A tribute to the life of Denise Amber Lee~01/17/09

Posted by Tammy on Jan 17, 2009 in 911 Reform, Denise Amber Lee, Family, News, SW Florida news | 0 comments

Before I write anything at all, I just want to say….when you’re done reading here, please go visit Peggy’s blog and read her wonderful post on today’s tribute. It’s beautiful, and well worth the read. I’m proud to be one of her angels in blue.

Today marks one year since the day that Denise Amber Lee was kidnapped and murdered. It’s hard to believe. As Donna (who I finally got to meet) commented on an earlier post, the whole thing seemed kind of surreal. It seems like only yesterday that I spent a Saturday glued to my tv and my computer, praying for a good outcome for Denise. Sadly, that isn’t what happened. But today, the whole community came together to celebrate Denise’s life, and to talk about the good changes that are being worked towards in Florida’s 911 system. It was a day to come together with family and friends. It was a happy ceremony, but sad, too. Bittersweet.

There were a number of speakers. They were all wonderful. Nathan, as always, did a great job talking about Denise, their boys, and the life that they had shared together. Dave Garofalo gave a wonderful speech….he’s such a wonderful person, and I’m proud to call him my friend. North Port Police Chief Terry Lewis spoke. I’ve gained so much respect for Chief Lewis….what a hard job he has, and he does it so wonderfully. Nathan and Rick Goff gave the first annual Denise Amber Lee Award to Jane Kowalksi (who I was so lucky to FINALLY get to meet!), and she also received the key to the city of North Port. Jane is truly an angel, she did what I would hope all of us would do if faced with such a situation….she not only called 911, but stayed calm and collected through the whole conversation.

The hardest part for me was when Dave Dignam spoke. I’ve been lucky enough to get to know Dave a bit, and his letter to Denise just brought me to tears. It was beautiful. How lucky Denise was to have this man as her first boss.

I want to finish by sharing some pictures. I’m blessed with my own wonderful photographer, Ben, and he did me proud today. I have more wonderful pictures than I could ever hope to post. I’m putting the best on here (click the pic for a larger view), but you can see more on my Facebook page (and I’m sure I’ll be adding even more there, as I harass Ben into processing more of them) or on the Denise Amber Lee MySpace page.

And everyone….hug your family and tell them that you love them. You really never know if it could be your last chance to do so. That is the biggest thing I’ve learned from Denise’s story.