Tribute: Dennis

To my brother Dennis

I hear my brother’s voice, I see my brother’s smile, I hear my brother’s laugh only when I close my eyes.On January 8^th, 1999, my 43-year-old brother, Dennis, passed away from glioblastoma brain cancer. His disease was detected when the tumor was too advanced. Glioblastoma progresses very rapidly, and the changes he went through were devastating to witness.

Dennis had a wife of 21 years and three beautiful children. Dennis was a loving brother to whom I will be forever grateful. I am grateful for his teaching me to live life to the fullest, to make each moment full of quality. I take a moment at the end of each day to find one good memory, and each day I treasure that moment and cherish that memory. Dennis taught me not to take anything for granted. I am happy that I took the time to be with him during his final weeks and months of life, we created many wonderful memories.

I suppose I could think of how fortunate we have been, or how less fortunate others have been. I suppose I could think about how healthy he used to be. But sometimes I think that this world is just not fair, and when I miss Dennis, I am left holding only onto memories of the love that we shared. Dennis touched my life, and I know that he is always with me.

Dennis touched my life, and I know he will always be with me in guiding The Guardian Brain Foundation to help touch the lives of others.

This is a story without ending, Dennis lives on in my heart. At the end of each day I look up into the beautiful sky and close my eyes so I can see my brother Dennis’ smile. With that moment a smile comes across my own face as I hear his voice laugh and say to me “I am here, I am with you.”

By Mary L. Pallotta
To My Guardian Dennis

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