| LLETTERS AND NOTES (3) |
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| This was written and read at the memorial for the boys, by Dallas Niebuhr |
| Hi, my name is Dallas. First I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of Jesse Stoner and Jason Thompson.I can't even imagine how hard all of this is to deal with. When coping with something as tragic as this, we all need to keep in mind that they are both in a better place and are watching over all of us every day. Jason and Jesse were both close friends of mine. The two of them knew how to light up any room. They had an untouchable sense of humor and a constant need to laugh. When times get hardest, all I can do is remember all of their little sayings and jokes, to bring a smile to my face. As many of you know, Jesse and I dated. We shared a lot of good times together and went through a lot of difficult situations. When looking back on all of those times, I smile, because no matter how hard the situation may have been, he could make me smile. Jesse had a certain passion for laughter that could never be shattered. There was one imparticular dream of his that could always make me laugh. I do realize that this dream of his was not a joke to him. Jesse always told me that when he got older and became rich, he would buy a farm with a thousand Chihuahuas. And every morning, he would go open the gates and let them run around all day, and he'd run with his little doggies. And he said when the day was done, he'd call each and every one back in by their names. There is no doubt in my mind, that his dream came true for him. Jesse has left me with so many things to smile about. Like for example, when we went to my Grandfather's house and all of a sudden, I look over and he would be doing the Raptor in front of my whole family. Or when we'd go to the movies and even when...well...actually...him and Jason did the Raptor pretty much wherever they went. There is not one thing that I would have changed about Jesse. He had a heart of gold and cared so much about other pople. Any one who ever had the pleasure of meeting Jason and Jesse, had the pleasure of a big smile and probably a stomach ache from laughing. Jesse was my first love and he will always have a part of my heart. There was something about him that I couldn't get enough of. Everything that happened between us came from love and I know that because of him, my life was a better one to live in and from now until forever, he has a heavy influence on me. My Mom always said that she could never have picked a better first love for her daughter, than Jesse Stoner. Even through the hardest parts, Jesse was genuine and loving. I wish I had more stories to share about Jason, but all I can do is share the memories I have. There is a part of the both of them that will live on in each of us forever...whether it is in our smiles, our hearts, or in our memories. Jesse and Jason, you are both deeply loved, respected....and missed. |
| Dallas took Jesse's yearbook to school and had several people sign it for us. What is written below, was her entry. |
| June 7, 2000 Jesse, Hey baby! I know you're reading this! :) Wow, what can I say, except that you've got a heart of gold and a love of laughing. We've gone through some of the toughest and funnest times together and I will never, ever forget any of our memories. You've had an enormous impact on my life and you will forever. You were my heart, my soul, and my everything. You'll be a part of me forever. You were the best first love I could've asked for. I hope you are having fun with your Chihuahuas! I'll be watching over your family and praying every night, until the day we can be together again. Soon baby! Time will fly because I know you're having fun and not having any worries. You've made an imprint on so many people's hearts. You are a great guy and turned out to be a wonderful man. I'm not going to lie. I'm struggling every minute of every day, but I know you'll keep me safe.Remember me always, cuz you'll never be forgotten. "Italian Stallion", "3", "Meep", "Raptor", "First love", and "First everything". Just a few thoughts because I don't want to close this book. You have changed my life in every way possible, with your love, smile and dang good looks! I love you with all of my heart and soul. Remember love lasts forever, no matter what. Remember 145 + 146? (I love Jesse) + (I love Dallas), D + J 4ever. You lived a good life. I love you more than you will ever know. Happy birthday, too! 19!!! Always and forever in my heart....Dallas Marie Niebuhr....Dali |
| This next entry is from Dallas' Mom, Tari Niebuhr |
| April 6, 2001 Jesse, Dallas and I miss you so much. I still can't talk about you very well, without tears just pouring out. But thankfully, we have your pictures surrounding us to serve as a reminder of your essence and your very sweet and very special spirit. And, of course, there are our memories....I remember when you, Chris and Beth made Dali a special birthday dinner and brought it to our apartment. You were so funny and sweet (and of course, lovestruck! :) ) You also were so impatient. You were supposed to wait until I got Dali out of the house, so you guys could be there when we returned and then you could surprise her. No way! You just couldn't wait. You thought you could sneak the food and yourself, Chris and Beth into our little apartment with Dali in her room and she wouldn't notice? hehe..Later I found out you had told her about it earlier anyway. You little stinker....:) I am so thankful for that memory and the many, many other memories we are left with. You were always so respectful and sweet to me....I really miss you, honey. I am so sad about what happened that horrible night. I am so sad about all of it. The loss of two so beloved young men, and the tragic turn that Dennis' life took, when he picked up that gun. I know it has been said before, but I have to say it again. Dennis' father should pay for his unfathomable crimes. In my opinion, he destroyed 3 boys' lives and deeply damaged the lives of the families and friends who loved them. I hope that justice prevails against Dale. Jesse.....I LOVE YOU BABY.....You had more heart and passion than most folks are even alloted in life. Thank you for all that you brought to our lives. I will see you again, honey....someday.... Ken and Donna, my prayers are always with you....you are two of the most incredible people I know. Love.....Tari (Dallas' Mom) |
| The last two entries on this page, are written by one of Jesse's friends....Shondra Phillips |
| May 31, 2000 Dear God.....As I'm lying in my bed right now, I'm thinking about everytime Jesse Stoner made me laugh. He was the nicest and funniest guy I ever knew. I can't help but think about why in the Hell - he would have to die. Out of all the bad people in the world, why would he need to be taken away from us? I'm utterly disturbed and more so disgusted when I think about Dennis Cramm. What right did he have to hold a gun in his hands and end the lives of two 18 year olds? What right did he have, to decide the world should no longer have a person like Jesse. I wonder what makes me or anyone I know so special, that we didn't die? Why him? I'm praying, more than anything, that God will bless the souls of Jesse Stoner and Jason Thompson. They were good, charismatic people who did not deserve this. I also hope that the girl with them will survive somehow.I'm sure it will be difficult for her to overcome what she has had the misfortune to witness.I apologize for the immense amount of hate I have right now for the killer. He still has a beating heart and a beating pulse, but I just can't stop thinking about my friend, sitting in that car, when he heard the first gunshot. The same friend who once taught me how to play the handslapping game. The same friend who said he never liked coffee, till he had mine.The same friend who kissed me for a photo taken in our photography class. His heart stopped beating last night because some #*&@ decided he had the right to end someone elses' life. God, I just pray the killer will parish eternally in Hell. For he has sinned against mankind. He has taken the lives of 2 of your innocent children. God, I pray that you will hold Jesse near your heart and that he'll have a better life now, now that he doesn't have to be hurt or scared, ever again. I love you with everything, Jesse Stoner, and I pray for your forgiveness and salvation. We will miss you!!! I love you and God bless you. Always a friend............................. Shondra Phillips |
| December 19, 2000 Dear Donna and Ken, I had a dream that I found a coat in my closet that had belonged to Jesse. When I reached into the pocket, I found a key chain inside. The key chain had the words, "This Too Shall Pass" written across it. This was one of the only positive dreams I've had about Jesse, since his death. I believe that the quote meant that one day, I will accept the simple facts of life and stop mourning over something I could never change. I loved Jesse so, so much. I cannot imagine what it must be like to wake up each morning, without him right there with you. I've tried to come up with explanations for why God would let something so tragic happen. Maybe there isn't any one explanation. I just know in my heart of hearts, that Dennis Cramm will suffer greatly for the thing he has done, and all the pain he has caused so many of us to endure. I remember sitting in PE, when my friend Tim told me what had happened. I remember how sick I instantly felt. I started crying, and I couldn't stop. I could not imagine anything I was told. I figured it was just a mistake and I'd see Jesse over the weekend. Mrs Stokes called my mom and made her pick me up. I just wouldn't stop crying. I know that many months have passed since Jesse died, but I still go to bed crying each night and I still wake up each morning feeling like I'd rather die, than live in a world like this. I probably don't need to tell you about all of the little things that Jesse did that made me love him so much, because you know how important he made each of us feel. That boy never stopped smiling and as everyone knows, his smiles were contagious. I would like to tell you about my favorite memory of Jesse. When we were in photography together, our group wanted us to kiss for a picture that was supposed to invoke an emotion. After they had taken the pictures of us, my friend Brandon accidentally ruined the negatives, and we all got F's. I will never forget how good it felt to be so close to someone as beautiful as him, for even just a minute. I would just like to say, that Jesse Stoner was one of the most beautiful people I will have ever have had the opportunity to have as a friend. Not a day goes by when I don't pray that God will bless and keep Jesse and Jason, and condemn the Cramm's forever. I love Jesse so, so much. Please don't ever feel alone in your grieving. I'm so, so sorry.......Shondra Phillips |
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| You are listening to ANGEL |