Sunday, July 18, 2021
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Dawn,
I want to share our story. You referred to our paths crossing as "fate." I referred to our paths crossing as "destiny." I believe that we were both right. Fate brought us together and destiny was our long journey to such an amazing friendship that turned into a "sisterhood" that ended way too soon. I miss you. I love you. I will NEVER forget you!
We are close in age and relationships over the Internet was not in either of our wheelhouses. We never met. I only saw a picture of you once about 5 years ago. We saw each other for the first time about 3 months ago when you were video chatting with my daughter. It lasted 2 seconds but I'll never forget that moment. It was so wonderful to put that beautiful face to the voice on your phone...."911 - What's the Emergency.... When I close my eyes and concentrate, I can still hear your voice. You will always be with me. Robert sent me a picture of you. I have it sitting on my desk. Your last correspondence to me was a subscription to a daily Youtube of my favorite comedian, Lewis Black. I still have my Lewis Black bobblehead and push the button often. You were able to make me smile and laugh during the most difficult times in my life. We were there for each other in the "no judgment zone." I believe that I was there for you as much as you were there for me.... I truly believe that in my heart and soul. I miss our talks. We did not always agree but could agree to "disagree." So even though I cannot pick up the phone and call you, Lewis Black arrives on my phone like a stalker everyday as a reminder to start the day with a good laugh. It was "your way" of letting me know that you will never forget me. You said "goodbye" to me in your way. It has been very difficult for me to not have some sort of closure ..... the last time we spoke you were so very ill and I never got the chance to tell you how important you are to me....so I'm doing it now; although, I know in my heart that you already knew that. You know how hard it was going to be for me to say "goodbye" so you spared me that heartache in the way you thought was best. I understand that now, my dear friend.
I believe there are 4 people who really knew how important we were to each other: Robert, Thomas, my daughter, and your hairdresser.
Robert,
I am so sorry for your loss! We have had several talks since Dawn's passing. I finally got to meet you on our latest video chat. It was wonderful to put the face with the voice .... we too have had many conversations over the years. It is my desire to keep in touch, as we work through our grief in our own way, and beyond.... Dawn and I spent a lot of our time talking about you. I wanted you to KNOW that "Dawn, your wife, loved you very, very much." I remember carving your anniversary gift. She was so particular about what she wanted. When she received it, she called me to let me know that I had captured her love for you. I am sure it hangs on her wall of honor in your home. Soulmates is how I would describe your love. Robert, Dawn told me that life is for the living..... She wanted everybody she loved to not get stuck in the grief and forget about living life! The words make sense in my head.....but it's getting the heart and mind in the same headspace to "walk the walk." I know you'll be telling me the same thing my....as we have talked a lot about my 90+ year old parents who's health is declining.... I am here for you as I know you will be there for me. Just a phone call away.... ANYTIME!!
Thomas,
I feel like I know you and we have never met. It was wonderful to see you the other day during our video chat. I must say.... I see a lot of Dawn in you but your voice is definitely like your father's. The second image is the woodcarving I did for your mom for you. Dawn is and always will be proud of the man you have grown up to be. She loved you so much! Dawn told me that this woodcarving gave her such pleasure and strength. She wanted only the best for you. I hope you can find a way to honor your mom's wishes....grief as you need to but don't stop living your life.....you have a wonderful journey ahead of you!!
To Dawn's hairdresser....sorry she never told me your name....
I remember when she asked me to carve something special for you. You were another person that understood her and she told me that you were a very dear friend. Thank you for being there for Dawn.
My daughter and Dawn connected in a very special way. They were there for each other and that meant the world to me. Dawn started having my daughter create art for her, as well. Dawn also was excited and loved my granddaughter; she was very generous. Dawn made her first Christmas a very special one. My daughter will make sure that she "knows who Dawn was" and the impact she had in her life, as will I. My granddaughter loves music, I think as much as Dawn, and the piano that my granddaughter received is something that she loves to "play with."
As you all know, Dawn had a passion for music and rescuing cats and dogs. Her love for animals is something that we both shared a deep desire for. When Puck passed, Dawn asked me to make some memorial picture frames for her. Even after Puck has passed, she was able to love and enjoy Puck everyday but looking at that picture frame.
Last, but not lease, Dawn LOVED music. This last woodcarving I'm sharing with you is probably one of the most challenging requests I got from Dawn. She just gave me a list and told me to create something. I know she loved it as much as we did carving it for her.
In closing, Dawn and Robert, had a profoundly positive impact not only in my life but with my entire family. She always asked about my husband, my daughter and son, my granddaughter, our business, and at the end, about my parents. At one point, Robert and Dawn were going to make a road trip to Michigan to finally meet the people who had become so close to them. Unfortunately, that trip did not occur due to COVID......but..... I have yet to meet a person that gives so much without asking anything in return, as Dawn did for me and our family.
Dawn, thank you for allowing me into your small circle of special people. It's been an honor!! I miss you. I love you. I will never forget you.
Your dearest friend/sister.....
Johanna Haack and family
Liberty, NY 845-292-7160
Woodbourne, NY 845-434-7363
Livingston Manor, NY 845-439-4333