David's Song on the 5th Anniversary of his death. / Mom Burns (Mom)
I rocked your cradle when you were born And in winter we kept you warm I wanted to pad the ground When you took your first steps But instead I just held my breath.
Your first words were pretty and fish You started school when you were six I taught you to play drums when you were nine In time, you broke your cute nose and your thumb I worried, and just took a deep breath.
You learned to drive in your senior year And when you moved out, I was full of fear But I knew you had a life of your own And eventually I realized I had to let you move on. I worried; deep breath and my heart skipped a beat.
One day I got that dreaded call That day the sun didn’t shine at all The days were dark for months on end You died for reasons I will never comprehend And my heart really skipped some beats.
We both still live but the steps we take Seem harder on our hearts these days The ache and pain we feel inside Is hard and hurt and doesn’t subside Oh, how our hearts skips beats when we think of you.
People cherish your children each day of your life Every husband and each and every wife Our hearts are broken and his tomorrows are gone Missing his smile, his laugh and Ma this is your son. I guess I won’t know why he had to die Until I have taken my last breathe And my heart just stops.
I WOULD LOVE TO MAKE NEW MEMORIES WITH YOU, BUT YOU’RE GONE AND SO I NEVER WILL
I remember sitting and having breakfast with you. French toast, bacon, and coffee, I can almost smell the vanilla and cinnamon in the air.
I remember having lunch with you at Applebee’s. It was the last eating out before you died and you were afraid to order something big because I was paying but I made you. I am glad I did.
I remember cooking dinner and you came over the Sunday before you died. I made steak, mashed potatoes, corn, and an apple pie. I always enjoyed watching you eat. You enjoyed it so much. Yes, I did put 40 pounds on you; I am sorry for that, well sort of.
I remember going to see Lord of the Rings, three years in a row. I didn’t understand these would be the last movies we’d see together the four of us. Now we just don’t go to the movies together, but there are so many.
I remember you eating my dads Valium when you were two and thinking there were M & Ms. Oh how sick you were. I’m glad you didn’t do that again.
I remember the several times you walked off; you were found, and returned. I was so happy I just hugged you so. I would love to do that now.
I remember you trying to kick a chicken off the front porch and fell off busting your lip and you couldn’t suck your thumb for awhile.
I remember how you always protected Heather and when you were six you pushed down a little kid because he reached out and touched her. Who will protect her now?
I remember when Lou Brock broke your nose with a baseball. You bled and bled. However, you did get an autographed ball. You were cool with that.
I remember you going to boy scout camp and making biscuits or was it corn bread and adding 3 cups of oil instead of a third cup. You learned how to read recipes after that. I can almost smell the campfire on you clothes.
I remember you breaking your thumb while riding your bicycle. You know what I still have the cast.
I remember you were playing in the yard and Heather came running into the house telling us you had a stick stuck in your throat. And you did. Ouch.
I remember at Boy Scout camp that you volunteered to help the kids in other troops start there campfire.
I remember your roll over accident. You had a concussion. You couldn’t remember anything but you remember us. I will always remember you too.
I remember when you were in high school, bringing Mike home, because he had no place to go. He stayed with us for almost three months.
I remember your high school prom, all the parades and football games, you playing drums in nightclubs. I remember it all. But it not the same. I want to do it all again, with you except maybe slower and hold on to each moment.
I remember when you drove to Gainesville with a ring for Shannon and she broke you heart. I felt so bad Heather and I mixed you a drink. God it was awful but you tried to drink some of it. We all cried with you.
I remember when you got in trouble in high school for wearing that BLTD tee-shirt. Several others had one on also but only you were singled out. I was called to school, that was their mistake.
I remember you skipping school and being spotted by my parents. Oh, and John called the house to see how you were.
I remember all the band practices at the house and the music was always so wonderful I would fall asleep. Boy can I use that now.
I remember going to Respectibles to watch Backwash play and you had a cigarette hanging out of your mouth. You said woops, cause you told me you quit. I still have that characature of you playing drums.
I remember going to work and seeing you in the parking lot of the Department of Financial Services building. God, how I miss seeing you.
I remember you asked for a list of things we might want for Christmas and you didn’t pick anything out – you bought them all.
I remember all the kindness you showed to other, your friends and your family. The special things you did that will always stay with me but I want more.
I remember the love you gave, the hearts you broke and the girls that broke yours. My heart is broken and will never heal or be free of the pain.
I remember the many times you got sick and I always believed it when I told you that you would be fine and would get well. Why didn’t I know this last time how bad, you hurt and I would have held your hand and would have done something, but I was away for work?
I remember the good times the bad times the all the times we shared. I just want one more time, with you. Oh God, please, just let me make one more memory with my son!
David, I love you and miss you so Mom 7/1/2009
Just found this out / Michael Webster (Friend) I was friends with Dave during High School and some years after till our paths drifted apart.
He was a unique individual and always entertaining to be around in his own way.
I remember the cops coming over to his house when Dave, Chris (Balch?) and myself, and I think some singer who only went be the name of "Toad," were playing very very loudly, insisting that we quiet down, that we were breaking the noise ordinance, and if he had to come back he would drag the whole lot of us to jail. Dave (of course) tried to play the "my dad's a cop" card, but it didn't have any effect.
Somehow word of this got out to the local news, that we were being prohibited from practicing for school band, and it resulted in a camera news crew heading over to Atlantic High during band camp one day, to interview a bunch of us (including Mr St. Laurent!) where we put on our best hurt faces and proclaimed the noise ordinance was hurting the band, and was unfair to students who had to practice their instruments.
We made the 6 o'clock news, in all our straggly, awkward teenage glory, and it all just sort of fizzled out. Mr. St. essentially slapped us and told us to cut the crap, but it was cool he played along.
I think I still have a video of the news report - it's hilarious every time I've watch it since.
I've been stunned all morning after finally putting pieces together and finding out about Dave - memories are hazy as it's been so long, but I will never forget him and the significant impact he always made on those around him.
A personal thanks to David a hero to us all / Marsha Allen (a person that Lydia met at dept of children and families ) Bless your heart, I met your mother several months ago at my job. She is an extremely remarkable person. Even though I never got the pleasure of meeting you, but after all of wonderful things that your mother shared with me about you; all I could do is one thing and that is admire you. I really believe that God placed you and your mother on this earth to show each and everyone of us that being with your love ones is an absolute gift. Whether you know it or not David, you are hero and you are a gift that will always keep on giving.
God Bless,
Sincerely,
Marsha Jovon Allen
My condolences to Dave's family / Paul Pitti (High School Friend ) I moved to Florida from NY at the end of 10th grade. I lived around the corner in Chapel Hill. I played drums also and Dave was the first drummer I met in Florida. we actually played together at Atlantic H.S. for a short time I signed on to classmates.com today and saw that Dave was a new member. I hadn't seen him in years and was curious to see his page. I'm still in shock after reading it. I can't express how sorry I am. Being a Police Officer I often see how short life can be and how families lives change in an instant. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm not sure if you rember me. Most people called me P.J. back then and I've met mom and sister on a few occassions. I'm sure Dave's still drumming away up above, knocking on Heaven's doors. Dave thanks for being a friend to the new kid in school.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I just found out about Dave and I'm still in shock. I'm an old friend of his and over the years, through life, we lost contact. He was such an awesome guy that truly had a heart of gold. Please understand how sorry I am for you loss.
Sincerely,
Laurie Barbone
Dave/ Vanessa Gill (friend) Dear David’s Mom and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Dave’s passing so long after, I was only just searching for him on myspace a couple of months ago. I even thought I might run into him on my Christmas trip to Florida. My heart and condolences go out to you and your family. I met you once briefly when Dave brought me to your home in Boynton Beach one night. I am truly sorry.
I knew Dave from the night clubs. I saw him out for years. Then we spent one summer hanging out a lot with some other friends when we were tired of going to Respectable’s. We stayed up all night watching movies. We dated for a few weeks; he opened up and shared some things that took a lot of courage to say. I accepted who he was and I saw he was a good guy. He broke up with me, said he pictured us with the white picket fence and family but he wasn’t ready for that yet. I was more shocked about the picket fence comment than the break up;)
I am so sorry for your loss, I know how difficult it is to loose a close family member, but I can’t imagine how it is to loose a child. I am sorry I will never run into him at the Respectable’s again. I believe David has now at least found a peace he couldn’t have in this life.
Vanessa
Dave/ Liz Nahom I'm so sorry to have heard about Dave's passing. I worked with him at Eckerds and he frequently went out with the "Eckerd Crew". He would often come up in coversations over the years and we would remember his antics and laugh. He was a good guy and we'll all miss him. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Obit/ Lydia Burns (Mother) This is David's obit and comments from co-workers.
Five Years / Rebecca White (Friend) Five years ago the world lost a poet, a kind heart, a pair of soulful eyes. Five years ago all that knew him died a little inside. In your honor, today, I played our mix tape from so long ago. Memories flooding back - I smile through tears. You were amazing.
I'll never know anyone as honest, thoughtful, kind and tender as you. I will always remember your loving heart and intenable spirit. In memories you will always and forever be young, vibrant and full of life.
Thinking of you all the time. Love and miss you always. Love to your mom, sister and dad, too. Their strength to keep going is an inspriation.
You know I was really trying to do better this year. I put up a tree, baked cookies and sent some to friends and family, and adopted a family for Christmas. One of course with a little boy. But...
No matter what I try and even fake, it is now the same watershed of non-stoppable indoor flooding. Yes, Heather, I have tinsel in my eyes.
I really lost it in October and through Thanksgiving but took in a deep breathe and started to do Christmas. Now here it is, the Friday before Christmas and I am so bummed. Can't even think of something to buy your dad for Christmas never mind his birthday. You know that is not like me. I always know what every one wants. David, help me get though another Christmas without you. Another stocking not hung, another carol not sung, I have learned to pretend the day is great and all is well. I pretend for work, I pretend for Pa and Heather. I just need to believed you are ok and I really will see you again.
I put the drum tree up by your urn again this year. It's funny I keep buying more drum ornament and totally forget which ones I have already and that I did this all already.
Dave, please help me. Let me know some how that you didn't die for no reason and there really is a method to this madness.
My Deepest Condolences / Beth Jackson-Bates (Friend)
I was just searching for Dave online in the hopes of re-connecting when I came across this memorial. I am incredibly saddened and shocked by the news of his passing. Dave was a wonderful friend to me and I know that he is truly missed by everyone's whose lives he touched. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Dearest, Lydia I know that there is no words to make your heart feel any better, I do feel your pain and want you to know that your not alone. Our children left this earth on the same day and I wonder how many other mothers lost thier children on that same very day, Just the thought is so very sad, but that what this life is all about we are all born to die but us as mothers always expect go first than our children. I just want you to know my prayers will be with you. Lydia lots of HUGS!!! We all need them at sometime.
Five More Minutes - I wrote this to you for Valentine's Day
If I was given just five more minutes with you I would be sure that you always knew How much I really really loved you And I'd find out that you loved me too.
I would tell you I was always proud of everything you did We'd remises the fun times we shared The times you made me laugh We'd completely toss aside those times you made me mad.
I'd wrap my arms around you till our last second was up And although I would cry when you vanish from my sight I would be able to be happy for a little while Cause I would have finally got to say goodbye.
If I could just have five more minutes with you I would wish that five minutes could be a lifetime I'd watch you marry, have children, get old Instead, your beautiful life was just ended, ceased, cut short.
How can I tell you how much I miss you? How can I live without you voice, your love, your touch? How can we spend the rest of our lives missing what we lost? How can we breathe, exist, go on, without our only son?
Please someone, I really need just five more minutes with my son!
Love you so much David, I hope you always knew that. I hope you felt the same way.
A Mother's Condolence / Arefa Lambert (Rich Lambert's Mother )
Dear Lydia, I can only imagine what you are feeling, especially this holiday season. Dave was a positive influence on my son, Rich Lambert's, life. Rich and Dave were good friends. He & Dave spent a lot of time together, especially with the Atlantic High School drum line. Rich learned a lot about drums from David; he was an inspiration to my son. As a mother, one of the nicest things I can think of, is when a person tells you what a great, positive person your child was and that Rich is a better person for having had David in his life. God Bless you and your family. Thinking of you. Sincerely, Arefa Lambert Close
It is three-year and six-months today since you left us. I know if I keep you in my heart and mind you will be alive in me forever. Sorry, that isn't enough. I I had hoped you would have gotten married, had children and lived to be a hundred.
The David Burns Memorial Music scholarship at TCC was awarded. Someone will be playing music in the world and enjoying it in your name.
All day on New Year Eve, I remembered that one night you called to wish me a happy new year and you were toasted. It was funny. How I wish I could hear your voice one more time.
You were a great son. Yes, you had you moments, but not too many of them. I love you non-stop.
I will love you my whole life. I will never forget one moment we shared. I will try to make my life a little happier this year for you.
As always, you guys are on my mind this holiday season. I hope you find the strength you need to make it through this difficult time of year. God speed Dave...
Dave/ Lydia (Your Mom )
Well, Dave, made it through your birthday and mine. Now have to hold it altogether for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. It isn't the way I wanted your life to be or mine. But I am trying to deal with you not being here with us. I still wake up in the middle of the night and realize it is all so real. You really are gone. I would rather have cut my legs off then have had my heart ripped out. I miss you so much and know that you know how much you were and are still loved. Thanks for the kind words in your journal.
I know you were in awful pain those last few days, just wish you would have told me Wednesday night when we spoke. I may not have been able to do anything but I would have come home and at least held your hand.
Hope your journey is easier now and someday when my time has come, reach you hand out to guide me. You can teach me the ropes.
This isn't the way I would have liked to talk to you. It is all I have.
Tributes and Condolences
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