As the last of the firsts approaches in February, we all find ourselves pondering a year full of firsts. First birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, parties, traumas, and dramas without Dennis to witness, has been challenging for all.
Our first visit to South Dakota without Dennis to guide us, brought us to the summit of Bear Butte to spread his ashes. Family and friends braved the severe weather conditions to perform this ritual surrounded by a blanket of dense fog. Our climb down brought us to the breaking light on the prairie that Dennis so often painted, drew, and photographed.
The hard work and determination to get to the summit that each showed on this trek, was testament to the life that Dennis lived. He taught us each well, and we each felt gratitude for all that we learned from him and will continue to embrace.
