During Alena's final hours she was living the way we all wanted her to live. She was among friends and family watching the sunrise over half dome - living life to the fullest. If possible we can all find consolation in that. Alena, Tess and some other friends had been hiking all night and were exhausted, but happy. While driving home, there was an accident. Everyone did everything they could, but Alena didn't make it. Tess was there with her until the end.
The Dennison family needs time to comprehend what has happened. Hopefully this blog will help the healing process. Please leave comments, send messages to Kathy, and any photos remembering our Laney.
Alena's memory is alive in all of us.
Hi Kathy, Michael, Tessa Bessa and Lu bug-
ReplyDeleteOf course, I'm unable to articulate how I feel on a blog. You know I think of each and every one of your girls as family and this is the most painful loss one can imagine. But your family will endure. Your love for each other and your community has shined like a beacon for so many- and now, as little as it may mean, we get to be here for you. The Dennison clan will always be an extention of Flax/Neesen family. We are here. We loved Laney like a daugther and we love you with everything that we are.
Here is just a story, she aways made us laugh.
ReplyDeleteWe were on a long trip up to Canada - all the Dennisons and me. We had been in the car for hours, we had traveled through the land of the vampires and passed over the convenient river. Alena had climbed into the front seat and was sitting on Kathy's lap.
I looked at her and said "you are such a baby Alena."
Without missing a beat she yelled back at me "I'd rather be a baby than a pessimistic wannabe adult."
We were all in shock, but that how Alena was.
I love and miss her immensely.
http://youtu.be/txQHXe61NSE
ReplyDelete"Sweet Child O' Mine"
Eclypss - 2009
Alena you will always be our sweet child!
Suzanne, Robbin and Rachel Atherly
Alena and I had a special kind of relationship that was built up over a few soccer seasons. During the off season we didn't see each other much but once the season started it was like no time had gone by and we could jump right back into joking around. I remember when Alena joined the team (that was pretty sucky) and we finally started winning games. During the games Alena and I would constantly be trying to make each other laugh. With out fail Alena would figure out something to say or do that would make me fall over laughing. Sometimes we would play the moose game where during practice or actual games one of us would call out moose. Once that call was made the other would get down on hands and knees and MOO. Each moo got louder and louder. I had so much fun with her. When ever I was with Alena we were never serious or ever able to hold in our laughs. Although she was my after school laughing buddy I knew I could still talk to her about anything. I will never forget her smile, laugh, bad jokes, good jokes, beauty, and her huge heart. Without Alena everything is a little bit darker, but I feel lucky to have been able to know her. I love you so much Alena and I can't wait to see you again someday.
ReplyDeleteI miss you cousin
ReplyDelete