Saturday, July 16, 2005

A Tribute To A Full But Short Life: My Nephew Dakota

Dakota
9/11/97--7/16/2002


It's been 3 years. It's hard to believe we've been without you that long. Three Christmases, three birthdays, three Easters, and many other memories made without you there. Your much-loved Uncle Bobby has joined you since you left us. So has Sassy cat and Aspen.

Your Gramma and Papaw miss you very much. Their life hasn't been the same since you left. They are contemplating selling their house and moving, but then don't want to leave the last place you lived. If they do leave, they'll be taking several trees that were planted in your memory with them. I would expect you'll still have your yellow bedroom in their new house, wherever they end up building.

You will always be our sunshine. You taught us so much and left such a strong impression on everyone who met you. Your innocence, your pure spirit and old man's soul, your happiness, your sweet personality...I still don't understand why you had to leave us so soon and probably never will. I do cherish the time we did have you--and am so thankful that I was able to live close enough to be a part of your life. I know you are in a happier place--one where your belly doesn't hurt and your legs can carry you around and you can do all the things that your couldn't do here. That makes me happy. But I still wish I could feel your sweet little arms giving me a hug. Those were the best. I still try and remember ever little detail of that last full day I got to spend with you. I remember you saying "What's dat smell?" in your cute little voice as we crossed the Canadian River on our way to OKC. I remember your silly poses when I asked you to pose for the camera--thankfully I took all of those pictures that day!

Precious memories, how they linger.

Let's play ball!


Baseball


Harley and Dakota--don't they look cozy?


He loved The Crocodile Hunter--Steve Irwin

4 comments:

Lula said...

I can't believe it's been three years. It seems like only yesterday. How are you holding up?

Jennifer said...

Lula, I left for camp that day so was busy. Held up OK. Mom and dad were busy as well--they went to the camp in OK with the group who raised money. They met my 2 students who were there and got pics of them riding on a motorcycle.
Holly--good to see you! Send me pics of your kids--I haven't seen any in a while! Hope you are well!

Lula said...

Yea! Glad you are back. How was camp?

contessa said...

hi, i was just blog-hopping when i turned to your page.

this is such a nice tribute to your nephew & you're so awesome to be spending your time with people who really need it :)