I’m X-Posting these here as well. Denessa was a much stronger woman than I could ever hope to be.

In 2001, I was involved with the Teen Witch Forum at Delphiforums (later to be Teen Witch Online). It was through TWF/TWO and Pagan Pride that I became loosely aquainted with Tempest Smith’s mother, Denessa. She provided us with a lot of information and interview tapes for our use to build the anti-bullying section of the website. Sadly, I lost touch with her after I left TWO in 2004.

Tempest Smith committed suicide in February of 2001, finding that her only solution to escape the bullies that tormented her. Tempest was different, and her family was different – she had become a target. Tempest was a beautiful, creative child who likely would have gone on to bigger and better things. Denessa carried her child in her heart for these past seven years, constantly working towards and fighting for tolerance for people of different religions, different sexual preference, different lives. Denessa carried on, as only a heartsore mother can.

This morning, I received a phone call from an old friend (Mitchy), who told me to get online and read Michelle Belanger’s blog. She was in tears – I’ll have to call her back later to make sense out of anything else she might have said.

I hopped on and went to Michelle’s blog, finding a memorial written for Denessa. A brave and tireless fighter for tolerance, peace and understanding has gone on to through the Veil, to the Summerland. I’ve envisioned her crossing much as I did my grandmother’s – Tempest waited at the Gate for Denessa, just as Gramps waited for Gran.

My heart and prayers go out to Denessa’s wife, family and friends.

May she find peace and solace in Tempest’s arms, may they reunite happily beyond the Veil.

Denessa Smith Memorial Celebration
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
7pm to 10 pm
7:30 pm Ritual
Bishop Park, Wyandotte, MI

Please join the Pagan community to honor Denessa’s life and work. Come raise your voices with Michelle Belanger, Dorothy Morrison, Coventry Creations, Cov/42 Productions, FOCAS, MEC, Pagan Path Community Center, Pagan Pride Detroit, Undeniable Entertainment, Witches of Michigan and members of the Tempest Smith Foundation along with tributes from Christopher Penczak and Kerr Cuhulian.

Denessa was able to bring hope out of tragedy, and that will be our goal with this group ritual.

This ceremony is going to be a memorial, but it is also going to be a celebration. Denessa was a woman who drank deeply of wine and pleasure and flesh and joy, and, accordingly, we ask that people bring their best desserts and other favorite sweets and drinks to share (as it’s a public park, no alcohol). Please also bring a chair. If you have not shared comments for the family at www.mec-mi.org, feel free to bring a single page with a blessing, comment, or prayer for Denessa that will be passed on to the family.

If you would like to make donations to the family or to continue Denessa’s vision, you may bring a check made out to Annette Crossman or follow the instructions on the above website.

–M