06/22/03

Dearest Cory, just to let you know we love you and miss you very much and think about you constantly. You will always be loved and our precious memories of you will always be with us. You are with God now and we know you are very happy but we wish you were still with us.  We miss your smiling face and I would give anything to hear you say: hey mom what's for supper, I'm starving or:  Hey Dad, will you spot me five, I'm broke.  We could go on forever talking about memories of you for they will always be with us and so will our love for you.  Wherever we live, when you left us you had your own room and you will always have a room reserved just for you in our house with your balls, bats, glove, trophies and even your dirty clothes.  We will always love you but you already knew that because we told you every day and we know you loved us because you always told us.  Rest in Peace. 

We love you,

Mom & Dad

06/23/03

My favorite memory of you Cory was the time at the age of 4 when you couldn't get my attention b/c I was talking.  Being Cory, not to be ignored, you slipped down your britches and pee'd all over me.  It wasn't funny at the time, and your Mom spanked you but you just wanted my attention and through the years you and I have had several laughs about that.  My last memory was the day I had the extra fish plate.  You came out on the porch and I gave it to you.  You smiled and said "I'd better hurry and eat this before Dad sees it".....I love you so much and your always happy face will be painfully missed in our family.   I cherish the hugs, wrestling matches, card games, movies together and your constant picking on me.  

Aunt Di 

06/24/03

Hey Cory,
         I just wanted to say it was great getting to know you when I went camping with the family two years ago...I had the best time ever! It was so funny how you tried to teach me to dive, by the way I finally learned how!  You were really awesome and always smiled! I won't forget that smile.
I talked about you all the time with my friends when I got home about how awesome you were.  You made that summer really fun for me and I kept looking forward to going back and hanging out with you again. Thanks for being my friend, and I will never forget you. Just having known you for such a short period.....what a blessing.

Love,
Jennifer

6/25/03

Dearest Karen:

Although we do not know each other very well, I do know I have never seen you when you did not have a beautiful smile on your face.  From all the stories I have heard about your precious Cory I have learned that he always had that same great smile.  I have prayed that the loss of your dear Cory would not forever take that wonderful smile from your face.  Cory is watching over you and would want to see his Mom happy and smiling again.  Ashley loved Cory very much and misses her email buddy. (Freck, I still need to tell you that story)  She has told me what a clown Cory was and that he was always such a great friend.  It is absolutely unbelievable the number of people Cory has touched in some way.  We will miss him dearly.

We love ya'll,

Linda, Regan, Brandy, Ashley

06/26/03

Dearest Mom and Freck(dad),
I read your letter and decided to write ya'll one too.  I now know what it's like to lose a brother, but I can't begin to imagine what it's like to lose a son, I don't even want to. But I do know that all of us as a family will make it through this. We are a big family and I think that makes us even closer. Like you told Cory, there's not been a day that goes by when you haven't told us you love us. And Freck, there's not been a day go by that you haven't showed me that you love me.  I will never respect a man more than I've respected you in these 24 years. Ya'll were not only the best parents to Cory, but to all of us.  Whatever we needed or wanted, ya'll gave. Love, mostly. I'm not very good at saying or showing my feelings,  but I strongly have them and I just want ya'll to know, we're here for ya'll like ya'll have been here for us. And to both of you, I love you very much just like I know Cory did.

Love,
your one and only daughter
Jamie

06/25/03

Hi! My name is danielle i didn't really know cory but he played baseball with my brother  and i just wanted to say i am sorry for the loss your family and friends have had i know that has to be hard. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about how hard this must be for all of you. The way people talk he was fun to be around and was always smiling. I wish i would have gotten to know him a little better. Yall must  have been really proud. I just wanted to wish yall the best and pray that God stay with yall forever and help yall get throught this! ~Danielle~

06/25/03

hi, this is emily barr, i went to the same school as cory but i didnt know him personaly, i noticed that he always had a smile on his face, and that he was constantly making his friends and everyone around him laugh. he was a very outgoing person from what i can tell and he was very admired. losing him will have a huge effect on the lives of his family and Choudrant Highschool. He will always be in our hearts and our minds.

Luv always

Emily

06/25/03

dearest Cory,

There's not a second of the day when I do not think about you. I still can hear you busting through the door saying "hey Jamer".  Anytime I ever needed help with anything, I could call you and you'd be on your way. When you were little I pretended that you were my baby. Every night I would watch you sleep and pray to god that nothing bad would ever happen to you. I babysat you while mom and dad were at work, but one time when you were 3 yrs. old I thought I lost you. I found you asleep in between the wall and the bed. Now, I've lost you again, but like so many years ago, I'll find you again. I promise. The kids really miss you too. People have come and told me that when you found out you were finally getting a niece, you told the whole school. She may not ever know you, but I will make sure she knows how proud you were of her. Cole and Ethan may have a vague memory of you, but I'll never,ever let them forget about you. You will never be forgotten by anybody, because everybody loved you so much, and still does. Especially me.

Love always,
your one and only sister
Jamie

06/26/03

dear cory,

It seems like yesturday when u were walking down the school hall

with that big smile on your face.I'll never forget that.I dont think i 

ever saw u without a smile on your face.Yea you always looked 
on the bright side, i admire you for that.I talked 2 your brother ,the 
one that looks just like u,and from what he felt for you was unexplainable.

Your family loves you so much and so do your friends.You have touched 
peoples lives and gave us a reason to live.Cory you will always be in our
hearts and soul.

with much love,

         Kristin Nicole Quarles

hey aunt karen and uncle freck i just thought i would say a little something. When me and cory were just growing up i used to go over to his house everyday just to see what he was doing. And everytime i was over there he was always doing something for his mom or dad. And when i was playing with him we would always get into trouble it seems but i didnt mind just because i was with him. He always brought a smile to everyone he knew, even if they were sad. I dont remember much playing with him when we were kids because it was so long ago. He was like a brother i never had, someone to look up to. He lived life to the fullest with that big smile on his face. And to aunt karen and uncle freck im praying for yall. Were all going to miss him so much. Just cherish the memories.

Nathan

What can I say Cory? I have so many good memories of you. I remember you crying on my shoulder so many times and you telling me that you loved me like a sister. I loved it when you came to me Cory because that made me feel like your sister. Cory I want you to know I am still here for you and you wouldn't believe how much everybody misses you. I'm really going to miss you turning to me when you were upset. I will never forget everyday during lunch at school me and you would always get into a fight and you would smile when I got mad and say "I'm just playing, you know I love you",and that time you chipped your front tooth and I asked you what happened and you told me Robin punched you, and all the countless times you were around a bunch of people  (like in the hall) and you would pretend to trip and fall. It's really hard to believe that I will never see that, that I will never hear your voice, that I will never see your face, that I will never hug you, and that you will never cry on my shoulder again. When I look at your family I know how much they love you and miss you, just like me. I thought today that it's not really the time on earth we have that matters it's what we do with that time. Your time was great but was cut too short. God must have needed an "angel" and he picked the perfect person for the job. You were an absolutely amazing person and definitely one of a kind. I know I'll never meet another person like you that's why I'm glad I knew you. I love you baby boy and I will carry your memory and tell my children what a great friend I had. You will never be forgotten. I'll see you when I get there. I wrote a poem for you.

The other day I lost a friend
How could I have known it was close to the end
I never thought so soon you would go
But now I realize that this is so
I will be missing you everyday
Even at night while I pray
Though I know I will see your face
When I go to take my place
Cory Dale I love you so
Why, oh why did you have to go
Now GOD has given you wings to fly
Though on earth we all will cry
Yes heaven is a better place
But you were not suppose to leave us without a trace
Not now, not soon, but in time
Yet I sit here and write this rhyme
We miss you Cory, oh so much
And never will feel your loving touch
We know your watching us from up above
And we send you our thoughts and our love.
We all will miss you and love you still.

I LOVE YOU CORY,
Kristina a.k.a shorty

Dear Cory,              You were the best friend anyone could ever have. You always made people laugh and you always had a smile on your face. I will miss you very much but I will never forget you and I will see you again one sweet day but till then I will love you and remember the good times I and others had with you. To Mrs. Karen and Mr. Freck we all are praying for you and  hope the best to you, Cory will never be forgotten we loved him to much. "God you have a great angel and our best friend."     Kimberly Toney Dearest Cory Dale, I have known you for several years, but it seems like I just really started to become friends with you this past year. I have so many great memories of you. Since we can't make anymore together, I will just have to cherish the ones I do have. My fondest memory of you was when we had an ice fight at school. Knowing how many friends and family you had that loved you somehow you still had a way to make every single one of them feel special. You could make anybody laugh at anytime, and don't worry you still have the power to make everyone who had the privlege of meeting you laugh with the many great memories you gave them. I love and miss you always. Ashley Gullatt My name is Courtney, I didn't know Cory personally but I know my brother did. Brad always was laughing every time he talked about Cory and when I met him he made me laugh so hard that I would cry. He was the funniest person I knew but I only met him about 4 or 5 times. I never knew you could know so little of a person but when they are gone you lose an immense piece of your heart. Brad came over to my mothers house that day it was the first time id ever seen him cry. My heart broke into pieces when he said he couldn't talk to me. I want you to know that everyone isn't on guard to lose someone and I know that no one was when Cory passed away but God acts in mysterious ways and Cory's job here was done. All my comfort and support is going to your family. They miss you so do your friends. Courtney   Cory Dale, I just wanted to let you know that I love you and miss you like so many other people. You always had the biggest smile on your face. It is going to be hard walking down the halls not seeing your smiling face, that's one of the things I liked most about you, you could make anyone laugh. Your loss hurt many of us. It feels good knowing that we have a great person watching over us. You have a lot of love down here. To Mrs. karen and Mr. Freck we're praying for ya'll. To Jason and everyone else, your in our hearts. We always love you but NEVER forget you. Keep it real up there Cory Dale. I LOVE YOU! Love always, Brittany Welch To Freck and Karen: Thank You. I just wanted to let you know that you did a wonderful job raising Cory I can't think of one single person who didn't like him or think he was a joy to be around. He was crazy and he always knew how to make you laugh. To Cory's sibling's: I thought of Cory as a little brother although we really weren't related. I wish I could have had the time you had with him because what time I spent with Cory was great. I was lucky to know him as a best friend for years but you had known him as a sibling his whole life. To aunts, uncle's, and friends: It's really hard to loose someone you're close to. Cory was such an amazing person and I don't think I could say that enough. My heart goes out to all of you. Kristina 6/27/03 Dearest Cory, a.k.a Baby, I miss you so much. I didn't realize how many hearts you touched, I'm so happy that you were such a friend to everybody. You made everybody smile no matter what, I loved that about you. You know just how to make be smile even if I was so mad at you but you always made me the happiest person when I was around you and if I wasn't around you I was on the phone with you. I will always remember the fun time, good and bad times but most of all I will never forget just you. You will never be forgotten I can promise you that. I will never forget at school I will be going to my locker and you will be standing there waiting on me to get there with that big smile on your face that smile could get you anything, I loved that smile so much. But you would just wrap your arms around me and say "I missed you why did it take you so long" I'm going to miss you so much,not being able to go to my locker and just be thinking where is Cory or just to walk with you in the hall wall and you not make a big deal and fall and get back up and say " Robin why did you do that i could have hurt myself" and I would just look so confused and everybody would be laughing so hard. But that morning when John called me at 8:32 from your cell phone I looked at my phone and I was so glad that you were calling me b/c it was our 1 year 10 months anniversary I had that big smile on my face thinking he still loves me just like he always said he would but it wasn't you it was john and he was crying I thought it was one of those jokes you always played on me but it wasn't this time it was for real and it was like it hit me so hard that it was really real it was just a big dream and me or john or anybody else just hasn't woke up yet but I went to see your mom and dad and as soon as I walked in your mom just wrapped her arms around me and then your dad came in and you really don't know what you have that is just sooo great until its gone and I'm so glad we talked about everything. the funny thing about it is that I was going to call you that night before and ask you come over so we could talk about it some more and I wish now I really would have. I love you Cory I love you with all my heart. Your dad told me the other day that I met the world to you that I was all you talked about. I never knew how many people you told that you loved me so much. Everybody has told me that is all you talked about. And that I had your heart. I love you we have so many memories that I will never forget there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I love you always and forever just like you always told me. I'm still here for you whenever you need me b/c I know you will always be there for me. Love your always, Robin Skains P.S. here is that picture that you loved your hair in.

Dear Cory... I know that you cant be here today to see how much you have helped me. You have been so nice to me and sat by me at lunch one day I will never forget that day lol and then you gave me a big hug....I Miss Ya So Much...I am goin to miss seeing you in the halls when I got out of class for any reason.....Hehe.....Also im goin to miss seeing you in Mrs.Morgans class because we all loved it when ya came in and we didnt have to do any work. You have done a lot for everyone and all and no body would have thought u would be the one to go....Well we all love ya and we pray that u are having fun where ever you are and hoping that one day soon we will be able to see you.Also I miss seeing ya coming over to the house and being so funny and all and never forget" we dont want none"(inside joke wit my family and cory)...

BYE CORY I LOVE YOU!!!!!
Daphnie....aka....Meany(another inside joke)

06/30/03

Cory,
I miss you so much. Everyone does. I wish I could hear you say "Aunt Debbie shut up" one more time. Your mom and dad really miss you. I'm doing what I can for them. We all are. Your brothers and your sister miss you, too. So does Allen. I know God must have really wanted you to be with him, but I wish He could have waited a little while longer. I just want you to know I think about you every day and I pray for your family every night. I love them all very much. And I love you and miss you. Watch over us until we can all be together.

Aunt Debbie

CORY  CORY  CORY,

Dearest Cory,

I never saw you mad, upset, or even aggravated.  Never once!  How amazing.  I did see you upset over a ballgame once or twice, but you quickly got over that.  Mostly because you thought your Dad was mad at you, but you knew better.  He was soooooo very proud of you.  I've seen you pestered to the extreme with your nephews and you never lost your patience.  I must say that you had the most caring, understanding, and great love for people that I've ever seen before.  I'm not just saying that, but I wittnesed it.  Words cannot even begin to tell of the joyness that you brought to others.  You were a trouper, you gave more of yourself to others than most do, you always had that happy smile, your hair was alway looking good,  you had your own style and never, ever, forgot your Mom and Dad.  They ALWAYS came first to you.  You looked good, Cory Dale, and you loved life to the fullest.  You had a great home life...many would be jealous of your relationship with your family...but you helped make it exceptional because you never thought of yourself first.  It was alway the happiness of others that moved you.  So much fun and horseplaying all the time with you.  You deeply cared and I cannot even begin to say how much you'll be missed.  It's not possible.  You'll be with us forever and ever, always, Cory Dale....our sweet Cousin Cory Dale.  Today I imagined the heavens parting and I knew then that we are all just a "speck" on the whole big picture.  You are not.  You are there in the big ever after where there are no sorrows, pain, grief....just glorious happiness and when the heavens do part...I know you'll be there with your big smiling face to welcome us back to you.  Your life meant so much to soooo many people and you must know that now, Cory Dale.  I keep you in my heart everyday and think of you and your joy every single day that goes by.  You gave us so much baby....and you didn't even know it.

See you in heaven Cory Dale...Cuz

Cory  ,

     I will never forget the fun times we had. My favorite is the time we slow danced in my room b/c there was nothing else better to do. I remember back when I dated you. I was in like 8th grade and you were in 7th. And all the notes you wrote me after we broke up saying how much you wanted me back. But the most recent thing is Jason telling me I should go out with you again. I went Alexandria Tuesday-Friday and then Saturday morning you were gone. I didn't get to say goodbye or tell you how I really felt. At least you got to tell me that you loved me and that means the world to me. I wish I would have said it back but I didn't. I still think about you everyday and have your notes hanging up in my room and your picture on my wall. You are in a better place now and I can't wait until I am there with you so I can see you again. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!

LOVE,

   B

07/06

hey baby~
well i guess i should start by telling you how much i miss you.  I cany tell you in words or show you how much i miss you..and how bad it hurts to know you're gone. its weird b/c i know i can't call you or see you when i want. you were the bestest friend i copuld ever have. there's no one else in the world like you.  i feel like i lost my brother.. i fell like im in a bad dream and i cant wake up. i wish thats all it was. but i know that god has his reasons for taking you. i juss dont know why it had to be you. if he was tryin to send us a message why couldn't have been in a different way. i wish i could bring you back. i think of all the great times we had together.  i miss the way you used to sing that song " dont take the girl " and " cry me a river" .......lol.. and the way you used to do the justified thing. nobody will ever be able to do it like you.... you were a great person corydale. you had so many friends and family  who loved you.. my eyes have really opened up now that your gone and i see know hwat can happen when you make the wrong mistakes. i never thought i would lose someone so close to me, someone who i cared about so much. but i thought wrong. it can happen to anybody. its still gonna take me a while to be happpy. ill probably never be as happy as i used to be knowing that youre  not here with me to share the great times with me. you were always there for me when i needed you and i was there for you. but i  know that youre in a better place and hopefully one day we'll be together again in heaven.. you'll always be in my heart and ill always rember you and think of you no matter what im doing or where i am.. i love you and miss you more than you could ever imagine.....
                                                                                      ~i love you corydale~
                                                                                            jessie lewis       

Dear Cory,
It's your big bro Josh... Just wanted to tell you that I love you and miss you more than anything.  I have thousands of precious memories of you and will continue living through them until I see you again.  Your time on this earth was priceless and short lived, however, it is such a comfort to know that when we meet again time will not be an issue.  Not everyone can say they had a little brother that checked on his 25 and 27 year old brothers and sister like you did.  That was just you Cory.  You had so much love and gave it so freely.  You were a family man and we are lucky to have you.  My unborn daughter Emily will never get to meet you but I promise she will always love and know you through me.  You will always be in my heart Cory where you have always been.  I wont be far so if you need anything just ask.  Keep pitching those no-hitters up there in Heaven lil' bro. I love you very much Cory Dale Otwell... Rest in Peace
Your Big Brother: Josh Otwell

MY DEAREST BABY BROTHER I CANT BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH I MISS U . BUT YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN MY HEART AND WILL ALWAYS BE APART OF ME . IM NOT GOOD AT WRITING THESE THINGS SO EVERYONE CAN READ BUT I CAN TELL U THIS I HATE THAT YOU ARE GONE AND WISH U COULD BE HERE SO I CAN SAY I LOVE U ONE LAST TIME, BUT U KNOW I LOVED U AND WILL ALWAYS LOVE U CORY IF I EVER NEED ANY THING I WILL CALL ON U FIRST PLEASE LOOK AFTER MOM AND DAD FOR THEY NEED U TO MAKE IT THROUGH WHAT THEY R GOING THROUGH IM TRYING TO HELP CORY BUT IT IS HARD WHEN U R NOT AROUND TO HELP ME WITH THIS I NEED U BABY BROTHER MORE NOW THAN I EVER HAVE BUT BE WITH ME U CAN NOT AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT I MUST COME TO UNDERSTAND AND DEAL WITH BUT I DO LOVE U AND ALWAYS WILL FROM THE DEEPEST PART OF ME THAT STILL GOES ON ........ I LOVE U BOY DONT FORGET THAT IT IS HARD TO GET UP EVERY DAY AND GO ON WITH LIFE BUT WITH U HELPING ME I CAN DO IT I KNOW I CAN SO I MUST LEAVE U ON THIS NOTE BUT I WILL SEE U AGAIN IN ANOTHER LIFE LOVING U ALWAYS ,

YOUR BIG BROTHER,

MARK OTWELL A.K.A. FLUFF

07/13

Dear Freck, Karen and family,

I just want to let you all know that we think of you all often. You all are in our prayers. Remember God doesn't put to much on a person if he thought they couldn't handle it. He will always be with you. God bless you all!!! We love you!

Love,

Morgan and Bo

07/14

The other day me and Brittiany were talking about all the fun times we had together with you.  You were always doing something funny.  Thats why everyone loved you.  You had a gift, you could make anyone smile even if you didn't know them.  You couldn't stand to watch anyone cry.  I know there were many of times you helped me through some hard times, not because you had to but because you wanted too.  

The day I found out what happened I was so shocked to actually believe God would take someone like you from this world.  Your jokes, your smile, and your heart is exactly what this world needs. I guess God has a reason for everything though. It really breaks my heart to see your family go through what they are going through, but I know you are there with them now, smiling down, and holding there hand until they are ready to let go.

I won't ever forget you and all the memories we share.

Until we meet agian,

      Jackie

07/15

Dear Ms. Karen, Freck, Fluff, Josh & Jessa, James & Noelle, Jason, Jamie,

We want you to know that we are deeply sorry for your lost. Having our first child this past year- we know how special the love and bond is between a parent and a child. We want you to know that yall continue to stay in our thoughts and prayers. We miss Cory too. We thank yall for letting us be apart of your family. All of yall mean alot to us. We love yall and let us know if we can ever do anything for yall.

With Great Love,
Clay, Renee, and Raegan Pilgreen

Dear Cory--

We want you to know that we miss you very much. We only have a few memories you, but the ones we do have-- you were either smiling, telling a joke, or doing something crazy to get people around you to laugh or have a good time. As you got those qualities honest-- We met you through your brothers. Clay has grown up with your brothers. And there fore-- he has many memories of you being small. I remember how we had came over yall's house for a family gathering one day and Clay was tripping because you were a lot taller almost as tall as him. I also remember how you would come by our house just to chat awhile. I remember how your dad was so proud of you to be a part of the ball team. There are so many stories we have heard from Fluff, Josh, James, Jason, your dad, and Uncle Billie Steve, about you. There was not a one that had us rollin at the end. Nobody would have ever thought that you would be the one that would leave us. You did touch everyone that you ever met. You had an amazing personality that everyone got to know. You were just Cory Otwell- Crazy but funny- Caring and sweet. You have touched a lot of people in so many ways. The one thing that you have showed me is stay close- I have 3 sisters and a little brother. They all mean so much to me- even though they may not know that. But after going threw all of this and being there with and for your family, I have told all my family how much they mean to me. You have taught me that not everyday is guranteed to you. You have to treat like it may be your last. You also were like a little brother to the both of us. And we thank you so much for touching our lives as you did to others.

We love you,
Renee and Clay Pilgreen

Cuz
     Even though your gone I think about you every day. I miss hanging out with you and just laughing about anything all night long. I am glad we were so close and I got to know you for the short time you were here. I miss your big smile and your great sense of humor. I know I will see you again someday but until that day comes I will think about you every day. As for Aunt Karen and Uncle Freck I am here for ya'll and pray for you every night. I wish Cory was still here so we could get old together. but all I have is memories of him to get me through the day. He is still in my heart and dreams and will always be. I miss him and love him always.

Your Cuz,
Nicole

07/16

cory dale,

i never thought i would see this day. even though i only really got to know you 3 days before you died, i felt like i'd known you all my life. i never thought i could fall in love again so soon, but when i met you, i knew it was possible. it felt so good to me when i heard you say "hey beautiful" or "where you going gorgeous?" and i loved it when i saw your pretty eyes looking into mine. it was a feeling i'll never forget. the LSU visor you put on the mirror in my car on that thursday night is still in the same place. and when we took those pictures at taco bell the same night, i have one of you in my car. i can honestly say that those 3 days, i was with you all day everyday, were some of the funnest days of my life. i would give anything for you to be here so we could have more. when you left my house friday night, i remember you saying you'd call me as soon as you got home. and when my phone rang at 7 that morning, i was so happy cause i knew it was you. but when i saw christines name on the caller id at 7, i knew something was wrong. she told me and i couldn't believe it, i just sat there, thinking i was in a dream and wanting so bad to wake up. i call your cell phone all the time, just so i can hear your voice. on july 7, a month since you left us, i left you a message. i know you heard it and that you know what i told you. cory, i miss you so much. until i see you in heaven--i'll see you in my dreams. i love you.

love, sarah shadoin

Dear Mrs. Karen and Freck, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I really didn't know Cory that much in the last few years but I remember when he was younger. I would stay with Jamie all of time. What I remember the most about Cory was how he would threaten to tell on Jamie and me, so we would always have to let him go everywhere with us. Then it was annoying now when I think about it, I can't help but laugh. I remember one time Jamie and I had Cory hide our cigarettes and he forgot where he hid them. We were so mad at him but we always forgave him because he was so cute. I can't imagine something like this happening to him because I still see him as that little boy who followed us everywhere. I know that one day we will all see him again. I will be praying for yall.

LOVE ALWAYS, STEPH

What a beautiful site and a wonderful memorial to Cory.

I know he is so proud.......,

A good friend of mine took her life three days before Cory's accident. She, unlike Cory lived a dark,  unhappy life. Cory lived more, loved more, laughed more in his nearly 17 years than she did in the 52 years she was here. She would not let anyone love her, Cory let everyone who came in contact with him love him. YOU JUST COULD NOT HELP IT! Whether you had known him 3 days or 3 years, you loved him.

I know all of us have stories and incidents that happened with Cory that makes us smile. There are soooooooo many. Like the time he and Robin nearly set the house on fire when cooking fries. He was such a trooper, never complained the first time about painting the ceiling--just made it an adventure and laughed until it was done. 

Cory wanted those around him to feel good about themselves and to feel good about whatever endeavor they had taken on. One night I had cooked "Mama's Mess", (in other words, anything that we had in the kitchen might be in the pot). The girls turned their noses up, "Yuck", "MOM", "The horses wouldn't eat this", BUT not Cory, he grabbed up a big bowl and proclaimed, "YUM, this is some good stuff!" The truth is that it probably wasn't very good at all, but he would not want my feelings hurt. He was just like that.

He would do whatever it took to help make you feel better. He would tell me that my shoes matched (when they didn't), or that my hair looked good (when I knew it looked like a lion's), or he would just give me a big ol hug and say in a slow funny way, "Awww, Ms. SueWannnner, come over here and let me give yer a big ol hug." Even when we would trim his hair, if we messed up--he would never say anything. He just wasn't much on hurting people, but rather wanted you to feel good.

One day there was a heated "Mama to Children" talk in the front yard. He and Robin both listened as I gave my disapproval for some of their teenage ways. As I ended the little speech, I said, Cory, I am not telling you these things to be mean, I am telling you because I love you." He said, "Ms. SueWona, I don't think nobody's Mama, other than my own has ever told me that they loved me." We both had tears, and he gave me a hug.

He called me to apologize for not being at my graduation the end of May. How thoughtful. Noone told him to call me, he just did. Cory took his shoes off at my backdoor. Noone told him to, he just did. When he would leave my house, he would take out the trash. Noone asked him to, he just did.

Karen and Freck, thank you so much for allowing Cory to be apart of my life. He was a blessing, and I am blessed for having known him. Your loss is tremendous.

One day I shut a door on my finger and said a real ugly word, I immediately asked God to forgive me. Cory heard me and replied quickly, "You know He forgives you, Ms. SueWona." He didn't grin at me, but smiled the sweetest smile. It was one of those moments that you forever have engrained in your mind.

Yes, my friend took her life that she had never lived. Cory was taken from a life that he lived fully. And as I have lost two very good friends, one I think of and feel sympathy, the other I think of and although there is sadness, I think of joy and wonderment for life, as only God would have us to live. And Cory did just that. He lived, loved, and laughed.

Cory's family, I pray each day for your hearts and the hurt. You all meant so much to him. He was so proud of his family.

Cory's friends, I pray for all of us that love and miss him.  

And for that special girl, that first real love, I pray that your heart will heal and that you will come home. I know the memories here are so painful, but please I beg you. Cory would not want you to stay away from the place in which you two made so many memories.  

With Love to All,

Ms.SueWona.

07/21

Dear Cory,

Your Dad and I are sitting here crying again thinking of you and missing you so much. You, me, Dad, Kerri Ann, Pat and Tyler were supposed to be in Atlanta tonight watching the Braves and Cubs play ball. I know you watched from Heaven. Did you see your man, Sammy Sosa hit his homerun? Did you see my man Javy Lopez hit his two homeruns? A total of four homeruns hit during the game. We should have been there as a family watching the game together, instead of you watching from Heaven and us watching it on sportscenter. We couldn't even watch it tonight because of the tears and the fact that you should have been with us. We miss you so much and love you so much. We walk around in a daze and it's hard getting back on our feet without you. Jamie caught little Cole crying the other night and you know what Cole told your sister? He said he missed his Uncle Cory. Ethan was calling for you the other night too. Everyone misses you and loves you so much, your brothers, your sister, the rest of the family and all of your friends. You were so loved by all especially us. It's very lonely around here without you. Did you see the cross we had made for you? All we have now are our precious memories of you but they will be cherished forever and ever. Did you see all the e-mails for you on your website? Awesome. You were so well loved and I bet you didn't even realize how much. I can tell you the pain of missing you is so unbearable it feels like someone has ripped out my heart and that part of my heart will never be replaced. We miss and love you so much Cory, as do all of your family and friends. We still have and will always have our 6 children even though you are in Heaven. We love you baby. You will forever be in our thoughts and hearts.

I love you,

your Mom

7/24/03

Dear Mrs. Karen and Mr. Freck 

    I know what happened to Cory is very sad and all you want to do is just cry all day. I feel the same way. But you know how Cory is and you know that he wouldn't want you to cry. Its very hard right now for yall and I'm very sorry. We all have so many memories with him and that is what we are going to have to remember. I loved Cory so much he was my first true love and yall know that.I love yall and I'm here for yall whenever yall need me, just call. When Mr. Freck told me he felt that John and I we're his only links to Cory it made he really feel like a part of yalls family still. I know yall both have always told me that I was a part but it really touched me, and I thank yall for that. I will never forget about Cory he was to special. He touched so many people in so many different kind of ways. But No matter what ever happened he was always there for his family. He loved yall so much. He was always talking about something happening between yall but it always came down to he loved yall. There wasn't everything that could stop Cory from loving his family. When Jamie was about to have her little girl that is all he would talk about."I'm so glad I'm going to have a lil niece." he would say. Then he would talk about her getting older and how pretty she was going to be. And how he was going to have her back if anybody messed with her. B/c that was his girl. We all miss him so much. There isn't anything that can take his place. But it's like he knew and he just didn't want to tell anybody b/c he was a gift from god. I'm glad that I came to choudrant and got to meet Cory and his family and spend almost 2 years with him. B/c that was the most fun years of my life and want ever be forgotten.I love yall and I'm very sorry he will be missed by me and my family. Cory had a lot of memories with my family so he will be thought about all the time and missed also. I can't even come to my moms house without crying or most of all I can't go in my own room not knowing that my phone is going to ring and its not going to be him. All the pictures are still up and more are going up. So you know he want be forgotten. But I love you both. You are like my Mom and Dad . You always will be. If yall just need to talk about it I would love to just talk. I'm just a call away. If yall just need a shoulder to cry on I would cry with you. But its going to take time and don't rush yourself you know when its time to get up and move around. But I love yall both I'm here for yall. I'm still going to come by and see yall don't think I'm not. I'll see yall soon give my love to the rest of the family.     Love always,

          Robin Skains

07/25

B O W E R S / O T W E L L

hey little big brother!

hey cory dale its me your little brother well i dont know who was the little one out of us two but i dont think that really matters all that really matters is that we were ALWAYS there for each other! i miss you so much cory dale! i dont know what to do without you now! i never ever thought i would have to live the rest of my life without my bestfriend! you are the only true friend that i really have and you told me some things that night that i will never ever forget and i am so glad that you told me that! i am actually glad we got to tell each other we love each other that night! cory you just save me a spot up there bc i promise i will see you again one day and we can be together one day again! i am ready for that day to come bc all i want to do is be with my bestfriend bc it is so hard right now i dont have anyone that i can call when i have a problem nobody understands me like you do and i wish i just had you to at least talk to but i pray and talk to you everynight just please be the friend you have always been and stand by myside and get me through all the hard times! cory i need you now just like i have always needed you and i promise you there isnt a second in the day that goes by without you going through my mind! it was just so hard waking up every morning and not having my bestfriend in the bed with me anymore! i just wish i could walk into mom and pops house once again and you be sitting there on the couch so we can wrestle and have a good time again! or throw one more ball together or just spend one more second together! i can still hear your voice to this day telling me that you love me! i call your cell phone all the time just to hear your voice! cory i miss you so much just please wait on me and i promise you that i will be there with you one day! you dont understand how much i miss everything we use to do together! my summer has been so horriable bc you arent here to keep me company but i try to survive knowing that you are still here with me by myside! cory you dont know how many people loved you you touched so many lives it was unreal and you know you made the biggest impact on my life brother i will never ever do anything to hurt myself or anyone else again! just please stay by myside like we have always (stood beside each other) and we will stand face to face again one day! PROMISE! i miss you brother i will see you again i promise! you never ever leave my mind i love you cory and i miss you so much! but i am going to go now! help me get through this! I LOVE YOU!

I LOVE YOU CORYDALE! your little big brother!

johnathon bowers

BOWERS/OTWELL

07/26

hey Cory!!

I just wanted to let you know that I miss you so much!! I thought of you every moment on our birthday. I will always remember you and all the good memories you brought me. I'm going to miss having some to talk to about my problems. Especially mine and Jamey's!! You always helped me through things and I know you did the same for alot of people. You were always smiling (except when I didn't want to give you a back rub HA!). I always call your cell phone to hear your voice. I just wanted to let you know that I will never ever forget you and i will always think of you and all the memories we had. I think the thing I am going to miss the most is how you use to call me beautiful every time we saw each other. I would give anything to hear you say it again but I know you are in a better, happier place now.

P.S.
Mr. Freck and Mrs. Karen,
I really didn't get to know you but I just wanted to tell you that you have the greatest son ever. But I'm sure you already knew that.

Love~ Lauren Evans

07/27

Cory

Cory I have known you since first grade. You were my bestfriend through 6th grade then we grew apart but the memories I have of you I will never forget.I will never forget after sixth grade graduation when we all went to Aaron rays house and danced. You grabbed stetson and danced as if he were your girlfriend. You were always making everyone around you laugh. I will never forget that day when I saw you in walmart, you wanted to pick out a ring for Robin. I asked you if you truly loved her and you said more than anything. Cory we miss you so much . . . I miss you. I am going to miss that smile and all the laughter you brought to us. You are an amazing person and I love you always. To Mrs. Karen and Mr. Freck you were amazing parents and I know he loved you so much. Just as we all love you and always will. To Jason . . never forget what I told you. Love you all.

Sara Nicholson

07/30

To Dear Cory Dale Otwell:

I KNOW YOU'RE WATCHING OVER US W/ A NEW PAIR of wings!

I know you loved robin & kane was almost like a brother

to you! & i also remember when we were little, that jason was

your role model. i also know everyone will always miss you! i just

wanted you to know i did keep the smiley face ear-rings you

gave me for christmas in the 5th grade & that you are the only

person i have ever known that could make anyone laugh at any

time & didn't have any enimies ! you wEre such a day brightner to

anyone & everyone you had ever met! you had everything goin for

you & no one understands why you were taken from us so early.

when you lefT, so many people were left w/ a hole in their heart

that only you coul fill!

Cory Dale, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!

to cory's parents:

dear mr. freck & mrs. karen,

you may not remember me but i've been over W/

KANE ROZELLE a few times. I CAN ALSO REMEMBER WHEN CORY AND I WERE

IN ABOUT 5TH GRADE. WE MET EACH OTHER UP AT THE SKATING RINK

ON A FRI. NIGHT. AS EVERYONES PARENTS WERE COMING TO PICK

THEM UP, MY MOM & I WERE LEAVING AND YOU (MRS. KAREN)& CORY WERE

BEHIND MY MOM AND ME. i REMEMBER HEARING CORY TELL YOU I WAS HIS

GIRLFRIEND, I TURNED AROUND & I REMEMBER YOU SAYING

"HER, THAT'S YOUR GIRLFRIEND!"

cory will never be forgotten by anyone! he was too special of a person!

my prayers are with you always!

Always!

nicole

richmond

Dear Cory, I didn't know you that well, but enough to call you a friend. Every time I saw you, you always had a smile on your face. You hardly every cared about yourself, you cared about making other people laugh. And you made me laugh plenty of times. It is not going to be the same without you. I have memories of you that I'll never forget. And I will treasure them. I'm glad I had the privilege of meeting you.                                                         Love always,                                                        Ashley Riggin P.S. Mr. Freck and Mrs. Karen, You may not remember me, but I've came to your house one night with Brandon. It was my freshman year Homecoming night. Y'all seem like great parents. You are blessed to have Cory and so is Cory to have y'all as parents. I wanted to let you know that you raised a great young man. He will be missed, but never forgotten!!                                                 Love always,                                                 Ashley Riggin