Birthday Tribute In loving memory of our son, Joshua Scott Connor, whose 27th birthday is today. June 22, 1980 — February 5, 2001

With pride, we watched you become a young man.

Our little boy no more.

Rejoicing in your grown up ways,

Yet missing your childhood before.

A keen wit, a sharp mind

Shaped the young man that we knew.

A kind heart, a gentle soul

Intensified as you grew.

Your strength and your courage protected the weak.

Your fearlessness sheltered the helpless.

For those traits that we cherished, you paid with your life,

In an act both heroic and selfless.

Yes, you died a hero while helping a friend.

We can picture the grin that you wore.

Your confidence never wavered.

Invincible, you were sure.

Just nine years old when Carrie died,

You helped us to get through.

Now that you're gone, there's no one left

To help with losing you.

"Dying and going to Heaven is a reward for living the best life you can. Since I believe this with all my heart, I rarely cry when thinking about my sister. My parents think this, but do not truly believe it. I find myself helping them, instead of them helping me."Joshua Connor's JournalFebruary 12, 1992