I wanted to write this last night. I wanted write this so bad I could barely stand it. My mind was spinning with words yet my eyes were spinning with Big Mike's margaritas and exhaustion. It was an eleven hour day for us but Oh My Goodness; was it worth it!
We're just days shy from the two year anniversary of losing our friend, Fenton, to the crash of Flight 5191. There isn't a day that goes by he isn't in each of our thoughts.
Two years ago David and I were on the phone with one another talking about our friend when he said, "You know, I was thinking. . . what if we had a volleyball tournament?" Instantly, I told him that was an amazing idea. . . not really thinking about what I would come to witness.
One year ago on August 15, 2007 the Fenton Dawson Memorial Volleyball Tournament took place. It had not even been a year since losing our friend. Our hearts still lay wide open from the loss. There were eleven teams that played that day. To be honest, it was a bit of a blur. We were all so nervous and running around, making sure everything went smooth as possible. Of course it went smooth, Dave is a meticulous organizer and planner. It was a good day. There was no doubt that we would do it again.
Yesterday, we did just that! It was the 2nd Annual Fenton Dawson Volleyball Tournament. WOW. . . I MEAN . . . W O W!!!
Seventeen teams showed up to help us celebrate our friend. SEVENTEEN TEAMS!!!
That's 102 people plus their family plus friends plus plus plus!!!
It was overwhelming and AMAZING!!!
I wish with all my heart, I could tell each and every person there how MUCH it means to us.
As I stood there watching the volleyballs being tossed into the air, I saw our plan coming together. I saw friends hugging, children playing, teams competing for the win, all the while carrying on with friendly banter across the net.
I heard laughter and I knew we had done what we set out to do.
Fenton wouldn't believe all that was for him. . .
We however, believe it is entirely about him.
I think he'd be proud.
I think he was there.
And I'm pretty sure I heard him laughing.
We love you man. .
