It has been exactly one year since Dennis was first diagnosed with cancer. It has been both the best and the worst year, the fastest and the slowest time. The year has been filled with these kinds of contradictions, changing our sense of time and space. We live in the present, always aware that the taste of a particular food, a warm shower, a nap taken together, a walk hand in hand, could be the last one taken. One never knows when that last time anything will happen, and so the present becomes so vividly real. This presentness is comforting, for the past and the future are too difficult to dwell upon.
Dennis continues to rest comfortably, surrounded by the love being showered on him from so many, keeping us lovingly in the present.
We wish you all a moment of true presentness today.
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Hola Dionisio,
ReplyDeleteThis year I started drawing again. I saw this amazing drawing made by Alice Neel of Andy Warhol that for some reason transform my world. It was how perfect she place the lines on the paper. How the overall blue in the drawing portrayed Warhol's pain.
Then I remembered our everyday talks about art, politics, fashion, boys among so many other things. All those talks that I which I had with my father but that instead had with you.
I want you to know that my drawings have improve a bit but I am still afraid of making mistakes. Of making the drawing not quite as perfect as I know it should be. And it is right that moment that I think of your words advising me "to let go and just observe". I wish I could let go of my tears as I am writing this comment. Because now with this blog you are teaching me on how to be brave. Your wisdom will live with me as well as our conversations.
love,
Lizania
What powerful and beautiful words. You and Dennis have touched so many people. It's nice to think of you walking hand in hand. We think of you both every day and hug the kids tighter at bed time.
ReplyDeleteSam and Tracey
Got in at 3:30 am this morning from California where I was working on Dad's estate and setting up the memorial service. It went OK. I would say that I spent 10 lonely days in a brown LA haze but I was in Laguna Woods. The 3 hour drive from Syracuse airport was dicey, even snowy and icy (sorry - my mind was momentarily co-opted by Ogden Nash, Jimmy Buffett or Dr. Seuss or all three - I will investigate that further at an appropriate time). Steffen called me when I was in between flights and we talked about Dennis and how things are right now. Based on my visit two weeks ago and what Steffen told me, Dennis is just profoundly courageous. That, for me, is a beautiful gift that I need and appreciate.
ReplyDeleteLove to Dennis and the family,
Bruce
thanks for the beautiful thoughts.it is so easy to not live in the present, remember that is all we truly have. you are both the strongest people i know. give dennis a hug. v.v.
ReplyDeleteDear Dennis,
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to say anything right now. Except maybe "thank you". I'm so happy to be part of the lucky ones who know you and who are influenced by you.
I can't help to remember the last time I saw you, last October in Memphis. After the initial impact of seeing your physical changes, the entire four days continued with the normal course of conversations as if nothing was out of the norm. I particularly remember us chatting the second or third night of the conference. Most people had left the premises after a happy hour, but you and I sat to chat for a bit. I don't remember the content of the conversation—possibly about the portfolio review I had just gone through, my future plans after grad school and updating each other on our lives—but I do remember the familiar sense of sitting with you for a friendly conversation. And I remembered how nice it has always been to stop to have a conversatioon with you. Regardless of how long or short or what the content was, you always listened and offered measured but friendly words. I always enjoy a conversation with you and have such a good feeling after them.
And I remember the first time I interacted with you. You walked into my illustration class sophomore year. You were so animated and you talked about a movie (Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow) and how wonderful the production was and how we could learn from it. It's funny, because I never saw that movie, but I remember you talking about it. And I remember how impressed I was—so much so that the next semester I HAD to take your class.
Much strength and blessings to you and your family.
Dear Dennis,
ReplyDeleteI write this with such a heavy heart, and trying to find the right words seems so difficult. I've been running it through my head for much of the day and still I stutter. However, I've learned something in such a brief time. And that is, when the individual whom you're speaking towards is someone so personable, and so genuine in every sense of the word as you are, it becomes nearly impossible to do them justice by mere words. And so even at this very moment it appears your teaching forges onward.
Always one for a good chat, a good laugh, or good wisdom, I've always found your presence reassuring. Comparatively speaking, my interaction with you has been brief since arriving in Philadelphia. But I can truly say I've never met anyone in my life who I've shared so little with, yet learned so much. Even your wonderful wife who I've met briefly on a few occasions. I remember her coming into our Capstone class to give us tips on binding and comping our books and materials. I still have the bone folder that she recommended we buy and use it religiously when needed. To this day I keep these moments in time and conversations of ours tucked away in my head. I use them as reminders that I can make good for myself, but more importantly, for others. And your belief in each and every one of us always gave me the belief to succeed in that endeavor. And in that I can say you've truly achieved greatness in life.
All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing your story and your strength. I'm honored and lucky to know that I've experience the joy of such a revered and influential man in my life.
All the best,
Chris Chavez
dennis,
ReplyDeletethis is ed mccann, i saw you last, while exiting the ICA on penns campus in late summer/early fall with your son or friend. you both were getting into your car and leaving. i was across the street a block away and i didn't get a chance to say hi. it was great to see you even though we didn't exchange words in conversation.
i am writing you on notice from dan gnieding who informed me of this blog today. i have made many friends at textile that i remain very close with and i consider you among them. i share my love with you and your family.
love,
-ed
Dennis,
ReplyDeleteAll the Twinners are think of you.
Its hard to put all my thoughts into words. Here are a few... I always enjoyed our time at the park throwing a frisbee, or hitting a tennis ball for hours, then saying has anyone seen the kids, while we were playing like kids. All the fun at Criag's beach house and the countless laughs and smiles with all the guys.
You are a Warrior!
Thanks for sharing all the loving notes posted on the blog.
My thoughs and prayers are with you and all your family.
-Matt M
One more fond memory of a conversation...
ReplyDeleteWe talked at the PU Holiday Party 2008 and you regaled me with a tale of your daughter ( sorry daughter:)and boyfriend smooching in the kitchen.
A story that all parents of children at a certain age can relate to. It made me feel that i wasn't casting about on the open seas alone.
Much love, rest sweetly.
Anne
Dennis,
ReplyDeleteI first would like to say thank you. Although our time interacting together and conversations were short you always gave great advice; not only about design but also about life and my career path. Your passion for teaching came through whenever you spoke and it showed even more when we had our one on one talks because you were always there to go over portfolio pieces or a resume or ask about potential job leads.
Genuine, loving, hard working, articulate and not to mention a great sense of humor. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless.
KF
Hello and best wishes from Helen and Bob Buttel, from your far past, Dennis. We remember you as the young guy in Beaver's art dept who did ballet as well as art. No wonder you are holding your own like no one else we know who has pancreatic cancer. Your own analysis and description of what your life and body are like right now is further evidence of your intellectual and spiritual integrity in the face of the greatest challenge any of us faces in our lives. You are winning Dennis, no matter what happens next.
ReplyDeleteThe note below is from Susan, Dennis.
ReplyDeleteMuch love from me as always. BF
•••••
Hi Dennis,
I have been thinking of you a lot & sending love, prayers, and positive thoughts your way.
Bill, of course shares with me notes on what you are doing on your blog.
Several weeks ago I typed you a note myself, one finger at a time, slow but sure!
Anyway,for some unknown reason it did not post. (surely due to my high tech abilities)
I want to tell you what a beautiful human being you are. Seeing you always brings a smile to my face
and warms my heart. Your visits are like a yummy treat. That would be you, just being you.
I am so very fortunate to have you as a friend. Thank you for always being so sweet to me.
Each time I sat with you & Bill, I loved listening & watching you think and discuss what ever was at hand.
Of course art was a heavily discussed topic. Go figure.
I love your sense of humor, intelligence, and that special ' Dennis' brand of thoughtfulness you bring to everything.
You are a gem.
I especially have to laugh when I remember the three of us in New York, eating at the
Chinese restaurant in the basement...and how the bowl of ice sitting at our table for a very
long time, completely threw us off.
Finally,when in doubt, just wash your hands in ice water. Then they will come and make dessert!
Hummm, I think we may have over thought that one. It was funny.
Many warm kisses and hugs to you, from me.
Give my love to your beautiful family as well.
I love you very much.
Your friend,
Susie
Dear Dennis,
ReplyDelete"For today's lesson."
No, wait, that's your line.
I'm the student, grateful not only for your gift that has challenged me for more than half a century to match even a small measure of your wit but also for the encouragement to appreciate all manner of things from a different perspective.
Step back.
Look from a different angle.
Think about it this way.
And that's just to address the physical things from your world of the visual arts. Your abilities as a communicator and our friendship that stretches from hometown classrooms and teenage adventures to this point have touched and motivated me to pattern key elements of my life and career by the example of yours. The fit isn't perfect, but be assured that I find myself frequently calling on skills that you have taught.
You continue to teach the priceless lesson I have avoided too many times --- courage.
Love and admiration for all that you have meant to so many,
David
Dear, dear Dennis,
ReplyDeleteWe had a Dennis K kind of day - like so many I remember with you. Laid back, nothing (and all of it) very special. We hiked with Zoe, giving Mom and Dad a few hours respite, then mostly everyone napped while Zoe & I colored and hung out on the livingroom floor. I recall your use of the words "what a sweet day", on many occasions. We had that kind of sweet day today.
It reminds me of you Dennis, and your girls at 4, how sweet and gently the days would roll by. Rebecca tells me that you are now enjoying again those sweet and quiet days with those you love so fiercely and who so fiercely love you.
The king of gentle - the gentle king. I love you so, Dennis.
Ellen
Dear Dennis,
ReplyDeleteI first met you when I was a senior in high school, at an open house. I remember the passion with which you spoke about art and design, and deciding that day to attend college at PhillyU. Your teaching inspired me and pushed me to see the world in a different way - to see the art all around us. What a gift! Your lessons were always as much about life as they were about any project. I want to thank you for being a great teacher, and an inspiration to everyone around you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and I wish you peace and comfort in knowing that you have so positively impacted so many lives. Thank you Dennis.
With love,
JW
Dennis,
ReplyDeleteI remember one afternoon you came out of your office. You walked by my desk and looked straight at the column in front of you. Only to find a framed picture of you, sporting a XXL Mexican sombrero and riding the donkey from the Mexican bar at our beloved Chavón. After what seemed to be a great night. You looked just like one of those tourists posing with a character at Disney. I can't remember who found it or who put it up. I will name no names. What I cannot forget is your face when you saw it. Fun times.
It has taken me four precious days since I heard of your battle to muster the courage to write to you. I can only say a few of the million things that come to mind when I think about you. You have given me much more than my future in this country. Your never ending support and love helped me survive times in life that are to painful to remember. Your humor, wit, irreverence and compassion.
There is so much about you that I admire and love. You have always been and will always be my American dad.
Thank you,
Maria