Remember Dave

Grow wild according to thy nature ~ Nietzsche

Pinebush Memorial

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From Patricia (Dave’s mom):

Dave’s Kinda Day

…a fantastic fall day displaying autumn’s rainbow of colors a brilliant blue sky and white puffy clouds—a brisk fall breeze propelling the leaves for their final dance to the ground, and a perfect day for friends and family to say good-bye to Dave at his favorite place — Pine Bush, NY; a place that was always one of the first “gotta do’s” on Dave’s list when he came home from any of his many journeys.

As we walked along the path that Dave walked many, many times, we absorbed the beauty and splendor surrounding us. As we neared the campsite, the haunting sound of bagpipes filled the air bringing tears of appreciation to our eyes—thankful to friends who provided such a touching, never-to-be-forgotten moment. We have never seen (and probably will never see again) a bagpiper in full traditional attire in the middle of the woods. What a sight to see!! It literally took our breaths away.

While listening to the mournful sound of “Amazing Grace,” we buried Dave’s ashes where he always sat in his camping chair enjoying the vista before him. We spoke of friendship, love, and butterflies. After a moment of silence, a large boulder was rolled on top of Dave’s ashes. Tulip bulbs were planted around the boulder. For as the bulbs are a symbol of hope and rebirth, so is our love for Dave. Once past the all-consuming grief of our loss, we will keep Dave in our hearts forever with the hope that one day we will all be reunited on the other side and what a party that will be!!! And that’s exactly what the rest of the day was — a party in celebration of Dave; a day filled with laughter and wonderful stories around the campfire he so loved.

As the day ended and the sun began to set, a bunch of us decided to spend the night with Dave. People scattered about preparing their tents for the chilly night ahead. The crisp night air forced everyone to encircle the campfire. Of course the large stone that was placed over Dave’s ashes completed that circle. His ashes were buried in the same spot around the fire pit where Dave had always placed his camping chair to ensure his place around the fire forever. His camping chair was placed behind the stone with a large picture of Dave sitting in that exact chair around a fire. It gave us a sense that Dave never really left, but was just here in a different way. The night proceeded with stories, laughter and wisecracks, just as it would any other time. As the night went on, one-by-one people began to retreat to their tents for the night. A tent was something Dave didn’t need. His camping chair, his sleeping bag, a warm fire and a blanket of stars was all he needed for a good nights sleep.

We all awoke to another picture perfect day. We sat around the burning embers discussing how well we all slept the night before. Once mustering up enough energy, we all began to pack up camp and say our goodbyes. I think we all agree that it was a beautiful weekend in a beautiful place in honor of a beautiful person. The plaque, hand-carved by one of Dave’s friends, says it all

Only the good die young!

Thank you, Dave, for sharing your favorite escape with the rest of us! We wish you were here!!!

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. Well little bro I can’t believe it’s been a year already. There are still times when I’m up at the house and I stare at your bedroom door wishing it would open just one more time and you would come walking out throwing yourself on the couch as you always did getting comfortable for our weekly catch up conversations. Everyday that passes reality sets in just a little more. It never gets easier!
    This time last year began the biggest nightmare for so many people. Just knowing what you went through is unbearable. None of us can even begin to imagine what you felt or what was going through your mind that day. I know your pain is over and you have moved on to a place where you’re at peace.
    I miss ya bro!

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