portrait done from Dawn's last photo
We were so close, it's hard to
think we never actually met. Dawn
Thompson breezed into my life, the belle of the ball - or so everyone
thought. Despite losing her eleven years
ago, she lingers, still very much alive in my thoughts.
And she gave me her sister Candy to watch over, to be my pal and constant companion. I am facing losing another person dear to me--my husband--and Candy is right there at my elbow, giving me strength and support.
There
is so much of Dawn in her novels. I have
discussed this with Candy--was she aware of how much of her was the fabric of
her tales? We both agree Dawn was
totally unaware of these elements. I
recall our shared editor, Hilary Sares, saying she cried when she read the scene of the
trees that were alive in Lord of the Deep.
A tree that ached to be a part of life, but with limbs rooted to the
ground. Or the angel in Lord of the Dark
-- a poor thing couldn't sleep because his wings wouldn't retract. Again, only to someone who knew Dawn closely
would that make sense. Dawn had the
hardest time getting into bed every night, hard time sleeping because of the
legs that no longer worked, the pain that dogged her every moment.
Dawn's high school portrait
Never have I known someone so
valiant in the face of adversity, never have I heard someone laugh at all that
life flung at her.
I miss you, Dawn Thompson,
but you “gave” me your sister. Your last
words to me was "Do not forget me."
How could I ever forget such a bright light in this sad sorry world?
Happy Birthday, special lady.