Two is not so terrible...

I've always heard about the "terrible 2's", and Bev and I were really amazed at how relatively smooth things were with Kylah through the age of two. But look out for the "tragic 3's". Everything, and I mean everything hinges on disaster from the moment we wake, till bed time. What used to be a fairly uneventful morning of waking up and getting dressed, brushing your teeth, washing your face, combing her hair, etc. has turned into the equivelent of hostage negotiations on what she will or will not wear. If its not the dress she would prefer, then we are in for tantrums and heart break of the deepest level. The negotiations continue into the night with challenges over TV programing, dinner options, then back to the choice of attire... which night gown is the best choice? It seems to never end. All in all, I wouldn't change it for the world. As "tragic" as things may seem from her perspective at times, it is her smile that lights up the room and warms my heart. I'm working on instilling more discipline these days, but I must admit being the one that caves. What can you expect? It's daddy's little girl!

We look forward to 4 with a passion.

Enjoying the Small Moments

I'm learning to appreciate "the moment". Everyday brings a new opportunity, a moment in-time when fate can turn. Tomorrow is not promised, so we live for today and make the most of each opportunity and occasion. Our lives can become so hectic these days that we often don't take time to stop and smell the roses. My parents spent the weekend with us during the Superbowl weekend, and it was great to see them, and spend time with them in our home. My sister Tonia's passing in June of 2010 has taught me to conscientiously embrace all of the little things in life. You will never know when any moment will be the last.

Tonia Dill Memorial

Tonia Michelle Dill
September 30, 1968 - June 20, 2010

The second of three children, Tonia Michelle Dill was born on September 30, 1968 to the proud parents, Carla Ann Davis Dill and Donald Michael Dill. She was called home to Glory after a life-long struggle with illnesses related to Sickle Cell Disease on June 20, 2010.

As a youth, Tonia attended Encanto Elementary School before transferring to Monterey Heights Elementary School to finish the sixth grade. Tonia spent one year at Keeler Middle School before joining her brother at O'Farrell Junior High School. She would later attend Mt. Miguel High School in Spring Valley, CA. In her formative years, Tonia had shown great interest and promise in dance and poetry. She became very involved in school activities early on, and was a member of her high school multi-cultural club until she encountered what would come to be one of many health-related setbacks. Tonia would miss most of her sophomore year in high school, but would persevere to receive her diploma and graduate with the class of 1987.

Tonia received Christ as a youth, and would be baptized at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. In 1995, Tonia would join in fellowship and was a member of the choir at Manna Church of God in Christ, under the Pastor Gerald Miller. Tonia's compassion and generosity were widely felt during her years of affiliation with the church. There, she developed eternal friendships and an intense passion for serving others. Tonia's home and heart were always open to family and friends alike. Many a friend would find rest and comfort by her generosity - at a time their greatest need.

Tonia was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Daniel and Pauline Dill; and her maternal grandparents, Carl and Juanita Davis. Tonia is survived by her parents, Donald and Carla Dill; her brother Tony Dill; sister Tammy Dill Moore; sister-in-law Beverly Dill; brother-in-law Ahmed Moore; nieces Jasmine McDavid, Janee Moore, Kylah Dill, and Tiana McDavid; nephews Michael Moore, and Darius McDavid; uncles Dale Davis, Lee Davis, and Carl D. Davis; aunts Marlene Davis, Rosaline Davis, Joy Davis, and Lauren Davis; and a host of loving family and friends.

Funeral Service

A funeral service and burial is planned for:

June 28, 2010, at 10am

New Creation Church

3115 Altadena Avenue

San Diego, CA 92105-3604

Cards of condolences can be mailed to:

PO Box 212934

Chula Vista, CA 91921

The family request that in lieu of flowers all donations be made to:

Tonia Dill Memorial Fund

c/o Bank of America

PO Box 212934

Chula Vista, CA 91921

or

Online at:

http://www.giveforward.org/tdmf

A Piece of me Died Today...

It was just before sunrise when my cell phone rang. My first thought was "it's a little early in the morning to receive a phone call, even for a Happy Father's Day". But that wasn't the purpose of this call. My 'baby' sister, Tammy was calling to tell me that my 'little' sister, Tonia didn't wake up this morning. Of course, she was hysterical, her words barely understandable through the gut-wrenching cries. It still has not quite sunk in yet. My little sister passed away today. And with her passing, a piece of me is gone as well.

She was the little kindergarten kid who got more than her share of spankings because she'd waited for her big brother at the playground so that she wouldn't have to walk home alone. There was also that summer she decided that it would be fun to play little league baseball. It was fun while it lasted, but she'd shortly loose interest. I won't have anyone to tag along anymore. A piece of me died today.

We walked to school together from as far back as I can remember; from grade school through high school. She was always there, we were always together. I'd say: "Let's go this way today, I think I know a short cut". Never a fuss, there'd be no opposition. She'd gladly go. My sidekick, traveling companion, is no longer available for the ride. A piece of me died today.

We argued over television programming choices. Her "Happy Days" to my "Bionic Man". She'd eventually get her way. Later I'd be introduced to a slew of daytime soap operas; a summer habit I carried off to college with me that fall. I never understood the "Laverne and Shirley" humor, but it was right up her ally. My since of humor will never be the same. A piece of me died today.

One of the most generous and devoted people I've ever known is no longer with us to give of herself, her time, and understanding. My love for her is strengthened in memory of her life, of our lives together. Her memory lives on, but a piece of me is gone for good. A piece of me died today.

I Love You Little Sister!

God be with you!

I'll miss you...

Tonia Michelle Dill
September 30, 1968 - June 20, 2010

Gratitude

Original post from: Friday, September 12, 2008

We are trying to teach my daughter Kylah to say a few words at this point in her early development. She's 15 months old now and already in the habit of repeating many of the simple words she hears repeated like "no", "yes", "bottle", and a few others that I have no idea where she could have heard them. As parents, we often hear words that more than likely really aren't words. Like the other day an airplane was flying overhead, and I just know she said "Boeing 747". Now how does she know that's a Boeing? Truth is she doesn’t. We sometimes hear what we want to hear. Not that I wanted to hear those specific words, but that I've created in my own mind a connection between what I perceive and what I hope to be signs of intelligence.

The two words that I have yet to hear strung together are "Thank You". As parents, we both try. I know her grandparents try. We give her a bottle after she stands at the refrigerator door crying, hand stretched out and crying. And we say to her; "now what do you say, Kylah? Say 'Thank you'. But it never comes. Crying stops, she's got her bottle now. She's content, and walks off in the other direction.

The idea behind getting children to say "thank you" is probably as old as time itself. Parents and grandparents, and teachers, and the like, have been trying to teach us to say "thank you". To show a little gratitude. As I think about it now, I'm not teaching Kylah to show gratitude to me for "my" benefit. I give to her freely, without condition, and likely always will. But it is for her own benefit, that I want her to develop a sense of gratitude and respect for life in general. It pleases me more to know that she is grateful, than it does to be appreciated for what I have done. It's about humility. It is often an under-valued and overlooked characteristic in society, but we like it when we see it.

It's amazing how that works... I set out to "teach" and learned something in the process.