1,460 Days

On August 27, 2010, one thousand-four hundred and sixty days will have passed since we lost Fenton.
Why do I say it that way?
Four years seems such a small amount of time. Such an insignificant little number. . . “4.”

When I think about how long ago it has been since the crash happened; that little number “4” works for me.
It seems like yesterday; 4 seconds ago even. I remember it vividly.
Where I was sitting, what I was looking at, the smell of my room, the pattern I paced on the floor during the call, and the warmth of the first tear I wiped away. All of us could tell you our story of that day, as if it were yesterday.

But to think about how long it has been since we’ve lost our friend?
One thousand-four hundred and sixty days.
Yes, that seems to be a far more appropriate depiction.
All the little things each day his children do and accomplish. The way his wife gets more beautiful with every passing day. Family cookouts and parties with friends; I wonder if he has any idea how many extra beers we have to drink without him there. . .
Conversations at work, and the laughter he brought to so many people.
Everyday things. Every day.

In a few days we will host our 4th volleyball tournament.

I think I speak for The Planning Crew, when I say; you guys breathe life into us every year. I can’t tell you how many times I stand back and just take all of you in. How many times one of us looks across the court at each other and with no words at all says, “Can you believe all of this?”

We are taken aback at how many of you come out to celebrate Fenton with us.
Some of you never met him but I urge you to look around. Look at how many people are hugging, talking and laughing. THAT is Fenton!

Watching you takes us back to a beautiful, hot summer day, on a grass court, with jazz music in the background.
You take us back to a day when we had our friend.
You are why we do this – even after all this time. . .

Thank you.

You're Invited - 4th Annual Fenton Dawson Memorial Volleyball Tournament

HELLO AGAIN, HELLOOOOOOO!

We are ready as ever to kick off the 4th Annual Fenton Dawson Memorial Volleyball Tournament!

YOU PEOPLE JUST KEEP SHOWING UP!

And we, the Planning Crew, take little moments throughout the tournament day to watch you.
We are in awe. We are grateful. YOU ALL fill us with inexplicable comfort and joy.
So, we do it again.

BOY, OH BOY, ARE WE DOING IT AGAIN!!!

On June 25, 2010, our Fenton would have turned 50 years old!
You better believe there would have been a MONSTER THROW DOWN PARTY!
Oh wait – there still was!!)
BUT - We’re not done celebrating just yet!


You’re Invited!!!
The Fenton Dawson 50th Birthday BASH
Memorial Volleyball Tournament

WHEN: Sunday, August 15, 2010
(Please have your registrations postmarked by August 6)

WHERE: KBA has graciously donated their facility for the 4th year!

TIME: Pool play begins promptly at 9:00 AM
Check-in will open at 8:30 AM

COST: $50/ Team (In honor of Fenton’s 50th!)
$19.60 for each additional player (In honor of Fenton’s birth year, 1960)

DIVISIONS: B & C CoRec 6’s (at least 2 females per team please!)
You may compete with 4 but you must have two females.


For three years now, you have made it possible for me to write these words to you:
We can think of no better way to remember, honor and CELEBRATE Fenton, than by bringing a group of people together as friends and family for a day of being together, laughing, competing and havin’ fun, playin’ a little volleyball!

We have some fun things planned this year and some BIG news to share!!!
You won't want to miss it!

Please visit http://www.fdmvt.com/ for more details, registration forms and contact information.

You may join our Facebook page by searching “Fenton Dawson Memorial Volleyball Tournament”

We can't wait to see you all!

Best regards
Stephanie, David, Susie, Christie, Mike & Lisa