Love Out To The D-Man

The first time I met Dane was at The Deadbeat Club. Big surprise there, eh? I remember it *pretty* clearly, I was out on a girls night with a few friends of mine. Drinking, having way too much fun for my britches when to my surprise as I was heading to the Little Girls Room, there appears a much beloved Randall Turner who I'd not seen for too many moons at that point. I was so happy to see Randall, he gave me a big bear hug and insisted that I meet his friend Dane. When I saw Dane, first thing I thought was that he was mighty damn tall and *gasp* look at that beautiful hair! Dane bought a round of shots (I liked him already!) and actually danced with me. I was pleased to have met a man that could actually dance well ;-) Dane and Randall came back over to my place with the rest of the girls and we partied until wee hours of the morning...and then I didn't see him for quite some time after that.

Randall and I kept in better touch after that night and he inevitable said 'You MUST meet my friends Crystal & Peck!' Crys and I met and became instant friends, but did not get real close for a few months...there were many difficult events occurring in both of our lives, but mostly in hers and I felt it necessary to be 'there' but give her lots of space and flexibility. And then....we were able to spend more time together and after a time there appeared sweet Dane again and I was thrilled, because I thought of him as a sweet heart, based on my first impressions.

The rest is history as they say, yes! Many a fuzzy night spent out at the clubs, drinking and dancing. Walden, Halloweens (dude!), Thanksgivings, Bdays...allot of memories. Can you believe it's been something like 4 years now? Wowsers!

And in all of if, Dane has continued to stand tall ;-) And I don't just mean physically. My respect for Dane is far reaching, I find him to be a gentle and kind man...I love the way he loves one of my favorite girls ever. In my own selfish times of need, Dane has been a warm, consoling and trusted shoulder to cry on. And when I have shed the tears, he has always put his arms around me and comforted me in anyway he could. No matter whether he agreed or not...he has always been there if I needed him, in spite of any frustration he may have had with me or whatever the pending situation in which my tears may have resulted from. I know that if I call on him, he would be there.

I am not the only one either, I've seen him go to bat for more than just this female. He is protective of his 'girls' for certain. The closest I've ever seen him come to violence has only been as a result in coming to the defense of one of us crazy girls, even if we were out of line ;-)

And of course, we cannot forget the times he has spent with my son. Max adores Dane, truly...and I think Dane can understand Max in a way that I've not always known how. Luckily, Dane has given me some insights on being raised by a single mother and I have found them beneficial. Frankly, I've found that some of THE most wonderful men I've known have been raised by single mother's. I hate to make that sort of broad sweeping statement, but it is true from what I can see.

I can keep spouting out about how wonderful D is, but anyone who knows him aready knows that and he bottom line for me is that while Dane and I have certainly encountered trials in our friendship, I feel that we have a loving bond between us that has remained in spite (or perhaps becuase of?) of our differences and I am grateful for that. I know he will missed, not only by Max and I...but everyone in Colorado.

Best of luck to you D, I am so proud of you and I know you are going to do so great! We'll see ya sometime soon and remember you are loved as you are out there exploring the world:)