Nelson’s Anniversary Edition Harley-Davidson motorcycle was his pride and joy. He was always seen out riding around, enjoying the open road.

We were all devastated when the phone rang that first night of January in 2005. The caller said Nelson’s wife had been rushed to Tampa General Hospital as the result of a motorcycle accident. No word was given to us on Nelson’s condition or whereabouts. Our search for Nelson brought us to Baptist Hospital in Plant City. I was hoping, like any mother, that he would be ok, and I would hear from him at any moment. Such a moment never came.  Our family was called in to identify the body that was brought in from an accident….we prayed it wasn’t him, but it was.

The pain of losing a son is indescribable. When Nelson died, he had been married and left behind not only his brother, sister and myself, but also his wonderful wife and 5 year old daughter, Harmonie.

Little did we know our tragedy would worsen while making his funeral arrangements. Being a young man of 27, life insurance was not a top priority...death seemed so many years away. The funeral costs were so much more than we anticipated and as a family, we were only able to come up with half. The morgue allowed us to keep his body there until we could come up with the rest of the money. I began to pray fervently for a way to come up with the rest for the money that was so desperately needed.  The emotional impact of not being able to afford to bury a loved one is humiliating and frightening. But God answered my prayers and touched so many hearts during this time! Through the generosity of others, He provided us with the money we needed. Nelson was able to have the funeral he deserved.

As a final tribute to my son, I asked all of his friends and family to ride their motorcycles to the funeral. They did, and at the gravesite they circled his casket, revved their engines, and then joined one another for a long ride, this time, without Nelson. It was a beautiful moment for us all.

Memories of Nelson Slone    by his Aunt Dottie J.   09/2009

A tiny baby in mommy’s arms,
Magical were his boyish charms.
He smiles with his glistening brown eyes, 
A truly sincere hug with no disguise.
Nelson grew to be a giant of a man,
Not knowing of his god’s future plan.
So much to say he eagerly chattered,
About things you would think didn't really matter.
The lord knew when he looked from above,
Through his son Nelson, we would see unconditional love.
Now Brother Mike and sister Mandy mourn,
About the loss of their mommy’s first born.
Something inspiring has come of his passing.
A good that only his mommy could have seen.
Nelson died a biker and is now riding with angels,
She’s truly inspired and has only one angle.
Help someone else when the tragedy hits home,
So maybe their family won't have to face it alone!
We ask for donations not from greed or for gain,
It just gives a purpose for our family’s pain!