Why Tana Loves Deathe

I've heard so many people say that they would give anything for a chance to go back in time and tell someone who has died how much they meant. I have the chance, no Flux Capacitor needed, to do just that. That is my one visible gift, and I'll not deny myself, so please indulge me. And if you feel the blessing of this gift as well, we'll be proud to display your expressions here.

So the following are my words, and though they were originally met for his eyes only, I hope they will inspire you to add to this project, and show Deathe and the entire Davis Family what a profound role they play in our world.


Dear Deathe,

The first time we met, I knew one of us would be attending the other's funeral. I never thought we would be worrying about it this soon. You immediately left an impression on me, and you've always lived up to or exceeded it. I have so many things to thank you for. The blessing you've brought to Bella's life, and Rachel's life is immeasurable, and that would be enough to make you my favorite man on the planet. That would be more than enough,  but you didn't stop there. You quickly became a brother to me, and I can't imagine what life will be like without you.

You were my Google before Google existed. If ever I had a question, I knew you would have an answer. You seem to know everything! You even helped me un-learn and  re-learn  things my college professors were wrong about. What's most fascinating about that massive brain of yours is how you can teach and correct someone without making them feel 'less than'. It's an amazing skill that I've tried to incorporate into my own life. I fail miserably most of the time, but I'm getting better. I was hoping to have many more years of a real-time example to follow, but the memories of debates in the kitchen in Lawrence and later in Olathe will always be with me. As I write this, the 'Zero Sum Game' discussion of New Year's Eve 2001 comes to mind, as does the debate on the merits of recycling just last year. You manage to teach me something new nearly every time I see you. I've always appreciated that, but you didn't stop there.

You teach even when you're not speaking. I've never met someone so caring, so giving of themselves, and so organic in the way they relate to others. You have always served as the epitome of what is best in all of us, and you make it seem so effortless. Your approach feels so gentle, but never tentative. I've always liked watching you interact with others. When you first meet someone, you have an uncanny ability to gauge their comfort level. You will affirm, crack jokes, even flirt, and always with such sincerity.

You see, your heart is what makes you wonderful. Your brain has been the delicious icing on the cake, but you have always been more than an egghead to me, and I suspect I am not alone. You've never stopped giving to the people around you, and you never will. When you leave us physically, all that is you will remain in those who love you. You have never stopped, you never will, and neither will we.

I love you, brother.

Tana