Happy Birthday to Dustin

@CarolDM (203422)

Nashville, Tennessee

March 1, 2022 11:51am CST

Today is my son's birthday. I lost him many years ago. But he remains forever in my heart. I read a story awhile back that stuck with me. A lady said this about her son that died... "He did not pass. I didn't lose him. He died. He is with me every step of the way, just in a different way." Such a great way to explain when your child dies. It helps me tremendously to read stories of other parents who know exactly how I feel. In everything beautiful, it's Dustin I see. I talk to him almost every day. He is with me in every sign he sends me, and he guides me in every decision I make. I will always celebrate Dustin's birthdays and be so proud of him and his accomplishments in his short time on this planet. There is nothing that fills my heart with more joy than to talk about him. My beautiful, magical, wonderful, kind, and unique son. Photo is mine. Dustin was in the second grade. I had the cake and balloons delivered to his classroom. He was so excited to see his Jurassic Park cake. Dustin is forever 16. Forever loved. Forever missed.

36 people like this

35 responses

@akalinus (43184)

• United States

1 Mar 22

Birthdays and other holidays are the hardest when you lose a child. There is no other way to deal with them than to power through them. Do whatever makes your heart glad and honors Dustin. Prayers!.

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

1 Mar 22

You are exactly right JoAnn. Those dates can be tough. No matter how much time has passed. I try each year to find a way to remember him and the happy times.

2 people like this

@porwest (90118)

• United States

1 Mar 22

@CarolDM If you don't mind me asking, how old would he be today?

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

1 Mar 22

@porwest Forever 16 Jim.

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@Vikingswest1 (6304)

• United States

1 Mar 22

This is my third attempt at a response. I'm having trouble finding the words I want to send you. It must be a bittersweet day for you. I know you love him as much as ever, even though he is gone now. But he still lives on in all the beauty you see and feel around you. I'd best keep this short because my eyes are already leaking. I want to wish a Happy Birthday to the both of you.

3 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

1 Mar 22

How very kind of you. Words are hard. They just are. Knowing you made such an effort means the world. Today is bittersweet. Thanks for the reminders. I try to remember he is in a different form now and still here.

1 person likes this

@snowy22315 (180452)

• United States

1 Mar 22

So sorry about the pain you endure, but you have happy memories, and I am sure that sees you through the dark times.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

1 Mar 22

Thank you for your words and thoughts. I feel him around often.

1 person likes this

@RebeccasFarm (89831)

• Arvada, Colorado

1 Mar 22

I know Dustin is with you Carol. A happy birthday to Dustin RIP A lovely fellow he was and is

RIP

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@RebeccasFarm (89831)

• Arvada, Colorado

2 Mar 22

@CarolDM Always Carol. You amaze me with the unending strength you have.

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@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Mar 22

Thanks for always supporting me and saying his name.

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@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Mar 22

@RebeccasFarm How kind of you, I don't know where it comes from. And many times I don't feel strong. But I am still standing.

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@Juliaacv (51098)

• Canada

1 Mar 22

She put that quite well, I agree with it completely. I thought that I saw little dinosaurs on that cake, our son was into those too. Happy Birthday Dustin, please always be there with your Momma, she counts on your presence.

When you see my Brittany, you keep an eye on her please. Her birthday was less then 2 weeks ago.

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@Juliaacv (51098)

• Canada

1 Mar 22

@CarolDM I'm sorry, I had a feeling that my comment would bring tears. But we are in this together, together with our amazing children, walking thru life, never separated.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

1 Mar 22

@Juliaacv Please don't apologize. I have cried a lot of today. But it helps. So very true. And for that I am very thankful.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

1 Mar 22

This is why connecting with parents who have lost a child is so important, as you know, they are the only ones who truly understand. Tears as I read your words. Thank you for that my friend. They are together up there somewhere.

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@kobesbuddy (78882)

• East Tawas, Michigan

1 Mar 22

And Dustin has a beautiful smile on his face today and forever! He's right beside you Carol, in everything you face and everything you do:) The love you share is eternal, it will never leave

That Jurassic Park cake was an amazing treat, the entire class enjoyed it:)

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

1 Mar 22

He was so happy in this photo. Proud of his cake and balloons. I tried to make every day happy for him. He said all of his friends loved the cake. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Thank you Kharla for your continued support.

1 person likes this

@kobesbuddy (78882)

• East Tawas, Michigan

1 Mar 22

@CarolDM You gave Dustin the best life possible:) He enjoyed every minute he spent with you, Carol!

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

1 Mar 22

@kobesbuddy Yes I believe that is true. He was my world.

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@much2say (55562)

• Los Angeles, California

1 Mar 22

Wishing your beautiful Dustin a happy birthday. His photo here is precious. I have always believed that there are soulful reasons why Dustin's Garden thrives so well

.

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@much2say (55562)

• Los Angeles, California

2 Mar 22

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@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

1 Mar 22

Thank you very much. I love this one, as I do all of him smiling. Such a good day here. I have to agree about Dustin's garden. He is around. Thanks again for the support.

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@LadyDuck (471337)

• Switzerland

2 Mar 22

I almost missed this post. I understand that you celebrate every year. Happy Birthday to Dustin in Heaven. The story that lady told is true, we do not lose those we love, they are forever with us.

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@LadyDuck (471337)

• Switzerland

3 Mar 22

@CarolDM You do the right thing to celebrate his birthday, I know he loves that you do.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Mar 22

Yes Anna, I will always celebrate his birthday. Such a profound message she shared and it helps me tremendously.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Mar 22

@LadyDuck There is no way I couldn't celebrate in some type of way.

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@Tampa_girl7 (50205)

• United States

2 Mar 22

He was such a handsome boy.

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@Tampa_girl7 (50205)

• United States

2 Mar 22

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@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Mar 22

Thanks Marie. He is missed every day.

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@antonbunot (11093)

• Calgary, Alberta

2 Mar 22

Happy Birthday In Heaven, Dustin!

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@antonbunot (11093)

• Calgary, Alberta

2 Mar 22

@CarolDM you are welcome! I am so sorry for the loss of your loving son!

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Mar 22

Thank you.

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@Courtlynn (67085)

• United States

6 Mar 22

Such a handsome boy. And what a wonderful celebration at school.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

6 Mar 22

Thanks it was a nice day.

1 person likes this

@Deepizzaguy (102624)

• Lake Charles, Louisiana

1 Mar 22

I am deeply for the loss of your son Dustin. I agree with you that he is with you in spirit.

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@Deepizzaguy (102624)

• Lake Charles, Louisiana

2 Mar 22

@CarolDM My pleasure to make your day better.

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@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

1 Mar 22

Much appreciate your words and support. Means a lot.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Mar 22

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****DANIELLE****

@VivaLaDani13 (60794)

• Perth, Australia

3 Mar 22

@CarolDM A wonderful photo of Dustin. Sorry I am a bit late but a happy heavenly birthday to Dustin. I have been believing more and more nowadays that our loved ones are still with us in a different way after they pass. Due to personal experiences, I believe it more and more. I believe sweet Dustin is with you always.

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****DANIELLE****

@VivaLaDani13 (60794)

• Perth, Australia

6 Mar 22

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@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Mar 22

Thanks. It was a happy day. No problem, always good to see you. I do believe as that is what gets me through.

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@RubyHawk (99405)

• Atlanta, Georgia

1 Mar 22

A very handsome little boy. I know exactly what you mean. My son is always in my heart and will never be far away. I see and hear him everyday in my minds eye. I speak with him every day.

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@RubyHawk (99405)

• Atlanta, Georgia

3 Mar 22

@CarolDM I hope it never changes. I like to feel he’s near.

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@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Mar 22

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@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

1 Mar 22

I think so. And I thank you. I talk to Dustin each day too. It keeps them around I believe.

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@LittleMel (8742)

• Canada

2 Mar 22

I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how heart-breaking it is, but in a way he is in a better place now, he is not suffering the pain and struggles many people still living are going through, he will never fall sick, never stop playing, eating whatever he wants and not get sick out of it, if he was in pain- nothing/nobody can harm or hurt him now.

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@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Mar 22

He should be here. He was not in pain. Thank you.

Anne Marie Guyer

@LeaPea2417 (37350)

• Toccoa, Georgia

3 Mar 22

I don't know what to say except I am glad you had beautiful memories with him when he was alive.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Mar 22

That is enough, words are not necessary. Appreciate your thoughts.

@sol_cee (38219)

• Philippines

2 Mar 22

You’re very strong and Dustin must be very proud of you wherever he is now

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Mar 22

I don't feel strong but thank you for your kind words.

@Shiva49 (26665)

• Singapore

2 Mar 22

I can understand your deep sense of loss. Think of the departed at their best is what I do. We all walk the same path but some leave us earlier.

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@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Mar 22

Of course some leave earlier. However he was my only child. My world. Difficult at best but I am still standing.

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@LindaOHio (178131)

• United States

2 Mar 22

Dustin was an adorable child. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Dustin!

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@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Mar 22

Thanks so much. I love his happy face here.

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@ZedSmart (19787)

• Philippines

2 Mar 22

I can't say anything but your story touches me.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203422)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Mar 22

No words are needed.

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