I will always remember Denise for her wonderful personality and infectious laugh! She was always so happy, and could make anyone in her presence smile. She truly cared about all the people in her life, and it showed. She loved the ocean, and all creatures big and small that lived in it. She loved music, especially U2 and Bob Marley. She had such a zest for life, which makes it so hard to believe she is gone. I will miss her, and think of her often. I hope she has found Damien, and is keeping him smiling :)
I've been sad this past week, thinking about it all. It's been a while since I've actually talked to Denise. It just makes me realize, even more, that we all need to make the time to be with the people we care about. So if there's a friend or family member you've been thinking about, call them. We are not guaranteed our time here. Make the most of it, and live each day to the fullest. I will do that, and think of Denise and her happiness, positivity, and her ability to embrace life.
I don't know if it's Damien or Denise (or both), but someone has been sending "comfort" my way this past week. The day after Denise passed, I got in my car to go run some errands, and I was just feeling upset. The minute I turned on the car, "Where the streets have no name" by U2 came on the radio. U2 being Denise all-time favorite band. Then when I jumped in that car later that afternoon, "Could you be loved" by Bob Marley came on. Probably Denise's 2nd favorite singer. Anyway, I smiled both times ... thinking of the times we had gone to U2 concerts together, and the Bob Marley Day Festival in Long Beach. Good times! The next day, I took Colin for a walk in his stroller around the neighborhood, and I was feeling down again. I turned down one of my favorite streets (Westminster Ave.) ... its a beautiful quiet street with nice houses and big trees. I could hear a loud car stereo playing at the end of the street (unusual), and as I got closer, I could hear Bobby McFerrin's "Don't worry, be happy" ... it was blaring from the little old car with the driver-side door open. As I walked past, I could barely see the girl in the car ... the seat was pushed all the way back and she was all but a shadow except for her leg hanging out. As I turned on Monte Vista to head home, the music stopped and the car sped away. That was so Denise! My head was at peace for the rest of the day. And finally ... today as Colin and I got in the car to go to Denise's Memorial Service, my stomach was in knots and my head felt like it had all the pressure of the world on it. Reality setting in. And once again, just when I turned the car on, there was Bob Marley singing "Three little birds" ... and from that, I found the strength to get through. As I turned out of the complex and onto the street, I found myself behind a van with a mural of a mermaid surrounded by all sorts of sea creatures. :) Thanks, Denise!
Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing's gonna be all right.
Rise up this morning,
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Perch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', "This is my message to you"
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