It goes without saying, that this has been the hardest year of my life.  But I have found peace sitting with Allen and listening to his music and feeling
Allen's comforting presence. These photos track the Crown Hill home that so many of us worked over the past 12 months to build in honor, memory and loving tribute to our Allen.  I worry that Allen may have thought it a bit too much but trust that he would-- in the end and with a gentle smile--forgive us all.   After all this is a place for all generations.   I miss him everyday. I love you Allen.  Dad

Spring is coming!  At least it felt that way Wednesday when we installed the  new vases at Allen's!  It was in the 60's and a beautiful day to be at Crown Hill.  Just as we finished filling the vases with flowers, two of Allen's friends arrived.  Dakota Blanken was Allen's roommate and co-worker.  He lives in California now and was home visiting family and came out to see Allen.  Dylan was a friend of Allen's via Dakota.  It was so nice to hear their memories of Allen. I really appreciate all the people that visit Allen.  Listening to other people talk about Allen has shown me what an impact he has had on so many people and what a good and true friend he was.  Thank you all for sharing your memories with me, I love hearing them. 

Dearest Allen
With your passing it was even more important that we make our planned trip to Green Bay to watch the Colts play the Packers for Chris's birthday. Just like when you and Chris were kids, we all had birthday treat bags - filled with ALLEN jerseys, ALLEN highball glasses, Colts legos and Destiny Legos! You were everywhere. Chris, Garrett, JB and I wore your ALLEN jerseys. Which must have inspired TE Dwayne ALLEN who had a great game for the Colts.  We will explain to him later that his jersey number just happens to be the year of your birth too.
You sent us quite the omen on the game's kick off as the Colts ran it back for a 99 yard touchdown!! And thanks too for bringing the squirrel who ran on and off the field throughout the game to the delight of 80,000 fans and the annoyance of Aaron Rodgers. One tradition in Lambeau Field is to play the polka classic "Roll Out The Barrel" during 4th quarter. By then the squirrel was the fan's rock star and so your brother adapted the song to "Roll Out The Squirrel". Some nearby fans took slight offense but I think mainly because the Packers were LOSING to the Colts in Green Bay! First time for that victory in decades. Yippee.
It was a wonderful football and family experience but we missed you so much. We sat in the stands long after the game and shed tears. We think of you everyday and place you by our side in everything we do. We love you and miss you always. Dad
​

Allen:  you always loved Halloween!  You were so detailed in your pumpkin carving - no simple designs for you!  As an adult, you continued your intricate designs with Lauren and the the Bogue family in their annual carving contest  Here are some photos from your halloween and pumpkin adventures over the years.  Always thinking of you!

Allen:  You always believed in the best in people.  You are so right.  Some friends offered us a $10,000 contribution to honor you.  We chose something you would have chosen--helping children.  So this week in your memory we delivered the money to an IPS program designed to help elementary aged children who have suffered emotional and or physical abuse and who, as a result, struggle in the classroom.  It is a special program and it will touch many young lives for years. 
The program director was beyond thrilled: 
"This is an incredible gift to receive in the honor of your lost son.  Overwhelming, quite frankly.  We are humbled and grateful for your support.  Please known that the memory of Allen will live on through the enrichment and opportunities this gift will provide to our students.:  Ami Anderson

Allen:  You understood so well the wholeness of humanity.  Your death has only produced more proof of the fundamental connection among us all.  Today I got a condolence message from a life-time lawyer friend and I wanted to share a part of it with you:

"Dear Larry: I know there is nothing I could say that would alleviate the unbelievable grief you feel....You spent a lifetime investing in your professional community for which you have earned unsurpassed respect and affection.  Your tireless example for integrity, enthusiasm and compassion should allow you to draw a bit on that account from the rest of us in this time of sorrow..."

My friend knew you loved music and he sent along a CD of Milt Jackson and Wes Montgomery.  Known to you I am sure.  I will listen to it with you in mind.  As you always are.
Love Dad

Allen: You left us with such wise counsel and we pledge to pay heed:

Speak the Truth
​Give Your Best to Your Teacher
​Swerve Not From the Truth
​Swerve Not From the Good
​Protect Your Spiritual Progress Always
​Give With Love
​Give With Joy

Al-man:  From the scrawny wrestler who almost defeated Mr. McDonald in wrestling to a mass of muscle.  Here are photos from a weight lifting competition meet in Cincy.  It was such a fun day.  Thanks for taking me along on the adventure.  Love you. Daddio