For the past ten years, starting on the first day of February and continuing daily until Valentine's Day, Dennis would make a valentine and hide it somewhere in the house for the girls to find. We all delighted in this February ritual, taking the time before the hectic start of school and work to hunt for and marvel at the creation of love Dennis constructed for us. It started out as small cards made of paper, and over the years progressed into more elaborate sculptural objects. When the girls got older, they began to take turns making the valentines, spending hours in the studio together, using humble materials at hand to create a magical symbol of love.
Dennis continues to rest comfortably. He slips in and out of lucidity, sometimes confused and other times clear and commanding. He is frustrated that his body is failing and will not follow his commands.
Dennis feels safe and comforted by our presence, but gets confused by other peoples voices so we keep visitors to a minimum. When he gets confused, the first question he asks is "What is the truth," the question one could always count on Dennis asking.
Dennis,
ReplyDeleteIt's strange how little things that had one meaning at one time can have later a much stronger and different meaning. When I sit in my apartment the facing walls have prints and pictures, all having been placed under your guidance and now a daily reminder of you and your courageous battle. Your presence goes on in my life.
Norman Johnston
Arcadia University
Finally got to see some of these! Valentine's always reminds me of you. The thought and care you put into those. Lovely
ReplyDeleteI remember Dennis talking about these. I can't remember if he showed us some in class or if he had a couple in his office, but he was always so proud and happy when he talked about his valentines.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Thanks for sharing them. Here's one suggestion for Dennis's "truth" question. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uk_AO8Vgr0
ReplyDeleteMuch love, BF
Dear Dennis,
ReplyDeleteThank you for believing in me and always knowing the proper story to tell; for leading me from one pool of knowledge to the next until you found one i would/could drink. In keeping with the valintines day theme... we will always have Paris.
love,
dan
Thank you for sharing, Rebecca, a beautiful tradition and expression of love.
ReplyDeleteAn artist's heart has a profound depth. That you shared your treasured valentines with all of us who care, is truly generous. We return the circle of love to the 4 of you, and to all of the family.
sending light
Yes, thank you for sharing these Rebecca. I remember them well as Dennis would proudly bring them in to the office to show us the latest creations, some by him, many more recently by you and the girls. I know he brought them into the classes to inspire the students too. I will always think of these at Valentines Day.
ReplyDeletePlease do know that he is fiercely proud of you all; among many other things:
--Jess: he was very proud of your drawing/painting/artwork and all things visual and fashion, including your funky outfits.
--Tasha: he was so proud of your stage presence and would show us videos of your plays. And also your cooking and baking.
--and Rebecca: he is--and always was--your biggest fan.
Today's headlines: "Gentle Giant; Lives Life." These two phrases have begun to stick with me over the past few days/weeks when I think of Dennis. He simply is a gentle giant. So gentle, so kind, and what a giant of a person (which is actually ironic I know, given his physical height). And a gentle giant that always lived life to the fullest.
At the risk of trying to seem "too clever by half," I will end with "I understand everything that you're not saying." Because I know--we all know--just how much this wise person did understand.
Please know that so many people are thinking of you all: from Glasgow to the University, from the Dominican Republic to the neighborhood. We love you all so intensely.
Dennis,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I never had the pleasure of seeing these wonderful valentines, so I'm glad they've been shared on this blog. They are yet again another reminder of how easily you bring a little bit of happiness, laughter, fun, and quirk into every interaction.
Although I was only lucky enough to work with you for a short time, I am continously amazed at your ability to sprinkle just the right dose of wisdom and humor into every one of our conversations. Whether it was a simple hello in the hallway, or a casual chat in your office, I always felt excited for our next interaction...knowing that I'd be just a little bit wiser and happier from it.
Your influence on the university and community at large is unquestionable. You are never far from our minds and hearts as we go about our day to day business.
I am forever grateful for your advice and guidance, as it is extremely valuable in my attempts to be the wise and humble educator that you are.
All my love and support,
Neha
You are in our hearts and minds
ReplyDeleteBeth and Bob
Dennis,
ReplyDeleteI am humbled and inspired by the blog that was kept up here. I lost my Father to a very similar type of cancer. Your attitude and perspective during this time has been nothing short of amazing. I wanted to share with you that it has been my pleasure to have worked together over the years. I had nothing but positive interactions with you. Thank you so much for being you and impacting others in the manner you did. You shall be remembered for a long time to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tim Butler
Hello Dennis.
ReplyDeleteI want you to know that I think of you and your family every day. As I consider your struggle, my mind goes to the recent loss of my mother to cancer. Then I look at my new son and know that she lives on in him as she does in me. I wonder if he will grow to have her impressive intellect or her compassion for others. I hope that he might have her smile.
I don't know your daughters well, but I can see you in both of them. I can only imagine the wonderfully positive impact you have had on them and am certain that your wisdom, humor and spirit will continue to exist on this earth long after we all are gone.
With love,
Maribeth
How appropriate that a man so full of love and generosity, who favored the heart as both gentle symbol and universal strength would be remembered this Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteMy sincere thoughts are with all of you who loved Dennis and had the experience to learn and grow through his grace.
Parent of a Phil Univ student