Sonny Boy Ivan (my nickname for him), will greatly be missed and I feel so many emotions right now that it is still hard to fully express my genuine feelings. These are thoughts that I would like published in your paper… My feelings are …
“Ivan lived life on life’s terms.” He was always a happy and loving son, even though he had his ins and outs. He had his good days and bad days – overall he was a very happy and well-loved young man with a promising future! He experienced DEFEATS and TRIUMPHS in his life, but those things never kept him from moving forward in life. He experienced so many things in his short life and I believe the things he did that led him to becoming a U.S. Marine made him the man he is today! He choose to join the Marines when other things just weren’t working in his world, but he felt it was one of the best decisions he made in a very long time when he made that first call to them. All I can say is that my son paid the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE serving his country especially in this time of war, but he fought the hard fight and always preserved no matter what! As his mom, I want to say how very proud I am of him for all he accomplished and I know and believe he is amongst the other fallen Marines in the heavenly skies. He patrolled the streets of our country and countries afar and now he is patrolling the golden streets of Heaven and as I look up to the blue sky, I will proudly smile knowing my son is looking down on me and smiling back at me. As you always told me Ivan… “Mom, Bee Happy (note the spelling) lol…”
I always signed my letters or e-mails saying this “Love you, Mean It,” to my children. And so My Sonny Boy Ivan know I am ever so proud of you and will miss you and will always hold you close to my heart…You will never be forgotten by Jackis Khan (nickname for his 19 yr sister Jackie), Nate Dogg (nickname for his 3 yr old little brother) and as you always called me “Momma!” Love you, Mean it!!
I wrote this on 7-26-08
Today, after speaking to Wilson, I sit and shed some more tears...seeing you through there eyes is so wonderful and knowing you were well liked and taken cared of I know I can find some solance in that. I miss you oh so much and know that your in a better place now; Sonny Boy Ivan you need feel no more pain, confusion, or any fears you felt, you can now feel an over abundance of joy, laughter, happiness and just whatever!! No rules where u are... so live it up My Sonny Boy Ivan!! My sunshine, my moonlight: my life!! Jacks and Nate Dogg miss u tons too and so just send us your signs and we will do what is necessary to fullfill all your wildest dreams via us!! Yours Forever, Momma xxxxooo