In Loving Memory of Jeffrey Allen Berkheiser

In Loving Memory of
Jeffrey Allen Berkheiser
July 6, 1968 - February 16, 2000

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I am free
I'm following the path God has made for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
to laugh, to love, to work or play,
I've found that peace at the close of Day.

If my parting has left a void, then fill it
with remembered joy, a friendship shared,
a laugh, a kiss.
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share it with me,
God wanted me now, he set me free.
~ Author unknown

This is a beautiful and loving gift for Angel Jeffrey from my dear friend, Carol, mom to Angel Michael.

Jeffrey was born with a heart murmur. At 7 years old, he had open surgery #1, to enlarge the opening of the aorta valve. He did real well until about 1993, then a bout with pneumonia weakened his valve so much that he had to undergo open heart surgery #2. This time the valve had to replaced with an artificial (mechanical) one. He was put on blood thinners and did well until the 16th of February, 2000, a very cold night, or early morning (12:55 a.m.). Jeffrey died instantly at home. It was very quick and he didn't suffer at all. It was later determined that a bloodclot sealed the opening
of the artificial valve, killing him instantly.

Jeffrey graduated from Peru High School on May 22, 1987. He wasn't allowed to participate in school sports because of his heart defect, though he did play baseball and football with his brother and friends around the house. He couldn't go into the service either but he would've went if he could have. He'd said that more than once.

Jeffrey holding his godson, Bradley Morris, not sure of exact date, approximately 1996.

Jeffrey worked at the local McDonald's for several years before his death. He really enjoyed working and didn't want to sit around. He also loved bike riding and playing games with his mother and sister. He never married or had children, though he had one godson, Bradley Eugene Morris, his best friend's son.

In this photo, seated on couch, left to right: Mike Berkheiser (brother), Lori Berkheiser (sister),
Jeffrey Berkheiser (wearing the red shirt). In back of couch, left to right: Ian McCain (cousin), Gareth McCain (cousin).
And seated beside the couch is Maxine Hayworth (grandmother).

Jeffery was a very nice young man and is very much missed by his Father, Mother, Sister and Brother.
Plus he left behind a grandfather, and several Aunts, Uncles and Cousins too!!!

Jeffrey also liked to watch car racing. Jeff Gordon was his favorite driver.

May God keep Jeffrey safe in his care until we all meet again someday
at the pearly gates of heaven!!

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me:

I wish you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too:

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand.

And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity.
And all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things

You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?"

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.
~ Author Unknown

In this photo from October 1997, seated on couch, left to right: Mike Berkheiser (brother), Lori Berkheiser (sister), Jeffrey Berkheiser (wearing the red shirt). In back of couch, left to right, Ian McCain (cousin), Gareth McCain (cousin).

Dear Judy and ANGEL Jeffrey

Your ANGEL is with you Judy
He hasn't left you for ever
He is just away for a while
Look up at those stars
One of them is Jeffrey's
It is his window
He see's his loving Mom
He smiles and waves at you
Open your heart Judy
You will feel him
He is also waiting for you
At those GOLDEN GATES
PLEASE BELIEVE THAT

Written By Sue-Anne Aguilera~~~Lee'sMom
MY DEEPEST LOVE TO YOU JUDY