey a great one. You were chosen and your spirit is a great and powerful gift. Your strong personality will get you through anything.

I love you and we will meet again. I hope everyone can accept your new life in the spirit world for you have etenal life with God.

I love you, baby!!
Love,
Mom

To My Dearest Family...

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
http://www.ruthann1.com

Dante's Obituary

Sawyer, Dante Age 14.

Passed away Mon., March 19, 2007 after a brief, but courageous struggle with meningitis. Dante's bright smile, infectious laugh, and wonderful sense of humor will be deeply missed by:

his parents Stephanie (Lance Aldi) Sawyer, Marty (Valerie) Young;
his siblings Natasha, Alexander Jacob, Desiree, Calvin and Curtis;
grandparents Irene (Rick Meier) Sawyer, Alice Young, and Glenn (Sharon) Trapp;
and great-grandparents Bob and Pat Sawyer.

Further survived by a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation Sat., March 24 at
ST. VINCENT PALLOTTI CATHOLIC CHURCH,
201 N. 76 St.,
from 9AM until Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM.

Interment Good Hope Cemetery to follow.

Dante was active in football, wrestling and track, appreciated good music, was a lover of nature, and enjoyed hanging out with his friends. Dante was a young man who made a lasting and positive inpact on every life he touched, whether it was family, friends or the young kids he was teaching to wrestle.

CHURCH AND CHAPEL 262-786-8030 Online obit-condolences-directions www.churchandchapel.com

Published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from 3/22/2007 - 3/23/2007.

Please Contribute to Dante's Page

Thank you for visiting Dante's memorial site.

Our heartfelt sympathy is offered to Dante's immediate family: mother Stephanie, father Marty, sisters Natasha and Desiree, and brother A.J.

Please contribute your memories and pictures of Dante. You can contribute to Dante's page in 2 ways:

1. You can add a "Comment" to any official post by clicking on the "Comment" link at the bottom of each post. This way is recommended for those who wish to leave condolences and comments.

2. You can write a post to be shared with all on the main page. Email your post to us, and we will make sure it gets published. This is recommended for those who have stories, memories and pictures to share.