from Gil Christner & Sira Windwer

Dear Denise,

Sorry we can’t be there today. But we are even sorrier you can’t be there either.

You were a force of nature in our lives. You taught us so many things, like how to ask for a better room at a hotel, how to send food back until it’s right, how to look for the secret way out of a cave, where to find lobster for $5 in Rosarita Beach, a greasy pork chop in Death Valley, the quietest part of Yosemite, the prettiest part of Pismo beach at sunset.

But mostly you taught us that life is an adventure to be had, and it never pays to be timid about what you want or what you feel. Because of our friendship with you we have seen so much, experienced so much, and felt so much that we never would have otherwise; all of it good.

We love you and miss you, our dear friend.