Hey Denise,

We're sending this letter out to you. A scribbled note, on a crumpled piece of paper, in a bottle with a cork, floating across the infinite sea. We're not collapsed and curled-up in the hiding, but we so-miss having you around.

On every mountain that we stand, every path we've been chosen to take...you're alive and present in our memory... imprinted on our hearts. Everything we've done together... It's all here. The light-hearted goodwill, the happy soul-driven smiles, the "cliff hugs", and of course, those little pearls of silly humor that you shared.

Your understanding, your attention to the details of our lives, your wonderful loving spirit...it slowly merged with us, and has made us who we've become.

Thanks for the incredible ride!

Love on,

Jason, Raleigh, Jody, Elle and Jana

Two days ago my daughter and I sat on a chair as she read the last lines of her storybook. As she placed her folded book onto the floor she noticed Denise's handwriting on the pages of an opened book. Apparently the last few days that Denise and I where in Arizona, she had begun keeping a separate journal...one which I was unaware of...classic Denise.

Despite the tremendous obstacles and discomfort that she faced, still she appreciated being rolled through misty arbors at sunset, the bagpiper on the lawn where the mesmerized kids all stood... and little golden moments that often slip us by.

This is my monumental birthday present this go round...

Jason

On this day on March 7, in 1962, this planet became a better place...a better place with the incarnation of Denise Maria DiNardo Cowan . Despite Denise's physical departure from this spinning mass in 2009, it continues to be a better place, as we remember her positive expressions and her easy going demeanor.

Holding a candle in memory of Denise, we treasure the beautiful, loving, generous, inclusive, happy, natural, kind, intelligent, cynical, respectful, humorous, athletic, creative, humble, competitive, forgiving, encouraging, empathetic, imaginative, compassionate, trusting, loyal, accepting, courageous, dignified and ever-giving being that she came to share with us all.

In spite of our longing to spend time with Denise in the physical realm, we are grateful for the time that we had. We carry the essence of her throughout our days, recalling events, sharing stories, photos, laughter, dreams, memories and her spirit with everyone around. We will continue in her legacy as we share all with the next generation to come…

Jason, Raleigh, Jody, Elle and Jana Cowan

Click below

Into The Mystery- JB Cowan

On My Random Dream

Late at night alone

Lie dark and silent room

Stare out through this empty pane

Skyward to the moon

Across the naked limbs

Where ponder meets no call

Rummage for the tenor of

A life-well-lived... that's all

All we set to do

Every place we’ve been

Crushed into a mustard seed

Bloom-on my random dream

JB Cowan

I wish you health.

I wish you wealth

That passes not with time.

I wish you long years.

May your heart be as patient as the earth.

Your love as warm as the harvest gold.

May your days be full, as the city is full

Your nights as joyful as dancers.

May your arms be as welcoming as home.

May your faith be as enduring as boundless love

Your spirit as valiant as your heritage.

May your hand be as sure as a friend

Your dreams as hopeful as a child.

And your soul be as brave as your people

And may you be showered with divine favor.

- Wigglier Blessing (revised)

From the book, "Healthy at 100" by John Robbins

...fortunate to have shared significant time with a cheerful giver...

"All energy is borrowed, one day you must give it back"

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