Dear Dee,

I really, really, really hope you get a chance to read this. Today is my 30th birthday, and you have made it brighter with your new blog.

First, I want to extend my condolences to you in the losses of your grandparents. The passing of a close relative is one of the hardest things that we have to deal with, and the best thing that we can do is to be there for one another. So at this time, I lift you and your family up in prayer. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal, and know that your grandparents are in a much better Place.

Secondly, your true fans really appreciate the fact that you reach out to us and share with us what's going on in your life. We feel a connection to you because you treat us like more than just your fans; you treat us like we are your family, and we love that. You have a heart of gold and you deserve nothing but the best that life has to offer. We have watched you grow so much over the years, and believe it or not, these tough experiences that we are facing right now will only make us better.

So with all of this being said, thank you Dee, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for giving your all on the court, in the gym, and in life. You are a shining example of what we all should strive to be: hardworking, energetic, and a go-getter. We are always here for you, and we love you more than you will ever know. Take care.

Sincerely,
Your TRUE FANS

“We feel a connection to you because you treat us like more than just your fans; you treat us like we are your family, and we love that.”

I think Keke your words do say how I feel, too. It's hard to be family to a sports star, a celebrity, or a high image person. Dee has always wanted to meet people. He certainly has the people person qualities that helped me to reach out to him, especially with me having the depression qualities. He has allowed himself that connection. He permits it. So many don’t have that ability. It is a blessing and a gift that he opens up and lets people in; if they will just take the opportunity. It’s scary but well worth the risk, for me anyway it has been. He’s real and just wants the people around him to be real. That motivates him a great deal. You motivate him, Keke, always keep that in your mind and heart. And he will respond to your letter. Maybe not directly, but in a blog or in his music. You hear, that, DEE!! LOL

He says he didn't have time to visit his grandfather. It's like here on the blog, he doesn't write like he wants to. But I bet the time he did spend with different family members was quality time; just like his blogs and his music, they are real and from the heart. He just has so many in his life. He can’t be everyplace at once. He can’t reach out to all individually but in general he does. We just have to recognize his way.

So yes, we, too, are grateful he allows us to enter his life. We learn so much about him but also ourselves. And right now we have the opportunity to show him and his family how much sorrow and sadness and caring we have for them during this, their time of grief. Hopefully, they are strengthened by our words just as Dee encourages us by his example, his leadership and his music. ---FANSofDEE---

PS He gave you a really good birthday present though his words in his blog, didn't he!! LoL and he didn't even know it!