Up to this point in my life, walk-a-thons have been a concept I've found myself having a hard time wrapping my head around. I know there is the money raising side of things. And supposedly there is the awareness raising side. But in the past, I hadn't quite worked out my place in a walk-a-thon, not knowing if it is a good fit. Such was my mental state as I set off to attend the 2023 Walk Like MADD walk-a-thon. Leaving the event, however, I felt much more at peace with it all, esp. how it works for me.
This year's event was much better attended than last year (and infinitely better than 2021 when I walked alone due to the pandemic). Additionally, it was at a much more pleasant location, set along Lake Washington in Magnuson Park in Seattle. Besides the ~2 miles walk, there were a few speeches, a raffle*, some [sponsor] lawyer booths (where I had a great informative chat), and free fresh mini-donuts. But really, the thing that made the experience for me was being around others who have been affected by drunk drivers and an environment where it wasn't taboo to talk about it. I guess it just made me feel less alone (even though I barely interacted with anyone since all the other walkers were in groups). Going into the event, my main reason for participation was to have a comfortable way to remind people that drinking and driving is the #1 cause of death on our roadways1 and it can be 100% preventable. I still see people around me make choices regarding alcohol and driving that is really hard being exposed to. And while I have very little hope my yearly passive PSA makes any difference, I can't not. Will this become one of those things I do every year, like the crossword puzzle tournament, the Skagit County Fair, or Sh'Bang? Maybe. Now that I've found its place in my brain/heart, I could see the comfort of the yearly routine being something worth hanging onto. Or maybe once the legal issues surround the repercussions of the crashed caused by the drunk driver have resolved, I won't have the same motivation to hopefully learn some tangible information/help. Time will tell, I suppose. But I'm really glad I went this year. |
Sunday September 17 2023 | File under: Della |
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[This was originally posted on Facebook.]*
Today marks one year since I lost the love of my life, one year since the world lost Della. I want to share how I'm passing the day
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Monday October 18 2021 | File under: Della |
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Recently, we gathered together to celebrate, mourn, remember, and honor Della. The memorial turned out great, on a beautiful September afternoon with so many wonderful people around. There were a lot of tears, but a lot of smiles and laughter as well. Stories were shared, songs were sung, facts were learned, and togetherness was experienced. As a friend eloquently put it, for something that shouldn't have had to fucking happen, it turned out perfect.
(In hopes of sharing the experience with those that couldn't make it (and to capture for archival purposes), here's a recap.) The service portion took place on a "stage" made on a flat bed truck decorated so beautifully with flowers, pictures, candles, and more. For speakers, we had me, a recorded piece from Chris, Squeek, Stan, Shanny, Deanna, Mylee, Sarah, Sadye leading a song*, then me again. RJ played music beforehand. Everyone's words were just right, really highlighting so many aspect of Della. (There will be a video recording of service. If you'd like to watch it, e-mail me and I'll get you the link.) After the service portion, the 250-300 attendees were encouraged to stick around, mingle, and enjoy the "stations" we set up around the beautiful Deming Logging Show grounds. The stations included:
Lastly, a huge thanks to the team of folks that helped make the event what it was. And to the people that came. Without all of you, it wouldn't have been nearly as special. |
Sunday October 3 2021 | File under: Della |
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Ten years ago, I was not a performer. Anyone that knew me knew not only was I not a performer, but I was emphatically not a performer. Then I met Della. Then I learned to perform and really grew to enjoy it. Then came the Wren and Della brand and performing became my livelihood. Then it was all taken away and I was faced with the daunting decision of rebuilding a performance life or not. This question was tested recently at my stint at the Skagit County Fair.
I've done a few little gigs earlier this year: a teaching gig in Leavenworth, a stilting gig in Kendall, a company picnic in Bellingham, and the Circus In Person show at the Bellingham Circus Guild. But the Skagit County Fair was different. For one, it was a gig that Della and I have done for years together. The people there know us as, well, us. For another, the booking required me to cover 7 30-minute stage shows, something I've never done without Della. Thirty minutes is a long time. And me and Della's show evolved over years to become what it was. The Skagit County Fair was the first real test of the daunting decision of whether I was going to embark on the path of rebuilding a performance career. The verdict: hard but good. It was hard because memories were everywhere, I didn't have my partner to help make the work less worky, and I had to share the news about Della to so many people who hadn't heard yet still keep an entertaining facade. It was good because everyone was so super supportive—from the fair staff and volunteer to the other performers that Della and I have performed many times with to the booth vendors who saw our roving enough times to learn our tells to the fairgoers who came to my show just so I would know I could do it. The stage shows were hard; I lost about 2 gallons of sweat running around in the sun with the stress of "is this good enough?"* The roving was good; I posed for pictures, wowed people with my knot tricks, and even got quoted by the news. Getting back on the horse seems like an apt analogy to my time at the Skagit County Fair this year. It was scary and daunting, but I did it. I'm a different guy than I was 10 years ago and maybe one of those differences is that I am a performer now. For four days at the Skagit County Fair I was, at least. As for the future, only time will tell. |
Sunday August 22 2021 | File under: circus, Della |
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Today would have been me and Della's 10th anniversary. It seems like an appropriate time to post about this idea I've been thinking about for the past 9 months.
I wish I would have rubbed Della's feet more. It's easy to look back and wish for so much to have been different—with the knowledge I have now, to have done, said, or acted differently. But this feels like a slippery slope. Yes, I have a whole lot of shouldas, those things that I lament. On the whole, though, they are mostly little things. Yet while each of these little shouldas pain me, I also feel so blessed that the list is so small. The inverse of that shoulda list—the things I'm so grateful that we did do, say, or act—is long and full. Since losing Della, I've thought about these two categories, the things I wished we'd done and the things I'm so glad we did. I've thought about them and how sharing my thoughts on them might help other couples be better prepared if tragedy also befalls them. Or maybe just some perspective. I know me and Della's relationship wasn't like everyone's. And that which worked for us won't necessarily work for everyone. But I hope, in sharing, at least a morsel might be helpful, even if only to reflect that your shoulda list is sufficiently short. Shoulda list
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Sunday August 1 2021 | File under: Della |
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This past weekend, the Washington Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving hosted a virtual walk-a-thon called "Walk Like MADD". Its goal was to raise money to support the organization's mission of "fighting the 100% preventable crimes of drunk and drugged driving." Needless to say, I was on board.
I wasn't able to participate during the event, as it coincided with Circus In Person, Bellingham Circus Guild's grand re-opening event. I did a version of my crossword act with added cheap theatrics, my first solo BCG act ever and my first time performing without Della waiting for me backstage to cheer me on (or comfort me from all the drops, as the case may be). It was an emotional weekend of shows, and although the cast was so great, Della's absence was palpable. It was with these emotions that I set out to belatedly participate in the Walk Like Madd event. They were asking for folks to do a 5K, but for whatever reason, I got it in my head that I needed to do more. I needed more time with my thoughts. And perhaps I even hoped that with more, more of an impact could be made, more awareness raised, and more lives saved. So I decided to walk a marathon. It turns out walking 26.2 miles isn't very easy. It isn't even kind of easy. It's hard. I started in Concrete, Washington and followed the Cascade Trail 22.5 miles through beautiful fields and along the calmly flowing Skagit River. With the exception of an occasional biker and a few walkers near each end, I had the trail to myself. After I ran out of trail, I meandered (or, more specifically, zombie-walked, as my body had more or less gone on strike after about mile 18) the streets of Sedro Woolley to get me to my goal. Total time: ~8.5 hours. Blisters, chafage, and achy muscles reminded me that perhaps this was why the Walk Like Madd event was only a 5K. But, although my body wasn't happy, my heart was proud. I had done a really hard thing. But why had I done this hard thing? The reason I did this hard thing is so that I could get your attention and say this to you: Please Don't Drink and Drive. Please don't say "oh, I've only had one beer." Please don't say "how else was I supposed to get home?" Please don't say "I'm fine." Please please be uncompromising. Please realize how serious and dangerous drinking and driving is. And if after you've made that commitment, the I'm-not-just-saying-this-but-super-fucking-mean-it commitment, you wanted to do more, consider including MADD in your giving plan. But really, I just want you to think of Della any time you need a reminder that drinking and driving isn't okay. Memorial update: Now that COVID has more or less sorted itself out (*knock on wood*), we've settled on a date for Della's memorial: September 25 at the Deming Logging Show grounds (outdoor, plenty of space). More info will be forthcoming which I will add to the comments of this post. |
Tuesday July 20 2021 | File under: Della |
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Della, the light of my life. Every month, it is really hard. Recently, I learned criminal charges against the driver of the oncoming car have been filed by the state of Montana. The charge is Vehicular Homicide While Under Influence*. The criminal process will be (and already has been) long and drawn out and no one knows where it will go, in terms of sentence, plea bargain, timeline, or anything. Ultimately, it is between the state of Montana and the driver and doesn't involve me unless I get called to testify at trial (if there even is one). Nevertheless, I plan to stay apprised as best I can. There is so much paperwork/business/financial stuff that goes along with someone's death and each element seems to have its own procedures, quirks, and failings. From cancelling Della's business license, to closing her bank accounts, to dealing with the other driver's auto insurance, to filing her taxes and so much more, I've been chipping away at the todos. The process is endlessly frustrating as, so far, not one of these companies seems to put any priority or consideration on communication, speed, ease, or (in some cases) accuracy. In some respects, having the mountains of work has been good for me, as the details keep my mind busy and makes me feel productive, but I'm hoping the end is in sight and it will be a task I can soon cross off my list. I mentioned in the 2 month update that I was only recently back on both feet, after time on crutches and in a walking boot from injuries sustained in the crash. Now, my physical health is maybe 90% recovered. Functionally, I'm able to do most things (walk, jog, juggle, etc.) but there is still pain, weakness, and inflexibility, esp. in the right ankle. Part of me is sure there will be ailments that are with me the rest of my life, a constant reminder of the terrible day 6 months ago. But the human body is an amazing thing and part of me holds out hope that time will do its healing job. As for my mental and emotional state, it is so hard to say. There are good days and bad days. Some days, I'm crippled with anxiety about the future and sadness for the loss of the past. Some days, I make it from my morning cereal to evening Jeopardy! with relative normalcy, albeit with loneliness and loss as a constant companion. Overall, I guess I'd say I'm doing alright considering. As has been the case throughout this ordeal, I have felt immensely supported—from diversions when I need, to talking through feelings and fears, to help with the so many details of everything. Besides the wonderful support I've received from friends and family, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has been an amazing resource for both help with details in all the different facets (law, insurance, bureaucracy, etc.) as well just the feeling of support that can only come from someone that knows what it is like to lose a partner because of someone else's choice to drink and drive. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a drunk driving crash, please know that MADD is there to support you. With COVID vaccines becoming widely available and things opening back up, we've started planning for a memorial service, likely to be held outside in late June in Bellingham. I'll post further details in the comments of this post as they become known. Planning is also underway for a month of celebration and remembrance of Della in October 2021 in the form of Dellapalooza. Info for that will be forth coming as well. All of these updates are just a summary. I have further details on everything (the crash, insurance, business, criminal stuff, my health, MADD, etc.) that I am willing to share with whoever wants to know. Sharing allows me to be reminded that other people care and that I'm not in this alone. |
Sunday April 18 2021 | File under: Della |
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Over the past months, I've found myself going through photos quite often. Sometimes it is for a specific purpose (picking a photo for the obituary or my Valentine's Day project) or sometimes it is just a way to remember Della and the wonderful life we had together. (Then, of course, there are the times I can't bear it and have to avoid the painful reminders all together.) In going through the photos, I found myself pulling out ones that fit together for whatever reason. And while I know more photos in each category will emerge, I wanted to get these up so as to share them, but more so that I know they will be archived and I can come back and see them whenever I need to. (Many photos will be repeats, either from previous blog posts (hers or mine) or from my, our, or her instagrams, but I'm guessing a good number of them will be new.)
CostumesFor our job, Della and I had occasion to dress up frequently. But in looking back through the photos, I was reminded of how much we dressed up outside of work as well. Here are some fun ones from over the years.KissingThese are the photos I was immediately drawn to, for obvious reasons. I feel so fortunate that I have so many photos to remind me of the love Della and I shared. In organizing and captioning them for this blog post, I also was reminded of how we kissed our way around the world: Jordan, Italy, Indonesia, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Panama, and Mexico just in this collection alone! Then, of course, there were the business kisses, often onstage for the Bellingham Circus Guild's Valentine's Day show. I'm grateful for each of these photos. |
Saturday March 13 2021 | File under: Della |
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Writing Della's obituary was really hard. How can one possibly encapsulate a woman like Della, much less with all the constraints (word count, readability, intended audience, history vs. heart, etc.) all the while in a state of such disorienting grief. I'm not displeased with the result, with much help from Deanna as well as a few choice phrases from others, but it hardly scratches the surface. With that in mind, I offer this addendum, some of the things I wanted to include but couldn't, about the woman I love.
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Saturday November 21 2020 | File under: Della |
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