A Bright and Shining Star Moves Through the Veil

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.

Michelle’s Memorial – http://sethanikeem.livejournal.com/214506.html
Raven’s Coven Memorial – http://www.ravenscoven.org/2008/07/farewell-denessa/
Tempest Smith Foundation – http://tempestsmithfoundation.org/