In Loving Memory of
Nathan Burton
June 29, 1978 - August 7, 2002

Nathan Burton was and always will be an incredible blessing to those who love him. He touched many lives in ways that he never understood or that his illness would not let him accept. He was always concerned for others; yet impatient with himself and the challenges his illness caused him to face.

Nathan was bright and articulate and loved nothing more than to debate political or social issues among friends. During his years in high school and at Tulane University his zest for learning and the search for something new gave him his greatest joy. He loved to travel and spent a lot of time on the road, searching for peace in a world he interpreted as unforgiving. He loved New Orleans and all its spirit and history. He loved music and was an avid reader and insightful writer. Nathan was deeply interested in finding out new things; he was always in search of answers and how events fit together in history. He was deeply interested in spiritual things and in the last year, when his illness consumed his life, he stopped reading all but his small Bible.

Although his life ended in tragedy, there is no more suffering or sorrow for Nathan, only for those of us who loved him so completely. All the sadness, searching and questions are answered for him and he is enjoying peace and the presence of Jesus. No more tears for him, just us, as we grieve a terrible loss.

His cousin Michelle McVicker composed this poem in his loving memory:

Nathan was a memorable guy
When you looked into his eyes
You could see
His dreams
His ambitions
And his love of mankind
You could see
Kindness
Love and the will to live
But in his darkest hour he changed his mind
Though our pain will last a long time
At least we know
He will be happy above
And will always have
All our Love

In the Arms of the Angels...Our precious son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.

It's been 4 months and sometimes, it seems like yesterday. You helped so many during your short life, but you never learned how to let people help you. I pray you are at peace. Those of us who loved you are slowly coming to acceptance. I wish it could have been different and you were still here. May others find the help which you were unable to receive. - Diane McVicker

Throughout your life, I always talked to you either on or around your birthday. Therefore, today, on what would have been your 25th birthday, I have had a feeling of loss stronger than usual. Everyone still misses you so much. A day doesn't go by that I don't think of you and wonder what you'd have to say about something as you always had insightful comments on world events, or simply "life events". I hope my cats are with you, keeping you company. I know you always loved Brandy especially and I have a vision of her sitting on your lap, there in heaven. I pray that you are experiencing the relaxation now that you never could here with us. We wish you were with us, now, especially on your birthday. But even more than that, I hope you know that our love for you has not gone away just because you aren't here. You always loved your birthday, so today, I would wish you Happy Birthday, Nathan... from Aunt Tricia

It has been a year since you left us. May God give us all peace and the determination to help others who are faced with the same despair that took you.- Diane McVicker

I wish I would have spent more time with you - as you and your brother Evan are my only first cousins. If I had only know the battles you were fighting, I had already fought similar ones myself. When you were small you spent so much time with Nancy and me, you were part of us. As the years passed by we drifted apart. I will always carry quilt that I didn't reconginize your struggles. A day doesn't go by that I don't think of you. The only comfort I have is knowing that my Mom, your Aunt Sarah, is with you in Heaven watching over and caring for you as she did while on earth. You are sadly missed by all of us who love you and by the little lives you touched. I pray that your heart is now at peace. - David Minor

Four years ago, Nathan's Memorial was one of the first on the website. When we lost you, I was so desperate to try to make something good out of something so horrible, the memorial helped in someway to keep you a part of our lives and maybe help others. Four years later the number of names on the memorial just keeps growing. I still miss you everyday but now I can smile about the good times. Our lives were forever changed that day , but your brother and I are doing well. This month would have been your 28th birthday. The world has learned alot about your illness but there is still so much left to learn. I definitely see an increased awareness and acceptance. If only we could have been more patient with you and you more patient with your illness. The" if only's" are hard and will always be a part of my thoughts. I do understand more about your pain and the affects of the meds, although positive, were also painful and caused the lows to go so low. I know you are at peace and your spirit goes on. I miss you from the bottom of my soul. Happy Birthday! Love , Mom - Penny Burton