Fresno July 12th: Services for David Denny Senior

As the Denny family knows, David Denny (Little David’s father, my great uncle) passed away on July 5^th, 2012. Our family gathered for the services and memorial of this amazing father that Little David and Tracy loved and respected along with the many people in Fresno who loved this man. The black angus by the hotel was his spot to hang out and talk to people and many that have known him. Great Uncle David always had a strong family in Fresno and I think that is the most important thing that they were here to celebrate his life in the place he used to be. That is something beautiful in itself. He is survived by his two children David and Tracy who are such good people and with an amazing group of family and friends alike.

The services were absolutely beautiful. My auntie sang her heart out and so well that I cried both times during the services. My father was one of the pallbearers which made me both surprised and happy that he was given the honor and opportunity to really participate in this. I can’t say enough about the beauty of this service and the honors that were placed upon him. Since he served in the army, he was given his honors and salutes and the flag that was draped over his coffin was folded and given to Tracy and Little David. Tracy spoke in front of everyone and so did another member. The church was almost packed. It was so amazing to see everyone that cared for my great uncle even though I didn’t know him. Sometimes I wish I did know him a little bit.

After the services, we had the reception at Black Angus which was packed and it was just amazing. My great uncle had a plaque on the table where he sat as his normal seat for the last five years that he had been going there. That is one devoted man. All the family and friends talked and really just met and had fun. Once the drinks were flowing, it was even better and everyone just had an amazing time. It was the most amazing thing that I could experience with my family and I don’t regret any of the fun that I had with them. I loved hanging out with everyone and talking. I made new contacts with some family members that I didn’t know as well and reconnected with some members that I hadn’t seen in a while. I was glad that our family got together and we stood strong together no matter what. When it came to stepping up to the plate, I believe everyone did in their own way and that was good.

My offering of condolences to the immediate family:

Little David and Tracy, I am so proud of you both for being as strong as you can be through this really tough time. I want you to know that I care and love you two very much. I have but to offer my condolences for the loss of your father and though I did not know him well, I do believe he was something special to the family from the way that my father spoke of him through his stories. My sympathies are truly with you for at least you were there. Times will be difficult without him but I do believe that up there in heaven, he is watching over you and blessing your family as much as he can. Even with him gone, your strength of a family is still there and that is the best thing to maintain. Always keep the memory of him close to your heart and his wisdom and kindness will always still be there though physically he is not. 

Traveling to Fresno July 11th

The ride up to Fresno was quite entertaining when you are the only female with three males in the car. It’s quite well…I am not sure how to describe all the comments and sports related conversations that happened. I could say well part of it I spent bored and another part of it, I was not. We were up early (between 4am and 6am depending on who got up) and we left the house around 7pm. My mother although I know she wanted to be with us could not attend. The drive up was nice but at the same time tiring because well roadtrips are roadtrips. They aren’t my favorite way to travel but every now and then it was pretty good. We rented a GMC Terrain from Enterprise-Rent-a-Car to go up to Fresno with. I went with my father, uncle and brother on a 6.5 hour trip to Fresno.

Getting to the hotel was quick once we got off the freeway. We are staying the University Square Hotel and I have to say. It was really nice. The rooms are air conditioned well and the beds to me were comfortable enough for our stay. There were three restaurants within walking distance of the hotel: Marie Calendars, Black Angus & a Mexican restaurant. I thought that was awesome. We had gone to lunch with my Aunt Mimi, Uncle David, Little David, my dad, my brother myself and Tracy joined us a bit later. It was just nice for everyone to talk and communicate with each other.

Black Angus that night was just fun. Black Angus is literally in front of our room so we didn’t need to drive and the walk is really short so my father and I along with others decided to have drinks and have a good time in honor of Great Uncle David and we did. The family to me just seemed a bit more relaxed and everything went well. Overall, I enjoyed my day with everyone and I really liked being around the family a lot.