Daniel, I Still Have a Gift

            

Wherever you go, you are likely to run into someone who is famous, what you do with that, is up to you, but I recommend you do not follow my lead.

         When Daniel was still here on Earth I remember telling him about a "gift" I appeared to have. It wasn't songwriting, writing books, singing or anything else I once did.  It's a more unusual gift than that.  I have the gift of either offending, insulting, injuring or annoying famous people.  I assure you, it's not deliberate.

                 I can't remember how long I have been this way, but I know I was this way in college.  I remember hanging up the coat of Eric Weissberg (of "Dueling Banjos fame) when he came to a recording studio very late one night to work on a project a friend of mine was producing. It was very late and I was tired.  Eric handed me a very heavy down coat that had tiny feathers protruding from the fabric. I made some joke about it that fell flat, and he groaned at me, as I hang up the coat.

                 I think it was about a year later, that I was invited to the apartment of a close friend in New Jersey, in Plainfield, and he was having a party. He introduced me to a fellow in a wrinkled blue shirt and told me he was a prince from Saudi Arabia. I was younger than my college friends and I didn't want to appear gullible. I also thought that no self respecting prince would go to my friend's red carpeted curried apartment, and so to appear not so taken in, when introduced to the prince, I said, "Nice to meet you. I'm Princess Grace".  The Prince was gracious, but my friends looked at me strangely.   Years later, while pregnant with one of my children, and sitting in a doctor's office, I saw the Prince again, in a picture in an article about him in People Magazine.  So he really was a prince, I thought.

                 Once, while we were moving from a suburban home in Virginia to a rural one, we made a stop at a full service gas station with restaurant just off the interstate. The kids and I were moving boxes of toys and gardening tools that day, and we were all dressed in work clothes. We stopped at the gas station in order to stop for ice cream. Daniel was only about one. I noticed a man, dressed in casual black a couple of tables away, eating a large portion of chicken strips without any sauce staring at us. I am sensitive to the gaze of others and I wondered why this person was watching us so intently as I talked to the kids. He continued to stare, and I started back, as he ate his chicken strips and I ate my small chocolate cone. He looked familiar, but not in a way I could place.  Finally, my son Matt, who was about seven said, "Did we pack my copy of Edward Scissorhands?"    "Yes, I'm sure we did", I responded.  With that, the man in black pulled his black ball cap down over his head a bit farther, and stopped his stare.  It took me a couple of seconds to realize that he was indeed Johnny Depp, though he was thinner and smaller than I had imagined he would be.  The kids had recognized him, but I had not. Apparently our family had been interesting.  Then, he got up and got cash from the ATM, and went out to his rental car with a Louisiana plate, and drove off.  The kids could have told him hello and told him they enjoyed his work, but I was simply noticing that someone was watching my kids.

                Once, when we lived hear Richmond, Virginia, I took the kids to the Borders Books and Music Store.  As I pulled in to the parking space, Tim Kaine who ran for Vice President in the last election, walked across the parking space. I hit the brakes with both feet in order not to strike the man I recognized as the Mayor of Richmond at the time. He realized that I nearly hit him, and he waved an apologized.  I nearly killed or maimed Richmond's mayor, the future governor and Hillary Clinton's presidential running mate, all in one fell swoop.My family and I ran in to him a couple of times afterward in Charlottesville, and if he remembered our near miss, he never said anything.
 
                 Later, when Adam was practicing as a speed skater, in Richmond, Virginia, a young woman was watching him during practice. I said to Adam quietly, "Wow, that woman looks like a smaller version of Oksana Baiul."     She apparently heard me, and scowled.  Later that afternoon, we learned that she was indeed Oksana Baiul. I had done it again!   Adam later left speed skating as a consequence of Crohn's disease.

                I am afraid I have not changed my ways. I spent a couple of hours this week, on and off talking to Zac from the Zac Brown Band, on twitter on it's direct message feature.  It was a great conversation but I really believed that I was talking to someone assigned by Zac's publicist to talk to fans.  Eventually, I think the man became a little annoyed because I didn't believe it was actually him.  Finally, we resolved that I should ask him a test question. I had remembered on an interview that he had a favorite dish to serve at the "Meet and Greet" before certain concerts. I asked it, and he knew at once. Okay, I have to concede that the person I spoke to, probably was Zac Brown.

               I think there is probably only once when I was as gracious to a famous person as I should be, and that is because she seems to be as nice and as gracious as her voice would imply, and that would be Alison Krauss.  But I suppose I still could inadvertently annoy her next time.

               As a writer of now, six books, I do still occasionally make contact with famous people. There is a down side to this. Some of them are very nice people and deserve the accolades they have. Others, are not nice people at all. I am learning that one can admire the work of certain people, and realize quite completely that some of them are pond scum personally !
              

I Miss Showing You New Songs

          Daniel,

      Sometimes I see something like a computer, a photograph, or a song you would have liked.

This song was released two weeks ago and uses so much of the computers you loved so much while you were here on Earth.


    This is Nigel Stanford, with Dallin Applebaum doing the vocals:



https://youtu.be/2q9MaEKHakY

Daniel's Twenty-Second Birthday

    Daniel,
            Tomorrow will be your twenty-second birthday. I can hardly believe that in November, it will have been ten years since your abrupt departure, which so often seems like yesterday. I still remember all of the details about you. What you liked, what you would say, your wisdom, and your favorite games, computers and foods. I clearly remember what your hug felt like. Your nephew, who plays with some of the better items you had when you were small, knows you, by pictures and by our recollections. Sometimes, it's as if you are simply away at college.  Your friends are all adults!  Occasionally, I envy them for being here while you are not, but just as occasionally I sometimes feel sorry for them for having to navigate the trials of life, when you were called Home, and spared so many of them.
             Just as I did on that day when the medical helicopter staff finally ceased CPR, I knew that you would go to find Papa Lawrence, and Jesus, and I told you to go, and not to be afraid, and that I would handle everything from here.  I have done my best to honor that promise to you and to God, who blessed me more than you can imagine by allowing me to be your mother.
             When you first passed, I felt occasional things which led me to believe that you might still be able to hear me occasionally.  I haven't felt any of those in a long time, but I know you have other concerns and important tasks with God.  This week, I was thinking about you and wondering how often you think of me. That song you used to like that was a hit when you and I used to drive to places in Charlottesville when the older kids were in college there, came on the radio. I haven't heard it in years. I'll look it up and place it at the bottom of the page. Something about "A Hundred Years to Live", by Five for Fighting.  I took it to mean that you knew I was thinking about you, and darling, I wish a hundred years is what God had given to you.

           Happy Birthday and All my Love,


                 Mom

Somehow, I am Still Lucky

Dear Daniel,

           I don't get the chance to go out by myself as often as I used to. I am busy with your nephew, the horses, the dogs, the alpacas or something else at the farm most days.    This week, I got the chance to run and errand in Richmond, and it went fairly quickly, and so I had the time to make a couple of stops during the return trip.

           One of the stops I made was at an antique shop. There were a couple of things I knew they had that your sister would like, and so I bought them with a plan to put them away for her.  While I was there, I felt compelled to talk to the shop owner, a man who'd been there a long time.  I spoke about all of the kids, and the man actually had met your brother Adam and knew his work.   Then, I told him about you.  After nine years, I deal with the matter and your loss matter of factly when I relate the story. It's not that I don't feel it, and it's not that I am not, at times, sorrowful, but I have the faith I had the day of your departure, and I have the perspective that comes from nine years of contemplating that if God called you in such an unusual way, that he must have had purpose in an action that has touched so many other lives.  I told the man what had happened, and it brought him to tears.  I told him that it was alright, because God has you.  I thought you might like to know that people are shedding tears and missing you, and remembering their own losses from Earth, even nine and a half years after your departure.

            Most days I deal well with your being in Heaven while I complete my work with the rest of your family here on Earth.  Of course sometimes, I shed tears, or wonder what I could have done that God would see fit to call my youngest son home.  I don't think it's about me though. I think it's that you are so important, that you were needed at Home for some reason, and that I must accept this.
             My life has been so much richer as a result of your having been born to us, and have occupied the place of my youngest son.  I remember your presence on Earth as if it were yesterday. Sometimes, when I am deep in sleep, usually at four am, I feel you sitting with me. I am so proud of you, for so many reasons,
even now.

             I love you wider than the oceans and deeper than the seas,   always.

The Passing of Daniel's Beloved Benjamin

Benjamin

             Please read the story of Benjamin, which concluded early this morning.

https://lifeaftertherescues.blogspot.com/2018/01/benjamins-passing-after-long-life.html




 

A Book About Daniel's Grandfather

       

                    To those of you who have followed this blog from the beginning, and feel as if you know Daniel, I am answering your question.   Yes, my latest book, as above, is about my own father, which makes him Daniel's grandfather.

                    For those of you who wish to read this book, you can do so, in paperback or through all varieties of electronic means, through the following links:

Amazon Store URL - https://kdp.amazon.com/…/dualbookshelf.marketpla…/B0782819RV
BN Store URL - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lawrence-dewol…/1127574533…
Apple Store URL - http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1323654643
Kobo Store URL -Kobo Store URL - https://www.kobo.com/…/lawrence-dewolfe-kelsey-the-life-of-…

Paperback copies:

 https://www.amazon.com/Lawrence-DeWolfe-Kelsey-Life-Explorer/dp/1634927850/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lawrence-dewolfe-kelsey-jane-alexandra-krehbiel/1127574533?ean=9781634927857


           

   Merry Christmas Everyone

The Christmas Letter to Daniel: Nine Years On

  Daniel,

          I work so hard to be here in the present, and to be available to your siblings, your Dad, your remaining pets. and to your nephew.  Most of the time, I think you would be proud.  Sometimes, of course, your departure still hurts.   You know, I can still remember clearly having bought your Christmas presents for 2008. I remember what they all were.  I remember also that you lobbied hard to be given a particular one, prior to Christmas, and I said  "no".   How was I to know that you would depart the day after Thanksgiving, and would not be here on Earth to open any of them?  I wish I'd given it to you.  I never parted with any of those gifts.  Instead, we unwrapped them on Christmas Day that year, and placed them in your room. I suppose I thought that some of your siblings might play the video games in an attempt to feel close to you somehow.  In any event, they haven't been used much and, at this point, they are nearly new copies of antique games.  Your little nephew is fascinated with knowing about you and about your things.  It's funny how he always recognizes your pictures and is excited to see them.

           This week, I was out getting a few last minute things for Christmas stockings and I ran into a woman we know. She was talking about what makes it Christmas for her, and she was centered on a lot of the foods we associate with this season. I told her that, for me, the music is what touches me, and what readies me for Christmas. It isn't only the old songs or the traditional carols that do this, but it's the new songs too. Each year, there are new songs which help me to deal with the alternate reality in which we find ourselves, and that help me to reach the point where I am able to celebrate Christmas with you, and with my Dad being on the other side of that veil.

           This year I have not been disappointed. This is a sweet song that is fairly new, and will help me to salvage and to travel through this Christmas meaningfully for yet another year.

           I love you Daniel, but then, you know that.

             

You Departed Nine Years Ago Today

  


 

Daniel, one year in costume as Charlie Chaplin.    Daniel would be 21 years old in the present day.

        
 Daniel,

     I won't ever forget your special days.   I will always remember your birthdays. I will always remember the anniversaries of your sudden departure to Heaven.  I will be here until I am called. I will continue to take care of your animals, and there are still quite a few you would know from the farm.  The ones you knew seem to try to live lives as long as possible as if to spare me any more grieving, for as long as they can.

      This year, it is not only the birthday of a special friend of yours, but one of your friends has a baby that is due today.  Please look in on her if you can. 

       And so, the anniversary of your departure nine years ago today, is no different.  I will man the fort. I will find warm homes for the things you owned and loved while you were here. I will watch and care for your siblings as they grow, and I will continue to be comforted by the love we shared while you were still my youngest son, here on Earth.

        You have my love and my respect always.   Please send love to my Dad.

A Cataclysmic Loss: Nine Years After

Dearest Daniel,

               On the twenty-eighth of this month, you will have been gone from Earth for nine years.  I can just imagine you at 21, had you remained here.  You were only 12 1/2 when you departed.  I have to wonder how I might feel, in three more years, when you are gone for as long as you were here.
                I know that you keep an eye on us all.  Somehow, some of your animals are still alive. It's as if they knew you had to depart in haste, and they wish to stay as long as possible in order to support us.  Sometimes, when I am scrubbing a horse bucket, or working with one of the horses, I feel as if you are watching me.  I think of you often, and I try to be as busy as I can be.  There is no "closure".  The loss of a child will always be a crater in one's life, but we must continue, for your Dad, for your siblings and your animals, and also it's what you would expect from us, and I wouldn't want to disappoint you.  You know, I still love you, wider than the oceans, and deeper than the seas............and yes, I know, just as you always said, you love me more.

And the Bathroom Still Stands as Witness

              

Daniel

         In a few days, it will have been nine years since you entered the bathroom, collapsed, and died. My immediate  CPR, a precordial thump, a shot of epinephrine, and then another, followed by the sheriff's deputies use of the AED made no difference. You hit the floor, and you were gone.  In the crazy days and weeks which followed, there weren't many answers. Eventually, multiple world class pathologists at university medical centers said that although your autopsy was negative for anything that should have caused your death, that your collapse, your fall forward, and the number of sudden deaths in older members of our family coupled with our strong family history for arrhythmia (heart rhythm disturbance) is likely what took you, even at only age 12 1/2.  Since then, so many more children and teens have died suddenly from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) and sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC), that although I am sure you have a lot of company and friends to talk to about it, it is of no consolation to their families, or to myself.

                I often think about the bathroom you died in.  The house was new when you died there. The shiny walls and lights, new marble tub and shower. The mirror and new shower curtain, and the photos of lighthouses are still there.  When you died, the baseboards and shoe moldings were new. Today, they are showing just a little age, the result of steam and occasional splashings by your siblings and your toddler nephew. A few days after you died, I lay on the floor, as you had, looking up to see if anything resembling a stairway to Heaven were there, something, anything, but there wasn't anything.  It was simply a bathroom. I couldn't imagine how your active and shining soul could have seeped out of the cheery new room.  How could something so cataclysmic have occurred in such a pleasant and ordinary room?  One of your doctors called it a "supernatural passing".  How could a supernatural passing have occurred in a modern bathroom. Wouldn't it have needed to occur in a church?

               Since then, we haven't changed  much in the bathroom.  There are some prints that are hung on the wall in blue and white which look quite good.  James uses the bathroom more than anyone, since he occupies your old room, after we moved all of your things to a new bedroom we finished in the basement. (To those who don't know us, James in a young teen who was adopted the year after Daniel died, something Daniel had always wanted us to do.) Also since that time, your nephew bathes in the tub in that bathroom, and spends more time in the tub there, than anyone else ever has, since all of you preferred showers.

              The bathroom remains the same, and on some levels so do I.   I still can't believe that my youngest son could celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, play a soccer game with college students, and then arise the next day perfectly well, with the intention of Black Friday shopping.  We were getting ready to go, when you collapsed and died.   Black Friday is all it will ever be for me.