Courtney
Well Dale is my new light! I can honestly say that I’ve never seen a light shine so bright. His energy, his hope, his happiness. HIS SOUL! He speaks with intention. He smiles with hope. And he embraces you with nothing but pure love.
It all starts with the very first hug! After the first one he’s got you. He’s pulled you in, and all you can do is smile. Next up is the laugh! And baby that laugh is everything! It’s a hearty old soul laugh and it’s so infectious. Even thinking about it has me laughing now. We have inside jokes and those are the best because once the memory kicks in the laughs never end.
If you’re blessed to meet him create a memory. It stays with you, not in your head, or even your heart, but your soul. That’s where it stays. When your having a bad day. It’s there. When the world is mean. It’s there. When things aren’t going your way. It’s there. You never know how much you needed it until you do. He stays in your heart in a way that you never knew you needed. But once he’s there it’s hard to imagine life without him. He’s wonderful! He’s amazing! He’s My Dale!!!
-Love Courtney
Crystal
I know we don’t say it enough but your genuine concern and useful advice (yes because you can be very candid) has not only been a treasure but a true blessing to us and I’ll be forever grateful.
I’ve heard many say that some of the most important people in our lives are like precious gold, and I agree. You have been the golden nugget that reminds me how valuable good family and friends can be. You always seem to “show up” whenever needed and by my family’s side, no matter what. Whenever I think of an old school song, your wit, and kindness, it brings an instant smile to my face.
Dale, you are my once in a lifetime angel! I don’t think I have enough words to express how much I appreciate all the times you’ve listened to me, Kristine, Kris and Keith and have been there for us with true compassion whenever we needed that extra swift kick in the butt. It’s wonderful to know that you care enough to stick by our sides through the good times and the bad. I hope I can be just as good as a person to you as you have been for us.
If everyone had a person like you, we’d all be happy! I just want you to know how much I appreciate you!
You will always be close and dear to my heart!
Love,
Crystal
Kristine
We’re in the store and I’m looking through the racks I come across a shirt that catches my eye I loved the colors and the style, did I mention it also had the B word on it which I didn’t mind, but I asked my god brother what he thought about it anyway..
I will never forget his body language and facial expression when he said Kristine there’s no way you are buying that shirt I don’t need a phone call from you upset because someone called you the word on your shirt….I stood there totally shocked cause he was right I definitely didn’t think of it that way. In a five minute exchange he managed to teach me true self worth and consciousness.
His insight and ability to give it to you straight is so refreshing. Not only did I put that shirt back, I put back the skirt that was on the short side. Dale definitely keeps me on my toes and I love him to the moon and back for it.
-Love Kristine
Rock
You’ve been very instrumental and encouraging to me through some very tough times through your anointment from God. You motivate me with your smile, wisdom, laugh, and honesty because your love doesn’t come with a filter. My desire to be strong is fueled by your love and me wanting to be a good example for you.
No matter what the assignment is you’re always there for me. I’m blessed with your help keeping me on the right path, as I mentor you on the journey of life. Many times I call myself teaching you a lesson and in the most candid and subtle way, I walk away learning something that as “an adult” I had truly overthought it.
One of our funniest moments was a trip to Hooters, and man were you right, the wings really are good (wink,wink.) I also have fond memories of teaching you how to do the military march and how to salute properly, as you make a sincere effort to thank each and every Solider you meet as you thank them for their service.
With that being said, today I salute you Sir for the wonderful young man you are turning out to be. We will continue the fight.
-Love Brother Rock
Sophia
Those were the words that started one of the best friendships of my entire life. I met Dale Dixon when I was sixteen years old at the KEEN prom at Bullis school. He tells the story of how we met better than I ever could, but let’s just say, he was the best blind date surprise.
Throughout the next two years of high school Dale and I started developing our friendship. I was his buddy in KEEN club for a year, we went to the 5K race together, and, of course, we were each other’s date to the prom. Dale is the center of any room he is in. He lights up someone’s life from a single interaction. I could go on and on about every moment that I have ever had with Dale that has changed me for the better, but instead I will highlight a few favorite ones.
At my graduation party two years ago, Dale told me he had a present for me. I waited with bated breath as he went to my mantle to grab his wrapped gift. I tore into the wrapping paper to find a book embellished with a photo of the two of us on the cover. I started to look through the pages and realized it was a photo album of our time together. The further I went into the book the faster the tears were falling. I remember Dale saying,“I didn’t mean to make her cry” and everyone quieting his fears and letting him know that I was crying because I loved him so much, not because he had hurt me. At the end of the album was a poem. A beautifully written embodiment of our friendship. As I closed the book and gave Dale the biggest hug I realized, for the thousandth time, just how lucky I was that Dale chose me to be his best friend.
Fast forward to summer 2019. Dale and I met at our “spot”, Mama Lucia, to get lunch. One of the first things that Dale and I bonded over was our love of music. As we sat at the corner table, we went through all of Stevie Wonder’s greatest hits while humming along. We garnered the attention of a lovely older woman who also shared our love of music. She came and sang along with us while she recounted her favorite memories of Stevie Wonder concerts she has been to. I was amazed at the ways in which Dale could make just about anyone fall in love with him and his magnetic energy. I went home that day feeling blessed that Dale chose me to be his best friend.
Now we go to January 2020. Dale and I are, once again, at our lunch spot sharing our typical large cheese pizza with French Fries. Ten minutes after we sit down, the woman we shared music experiences with walks through the door. Dale looks at me with big eyes and goes “isn’t that the woman we ate with last time?” We smiled and waved at her, but she didn’t seem to recognize us. We continued with our meal and about halfway through she came over to our table and sat down. She told us that she had not recognized us when she walked in, but once she heard Dale’s hearty laugh and saw how we were singing Stevie Wonder it all clicked. We continued our meal while talking to her and catching up on each others’ lives. At some point during the meal two young girls came and sat down at a table near ours. One of the girls was dancing along to the Stevie Wonder songs that Dale was playing. As we left, this girl stopped us and asked Dale if he, perhaps, had Williams Syndrome. Dale looked shocked but responded that yes, he did have Williams Syndrome. The girl’s entire face lit up and she pointed at herself and exclaimed “ME TOO!” She went on to say she had never met anyone else with Williams Syndrome, but she knew that by his love of music, Dale must have had it too. I watched in awe as the beautiful moment unfolded between these two young adults.
My life will forever be better because of my friend-turned-family, Dale Dixon. I am grateful for every moment and lesson our friendship has brought me. I can’t wait to see where life takes us.
Love always,
Sophia
Taray
So many times in life we focus on superficial things and it make us miss out on the simple pleasures. Well when I spend time with Dale it’s the total reverse of that. He is happy just spending time around family and doing basic things like sitting and talking or playing a game. Or perhaps listening to music. He is an avid fan of public enemy and knows virtually every lyric of every song. When we get together it’s like an old school rap party. LOL we begin to rap the lyrics of different songs and perform them as if we are a duo. It’s always a great time.
He may be considered special needs but I consider him very special. And someone who helps me remember what life is all about. His Mom and Grandmother have done wonders with him. It’s obvious the love he feels from them because it shines outwardly in everything he does. ♥️♥️♥️❣️❣️