Friday, September 25, 2020
Denize, Dahlink,, Princess ,
Oh goodness, where do I start? Are there enough words to describe our friendship over the past 44 years? Is there enough time to put it all down on paper and get all my thoughts and feelings out? The tears are getting in the way.
I met you in the late 70’s when I was serving cocktails at the local bar where everyone in the San Fernando Valley hung out. I had just moved from New York and hardly knew anyone. You turned to me one day and said, “darlink, we have to be friends.” And that was it. I was your Lynder from NY and you were my Dahlink. We were young and crazy and spent lazy days by the pool with the girls and then danced the nights away at our favorite clubs. We were always together laughing and flirting with the guys and spent hours hanging at your apartment eating the best Trini food I ever had and doting on your rabbit, Natasha. We had great times when your dad would come to LA and he would come to my apartment and cook for all of us. You always laughed at me because I could barely boil water. That hasn’t changed, much, either. Thick as thieves, we were.
You were there for all the good, the heartbreak, the joy and you loved my sons Bryan and Steven from the moment they were born. We used to come to your house when you lived in Canoga Park and you let them run around NEKKED as you called it in your yard. I have the pictures to prove it. They could do whatever they wanted at Denize’s house. And you were happiest when they ate what you cooked. Always telling me I was starving them the way I cooked.
The happiest time was when you were married to Bill. The most unlikely couple you can imagine, but the love was there. I was so happy you found your person. I knew the pain you felt when he passed, too.
You also loved Christopher Becker fiercely. Your eyes would sparkle when you talked about that boy who is now a man with children of his own. He was your grandson-maybe not by blood, but, certainly by heart.
When you moved to Florida, I was traveling a lot for work and was able to see you often and we always had dinner. You would meet me in Tampa and I always looked forward to catching up. We always warned the maître D to put us in the corner because we were gonna laugh and be loud and throw a few F bombs. It’s just who we were. Two broads having dinner and enjoying each other. I hated when the evening would end.
I knew how much your faith meant to you and was so happy you had a family in Wesley Chapel to support you through the good and difficult times. I am so grateful to those people. Father Ed and many others who were your lifeline.
We had just talked on the phone a little while ago. I was pleasantly surprised when you called-we usually texted on Facebook. You said you just wanted to hear my voice. I’m so happy you did. It was the last time we talked. Maybe you knew. I don’t know.
We had our ups and downs, disagreements and differences of opinion over the years, but you will always be my Dahlink. I can’t believe you’re gone. I can hear you laughing right now, swearing like a sailor.
You loved your orchids and flowers and always made your friends feel special. Harline, Rich, Norm, Debbie, Ines, Greenbean, so many others will miss you. My parents, too. We all knew how special you were. I know you’re with Bill and your parents and so many friends-that gives me comfort.
I’ll be seeing you, Princess. No doubt about it.
Will always love you girl.
Lynda Meyer-Whitehead
(813) 435-6487 
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