I have always loved John Denver since I first heard him sing. In 2010, I began writing a bucket list. On that list was to visit the John Denver Sanctuary on the day of his passing. I longed in my heart to be there...to pay respect to this man who touched me so. I began the planning early and was able to secure a room at the Mountain Chalet Aspen. Life went on as usual until we (my husband and myself) arrived in Aspen in October 2011.. We walked in and found many people there celebrating John's life. We were very surprised and happy that we were there!! We met so many new people that we still call friends to this day. It was a very emotional experience for me in particular as I had just lost my only sister just 2 months prior.

Since that first visit, I made plans for 2012. On the day we were to take our flight to leave, I got very sick and landed in the Emergency room and was laying there when the flight left. I was totally broken hearted. I was home recuperating and I was so sad to miss all the events I had bought tickets for and was especially sad to not meet Steve Weisberg. I remember a good friend of Steve's, Shawn Garvey contacted me on Facebook. He asked me if I would like to attend his Facebook memorial event he was having for John and told him I would attend for sure. He later sent me a message saying he had a surprise for me. Later my phone rings and it is Steve Weisberg on the phone!! He was so kind and so sweet and I am so glad we got to speak on the phone as he has since passed on and is now with John in Spirit. That brightened my day and I cannot thank Shawn and Steve enough for thinking of me while I was down.
Since the first year of being in Aspen in October, I began to gather all of John's music from every corner and fell in love all over again with his music.

I did not get see the Windstar land during our first visit, but finally got to see it after the statue was moved away. I bought the last Marquette of John commissioned by Windstar because I had just joined Windstar and within a few months it was sold. I felt that it was meant to be that I have it. When I pass away, I am dedicating it to the West Virginia State Cultural Center.

The following years, 2013, and 2014 were great and just as emotional as the first visit there. I continue to treasure the special friendships I have made through my love of John. I would recommend to anyone that loves John to try to go to Aspen in October. It is an experience you will never forget. Thank you for letting me finally write about it!!!

Peace

Linda J Brown