May 16, 2007
For Denise.
A couple of weeks ago during my re-enactment I learned that a re-enacting friend, and one of my Mortar Maidens, had been diagnosed with cancer. It was told to me that she was terminal and that they didn’t expect her to last much longer. From a phone call I received yesterday I found out that much longer meant until Monday.
I only really knew Denise for a short period of time. Her and her husband portrayed natives, as you can tell from the photos. Both of them really loved Clone and would play with him at the events or give him little re-enacting items. Denise always came across to me as one of those truly nice and fun loving people. Every time I saw her, she always seemed to be full of life and joy.
I’ve heard people say that the world is a better place for having someone in it, and I never really understood that. But since learning of her passing, I finally understand. In my eyes the world will be worse off for not having her in it. I don’t know if I’m going to be able to make it to her funeral or visitation, but at least here I can leave a little piece of the internet to her memory.
For Denise I leave this Scottish blessing (Because even though she’s a native, I’m a Scot.):
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no tears in a gloom-filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me… but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone
It's all a part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friend we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me... but let me go.
Please don’t leave condolences in the comments. They should be reserved for her husband, close friends and family. I grieve not for me, but for them. That is all I have to say about that.
" 
