11/19/04

  This area will be up to you guys. Your stories and memories you can submit through the KelliCloverForum link or send to jeffclover2003@yahoo.com.

***Attention please***

  If you can, I would rather you use the KelliCloverForum to leave your memories and stories of Kelli. Click here to link to that. I love getting all your e-mails and memories, and, by all means, keep them coming, especially if you are just e-mailing to chat, but it is a lot of work for me to keep up with this. You don't have to join to leave memories and notes to Kelli on her forum, but you could become a member and you will be on my list. It's helpful to keep track. Thank you all! Jeff (Daddy)

October 19th, 2004 Harding to hold memorial service Kelli Clover would have been an eighth-grader this fall at the school. By CHRISTINA SMITH REGISTER STAFF WRITER October 19, 2004   On Friday, Harding Middle School staff, teachers and students will dedicate a memorial in honor of former student Kelli Clover, who died from injuries earlier this summer in an accident on the east side. Friday would have been Kelli's 14th birthday. Jennifer Stalder, a Success case manager at Harding, said the memorial was planned to celebrate Kelli's life. Kelli would have been an eighth-grader this fall at the school. "Kelli was a very positive student here at Harding. She is definitely missed," Stalder said. "We are doing this just to show that as a whole school, we honor her, her memory and her whole family." The service will begin at 1 p.m. at the school, 203 E. Euclid Ave. During the ceremony, two custom-painted remembrance benches and two statues will be placed in the school's courtyard, which is filled with wildflowers and a small pond. One of the statues depicts an angel. Harding Principal Donna Christensen will speak and the school's orchestra, of which Kelli was a member, will play a few of her favorite selections. Jeff Clover, Kelli's father, said he wanted to thank the school for honoring his daughter and supporting his family. "From the beginning Harding's been behind us and very supportive of the whole family. It's been a tough thing to go through," said Clover, who lives in Urbandale. Clover said he didn't think Kelli could have imagined how much her classmates and teachers would miss her. "She would have been shocked at the amount of support and friends she had. I don't think in her mind she thought she was popular," Clover said. "(The memorial) is a great thing. It's something that will be there for a long time." Stalder said that only the eighth-grade students and their parents have formally been invited to attend because of lack of space in the school's auditorium. She added that if there is space, sixth- and seventh-grade students and their parents will able to participate. Stalder said all students are encouraged to be in school that day. Stalder said the ceremony is being held Friday because of the importance of the date for Kelli's family and classmates. "We know that is going to be a very hard day for the kids, so we thought we could roll it all together and try to make it happy as a celebration of her life," Stalder said. Stalder said Kelli will be remembered as a very active and popular student. She was a tutor, participated in a variety of school activities and was enrolled in the school's talented and gifted program.         September 30th, 2004 kelli aka bubbles, hey kelli. I miss you so much. I never got to tell you how much you ment to me. you really were like a sister. you always told me I was such a dork yet you called yourself a dork sumtimes. you always would stand up for me and I'm so happy you did. we try to stand up for you noow since your not here to do it yourself. I feel so much pain and sorrow cuz you left us so early. but I still member all the good times. like how you would talk in that high voice of yours and I'd just laugh. I miss that voice. like I miss your smile, the twinkle in your eye, and just you. skool isn't the same without you there to make it fun. there are so many people you left behind. I feel sad every time I see Chance cuz I know you were so proud when he could say your name and know I realize when he's older he probably won't member you. he won't be able to member you as his smart, pretty, nice, popular older sister like us. but I'm sure he'll be proud of you after your mom and dad tell him all about you. he'll be proud just like you were proud of him. it's so hard to wake up now and realize your gone and at any moment someone else you love could be taken from you. it's hard to know that if it could happen to you(especially you) it could happen to any of us. but we're doing the best we can. I luv you like a sister and always will.I hope to see you again. and when I do I first get there I expect you to give me a big hug, and show me your kelli smile. I luv you lots and luv you always. until I see u again......       kirsten aka monkeyface September 26th, 2004 KELLI~ MY NAME IS EMILY OGDEN. I AM FRIENDS WITH KIRSTIN S. SHE HAS TOLD ME A LOT ABOUT U AND U SEEM REALLY NICE. I THINK THAT U WOULD BE A REALLY GOOD FRIEND AND KIRSTIN TOLD ME THAT THREE MONTHS NEFORE THE SCCIDENT U ACCEPTED (SORRY, I DON’T KNOW IF THAT’S HOW U SPELL IT) CHRIST. THAT’S IS REALLY GREAT. THE FIRST TIME I WENT TO THIS SITE WAS ABOUT A WEEK AGO. I STARTED TO CRY. I COULD TELL THAT THEY  R HURTING. I LOVE U AND I WILL MISS.       ~EMILY OGDEN   September 21st, 2004 Kelli,       Hey I just wanted to say even though we did not talk much, I still love you like a sister and always will. You were a good friend and I know i'll see you again someday. I love you and I miss you. Love always Casey Jones September 12th, 2004 To Kelli: I loved you soo much kelz, and i apologize for not keeping as well in contact as i should have. i never told you in person that i loved you, but being my cousin, and best friend, how could i not? you are the most wonderful human being i ever watched come into my life, and still were when i watched you get torn out. i want to try and finish our tree house, if i can. but its not going to be the same, with you not there. in fact, i can barely even go camping anymore, knowing that we were once there together, but never can be again. It never even seemed like there was a 2 year difference between us. you always were so cool about everything. you really were my very best friend, and i want to thank you, for letting me be yours. it was the best experience of my life. but i guess this is it. I love you kelli, and i will think of you everyday, for the rest of my life, until i get the privilege to meet up with you again in the future. Goodbye Sweety. Love always and forever, Emily August 24th, 2004 Hey Jeff this my first time doing this so I hope I do this right!! I remember in Mr.Kelly's class Kelli, Nicole, and I had so much fun in that class. We would all pass notes to each other. Nicole was always the first one to write, then when she was done she would pass it to Kelli. Then Kelli would write something and pass it to me. After that I would write something and TRY to pass it back to Kelli, but almost everytime I did Mr.Kelly would catch me. After that Nicole, Kelli, and I would all start cracking up. Those were the fun times! Also some of the times we got caught Mr.Kelly would say "So I guess you guys want me to read this letter to the whole class", and we would all be like go ahead all it says is hey, wazz up, and nuttin jus chillin. Well that's all for know!!! From Brittney Lashley September 7th, 2004 ~*Kelli*~              I know that in 5th grade we didnt really talk much...but the times we did talk we had our ups and our downs...i watch the DVD that ur parents put togeather for ypu everynight and i cry...and cry and cry..u just dont know how much u leaving us has hurt every1..   I remember the last thing i said to u  on the last day of school of 7th grade..i said "Kelli hope u come back next year i'll miss ya"...i am glad i said that..i think Kristen has the last best words to you then ANY1  (besides family)   she told us when i was at ur house that she said she loced u and she ment it and u told her the same!....   Kelli this Sunday    (9*12*04)    me and amber are goin to be goin to church with ur sister and ur mom...we are goin to be talkin to u there..we talk to u everyday anywaz but u know what i mean...i just wish that i stayed at ur house when i had the chance,,,,that is why i HATE gettin sick...i was havin fun the time i was there...someimes i think y then?..why did i have to get sick the night i was goin to be stayin at ur house?...   me and amber went up to "the site" 1 friday night cuz we didnt want u to be alone on a friday night..and we sang and talked to u and everything wit u while we was up there...eveytime i go past i say "hi and "bye"..   i know that this letter isnt as sad as Kristens but it is the best i could do......kelli u just dont know how wonderful ur parents are...ur mom is a nic person to talk to and i havet really got to talk to ur dad yet but i hope i do soon!!...thank u kelli for letting me be ur friend....i love u kelli..we love u kelli!!..watch oav us day and night baby girl!!!   missing u for eva til i get to see u again kelli!!!!!     :' (   LOVE, Michelle September 5th, 2004 kelli,     hey babe i wa swritin to tell you that every time i see a pic. of you i remember the times we had, i remember the times we have spent together and the time we had spent apart. the time we have spent apart is what is tearing me up inside, it is eating away at me and i cant stop thinking about the last time we acctualy had a conversation and spent more than time to say "hi" and "bye" to each other.The last time we acctually had a convo. was in the 7th grade and it was tward the begining of it, i was talking about sompthing and some how nick came up, i had said he was cute and you was like "do you liek my boy freind?" i was like i think hes cute but i dont like him and we started arguing and the last words that i said to you were "i dont want to og with your boy friend newayz" and then every time in the hall you would still say hi and if we were leaving school you would say bye. after that argument i never thought you would talk to me again, but you did and i want to thank you for giving me the oppertunity to be your friend and spend time with you.   i would also like to tell you that you have great parents that care so much about you and would do anything for you still even though your no longer with us! your mom ha to be one of the greatest people i have ever meat and one of the nicest and most welcoming to. i havent really (by really i mean EVER) had the chance to talk withyour dad but by all the t-shirts and all the other stuff he his doing for you (and us) it just shows how great of a parent he is!!   welll i guess i should wrap this up. well before i do i just wanna say one more thing you had to have been the bestest(lol i cant say it right) friend i have ever had for the time we were friends. and i would like to tell you before  go that i love you with allllllllll my heart and soul and i always will and i will nnnnnnneeeeeeeeevvvvvvvveeeeeeeeerrrrrrr forget you you will be in my heart if not in my mind   love you soooooooo much Amber Ridgeway P.S. sorry i didnt go to the last 2 days of 5th grade i know you were looking forward to doing say my name by destinys child with me and sadz so sorrrrrrry love you August 30th, 2004 I didn't know Kelli all that well but what I did know I hope to cherish through out life.  I would see her time and time again.  At functions such as my nephew Chance's birthday.  To me Kelli was a sweet, shy, and innocent girl.  She was very family oriented.  Some kids when they grow up...they choose to separate themselves from their parents.  Kelli always had a smile though when she was around her dad.  I could tell they had a way of communicating to one another as only a father and daughter should.  She was not a rebellion child of any means from what I seen.  She had a way of smiling and lighting up the room. Though she was quiet and shy around me...I could always feel comfort in knowing that someone was always smiling at life.  When the world gets hectic at times and your put in situations not so comfortable...a smile across the room can always enlighten things. That is what I will always remember about Kelli. She always seemed happy. I'm saddened by her loss.  We both had something in common. Chance....her step brother and my nephew.  From seeing pictures and hearing stories from her father I know she too loved him deeply.  I am saddened though cause I honestly believe Kelli would a been a special role model for Chance.  Someone he could of went to when the world became to bumpy of a road to travel.  I hope that there is one thing Chance is able to get from his older sister....the ability to look at life....no matter how confessing or saddened it can be....and smile. Uncle DJ August 24th, 2004  Daddy,      Please let everyone know that my brother and i pray for Kelli, and her whole family and friends every night. I just miss her so much and sometimes i don't know what to do like i just can't stop thinking that this ever really happened. I would to anything just to hug her again. as the days go by i grow to miss and love her at the same time.   Love, Crystal August 22nd, 2004 Hey Kelli and family       Kelli this is your bro cody and I wont you to know Nick is doing well and he really misses you. He dont talk much about it but I know he thinks about it, but its hard for him to talk about. He will sometimes say a little something but you can tell its hard for him. Iam still working every day just to make it in this world, but one day I will meet you up in heaven, maybe you met my mom if so tell her I miss her and I cant wate to see her, because I will be so happy. Well mom and dad are hanging in there they really miss you but I be there for them, Kim is hanging in there to she really misses you to, she wanted to see her little sis grow up.       Every body says it's going to be weard not seeing you around at school. Iam going to stick around to make sure every body that iam close to graduates and moves on before I leave to Florda. I wish you could of been around long enough to graduate and see how fun high school is. Well I will make sure Nick makes it through. Well I will never get over or accept that you are gone but I will have to but you will always be in my heart I love ya girl and miss you.   love ya your bro Cody Bergeron             Hey Kelli,   I know we weren’t the best of friends & we didn’t spend that muck time together, but when my mom told me the news I went 2 my room & cried. I didn’t want 2 believe it. It scared me so much I have never had some one die that I knew except my grandfather, but it was when I was 7.& so I didn’t really understand . With you though it was unreal. I don’t even believe that it was your time. Only if I could have seen you one more time just 2 see your pretty face again. You were so beautiful & still are. I would do anything 2 have you back here with us, but I guess your in a better place& we all will see you some day.  I remember playing Halo on your dad’s X – box & playing volleyball when you came with your dad on Sundays, even just when we sat on the couch 2 talk & when we all(you, Kim, Jeff, me, Nathan, my brother Chance &, my dad)saw fireworks together.  I love you & miss you always. I know how everyone else feels because I feel the same & I will & I’m sure everyone else will feel like something stabbed you in the heart & it will stay there 4 eva!!!  Luv always,            Cayla Korte J      8/12/04 August 15th, 2004 DEAREST KELLI;     WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO BE WITH YOU MUCH THROUGH. YOUR 13 YRS. HERE ON EARTH, BUT WE KNOW THEY WERE HAPPY ONES..     MOM , DAD & KIM TOOK GREAT CARE OF YOU, THATS EVIDENT FROM ALLTHE LETTERS & PICTURES FROM YOUR FRIENDS UP ON YOUR DAD'S & UNCLE GREG'S WEB PAGES.         WE COULDN'T GET THE TRAGEDY & GREAT SORROW OUT OF MINDS & NEVER WILL, ALTHO WE KNOW IT WILL LESSEN,WITH TIME; BUT OUR MEMORIES OF YOU WILL BE THERE FOREVER.     ONE  OF OUR FAVORITE TIMES SPENT WITH YOU & FAMILIES, PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS,AUNTS UNCLES & ALL THE CHILDREN WERE TIMES WE GATHERED AROUND THE CAMP FIRE SITE AT SPRING BROOK PARK, ALL OF A SUDDEN EVERY ONE STARTED SMELLING SOMETHING BAD & IT TURNED OUT, IT WAS MY CREPE SOLED SHOES THAT WAS MELTING. I HADN'T EVEN REALIZED IT; BUT YOU AND EVERY ONE ELSE REALLY LAUGHED.     WHAT FUN WE HAD, GOOD TIMES ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN & MAKE HAPPY MEMORIES FOREVER.     LAST FALL, WHEN WE WERE DOWN, YOU TOOK US TO SEE YOUR NEW BEDROOM THAT GRANDPA WAS BUILDING FOR YOU, YOU ALREADY HAD SOME OF YOUR STUFFED ANIMALS THERE ON YOUR BED,, & GRANDPA WAS SO PROUD.     LATER, AFTER THE FUNERAL,WE WENT TO YOUR NEW BEDROOM, & THERE WERE A LOT OF CLASSMATES & I WOULD SAY, HUNDREDS OF STUFFED ANIMALS ON YOUR BED & EVERYWHERE ELSE.. IT BROUGHT TEARS TO ALL OF US.         BELIEVE US KELLI, WE ALL LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH, THEN & NOW.                     GRANDMA & I KNOW, WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN IN HEAVEN ... TILL THEN                           LOVE -- LOVE -- LOVE                                     YOUR GREAT GRAND PARENTS                                                     ROY & MARCY BARLAGE                                                                 OF JEFFERSON IA. Notes from Kelli’s friends at the site:   Kelli—You’re in my heart!  I love you!  BF4L!  I miss you LOTS and LOTS.  With love, Kaylee and Danielle Higgins   Dear Kelli, I know that I’m a little late to tell you this but I wanted to dedicate this year to you.  I wanted to become closer friends with you.  Before that fight we were so close.  We were like sisters, and I wanted to be that close if not closer.  But now we will never get that chance.  And I want you to know every time I see a monkey I will think of you and every time I walk past Walgreens I will cry and when I go to school I will remember your funny personality.  Kelli I will just miss you so much.  You’ve always been one of my best friends and I hope that you will rest in peace my dear friend.  I will always love you. Love lots, love always, Mercedes Moon   Kelli Clover, We’ll miss you Kelli.  We’ll love you so much.   I’ll miss you so much.  You are like a part of my heart.  Now part of my heart is broke.  Miss ya!! Love Katie Deaton   I love you Kelli, I hope you know how much I really cared for you How I loved you so This is just a bad way to finally let you know The worst possible way to let you know I know you’re up there watchin’ everybody cry It just shows how much you will be missed How much we didn’t want you to die. I remember certain times we would talk and laugh together But I know you’re going 2 wait up there For everyone  to be there forever You’re in the center of every heart Reason of everybody’s tears The talk of every conversation It’ll be that way for years, You were just a kid A kid that everybody loved. U were my true friend. A friend that I wish I could have hugged. You’re going to be missed. Never 2 be forgot You’ll always be loved . Loved a very lot. I dunno how we’re all going to get thru this.  I miss you and I love you. Much love always – Amy McNaul   Kelli, As you float to heaven and the angels give you a pair of wings, a golden harp, and halo, everyone on Earth will miss you, but we all know that you are in a place where you will be loved as much as you were when you were with all of us.  R.I.P. Kelli.  We all love you!  Your friend always,  Samantha Hearn (I will miss you very much!)   Hey Kelli, Even though I didn’t know you as well as Nicole and everyone, I grew to love you.  You were beautiful and talented.  The ideal life.  I wanted to tell you that though you may be gone, you memory lives in my heart.  I’ll pray for your family for they have lost you, an angel to all.  So, I’ll wrap this up.  You were a great person and I grew to love you.  May you rest in peace always and forever.  I’ll miss you dearly but you’re in heaven with God watching over us! We will always miss you.  I am soooo sorry for your parents, Kelli.  May you always be in all of our hearts. Rest in peace, Kelli Clover!  10/22/90-07/25/04  We will love you and always will! Christa (an 8th grade orchestra friend) p.s. you’re welcome for the cherry coke—hehe (inside joke)   Hey there Girly, Kelli, remember this picture?  It was right after we found you (aka Nemo).. we had so much fun that day..we went out to highland park and made fun of the boys in their baseball pants...it was also the day you told me that you loved Nick more than you ever thought you could love someone besides your family…gosh Kelli I miss you and so does everyone else.  Next school year will be a change for everyone…there will be no Kelli in the hallway or nothing…remember Maris’s party where we first met…we burnt all that pizza and then we went bowling and we were laughing and having fun..Kelli we all miss you and want you to come back but I guess God wants you back and I know why…you were an angel on earth and now you are an angel in the sky…we love you and miss you! Love ya,  Shannon Whisler   Kelli, I don’t really know what to say.  I miss you.  I can’t believe your gone.  This isn’t fair.  You are way too young to be gone.  I close my eyes and see your 10 yr old face.  Your bright and shining face.  You were always happy.  I love you so much.  You’re my little sister.  You and Kim are a huge part of my life.  Your dad, too.  I don’t understand why this happened and I probably never will.  But I need you to know how much I love and miss you.  You have always been with me and you always will.  They keep saying that god has a plan and your gone for a reason.  That you have a greater purpose now.  I think its crap.  I think your greatest purpose was to live a long life and die old.  You were taken too early. All I can think about is how I was too busy to come see you these past few weekends.  I even came to see you last weekend but you weren’t there. So I told myself to make sure I came next weekend for sure.  I am and was truly honored to have you and Kim stand up for me at my wedding .  As well as honored to have know you and been a part of your beautiful life.  I think of our trip to St Louis.  Of going x-mas shopping with you and Kim and letting you two pick out your own gifts.  I remember how annoying you could be.  I would give anything to get that back.  To have you back.  Trista really took to you as everyone you knew did.  She will grow up to know everything there is to know about her aunt Kelli. I love you more than you’ll ever know.  Your mom, dad and Kim are so lost without you.  As am I.  I keep waiting to wake up and for this to have been a dream.  I can’t let you go.  You will always be remembered.  Even though they never married, you are still my sister. I will love you until the end of eternity little sister. Jennifer     August 11th, 2004 Bubbles,  hey babe.. I've gotta tell you something you might like to hear. When I was little my mom's mom died (my grandma) and my mom was a wreak, but I couldn't cry because I wasn't close with my grandma I was 5 years old so I didn't really know her so I couln't cry. Then a year or two later my dad's mom died and I couldn't cry for her either because I wasn't close with her either. But.....when I got to the caskit I looked at her then my dad and smiled and said "ok daddy when is she going to get up now?" and he said "I'm sorry Kristen but....shes not going to" and I said "what do you mean shes gone forever and not coming back" and he sadly said "yes" Kelli my point is when I was little I couldn't feel for deaths I just couln't cry because no one close to me has died. When I heard about you I couldn't believe it. Your were closer to me then anyone. I heard from Joey's dad and he ran in Joey's room and said "your friend Kelli Clover just died shes dead" and I said "haha no stop lying" then I went up to "the spot" were it happened and I asked if you were ok, Jake Lloyd looked at me shook his head sadly and said no.    Kelli remember the time I first met you. You let me borrow your colored pencils in encore because I forgot, well we met but we didn't really talk, until gym. You and I were running and we stopped and you were hot so you lifted up your shirt jsut a little past your bellybutton and I saw it pierced. I was so jelous because I wanted mine done. Then in our 6th grade summer you and Sam stayed the night, it was a couple of days after you and Sara bought all of those belly button rings from the net and I asked to but one from you so I did. And we were up most of the night tryign to pierce my belly button then I did. You said keep it there for five minutes so it will go through. Well us all being blondes FINALLY realized that the needle was real thin compared to the thick ring. Then the next day you told me to talk my mom into getting it done professionally and it worked and I got it done.    Kelli everytime I had a problem...you knew about it. Before I todl you what was wrong...you knew, that was our bond. We ALWAYS talked about our problems and we didn't say anything to anyone else about any of them. When I first saw you I knew you I would become an US. You taught me to be me and let out the real me and I did. Kelli I love you SOOOO much because you were always there for me when I needed help. Now a days when I have a problem I keep it it and dont' say a word to anyone because I'm afraid that once I get advise to one person I'll keep running back to them just like I did you and I don't want to do that because I'll feel like I replaced you and I don't want that. Now all the problems I have are building up but I'm staying strong and thats ok because sometimes I have to handle it myself.    Kelli I want to say thank you for everything you ever did for me. I want to say that you taught me how to feel because when you died I cried harder and harder every sob. I still can't believe your gone though because it seems like another day. And most of the summer You, Nick, Joey, Sam, and Kayla came in my room around 2:00 P.M and wake me up, and now when I get up its like "when are they coming today?" and I forget. You've made a big impact on so many people's lives its a number no one knows. If you were here I would tell you that I can never repay you for what you have done for me. I can't help but love you and miss you more every day. me and everyone else can't believe it.  Do you remember when we always use to play around and hit eachother, well for just play girl you hit hard and gave me a bruise once lol it was soo funny but when you died you gave me and a lot of other people a very big bruise and the thing is about this one is that its permanent because it hurts more and more everyday.    Do you remember the time when I was in lunch and I started crying (like usual) well you were clear across the room and crystal was two tables away and you were there so fast before her you don't believe how much that touched me.  When I wake up I get a little happy because everyday that passes it means I'm one day closer to seeing you again. Kelli I love you soooo much and I wish you were here.    Love Always Kristen A.K.A. Peaches

August 11th, 2004

hey Jeff,
I hope kelli knew that I loved her and I want to say that I love you to Jeff . Cause if you were important to kelli your important to me too. I can say you are like a real dad to me . and no matter what I will write to you and keep in touch with you. yea I know kelli has bonded us all together so she knows that we all care. this was my first funeral that I ever had and it just had to
be kelli. out of all the people I didn’t think it would be her. one of my friends called me up that day and told me what happen and I didn’t believe a word they said. then when I wacth the news and saw the truth, my whole family started to cry. I didn’t know what to do after that happen, I just laid in my bed and pictured her in my mind. I love you and kelli, and every one who cares.

love Ariana
 

August 11th, 2004

Dear Kelli and family,

Every morning I wake up with this heavy feeling and it takes a second to remember why it is there—then I remember what has happened and immediately my thoughts race to Sheila, Jeff, Kim, all Kelli’s friends and family and wonder how they are facing another day without her.
Sometimes my heart aches so bad I don’t know what to do with all the feelings. Sometimes I am angry, I find myself wondering why this had to happen, why to Kelli when she was doing something all kids do—just riding her bike. Then the anger fades to sadness again and the day goes on like this back and forth-thinking about everyone who loved her and how they are managing with the ever changing emotions that come with grief.

I have spent time looking back at scrapbooks I kept when me and your dad dated and I keep thinking of these cute memories—Kelli you will remember these. One time I had to run some errands and so we all went to some store (me, you, your dad and Kim)—you wanted those fake nails that you glue on and begged your dad. Of course your dad relented and got the nails and the glue. We went back to my house that night and I proceeded to play manicurist—we laughed so hard. We glued our fingers together, glued you to the table, and they kept falling off. We worked on them forever with more glue on me and the table than on the nails—finally they stuck.
We painted them and you were so proud—I don’t think they even lasted 24 hours but you thought they were great. You were so funny and easy to please—another time we were at your dad’s friend Joe’s house to take pics of you and Kim. I did your makeup for both of you—while Kim was getting her pictures taken you picked up this belly dancing top—more like a bra with sequence and beads hanging off of it. You put it on and danced around, your dad whispered to me “God, I hope she doesn’t become a stripper one day.” He was teasing and we both just laughed at you
but I think you laughed at yourself more—that is one thing I loved about you, you never took yourself too seriously. When it was your turn in front of the camera you really strutted your stuff—no holds barred, you posed like a supermodel and loved every minute of it.

I also remember this really cute memory…it was after me and your dad had just been dating a couple months. It was his and Kim’s birthday and I got a cake, handed them each their wrapped gifts and then handed you a wrapped gift—your eyes lit up like a little girl—I had been at Bath and Body works getting Kim stuff and I knew how it stunk to be the one without a gift so I bought you some lip gloss, lotion, candy…you ripped into that bag and acted as if I had bought you a super expensive gift. You must have put the lotion on 10 times and I think you used half the tube of lip gloss in the next 24 hours. Something so small could make you happy and feel  important. I can still even see you sitting on my living room floor putting your goods on and sucking on the candy I bought you. You always had candy around somewhere, usually half eaten and wet—these are all things I will share with your brother Chance. They make me feel better just writing them down—like now they can’t be forgotten.

Me and Chance miss you Kelli and love you, and we ache for everyone else who loves Kelli also. Jeff you are doing an amazing job with the website and all the other activities you are involved in on Kelli’s behalf. I am so glad you have found the support of an extended family and that you have given us all a place to remember and share our thoughts about your beautiful baby girl!

Love Chance’s mom, lisa
 

August 11th, 2004

Kelli even thought i just met u at the begining of seventh grade i miss you a lot.we had lots of fun times together.I wish i would have had the chance to get to know u better .You were beautiful,smart,and always fun to be around.You made times fun..There were times you called me up and said wil u go up to findley with me to hang out even wen everyone else was not up there.When me and ashley would go up to findley everytime u were up there.and we would stay up there and hang out with u.Now times i would pass fimdley i would wonder if u were up there.cuz i still cant believe the fact that ur gone.I remember a time i was up at findley with a bunch of people and my chain fell of on one side of the school and i was standing there trying to fix and then u came donw the street with nick and deven and u stoped and you fix it for me u even titened it for me.thanks kelli..It hearts even more knowing u got hit where i got hit last summer.but wat hearts the most is that ur gone.i miss u lots and will never forget u and the times we had together.

luv you always and forever Suzie LAraye Brown
 

August 11th, 2004

Dad,
I'm more then happy to tell you my memories, kind words, and my emails. I can talk about her all day just saying the greatest things. I can't wait for the get togethers. I love jsut talkign about the memories and laughing about the funny times everyone had with her I would do anything to bring her back but Jeff she really was the sweetest girl and that made her an angel I loved her she was my bestfriend she told me things she wouldn't anyone else and same with me. She was the best kid-theripist (lol) the first time I asked her for advise it worked so from then on out I always went to her for help. I trusted her sooo much because she was with nick for the longest time so I knew she wasn't like that. Jeff if you ever need anything at all I'm here and I'll be there in a heartbeat (at least I'll try to beat the traffic LOL) alright I'll see ya soon.
Luv Ya DaD
luv always Kristen
 

August 10th, 2004

Dear Kelli, i miss it every time how when i past by Findley and looked up there to see who i saw up there and there was every one and the only time i would go up there is if you here there! Now no one goes up there it is so boring without you here! Do you remember that one time when it was Sam, you and me when we were taking Sam home and we all fell off the bike, because we all got on it? It was me in the front, you where in the middle and Sam was in the back and something happened and the bike wiggled and we all went flying in the air and we couldn't get up because we where laughing so hard and then that lady came out to ask as if we where ok?!?! Yea we had some fun times and I'm going to miss you a lot but i guess God wanted another angel and he picked you because you just had that extra bit of specialness about you that Heaven couldn't' do without! You will be remembered by not only the positive influence that you were on peoples life's but by the way that every time people think about you they see outer beauty along with an inner beauty that is untouchable! You always had a smile on your face that reflected everything good about you! I can't picture you without seeing that smile or hearing that little giggle that everyone knows so well! It is so hard now to walk past that park and not to see you there! It is so weird now to see Nick because every time I used to see him I would see you not to far behind! Now when I see him I keep expecting you to run out and say hey but you never do! It is so hard to realize that you are gone! I can't accept it but I know that I have to! You have forever left an imprint of you in my heart! You have taught me so many things without even realizing it and I can't possibly ever forget you! I know that if I was in a bad mood and walked to that park you couldn't stand to see me not smiling! You never could stand to see anyone not happy! You would always try to make everyone smile and you always did! I learned one really good thing from you Kelli, you NEVER allowed anyone to push you around or pick on you! No one ever got the best of you! I learned that life is what you make of it and it can be cut short at any time! Don't allow people to push you around--you taught me that!!! Kelli, you always were the sunshine in EVERYONES life and although now it seems that the sun won't shine your memory will make it be sunny again! God picks the best angels from on Earth to come back! While you were here you shared a little bit of Heaven with everyone! I realize how hard it is for us here on Earth to live without you and God couldn't live without you any more!! I will forever remember the good times that we had and I KNOW that I am not the only one who will NEVER forget you! Thank you for being a good friend I always had fun with you and LOVED having you around! I miss you!

 Love you gurl 4 ever and alwayzz,

August 6, 2004

thanks for being there for me Kelli is my best friend and always will be I never really thought about how close we were and how hard it would be without her she is a great person and now i wish I could talk to her again just so I could tell her how much our friendship ment to me now I know how much I miss just holding the phone and saying a few things every now again means now I sit at home alone no one to share things with and no one to talk about anything and everything about with i feel really alone with out a bestfriend but thanx to you and everyone else I know im gonna get though it.
Thnk you and love u lots,
Sam

July 28, 2004

Thoughts of Kelli from her Grandpa:

Kelli,

  I'll always remember you with a smile, a joke to make me laugh. The hugs, the kisses, the tears when you were hurting.

  There is something special about a Grandparent's love. It is unconditional. We don't have to deal with the everyday stuff. Our only job is to love you and I loved you more than life itself.

  There has been a part of me ripped from my heart that can never be the same again. But I know you are with God and that someday I will see you again.

  Kelli, I miss you and love you and will never forget you. Your place in my heart will always be there.

                                                   Love You,

                                                   Grandpa Barlage

July 27, 2004

Oh, my sweet, sweet baby girl,

  You remember this day, don't you? Last Christmas. You had this HUGE present and you had no clue as to what was in it. You were so excited. Now, as you remember, my camera couldn't take a picture worth a crap. Remember hun? You press the button, then maybe 3 or 4 seconds later the thing takes the pic. But, for once in it's life it captured you at the moment when you realized what was in that box. You were so happy. It melted my heart. I love you so much baby girl. More than mere words could ever express. My wound is so deep. I will miss you forever. I will love you for always. I can't, right now, fathom getting over the pain. Not just my pain. The entire families. All her friends. The world is a different place for us now. We have lost a truly beautiful gift from God. I just wish he had waited to take you back. I'll pray for all of you.

                             Love always,

                                           Daddy

July 26, 2004

Dear Sister Kelli in Heaven,

My mom is helping me to write this since I am not big enough. First I want to tell you that I love you and always will. My mom says that you are now my guardian angel, I wish you would have stayed here rather than going to heaven. We had so much fun playing together and I wanted us to grow up to be best friends. Everyone is crying because you are gone and it makes me sad and confused.

My mommy wants you to know that she is going to make sure I know all about you. She already bought me a special box that I will keep everything in to remember you by and when I get older we will look in this box often to remind me of my sister and guardian angel. My mom already told me she remembers when she first started dating our daddy and you would draw pictures saying “Jeff loves Lisa” with hearts and stuff and she would put them on the fridge. Mommy said you always giggled and talked really fast. She said you were in cheerleading camp and she watched you play softball before. She also said she watched you change from a giggling little girl to a beautiful young woman who had so much ahead of her. Your pictures remind us of your outer beauty and the memories we have will continue to remind us of your inner beauty.

Mommy says that God must have needed you in heaven more. I wish that wasn’t true. I hope you can see me and will watch me grow up to be a big boy. You can guide me when I need guidance, and whisper the right things to do in my ear because I will be listening for you. Mommy also bought me a little cross for my room that will remain by a picture of you to always remind me of my big sister. We all love you and miss you already. I will take care of daddy for you, he is hurting so much and it makes me so sad.

Love your little brother,
Chance

August 6, 2004

Hey Jeff,

It's Sara Nichols Samantha and Nick's sister. This is something I wrote when I got home the night of the accident. Sorry if it is a little graphic.

July 25, 2004

It's true what they say death always comes in 3's. When lucas died in April this yearfrom a self inflicted gunshot wound (suicide) to the head, I never thought I would have to go through th pain of losing another person that close to me for a long time. Two months later, June, Brandon my best friends little brother commits suicide also. That was even harder to deal with. I had to keep Jackie strong. Luke was her boyfriend they started dating the night before he died. Her and Luke had grew up together, he had just turned 18. Then Brandon her little brother, who was as cute as a button he would have been so datable for me but that was my bestfriends brother and I wouldn't go there. I loved him so much he was 16. I had to be strong for Jackie because she felt that she didn't need to live anymore.

After Brandon died I thought to myself who's next, never in a million years did I think it would be Kelli. My little sisters bestfriend and my little brothers girlfriend on December 13, 2004 it would have been two years. It hurts so bad to see her laying there in the street dead, hearing my sister and I sob uncontrolably in front of the huge crowd that had gathered to see what was going on. The thing that hurts the most is how I found out. A man looking for his kid at Finley, unable to find him leaves for a second then comes back and says if you want to see something cool there's a 15 year old girl laying in the street dead in front of Walgrens. I took off running lost my shoes but didn't stop I reached the second closest stop sign to Euclid when I saw my brother in the back of the police car. I ran up and asked to Nick was it Kelli he said yes. Then I grabed him through the window and huged him the cop took off driving I feel in the middle of the street. Finaly I got up and finished my way up there they hadn't touched her she was still laying there. Then I spotted Nick's mom and Mike standing in the blocked off area I ran straight through to them. Tonight has been the hardest night of my life. I would do anything to take her place so she could be here for Nick, Sam, and her family, but I know that will never be able to happen.

I regret all the negative things I had said about her just last night, but than the night before that is one of my last memories of her. We were all going to the movies Kelli, Jeff, Sam, and I, Nick was unable to go becuase he was out of town at a wedding. I remember her getting into the car and asking Sam if the skirt she had on was her's Sam said no. She was so parinoid that Kim would find out that she was wearing it and get mad at her. I can still hear her laughing all the way there, because she made a comment on Jerry being a granpa and he said he better not be and she was the only one who could make it that way. Than a blank face went over her the same fce that she always has when something goes straight over her head and she doesn't get it. It took her a while then we explained, than she got her oh duh now I get it face. She was only 13 she looked as if she was 18 she was so pretty. I never use to like her, but than in the last few months she started hanging out at Finley than I grew to love her she would make me jealous of her looks and I knew Jeff wanted her too just like everyother guy who met her or knew her.

Here's more stuff i have been thinking of.

She had just started haning out at Finley a month or two before school had got out. Nick started getting into skateboarding because of Jeff so he started haning out up there and than not too long after that Kelli started coming up and started getting interested in skateboarding too. Jeff was there teacher, Nick got Kelli a board that his counsalor gave him. The morning of the accident my mom took my sister to get a board so they all could learn together. Kelli was so proud of her scraps and bruises weither it was from falling off the skateboard going down the stairs, trying to drop into halfpipes, or just plan falling off, but no matter what happened she would never give up.

It's been hard without her and it's not going to get any easier. Just think if she was here and saw all of us crying she would be trying her hardest to make every last one of us smile and laugh she loved to make people happy, and she did a very good job of it too. her mother still calls and when I see that name on the caller id I go Kelli called forgeting that she's gone. Isee my sister talking on the phone at 1 o'clock in the morning and i go who you talking to Kelli? Than I correct myself I still can't bring to terms that she is gone. I don't want to accept the fact that I will never yell at her and Sam to keep it down because the parents are a sleep again. I don't want to believe she's gone.

Love Always & Forever,

Sara Nichols

R.I.P

Kelli Ann Clover

Oct. 22,1990-July 25, 2004

You're all of our guardian angels

We love you and miss you

see you in heaven.

August 6, 2004

 Kelli,

    I love you, you were my best friend you shared everything with me and I shared everything with you. I wish that I could she you again even if I couldn't speak to you just to hold you again would mean the world to me. But I know I all I can do now is hold you in my heart, in my mind, and in all the memories. I loved how me and you used to always get in fight and hang up the phone. And some reason one of us would always call back a few hours later and just be like hey as if nothing even happened we'd be over anything just like that. I wish you could do the same now, have you call me and we could act like this whole thing never even happened. I want you to know that a little good has come out of this you have brought everyone soo much closer together your family and friends are great and they really love you. I'm glad to know your in a better place now. Thank you for teaching me so much.

                                                     All my Love,

                                                                  Sam

August 6, 2004

 

I want to say I am very sorry for you loss. I am sure you have heard that so very many times in the last few weeks. I am only 22 so I am not sure what its like to loose you daughter, and I hope I never have to go through that with my own, but I did loose my uncle in a hunting accident about 2 years ago, he was like a father to me and that is a feeling I never want to feel again. I understand the pain you are going through, and I know it got to hurt real bad right now, but it will get better I know it will. Always remember God will only give you what you can handle. He will never give you to much to deal with he knows how strong you are and knows what you can handle in life. When my uncle died I found a poem it says.... "Going through grief is like going through a tunnel. The bad news is that the tunnel is dark. The good news is, once you've entered that tunnel, you're already on your way out." I printed that out and I put it on my computer I look at it every day and read it and I remember my uncle and how wonderful he was and how much he taught me, helped me and how much fun we had. It might now mean to much now, but someday you will feel better, but the pain will never go away, and you know that. My uncle was taken so fast from us 2 years ago and still I have only been to the grave 2 times, it hurts way to much, so know that you are not alone when it comes to the pain. Now on the other hand, my fiancé brother dies 5 years ago from an illness, and when he first passed my fiancé spent nights at the grave cause he did not want to let him go. So it don't matter if you don't want to go and deal with it, or you can not take your self away from there, no matter what there is always someone who understands. Remember even if you are not a Christian you can always turn to God and he will listen to what you have to say, you night not turn to him for a long time. I didn't I was so angry that he took my uncle to soon from us..cause he still had a family and we needed him, he had a son that was 10 and needed him to look up to while he grew up, a wife that loved him more that anything, a step son that needed his guidance, a sister that needed his support, a niece that looked up to him and always wanted his approval and a brother that needed his helping hand, why did he have to leave so soon? I could not under stand that, then I realized that my uncle brought us this far in life and wanted to see what he taught us while he was here. I still sometimes get angry at God cause I still don't understand why, a lot of times I lay in bed crying saying why why why???? I don't want to say that the pain will go away because you and I both know it pain will NEVER go away, but sometimes it helps to know that others grieve with you. I remember the amount of people that came to my aunts house when my uncle died and they brought food and toilet paper and paper towels...and it was wonderful to know that so many were touch by him, and I am sure you feel the same way about Kelli. These words might now mean to much coming from a 22 year old, but I want you to know that I think about your family daily, and wonder how you guys are doing. Please if you even need help with anything, or someone to talk to please email me I am always read to listen to someone. I wish you the best and know that I am praying for you! Also one more question...we saw on the news last night that the Des Moines Semi Pro Baseball league is also helping you...do you ump for them, or someone you know play for them? My fiancé plays for them and just wondered how there was a connection. Best Wishes and God Bless you Erica Philips & Richie Bennett July 26, 2004 Dear Jeff,   No words can adequately describe the loss you have just experienced. You can find comfort in the fact that she was not just your daughter, but it was always evident she also saw you as her friend.   I watched her grow from a coloring, giggling little girl into a beautiful young woman. And I love her not just because she was your daughter or Chance's sister. She was unique and always part of our extended family.   I promise to raise Chance to always remember his sister. We will always be family because of Chance. I wish I was the one beside you to hold you up, but I am always here as a shoulder to lean on because I know this journey will be long.   We will always love you, Kelli and Kim. You brought the most special thing in my life and I am a better person as a result. I will always love you for Chance. You have the prayers of all my family and friends. Love, Lisa and your son Chance   July 29, 2004 This is what I read at her funeral: Dearest Kelli, my sweet little monkey. Nothing can truly or accurately describe the hurt that we are all feeling right now. You've touched all of our lives in a most positive way. You brought joy to everyone around you. You made us laugh like only you could do. You were tough as nails, but had a heart of pure gold. I loved your spunk, your attitude. Perhaps because I know partly where you got it from. Proud father does not even come close to my feelings for you. I looked forward to seeing where you were going to go with your life, because I seen you going very far. You were so smart and so outgoing. I knew whatever you would become, you were going to do it with enthusiasm. I know you were looking at becoming a lawyer, and God help the other side, because man could you argue. Not always hateful argument, you just liked to be right, another feature of your daddy. It was one of many things that I loved about you. We would see little pieces of me in you come out here and there and we would laugh and say "Well, we know where you got that from." I was so proud of you...my little girl. And I always will be. There was this one time, I can't remember what grade, but it was at Oak Park Elementary. You had a singing recital and you were a little nervous because you were going to be doing a duet with another boy and you had to sing alone sometimes. I remember having to hurry to get there , but I made it, and your performance simply brought me to tears right there in front of everybody. I could not control the emotion I felt. You did such a wonderful job sweetheart. And I mean you were REALLY good. I had never felt such a strong emotion...proud, elated, surprised, impressed...love...I really don't even know how to describe it. It was all that, wrapped up in one. That was just one of many times in my life that you gave me that feeling. I will miss you so much. I will remember you for always. I will love you forever. God showed that he loved us all when he gave you to us. Maybe, with the world as crazy as it is today, he needed your help. He needed you to come back home. And when my time comes, it's going to be a little easier to leave this world, knowing you and my mom will be there to greet me. And when I get there, first thing I'll expect is a great big hug little monkey. Jeff (Daddy)   July 27th, 2004 Kelli, I am sitting here alone, waiting for your dad to come home—from making your final arrangements. God, how I hate that phrase….Honey, I feel like I am in one of those bizarre dreams that you always have, and that we’ll all wake up and laugh about it—like we did last Saturday night on the way to the movie. You could always make me laugh, you know? I keep thinking that you’ll walk through the door, plop your stuff on the floor by the couch and open up a can of pop and crash on the couch, usually with a phone glued to your ear. Who’s going to leave half empty pop cans and wrappers laying around for me to pick up? Who’s going to stick up for me when your dad is picking on me? Who’s going to drive me nuts by you and your dad playing video games with Joey all day? Baby, I just can’t believe you’re gone. My heart is broken… When I first met your dad, he told me all about his girls—he is so proud of you and Kim…of course, I wasn’t sure how you’d take me and Joe. But you opened up your heart and welcomed us both into your life. I think back at all of the times you were with us…the weekends and Thanksgiving and Christmas—oh Christmas..how I loved shopping for you and watching you tear into every gift like a little girl!! And our trip to Florida was magical—the way your eyes lit up when you first saw the ocean..we couldn’t drag you out of it! You were like some beautiful tropical fish returned to your home. And then Disney—you wanted to see everything and do everything all at once. Honey, we were supposed to go back—all of us—to use up the rest of the days on the tickets. I know you weren’t mine, but I love you as if you were. It’s so hard to imagine going on without you. I know everything happens for a reason, but this one is too hard to understand. The world was a better place with you IN IT—and now it seems so bleak. I love you, Squirt, and will miss you more than you can imagine. All my love, Jen Accident prompts petitions Teen's death spurs friends, residents to ask for changes at intersection By CHRISTINA SMITH REGISTER STAFF WRITER August 3, 2004   CHRISTINA SMITH/THE REGISTER Friends of Kelli Clover, 13, hold petitions asking that a stoplight be installed at the north-side intersection where she died July 25. From left are Nicole VanZandt, 19; Nick Evans, 13; Kelsey Reimers, 13; Devon Cort, 13; Jacob Barber, 13; and James Shadden, 13.     Friends and classmates of a north-side teenager who died on Euclid Avenue last week are trying to prevent similar tragedies. In addition to holding candlelight vigils in her name and weekend carwashes to raise money for Kelli Clover's burial, Harding Middle School students and parents have started two petition drives seeking a pedestrian traffic light at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Oxford Street. Nicole VanZandt, who started one of the petitions, remembers crossing the street as a child to attend Harding Middle School a block away. There is a tremendous need for a pedestrian traffic light at the intersection, she said, and she wants the city to install one that would be signalled by a button at the crosswalk. "With as many kids who cross the street, it only makes sense," VanZandt said. A traffic light "would make it easier and safer for them." Jodi Rife, whose daughter was a classmate of Kelli's, agrees. Her petition asks for a traffic light, but if the city won't commit to that, she said it should at least designate a crosswalk. "I know that a stoplight won't prevent all the accidents that happen there, but it could make a difference," Rife said. She plans to present her petition to City Council after she receives at least 200 signatures. Jeff Clover, Kelli's father, said Thursday he visits the intersection nightly since his daughter died July 25 while trying to cross the street on her bicycle. "I would just hate to see anyone else have to go through what I'm having to go through right now," Clover said. "I just invite anybody down there to see what the problem is. If you stood there at that intersection for any amount of time, you would know why we would want a stoplight there." Clover, who lives in Urbandale, said he was in a car accident at the same location when he was 18. "I know from my own experience from years ago, it's a bad spot," Clover said. "You wouldn't have to stand there for more than 10 minutes to realize how busy it is. It's a dangerous area." Harding Principal Donna Christensen said she watches more than 300 of her school's 700 students cross the streets around the school daily. Christensen said school officials would always be in favor of another crosswalk or a traffic signal. "There is so much traffic on (Euclid Avenue) at any time during the day," Christensen said. "The intersection is used by a lot of our students. The closest signal lights are more than a block away, and the children just don't think about using them." Christensen said the school, which is located at 203 E. Euclid Ave., includes in its curriculum each year a "positive behavioral support" program that teaches students about appropriate ways to use the crosswalk and how to behave on the bus, in the cafeteria and on school grounds. "We're not going to say anything new this year," Christensen said. "But just saying it again might make a difference." Harding has grief counselors available for students, she added, and Kelli will be remembered via a memorial project at the school. Details will be discussed with students during the first week of school. Christensen said Kelli, who was to be an eighth-grader in the fall, will be remembered as a popular and intelligent teenager. She was an accelerated math student and was active in cheerleading, chorus, softball and volleyball. "She was just a sweetheart," Christensen said. "She had it all going for her. She was just a wonderful young lady." When school starts Aug. 30, many students will likely walk past a makeshift shrine at the accident site, filled with flowers, notes and stuffed animals. Friend and classmate James Shadden, 13, who was visiting the site last week, said it was important to see a traffic signal installed at the intersection where his friend died. "Everybody goes too fast and there are a lot of distractions," James said. "I think it would make a difference. It would make people feel safe."   August 5, 2004 Jeff, I am really sorry bout what happened to kelli I didnt really know her but i no she was a good girl. And that nobody  will forget her. And the community  is behind  you 100% RedRose     August 8, 2004 KELLI,   I havent really known u that long but i have known u long enough to know that u are sweet,beautiful,active,and smart person...no 1 will ever 4get u...at lunch i always say people sit by u and they would always laugh and i always saw ur beautiful smile...ur lose has touched ALOT of people even the people that didnt no u....   Jeff i no this is hard for u and ever1 else in ur family i no that it is hard for me....cuz like i said i didnt really no her....i went to Oak Park with her and she was very very very popular...   Kelli i remember 1 day i dont remember what grade but me and Nicole was goin to stay the night at ur house and i wanted to stay so i was so happy to stay at ur house cuz i knew you would make it so much fun...BUT then i got sick and i didnt stay the night....after July 25th i wish that i did and get to know u a lil better...i am crying this very min writing this...Kelli u will always be loved..   Love, Michelle Collier...age 13   August 8, 2004 Dad/Jeff, U have been like a father to me i just wanted you to know I miss her soo much too! I don't really know what I am going to do without her!! Everyday when i walked in the auditorium i would see her smile and she would give me the biggest hug and that sweet smile!! I am going to miss that!! I really don't know what i am going to do. I always remember her and me passing notes in class man it was soo funny!! She would always have snacks in her pocket and get them on the notes!! It was hilarious. Man i remember when you came and got me and her to go skating man that was funny cuz she had the phone in her pocket!! That was funny!! I just wanted to thank you for being there through this really hard time for the both of us!! I honestly have no idea what I am going to do not being able to laugh with her at lunch!! Dad, i am not sure if u like me calling you dad but u can tell me and talk to me like i am your daughter cuz you are like a father to me!! And i am thankful for haveing you here with me!! Well i don't want to start crying so i guess we can stay in touch through this!! I sure hope u talk to me and stuff and o yea BEAUTIFUL website!! Well i guess i shall go so i will talk to you later hopefully!! BYE Luv ya lots Nicole Renee Gregory!!   Nicole, How could I not love you like a daughter. Kelli loved you like a sister. I am honored that you would call me dad. I remember watching you guys play softball together. I thought you were the best player on the team. Kelli was a close second. :) She's gone now, and there is nothing we can do about that. It is normal to grieve, to cry, to feel sad. It's OK hunny. We are ALL hurting. We just have to remember the good times that we had with Kelli. We have to honor her by remembering and sharing the good times, the stories, the fun that we all had with her. She was a beautiful person and I will miss her very much. You have no idea how you have touched me. Thank you for writing me and please don't stop. Love, Jeff (Daddy)   Daddy, I am so glad you think of me that way. I am soo honored!! Man I am so glad you have been here with me through those good times and bad times!! I know Kelli is still here with us we just might not be able to see her in person but we all know she is there!! If you need me to talk to or cry with or just have a laugh, i am here!! And I know you are there for me!! Daddy, I love you like you are my true Dad!! You also act like one to!! Kelli is very luvky to have a dad like you! I am proud too!! Well i gotta get going hopefully i will see you soon and talk to you soon!! Tell me if you need anything ok!!   Love Ya Lots, Nicole (daughter)   August 8, 2004 my memory is in math i would always ask to use her calculator  because i lost mine and she sat right next to me. Usually she would let me borrowit but when she wouldn't i would steal it. but she always knew i stole it. and i would ask her for help with my math. first she would make fun of me because i am older and she is smarter, but in the end she would always help me. that is not my only memory, but that is one that comes to my mind.                                             Addison Masters