Birthday celebration

By Debbie and Steve Ruggiero
Lucas Anthony Ruggiero was born September 20, 1995 and died December 12, 1995.

September 20, 1996

Just wanted to let everyone know how we spent Lucas' first birthday friday.. The few days before seemed more stressful as we couldnt decide what to do that day. We ended up taking the day off and driving to a nearby state park and camped out overnight. We kept busy during the day fishing a bit and did some biking..

That night we sat around a little fire and Deb lit the "forever candle" that she bought for Lucas birthday. While singing happy birthday, we also had music playing from a tape that we also used during the delivery. Its our favorite album from Enya called "Watermark". We talked alot about how much fun we had with Lucas and how excited we were with him since we were first time parents. Sometimes its really hard understanding how we were given such a wonderful gift and then in an instant it was all taken away. But Ill never forget the wonderful times we had together...

We always wanted to bring Lucas to this park because its such a great time, but we wanted to wait until he got older. We really felt like he was with us friday. I hope others can get some ideas from us if your confused about what to do. Thanks for your support also..

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, LUCAS!

It's been one year
since the happiest day of our life.
It's been nine months
since the saddest day of our life.

The world still carries on
with day to day events,
But a part of us stands still,
trying hard to understand.

You're in our thoughts daily,
some happy and some sad.
We'd give anything to hold you
just one more time again.

Lucas, you did not die alone
on that cold December day.
A part of our heart, our soul,
and our future also went away.

A special candle burns brightly
on this 20th day of September,
In memory of what was,
in memory of what should have been.

Steve and Debbie Ruggiero
Lucas 9/20/95 - 12/12/95

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