"Anything For You." One of the first things that Allen said to his future wife, Denise.
The word's that began their love.

The Stairway
Wooden slats nailed to a tree, a stairway to Heaven- Right in front of me.
As I pass through the leaves, they act as clouds- as they pass right by me.
As I climb, the light shines on me. And as I look back down, the dark chases me.
As I climb faster and farther, I realize I am now gliding- rather than flying.
As I look at myself I see a great big golden hand holding me.
And my body inching away from the darkness.
As I reach the top of the tree, I realize there is no more pain inside of me.
The pain is gone, and I am free. To a place where my body will be free.
Of a sickness that encroaches on many human beings.
Author: Emily Janecek, Denise Valerius's 12 yr. old Sister.

Dear Denise,
This is a tough letter to write. I hope it reads the same way I'm thinking it. A person can't help but feel there is a void left behind. Every story told, every image displayed and every thought of Al includes his positive attitude, smile and sense of humor. You and Al faced challenges many can barely grasp at. Watching you go through this I saw many similarities between you and I in the way we think. Your thoughts include the nuts and bolts, the numbers, and the best course of action to achieve the best results. When it turned out that Al's cancer couldn't be beat, our minds want to know why and for what reason? When it seems that there are no answers to these questions, we are not satisfied. The only bit of sense that I can make of it came to me we were at dinner and you said, "I wish I could have spent more time with him the way you guys did." The strange thing is I wish I could have spent more time with him the way you did, in some of the hardest times. No matter how much time anyone spent with Al, I am sure it wasn't enough. I think that is where we have to take a step back and change our thinking a bit and say, Yes, it was enough time. Because every story told, every image displayed, and every memory thought were accurate and caught the true essence of Al. His free spirit, his smile in the hardest of times. I think that is why you were brought together. He needed you for your strong mind and logical thinking. But I think there is a flipside. You needed Al for his constant optimistic perspective on life. The question is what now? I think a person has two choices: look for some justification, or take the gifts that Al gave us: His optimism, his smile in the hardest of times. I will take his gifts (in his honor).
It makes me a better person and helps fill the void.
I have nothing but admiration and respect for you and all you have done. You have handled so many challenges so well. You should be proud of yourself.
Love, Craig 3/24/04

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