Today is an unhappy day as we link up for the last time to Denyse’ Words and Pics hosted by the lovely Denyse Whelan. Denyse has decided to retire from the blogging world, but definitely not from life. After a number of turbulent years which included undergoing treatment for Head and Neck Cancer, Denyse has come through it all with a wonderful attitude to life.
Blogging since 2011, I first met Denyse, when I started my blog back in 2015 and have followed her journey and maintained an online friendship with her. That’s the wonderful thing about blogging – the friendships you make. Denyse has been a stalwart of the blogging community here in Australia and I’ve seen many beautiful comments on her socials from bloggers worldwide who have known Denyse from the start.
Connection has always been the focus of Denyse’s blog – connecting with others especially during the period when she moved with her darling husband, Mr B from Sydney to the Central Coast of NSW in 2015. Connecting with bloggers, family, friends even to the local cafe where she regularly has coffee and journals. It’s always been about connection and staying connected as well as sharing her wisdom and thoughts.
D E N Y S E W H E L A N (B.Ed M.Ed)
Dedication and Determination – to her husband and family, her long-standing career in Education, being an Ambassador for the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation. Determination to overcome obstacles in her life, the most terrifying was her determination to beat Head and Neck Cancer which she did.
Educator – Denyse’s career in Education spanned many years until she retired as Principal.
Never Give Up Attitude – I have long admired Denyse’s ‘never give up attitude’. This attitude shone through during her treatment for HNC but also applies to all areas in her life. Her railing against and conquering her HNC to putting this into the spotlight through her Ambassdorship for Head & Neck Cancer Australia. She was determined to spread the word.
I remember recently, there was an issue with my website and Denyse had difficulty commenting. She was like a ‘dog with a bone’ trying to work out what was wrong. In the end, I had to tell her not to comment because I knew how frustrating it was.
You are Unique – there is only one Denyse – a warm, funny, knowledgeable yet at times vulnerable woman who I admire greatly. You have the ability to look at life and adaptability to change and work through whatever life throws your way. I loved how after your surgery as a way to rebuild your life and confidence you posted your Outfit of the Day for a year and what a difference a year made.
Sydney Girl – you can take the girl out of Sydney but you can’t take Sydney out of the girl. As a fellow Sydney-sider who now lives in Brisbane I know the pull of your home town. After spending a few years in retirement on the Central Coast, Denyse and Mr B returned to her beloved Sydney this year. This was the right decision and I enjoy seeing Denyse’s photos on social media as she rediscovers the city where she has spent most of her life. Denyse and Mr B are now back closer to family, her Dad who is in his 90s and who she regularly visits, and friends.
Enduring – although this is the last linkup and Denyse is closing her blog, her inspiration to all will endure and she has certainly left a wonderful legacy in the blogging world.
Thank you, Denyse for your valued contribution to the blogging world. Since I started my blog, I’ve seen many changes in the virtual space. Blogging has become less about connection and for many more about self-promotion but through it all you have maintained your integrity and been a wonderful virtual friend to many.
I wish you and Mr B only the very best that life can offer. You have had a wonderful life together and now is the time to enjoy every moment with him, your children, grandchildren and your amazing Dad.
It’s now time for the next exciting chapter in your life! Go and enjoy every moment.
Take care my friend and although I will definitely miss linking up each week, I know our friendship will be maintained.
Thank you, my friend.
36 Comments
What a beautiful tribute, Sue. I also am sad about Denyse’s exit from the blogging world and say a big “Amen” to all the praises you are singing here. I too am happy for Denyse’s opportunity to pursue other interests and thankful that she still plans to be active on social media, so we can keep in touch. Thanks for writing this lovely post.
Hi Christie, thank you. I wanted to do something special for Denyse for her last link up as it must be a huge decision to leave blogging after so many years. x
What a lovely post Sue for Denyse’s final linkup! You have captured the essence of her perfectly and we all admire Denyse for what she’s achieved and her resilience. Thanks for sharing these beautiful thoughts of a beautiful friend.
It will be strange not to have a link up with Denyse each Wednesday. I enjoyed her posts and the camaraderie of the those who linked up. x
A lovely tribute to Denyse! I do wish I’d been following longer, as I’ve come to admire her and aspire to be more like her in connecting well with others. She set the bar high!
Thank you, Kym. I wanted to do something special for Denyse as she is a special lady. She did set the bar very high indeed! x
Sue this is a lovely tribute to Denyse. We will miss her in the blogosphere but will definitely keep in touch
Yes we will certainly keep in touch with her. Thank goodness for social media x
A post full of love – Denyse is everything you mentioned plus more.
Thank you Sue for this great tribute….we will certainly miss those weekly get togethers but if you know where to look – she’ll be there, welcoming us with a big smile and a cheery ‘hello how are you’😊
I’ve always had a soft spot for Denyse, Cathy so wanted to write a little farewell post about her. We will miss those get togethers but thank goodness for social media. x
What a beautiful way to say goodbye to a blogger, Sue! I’m sure this post will mean quite a lot to her. Denyse sounds like a woman who knows no strangers. Thank you for sharing this tribute to her.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Thank you, Marsha! Denyse certainly was touched by the post but it was a special day for a special lady. x
What a lovely tribute to Denyse. I only followed along with her journey in the last couple of years (I always had trouble accessing the au.com aspect — similar to how I have to find yours) but I always enjoyed her connections to the blogging world.
Hi Bernie, Denyse was pretty special and a very strong woman who inspired us. I’m sure she will continue to inspire us through other avenues. x
I’ve followed her onto Substrack. I’m still learning to navigate it and don’t like that you have to pay to read certain stories. Bernie
Yes I haven’t investigated Substrack yet Bernie. So many platforms but I’m not sure I want to go down that path. x
I followed a Saskatoon writer onto it when she swapped over. Make it there once a week, maybe to read a few things.
I will have to check it out when I have time. Thanks! x
Her name is Alice Kuipers.
Thanks, Bernie! x
Lovely acrostic tribute! And yes, her uniqueness and determined nature shine through. I think you nailed it. We’ll be all adrift next Wednesday!
We will be adrift next Wednesday, Lydia! WWandPics actually kept me on track know what day it was LOL 🙂 x
A wonderful send off for Denyse, Sue! She will be indeed be missed in the blogging world. I had just gotten back to hopping into her Wednesday posts. Sometimes real life is the focus and she still has a lot to give to her family and friends. Glad I’m connected to her on Facebook.
Hi Terri, Denyse was certainly special and her Wednesday link up will be missed. I know she will continue to make the most of every day no matter what her next step is. x
Lovely tribute for Denyse Sue. I’m sad to see her go but completely understand her decision. I’ve known her ‘virturally’ since 2012 – so over 11 years now! So much has happened during that time!
Hi Min, yes you have know Denyse for so long. Wednesdays won’t be the same but thank goodness for social media. x
This is a beautiful post to a lovely lady. Wishing Denyse all the best in her next chapter of adventures
Thanks Janine, I wanted to write something special for Denyse as she is pretty special. x
This is a such a beautiful tribute, Sue. And it is very well-deserved by Denise. She will be missed greatly from the blogging world. Her presence and generosity here has meant so much to so many! <3
Thank you, Donna. I felt it was a fitting to mark the end of a long blogging career and a special person. x
Your tribute to Denyse put a lump in my throat. She is such a warrior and survivor and inspiration. And you described all of her best attributes so fittingly. I am sure she read this through tears in her eyes.
Hi Leslie, I couldn’t let Denyse go without some form of acknowledgment for all she has given us in the blogging world and her community. x
Thank you Sue, I came back to see if I may be able to comment and be seen here to be the grateful person I am to have been care for and about for such a while. Warm wishes and love to all. Denyse
Thank you, Denyse and celebrations that your comment worked! x
Yay, it worked. A full and gracious thank you Sue to you for such a kind and creative way to share my story. We’ve been friends here on the world of blogging for a long time. I am so glad our paths crossed and those who have commented here too. It did feel strange (but also OK) not to have a link up and post for last Wednesday. I do hope you continue to inspire us with your stories and life as it is for you now too. Denyse x
I’m so glad our paths crossed, too, Denyse and just because you no longer blog in this space we will continue to follow each other’s journey. Have a beautiful week and see you on Social media. You certainly are looking healthy and happy these days. x