I miss you Denny! I was thinking about how your cancer journey brought us even closer together. Our country drives where we would talk non-stop about everything and anything…the past, present and the future. Seeing you pull in our driveway for a visit over a glass of lemonade or ice tea made my day.
You promoted fun at family gatherings, deer camp and holidays. Most of the time you would just sit back and take it all in, but always join in with laughter.
We had wonderful parents who gave us an awesome childhood. You were my only playmate for years - why was I always the Indian and you were the cowboy??? How did you turn my request to play house into cops and robbers??? We grew into teenagers and being a year apart in school was a blast. You were allowed to drive to school due to being in sports and I rode with you. Once again, our secret conversations were endless during that time.
Then we both had our families and our quantity time turned into quality time. Most get togethers were at mom and dad’s house where they made it special times to be together. Our kids bonded and we didn’t even realize the memories that were being created that are talked about now.
The tables turned and it was our time to take care of our parents. You and Sue went above and beyond as we worked to keep them healthy and happy. Mom passed first and you stepped right in to fill the void from loving son as well as dad’s new companion.
You orchestrated the sale of mom and dad’s estate with no qualms. I thank you again for that. Then it was YOUR time. You were a bit lost as your life long routine had changed forever. Thank God for Sue, your 4 kids and 7 awesome grandkids to enjoy life with fully - and you did! You also found more time for your woodworking hobby and made so many treasures that you usually gave away.
Your cancer diagnosis interrupted everything. So many appointments, testing, treatments, surgeries and medications - you didn’t like any of it. This did give you (us) great hope for more time, but that hope was taken away just two days before you passed. Maybe that’s the silver lining in all this grief as you were spared from suffering.
I guess to sum things up at this point in time is just to say, “Thanks for the memories”. Everybody who knew you will have a certain Denny-story to tell. Rest in peace dear brother. So many people loved you, especially me. Susan ❤️