On Behalf of Denise, A Heartfelt Thank You
By: Nathan Lee, 6/15/2008
Throughout the past few months, our community has lived through one of the worst tragedies our area has ever known. A true Angel was taken from us in a way that none of us will ever be able to comprehend. The reason I am writing this is not to retell the tragedy involving my beautiful wife, but to thank you, not only on behalf of Denise’s family, but Denise herself.
On my first Father’s Day as a single father, I am thankful more than ever for the blessings I have been given. Our boys, Noah and Adam, are doing great. They miss there mommy immensely, and it breaks my heart that someday I will have to tell them that mommy is not coming home. What comforts me, however, is that Denise is part of them. Nobody can take that away. The values that I have learned from Denise will build the foundation on which I, along with the help of my family, will raise our boys.
Having a support system like the one that our community has shown has provided endless amounts of strength for me and my family. The hundreds of law enforcement personnel and regular citizens who desperately searched to bring Denise home safe will always have a special place in our hearts. The three mile long funeral procession, the hundreds of cards, thousands of hugs, and the everlasting amount of prayers have lifted us up out of a trench of despair. We will forever be thankful from the bottom of our hearts.
What my family has gone through, going through, and yet to go through will probably be the toughest circumstance we will ever have to endure. It will never be easy, but we will never give up, just like Denise never gave up. We will honor Denise and her legacy forever . The local community has already honored Denise in a way that has touched us more than anything else. You have shown the love and compassion toward our family like the love and compassion that Denise portrayed everyday. In a time of total heartbreak, we all came together and formed a bond that few communities can say they share. What a way to honor Denise.
She is looking down with a big smile and saying thank you. Happy Father’s Day everyone.