Michael Scott Lawton
Where Angels Abide

The pages in this website
are dedicated to my son Michael
who died in a tragic car accident on
August 3, 1998. Contained within
is a photo history of his short life,
poetry dedicated to that life
as well as memories from those who loved him.
I invite you to take a few minutes
to share Michael's life with me.
A life cut short by the irresponsible acts
of a drunk driver. Let his death
serve as a reminder that one should never
drink and drive, nor accept a ride from
a driver who has been drinking.
It only takes once.....

If they only knew that when I speak
of him, I am not being morbid.
I am proclaiming his life.
I am learning to live with his absence.
For 18 years he was a part of my life,
born, nurtured, molded and loved;
this cannot be put aside to please
those who are uncomfortable with my grief.
Wherever I am, I am with him,
I am seeing his face, hearing his voice,
remembering his laughter,
recalling his excitement and joy in life.

If they only knew that when I weep,
I weep for what he has lost,
for the life he loved,
for the music, which filled his very being,
and for all he still longed to see and hear.
For all that he loved and lost, I cry.

If they only knew the feeling of deep grief,
the emptiness, the dull pain,
the endlessness of death;
if only they understood the insanity of platitudes
so freely spoken that “time heals”
that “you’ll get over it”
that “crying won’t bring him back”,
that “he’s in a better place”,
that “God only takes the best,
and “ get on with your life already”
and realize that these are more
of an insult than a comfort;
that the warm and compassionate
touch of another means so much more.

If they only knew that I will not find
true peace and tranquility until they
are prepared to try to stand in my shoes.
I will not be understood
until they learn to understand compassionately
and I will not be heard until
they learn to listen with their hearts.

anonymous

Bath Time

Michael was always so full of wonder

Michael's First Birthday

I don't know how much of his first cake he
actually tasted, but he sure had a great
time playing with it!

Michael and Tasha

Michael and his new kitten,Tasha.
Tash, as she is affectionately known,
was born on Michael's third birthday,
and still lives with us.
She is now 17 years old, and
although almost two years have gone by,
continues to look for Michael
(Note: Tasha went to join Michael on
April 7, 2001, shortly
before her 18th birthday.
They are now together
in Heaven.)

The Accident

Michael's Law:

Family Memories

Grieving Parents Website:

Awards Page:

Photo Journey of Michael's Life:

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