A Poem to Ryan Dominic DeAndrea

7-22-82 – 3-16-05

If I could take all your pain away I would

If I could change the outcome I would

If I could take your place I would

If my love could bring you back it would

If I could have been a better mom I would of

But could and would is

never going to change what has happened

Could and would is never going to

heal my heart or dry my tears

Could and would is never going to let me kiss

you, hug you or say I love you again

If I could change her words to you I would

If I could of made her love you I would of

If I could make her feel your pain I would

If I could ask her why I would

If I could of listened better I would of

But could and would is never going to make

you come back

Could and would is never going change what

they did to you

Could and would are words that are bittersweet now

If I could make them see the excessive force they

demonstrated I would

If I could make them feel what you felt I would

If I could make them see how frightened you were I would

If I could make them see this was not justified I would

But could and would is what should keep them

awake at night knowing they took your life needlessly

Because could and would are tearing me apart

I will love you unconditionally always and forever

I miss you more and more each passing day if that is possible

You will forever be my baby and my son

Love Now and Always, Mom

Linda Lou DeAndrea mother of Ryan