Paul was my big brother, he will be greatly missed by all of us in his family. It was hard as a 15 year old to have him move away from home in SC to his new home in CA. I remember thinking why on earth would anyone want to live in CA. But that is where the Lord wanted him. He loved CA. He especially loved his students. When he was home last week from our Mother's funeral he told us all about Oaks Christian and the students he had this year. Smart, lively students who were going to keep him on his toes and he was so looking forward to watching them learn.

Paul loved his Lord and Savior, Karen and Devin, his family, and his extended family. The Bible verse that comes to mind is one that was sent to me this morning by a dear friend. When Paul entered into the gates of heaven I know he heard these words, "Well done good and faithful servant ...enter into the joy if your Lord." Matthew 25:23. Can you image what joy there was in heaven they day Paul was called home? He was a pilgram on this earth, his journey has ended, he now in the arms of his Lord.

I will miss you my big brother, but I will see you again.

Dear Villalobos Family,

After watching the Friday night news, and hearing of the tragic Metro Link accident, I observed the interviews with Maria's aunt and sister. It was painful listening to them state that they had been searching for Maria without success. That night and thereafter, I prayed that Maria would be found among those that were injured and able to recover.

To my horror, I just discovered this morning, that Maria's name is on the list of those who passed on. Having lost a son and a daughter who were young adults like Maria, it never seems to make any sense. But I do understand what your family and the families of the other passengers who lost their loved ones that day are going through. This is my prayer for all: "May God lead you, guide you, strengthen you, protect you and (when necessary), send his angels to lift and carry each and every one of you" each and every day, until the day comes that you are reunited with your loved ones in his kingdom. I send love, hope and prayers for all.

When you and Doug moved here to California, we instantly became such close friends. We spent many weekends going to the different beaches along the coast and hunt for shells.
It didn't take you too long to convince me to be a Buffalo Bills fan. And 18 years later, I am still a huge fan. We had great times in New York. People thought I was nuts leaving sunny Southern California for cold Gasport New York. But, your family and friends made it so warm, inviting and fun. My fondest memories are of Christmas' at Grandma Griffith's house, watching you and your brothers and cousins play football in the snow. Going to the Bills games in the freezing cold with mom and dad, and whoever else dared to come with us. All of us covered in winter gear from head to toe, we barely knew who was who. And the family bond fires next to the canal. Those Secrist boys were such a crackup!
Chris, I have learned so much from you. I have always admired how quickly you learned something. You amazed me. You had such a quick wit. You always knew what to say at a moments notice. I can go on and on. Even though we went our separate ways, I am greatful we remained close friends. I will miss you so much. You will always have a special place in my heart forever. My love to Sharon and the girls. May G-D help them in this very painful time.

May God bless you in this heart-wrenching loss!

I am so very sorry...

Tanya

To Howard's family,
Howard was part of an extended "family" of riders on the 115 train home each day. We sat and talked and shared stories about our families and lives that often left us in gales of laughter. Howard was often the leader of those conversations. He was a sweet, funny and kind man. I know that my fellow train buddies and I will greatly miss him and will always fondly remember him. It's also important that you know he spoke very highly of his wife and children and it was obvious to all of us that he loved you very much.
My thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you.

AIDA'S FAMILY,

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE PASSENGERS. PLEASE KNOW THAT EVENTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW AIDA OR GABBY, THEY BOTH INSPIRE ME TO STRIVE FOR GREATNESS IN MY LIFE DESPITE THE CONDITIONS. THE LOVE AND APPRECIATION THAT YOUR FAMILY SHARES IS SPECIAL. GABBY STAY STRONG AND STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF AND LIFE. YOU AND AIDA HAVE TOUCHED MY LIFE AND THOUGHT ME SOMETHING GREAT, THANK YOU!

I do not know you or your family, but I saw you on the news Friday evening, and righ awya my heart went out to you I have a brother about that age, and 3 boys of my own. I can only imagine how devasating this was to you and your family. Know you have been in my thoughts and prayers along with so many others. Believe that GOD has a plan for your sister and even though she may now be among you all in the flesh but her spirit will live on always through you and all of your family. She seemed like a pretty neat person, and I'm sure that she knew how much she was loved,and just how special of a person she really was. Gaby live your dreams and your sisters dreams be happy for her, and know that you will always have a guardian angel by your side. GOD BLESS you and your family.

Christoper was a funny guy and always had a smile or some type of smirk on his face. Chris, "May you rest in peace" Sharon, I will keep your family in my prayers and thoughts. Glod Bless you, the girls & your families!

What do you say. Ron Grace was my friend, my confidant, and a constant in my life for the past 40 years. My children have never known a moment where Ron was not around. I have no memories of Ron that are not positive with an argument never happening between us. A piece of my heart went with Ron and all my thoughts are for the well-being and security of Jan, Andrew, and Brian. Ron knows that I will be there for them just as he would have been there for my family. A huge Chargers and San Diego State Aztecs fan. An amazing teacher of history and, as you can read above, a mentor, guidance counselor, and friend to everyone he met. My life was changed by having Ron in it and will be forever changed with him gone. I love you Ron and will never leave you out of my thoughts, memories, and activities to come. You were and are the best.

My son sat next to her, she was Vice president and he was president elect for the Avid program, hes is so torn up about it, as well as I. What can we do for the family, how can we help so not to feel helpless in honor of her? Its my understanding she is Chinese, and spoke it fluent, that comes from my son who worked with her at school. So, so sad, I'm so sorry, what a beautiful girl, I'm so sorry! My whole heart is with her family and friends who will miss and ache for her to be with you.