In Loving Memory of
Michael Charles Burch
    On October 2, 2001 our lives changed forever.   Mike had a biopsy done on an enlarged lymph node.   We were told that he had metastatic malignant melanoma.  Skin cancer than had already spread through his body.  The doctor informed us that it was terminal and that he should go home and spend time with his family.  
      Being 32 years old, full of hope, and otherwise very healthy- Mike opted to try  every treatment that was available to him.   The treatments included brain radiation, chemotherapy, brain surgery and gamma knife.   So much for one person to go through in only 3 months time.   Melanoma spreads very quickly and it didn't take too long for it to completely take over all of his organs.  He passed away January 21, 2002.   Through it all he never gave up hope and he never gave up on God.   He wasn't angry like you would assume most people would be. 
     Mike was a wonderful husband, father, son and friend.  He dedicated his life to his family, church and job.  Mike was the kind of person that you couldn't help but like.   He had a very "magnetic" personality.   He was the type of person that could talk anyone into doing whatever he wanted them to do.   He wasn't a forceful police officer, he used his brain instead of his muscles.   He is missed dearly by many people. 
     May you rest in peace Mike.   You will always be my soul mate, I pray that we will be together again someday.
A retired DPS sergeant made the headstone.  He did a great job and I know Mike would love it.  Thanks Tom.
Click on the picture to see a better view.
"Just Reward"  
Author Unknown

The police officer stood and faced his Maker, which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining, just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now police officer, how shall I deal with you? 
Have you always turned the other cheek?  To your Maker, have you been true?"

The police officer, with squared shoulders said,  "No sir, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry badges, can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent, because the streets are tough.

But I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got too steep.

And I never passed by a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, please forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.

But if you don't have a place for me here, well... it need not be too grand,
I never expected or had too much, so if you don't... I'll understand."

There was silence all around the room, where the saints respectfully stood.
As the police officer waited quietly, for the judgement... bad or good.

"Step forward now, police officer, you've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets, you've done your time in hell."
It seems the greatest man on earth was just taken away,
The greatest smile, the greatest heart, we prayed and prayed for him to stay.

But sometimes these terrible things will happen
and sadly there's nothing we can do, But just sit by and wait to cry and curse this nightmare come true.

Sometimes encouraging words are exchanged
but most of the time we shed tears and we look in awe of the greatest strength, attempting to beat all our fears.

And when you last hugged him, it was your greatest hug.
You knew it might be your last but you threw out the thought and closed your eyes, because it can't be happening this fast.

When he came to the end of his greatest fight, you see this person who cared and you know he's forgiven you for all the bad times and loves you for all that you've shared.

It seems this time the greatest man, just endured the most difficult things.   That's because this world has been harsh enough and he sure looks better in wings.

This poem was written for me after Mike passed away by one of his good friends.   Thank you.
1968 - 2002