From Abby Dawson
Thinking of you, grandma, as I watch my fuchsias begin to bloom.
“When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou
When great trees fall,
rocks on distant hills shudder,
lions hunker down
in tall grasses,
and even elephants
lumber after safety.
When great trees fall
in forests,
small things recoil into silence,
their senses
eroded beyond fear.
When great souls die,
the air around us becomes
light, rare, sterile.
We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly,
see with
a hurtful clarity.
Our memory, suddenly sharpened,
examines,
gnaws on kind words
unsaid,
promised walks
never taken.
Great souls die and
our reality, bound to
them, takes leave of us.
Our souls,
dependent upon their
nurture,
now shrink, wizened.
Our minds, formed
and informed by their
radiance,
fall away.
We are not so much maddened
as reduced to the unutterable ignorance
of dark, cold
caves.
And when great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always
irregularly. Spaces fill
with a kind of
soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed.
From Dave Mayfield
Bruce and Julie,
Mom had told me of your Mom’s passing and mailed me a copy of the obituary from the Courier.
Reading about the “Gremlin” made me chuckle. How was she able to keep it running for so long?
I have enjoyed the old photographs. The Orange Bowl Food Center truck, the family photo to the right of it and photo bellow which I assume is of the old family homestead in Nebraska.
Mom’s family was from Nebraska as well and moved to GP to escape the Dust Bowl. That was truly “The Greatest Generation”.
The great thing about your Mom was that she let the Spiritual out shine the Physical in her life.
Thinking of Doris reminds me of the sacrifices our parents made to make sure we had the opportunity to reach our potential in this life.
Bruce and Julie, I know your Mom is so proud that you have taken her torch and run the good race, and that you are passing that torch onto generations to come.
From Layne Ashford
On this day of your birth Dear Aunt Dorie I would like to share a few thoughts of you.
I know that you are present. I have always known.
You have been, and still are my inspiration.
Thank you for the tools that have given me strength in daily life and understanding.
You and Uncle Ralph gave me so many wonderful memories as well as laughter.
Thank you for being a special part of my heart and my life.
Dear family I love you all.
From Abby Dawson
I was reminded of something that grandma used to tell us when we looked sleepy. She would say, “your petals are drooping, dear” I found myself saying that to a student whose eyes were heavy with sleep. Just another sweet remembrance of her way with words.
From Tom Dawson
Grandma was always teaching us. Not by lecturing, but by example; by simply sharing her way of being with others. Everything she said had an uncorrupted quality to it, because she herself had abandoned negativity long ago. Her words were imbued with the renewing power of love. I recall how she would subtly guide me by stating affirmations about me that seemed to stick in my subconscious and help me be more confident in the world. One time when I was still a boy, I was planting an Azalea bush in her back yard. She was sitting close by in her chair and we were talking as we often did when I was pruning the bamboo or cutting the grass. My hands were covered in dirt, and I was hacking at some roots in a hole in the ground. She said “you’re going to make your living by using your mind when you grow up.” Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with making a living landscaping, or that it's beneath me, but she just knew that my talents would be best applied to other endeavors in this world. She simply stated the truth, and in that moment, I knew it was true too.
Another time we were at a family Christmas dinner and I was visiting from college where I was studying music. Someone asked me what I wanted to be when I graduated. I said, “I want to be a musician.” Grandma, who was sitting right next to me, turned and looked directly at me and said “you are a musician.” It’s easy to get caught up living in a dream of your future life when you’re in college. The simple shift in perspective she offered me was just the nudge I needed at that time to help me be more engaged in the present moment.
I always felt like I could really be my best self when I was around her because she saw the very best in me, and she had absolute certainty about it. When my sister and I got good grades on our report cards she celebrated us, not because we had exceeded her expectations, but because we had simply realized what she already knew was true about us.
I never thought of my Grandmother as being disabled. Partly because she was able to do most everything other grandmas could do, like drive, cook, clean, go to the movies, go out to dinner, and other various social gatherings, but mostly because she was one of the freest individuals I knew. She had inner freedom. She was not bothered by oppressive negative thought patterns. She had surrendered to “what is.” She was able to accept the reality of her physical condition and therefore not be constantly at war with it. She accepted herself. She loved herself. And by doing so, freed up her loving energy, and inspired others to do the same, or at least try.
Grandma was able to achieve a measure of greatness that few people ever achieve. She was not concerned with external measures of success. She didn’t own a fancy house and car, she never got a college degree, she didn’t link her sense of self with the number in her bank account. She did however succeed in transcending her situation. No one would have blamed her for being a negative person with all the suffering that she endured in her life. But she became a kind of hero by doing some very difficult inner healing thereby changing herself, giving her the conscious ability to not make her situation any worse by polluting her environment with negativity. Long ago she realized that she had a choice. She could wake up in the morning and feel sorry for herself, or she could wake up and feel gratitude for all the good in her life. I think sometimes how different all of our lives would be if Grandma had never done this heroic inner work. Thank you Grandma for choosing a grateful life.
From Charity Brunner
I think of Grandma often. Funny thing......I have never seen her dance but, when I think of her I picture her dancing. I think it is because Abby posted a page out of the book Grandma so loved--Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet. The last line of the page says: " And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."
While she was in her physical state, I kept trying to figure her out. I would secretly study her and wonder why she was such an attractive soul. Her power was a true song. It was deep love. I figured it out!!! She was and is always awake. I will continue my quest to be awake like her...
From Abby Dawson
Grandma continually revealed to me both the beauty and humor of language. The word “zanahoria”, which means “carrot” in Spanish always made her explode in laughter.
From Charity Brunner
One day Grandma was driving me to school. This was in the 1980’s when the popular thing to do was taper the bottom of your jeans. I was busy trying to taper my jeans when Grandma said: “Everything comes in cycles….Before you know it, you will be wearing bell bottoms again.”
Horrified, I said: “you won’t catch me in bell bottoms ever!”
Sure enough they came back in the 90’s and guess who was wearing them. Ha! She was right as usual! Wise women! I love you Grandma forever!
From Debbie Allyn
I will always remember when I was young and Aunt Dori came to Nebraska with Uncle Ralph. They were the happiest couple I had ever met and I was in awe and admiration of their love. I have many happy memories of their visits. My condolences to Julie and Bruce. I will keep you both and your families in my prayers.
Love,
Debbie Allyn
From Jim McClurg
I was always a bit awestruck by aunt Dori and uncle Ralph. They were so handsome and such nice people, and they lived in far away Oregon. I recall their visits to NE. And I remember Bruce at Jim and Sarah Allyn’s house as a very young man. I had a most enjoyable 2 visits and dinner with Julie and Dori about 10 years ago. Dori remained fiercely positive, energetic and engaging–and just enjoyable to be with. All of us are so grateful for and respectful of such a great generation of our family. I enjoy the pictures of all of the Allyn brothers and sisters–Cora through Laura.
Love to all. Jim McClurg
From Marty Bauer
I was sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Her obituary did a marvelous job of reminding me of what a courageous and spectacular lady she was. I always enjoyed her, and your dad.
My memories of her see her with a big smile on her face, a positive attitude and demeanor, and a totally pleasant personality. Such characteristics would be remarkable for just about anyone, but truly off the charts when one considers the challenges that she confronted daily. I didn't realize she had been stricken with polio at such an early age. Her accomplishments are incredible.
You were all fortunate to have such wonderful parents.
From Tracy Carrara
Dearest Bruce and Julie, and all the Family,
Thank you so much for this beautiful Tribute! I especially enjoyed seeing all these precious family photos and feeling the huge Love and Joy that emanates from you all….but most especially from our Beautiful Dorie. She was and continues to be a Shining Star of a Woman. She always brought the sunshine, no matter what. I know that you both know how incredibly blessed you were/are having Dorie as your Mom. I fell in Love with her from the minute I met her – and can easily hear her laughter ringing out now, loud and clear, like a sparkling waterfall of cascading Joy. We two had a special bond for sure – easy and breezy. We delighted in sharing so many things – most memorably our fun, old Hollywood stories – both of us once being Hollywood babes ourselves!! I’m pretty sure that we even went to the same middle school…
These were my favorite times, just hangin” with her in the kitchen, chatting up a storm….We were really good at that! Making blackberry pies and jam too, what fun… and the memory of being introduced for the first time to those yummy homegrown lemon cucumbers! And let’s not forget those incredible tasty tomatoes. She truly delighted in the Earth, and all its glorious bounty.
Ahhhh, sweet Dorie… Our last talk together in “real time,” so to speak, was just a few months ago, while you were here Bruce… What a gift to connect once again, and hear her voice- so lucid and clear, and full of light.
Despite her monumental challenges, she always conveyed that no matter what – all is truly well.
You, Dorie, are the definition of Inspiration.
Love is indeed forever, is it not? And I love you with all my heart, Beloved Dorie. That’s forever.
May Peace grace you both Bruce and Julie, and all your beautiful family, in these bittersweet days.
And may Comfort’s wings enfold you and us all… We are all profoundly blessed.
For now, I will close by sharing one of my favorite quotes, because it relates to our real life Angel Dorie.
Sending you all my Love and hugs,
Teres
“When I die
I shall soar with Angels,
And when I die to Angels,
What I shall become
You cannot imagine….
– Rumi
From Mark and Nancy Dawson
Your Mother was such a gracious Lady. When we would drop by, She would always welcome us with a beautiful smile and a Hello. When She would be at Mike and Julies and we would come by there would that beautiful smile. Can you guess what I remember most? Now at peaceful rest in her place in heaven we know she is smiling. Thank you for sharing your Mom with us.
From Larry and Anita
I have always admired your mother for all of her accomplishments in life. Never got to see her much, but always thought a lot of her. Our sympathy goes out to all of you.
<<TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES>>>
LARRY & ANITA
From Joan Hall
My Aunt Dorie was an elegant, beautiful woman. When I was young, I always thought she and my Uncle Ralph were the most handsome couple I had ever seen. And, of course, she raised extraordinary children
From Marilyn Wheeler
I still remember being awestruck by this beautiful, sophisticated woman my Uncle Ralph brought out to the ranch to introduce to his family. Dorie was very special.
From Marla Hodges
Empty Arms
Have you ever felt your heart break
And your eyes grow dim with tears
And you look ahead to emptiness
And the futures long, long years
When your arms are empty and aching
As you lie awake thru the dawn
While memories carry you back again
To the loved one who is gone
Dear God in Heaven help me
To stand the pain in my heart
Please give me the courage to carry on
While we are so far apart.,
From Melanie Leonard
Dear Bruce & Julie,
Well my dear childhood friends you have lost your first & best friend. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of the little beacon of light and love that was your mother.
Now a story: Please forgive me Bruce if I have this story wrong but I seem to remember you had sort of a little back yard menagerie when we were in grade school. What is most vivid in my mind is a pool or container that was a pond full of tadpoles & a turtle or two. I think it was you but maybe it was one of the other boys houses in the neighborhood. I can just remember I thought your mom was so cool for allowing you to have that. Forgive me is this sounds odd but the other thing I remember about your mom is how pretty her skin was. Both of you inherited that from her.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful bits of your mom with us on this lovely website. I enjoyed reading the stories, poem and the pictures were fun to see. You will miss her everyday for the rest of your life and in the coming days/weeks/months you will reach for the phone to call her or find yourself thinking I’ve got to tell mom this or that, only to feel the sting of her loss again. I hope the love of your family and friends helps to ease the burden of this sad loss in your lives and that you have more smiles & laughter remembering her than you do tears.
She was a great lady and she was VERY proud of you two. With good reason.
With deepest sympathy,
Melanie