Dennis "Denny" Lennon is a warm, soft-spoken, giving man to whom I have tremendous respect, particularly as I observed the quiet dignity and strength that he has exhibited during his battle with inoperable brain cancer. Back in the fall of 2001, Denny was hospitalized to receive treatments. He was not in a position to attend any scheduled National Ski Patrol (NSPS) activities.

For the past several years, I've had the honor of working with and getting to know Denny, as we are both members of the National Ski Patrol (NSPS) & Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). Until recently when his health would not permit, he had been an active member of both organizations and would split his time during the winter months pursuing his passion to patrol the slopes and teach skiing.

Throughout the 2001-02 ski season, the word up at Massanutten in the Patrol room was that Denny wanted to get out on the slopes again. I talked it over with a few of the patrollers who had recently visited with Denny and they updated me on his current condition. In mid-January, I spoke on the phone a few times with his sons Rich and Scott. They told me that Denny wanted to go skiing one more time. Even though his health had declined, his spirit was strong!

When I got off the phone, for a brief moment, my thoughts were overwhelmed with all the - "What Ifs?" After talking with my wife, Teresa, she made me realize that I had a special opportunity. She said, "Don't dwell on that which is beyond your control. You have a chance to share with him and his family something special that he loves to do and is passionate about!" Teresa was absolutely right! Not many people are in a position to help or support someone as they try to fulfill their last wishes. I must admit, it was both overwhelming and very humbling. Up until the day we were going to ski, I spent a lot of time reflecting over how best to make it a special moment for everyone involved. As Denny was now using a wheelchair, I knew what the options would be. I felt confident that I could ski behind Denny and tether one of our special sit-skis, a bi-ski.

A few days prior to the scheduled day of skiing, I spoke with Anne, his wife, and we made final arrangements to coordinate what we would do. She asked me, "What should Denny wear?" "Most definitely, his red NSPS patrol parka," I replied. Everything was set for the morning of February 9th. I found myself reading a variety of spiritual passages and inspirational poetry hoping to find the right one. I called the minister, my church to get his insight. After all, ministers are trained to deal with this type of request all the time, right? Mr. Robbins put me at ease and gave me some comforting suggestions on how to make the day a peaceful and a special one for Denny, his family and friends.

Admittedly, I was very nervous the morning Denny was to ski. I had some readings that I wanted to share with Denny and his family. Should I wear my sunglasses in case I start to loose it? I hadn't seen Denny since the last ski season. Once I saw Anne, Scott and Rich, I felt more at ease. Everyone seemed to be so excited and happy to be sharing this special day with Denny. It was moving and comforting to see and feel all the LOVE. There were 13 people from his family there to share the experience - his wife, his children, his brother, his mother, in-laws, and friends. As the majority of them went to get their skis, we dressed Denny in his red patrol parka and got ready to transfer him into the bi-ski. On the beautiful day of February 9th, 2002, I had the privilege to spend some special time on the slopes with Denny and his family. During our time together, I developed an even better appreciation of him - as a man, as a father, as a husband, and as a friend.

Denny knew what was going to happen because he had watched me load and unload many sit skis over the years. We made final adjustments to the equipment as everyone gathered for pictures. Denny and I rode up on the chairlift together as his family and friends followed. We went up to the summit of the slope called -"Geronimo". On the ride up, I told Denny how pleased I was that he was at the mountain to ski and how honored I was to share the experience with him and his family.

We had to make some adjustments at the top of the slope to make Denny feel more comfortable. Even though it was in the fifties and we had him bundled up with a sweater and heavy parka, Denny said he was cold. We stood him up and then re-positioned him in the ski. After some group pictures, we started down the slope. Everyone was yelling - "Go Dad!" "Go Denny!" When I sensed the joy of his family that Denny was doing something that he loved so much, and how pleased they were to be sharing the moment with him, it made it a lot easier to hold back the tears that wanted to come out. It was one of the most exhilarating and powerful experiences of my life. Many of the Massanutten ski patrollers were on the slope cheering for him.

When we got to the bottom of the slope, Denny said that he needed to go in and warm up. Even though the weather was mild, the chemo treatments had drained his system. We got him into the lodge and he had some hot chocolate and soup. I went over to talk with him and suggested that the two of us go and ski after lunch and make some turns without all the hoopla of the pictures and posing. He smiled and said, "I would like that." I told Anne and boys and they helped to get him in the bi-ski. We bundled Denny up with an extra blanket wrapped around his legs and pelvis.

Denny made two more runs down Geronimo, linking nice turns! He told me that he had enough. We got him out of the ski and he went into the patrol room for a short visit. Denny had his picture taken with the Pro Patrol and Volunteer Patrol Directors and some other friends. I went out to my car and brought in the Olympic Torch from the 2002 Salt Lake Torch Relay for Denny to see and hold. As we had our picture taken together, I whispered to him, "Keep the fire burning!" I thanked him for the honor to share the day with him and his family.

Now, whenever I think about Denny, I remember the times we shared together on and off the slopes over the past several years. After all, it is special memories that one must treasure and hold close to the heart. I was most definitely blessed to get to know Denny and to spend time with him and his family and for that I am most grateful.

The following are some of the readings that I selected to share with Denny and his family.