Life is a precious gift

Eight years ago today Kathy, Tanner and Shea Daily were killed in Glenwood Canyon when a massive boulder fell on their car. Art lived. I write about them today as a way of keeping their memory alive. Although I did not know them personally, these are words from friends who did.

Kathy was a strong, independent woman who committed herself to her family and helping others. She was very creative – she was an artist and with Gaylord Guenin wrote “Aspen, the Quiet Years.” When her two boys began playing hockey she soon joined the Mother Puckers.

She was a loyal friend and took huge risks to help people make changes in their lives. For those who knew her well, Kathy’s most unique quality is how she could force you to face your demons … and she would stay with you until they were exorcised. This community is filled with people who benefited from her persistence with helping them help themselves.

Most of all Kathy loved being a mom.

Tanner was 11 and was a boy liked by all. He had a very caring spirit. He also had a lot of self-confidence. Part of that was due to his involvement in Soo Bahk Do, as well as his love for hockey. He was one of the smallest boys on the team, but he played to win with a lot of “fight.” He had great friends (he would have graduated last year), and he and Shea shared a very special brotherly love.

Shea, who was 6, was fiercely independent and impish. He felt at home wherever he went. He was very bright and loving and wanted to do everything with his brother. He was beginning to play hockey and absolutely loved it. He went to all of Tanner’s games and loved all of Tanner’s friends. Every morning at 2 a.m. sharp he would crawl in bed with his dad and sleep.

I also wish to honor Art. He lived … and that was one of the hardest things to endure. As his wife, I have watched him go to depths of pain I never new existed. I have learned so much from him. He knew he had to go through the pain to get to another place. He chose to love again and live fully and happily. We have two more boys now (5 and 6 years old), and I think Art has showed all of us the meaning of hope.

In the midst of a horrible tragedy, Art lives in a world of miracles. He opened himself up to it. There are too many to mention all the miracles, but one for me is that our boys have similar personalities to Shea and Tanner.

Please remember and celebrate the lives of Kathy, Shea and Tanner today. Life is a gift. Don’t forget to hug or reach out to those you care about, in that you will honor these three souls.

Allison Daily

Aspen