The Ascention of the Purple Dragon

There are those among us who can never be forgotten. We may only know these special souls for a short time here on earth and it seems as though we have known them for a lifetime.
A young man named Cameron is one of those souls. How many thirteen year olds love Mel Brooks movies, never disrespect their parents, can easily converse with anyone of any age and has the ability to discuss a variety of topics with adept humor and clarity? It is difficult not to be under the spell of this marvelous creature with his infectious laugh and angelic face.

It is hard to understand why the fates would decide to cast a spell upon this dear one and inflict upon his youthful body this negative entity called cancer. Unless you are the parent of a child with this diagnosis, you will never understand the devastation it leaves upon your heart and soul. Throughout the entire process of surgery, treatment and medications as well as various forms of healing, this courageous young man remained hopeful and was an example of strength and endurance. His loving Papa, Henry, never gave up on his healing and tirelessly and lovingly cared for his beloved son. Family and friends lent support and a thousand origami cranes were proof of friendship and dedication from a lovely flower named Lily.

An amethyst dragon pendant to symbolize love and healing was a gift of love and was always worn by Cameron as a reminder of the support of those who loved him. Try though he did with his ever present Papa and the blessings from family, friends and even a few strangers, his earth bound body could no longer fight the battle any longer and this amazing spirit made his peaceful exit to a world which beckoned from beyond.

On September 14, 2008, the light of this world became a little darker but every now and then a cardinal will appear, or a thought which only he could provide will be a gentle reminder of the existence of his presence and the light of his memory which will never be extinguished.

As the Phoenix rose from the ashes, so too did the purple dragon and as it arose the color turned to the brightest white as a symbol of the highest form of healing, for as he made his way to a place where love is always, he became a white dragon, watching over those who love him still.

With loving dedication to Cameron David Allen
and his amazing Papa Henry

A Tiny Tribute to September

Teegan Ryan Kase

The last days of summer are quickly fading away and the cool crispness that announces fall's arrival are a reminder of the days ahead. I have always loved autumn and the beauty of it's fiery reds, bright gold and burnt orange hues. I always feel exhilarated as I walk along the pathways surrounded by colorful foliage and the crunching of fallen leaves beneath my footsteps. I never mourn the end of summer as I realize that season's must change, as people must change with the passage of time.

This September marks the beginning of yet another transition within our family with the early arrival of our greatest pre autumn gift. My beautiful grandson, Teegan, entered the hearts and souls of his mother, father, grandparents, aunts and uncles and all else who will learn to know and love him, on the eve of September 3, 2011. There are those who look upon this month with sadness and loss. Yes, a terrible event occured on 9/11 2001, yet I can't help but think the birth of this wonderful child is meant to be a light in the darkness on what is soon to be the tenth anniversary of this tragic event. For every evil there is good, for every sorrow there is joy.

In the months and years ahead, I will celebrate my grandson's birthday with happiness and gratitude. I will respectfully pay tribute to those whose lives were needlessly snuffed out by vengeance and hatred, on yet another anniversary of 9/11. There is another date I will softly mourn on September 14, when another gentle spirit passed beyond the veil of earth to become an angelic spirit. I also rejoice in the honor it was to have known this courageous 13 year old boy. On the eve of the autumn equinox, I will celebrate the coming season with reverance and gratitute for my many blessings.

Appreciate those in your life whom you dearly love and make the most of your time here on earth. Life is among the greatest of texbooks in which we must always strive to learn. Celebrate the coming season and enjoy all of it's offerings. I send love and healing to those who have suffered loss in the month of September as I rejoice in the birthdate of my grandson.

I dedicate these heartfelt words to my grandson Teegan, the victims of 9/11 and their
family's and my guardian angel, Cameron David Allen and his dear father Henry.