A Cherished One Moves On

October 4th, 2008 | by Lennie Appelquist |
Lennie Appelquist Lennie Appelquist Lennie Appelquist
Lennie Appelquist A Cherished One Moves On Lennie Appelquist
Lennie Appelquist Lennie Appelquist Lennie Appelquist

On Wednesday Morning, October 1st, 2008, my Nephew, friend, confidant and watcher of my back moved on from this life. June 15, 1978 – October 1, 2008

Dustin Huard was (is) an amazing young man. From the time he was born, until the day before he moved on to another cosmic dimension, Dustin presented me daily with the gift of his presence and his love. When he was 4 I spent the summer living with his mom, my sister Liz, while I worked my first summer job, after my freshman year of college. This is where our  journey really began.

Dusty head-shot 2
Dusty head-shot 2
Dusty head-shot 1
Dusty head-shot 1
Dusty
Dusty

Dusty Spinning
Dusty Spinning
Dusty
Dusty
Video still of me and my Dusty
Video still of me and my Dusty

Dustin and his sister Kristen
Dustin and his sister Kristen
Dusty out on the town
Dusty out on the town
Arty shot of My Awesome Nephew
Arty shot of My Awesome Nephew


It was during this time that I introduced him to the outdoors. He paid me back by getting me to the top of Mount Whitney (the highest point  in the continenntal US). Dustin Loved to hike and explore the outdoors. After moving to Sedona, his love of the trek grew. He knew the trails and special places amoungst the red rocks, probably, better than anyone. Dusty (d-lite, d-dog, Dusty-d) had a deep connnection to nature. He also had a deep connection to his inner world. He meditated everyday, created guided meditations and loved to explore these realms too.

That’s what he truly was: an explorer, a seeker…

Dusty was… well Dusty. He was deep. He was also a lot of fun. He was goofy and quirky. He didn’t just wallk to the beat of his own drummer, he re-created this drummer moment by moment. At his cousin (my nephew) Dylan’s wedding reception, he got the party started. The classic moment… the band (DJ, whatever) starts playing the music and everyone just sits on their hands… We’ve all been there. Dusty would have none of it, so he got up solo and free danced around the whole room, followed by my niece Arianna, then by the whole lot of us. This is what he did. He inspired by action.

Here is a little about Dusty from his MySpace page:

I’m interested in nature, and dreams. I’m interested in discovering the elements of self within the alchemy of life. I’m interested in space portals, and time warps. I’m interested in dimensional overtones, and metaphysics. I’m interested in motion, and balance. I’m interested in pure harmony. I’m interested in channels of love (not television channels). I’m interested in mass production of creativity. I’m interested in my interests when what I find interesting is something that’s interesting. Hmmm.. That’s interesting… It’s funny when people do things.

When you met Dusty, you were touched. He looked in your eyes and gave you love. Simply put, you were never the same. It is impossible to feel that depth of connection and not be forever changed. That was my boy. I have never met a more authentic being. What you saw was what you got. Dustin was free with his love. Dusty lived his truth, he was generous, he was wise beyond his years and above all, like I said he was authentic. In retrospect I am truly amazed by the sheer depth of his love!

I have an amazing family… truly amazing! But it was Dustin who always had my back. If I needed help with anything, he never hesitated. If I had to move, or do heavy lifting Dusty never hesited to volunteer his help. When my server crashed leaving 80 websites offline, it was Dusty who sat with me until they were all rebuilt and back online. If you asked, he showed up. He always showed up.

Dusty loved music, working sometimes as a DJ spinning records, but mostly spinning records for himself… for the joy. Dusty created his own mixes and recorded a few CD’s. I have only one sample, so here it is:

8 years ago, I got Dustin his first job in the film industry. And he took it from there, working on features like Training Day, commercials (he has been been working with Errol Morris for the last 5 years) and music videos. Dusty directed his own shorts and just a few weeks ago, shot and was editing a pro celebrity volleyball tournament for charity.

An amazing young man!

When Dusty first came to LA he lived with me. What is cool is that I am blessed with an extraordinary family. We have our issues but we love each other. With Dusty in LA we got to hang out a lot (in hindsight, however, it really wasn’t enough and I guess it never is). Before he left us, Dusty had a chance to reconnect with his cousin Dr. Dylan (a chiropractor and my other nephew). That is so cool.

This year had been a difficult one for my nephew, Dusty. He was robbed with a gun in his face in Las Vegas (they caught the guys and Dustin testified against them. They are all (4 guys) in prison.) Face down on the ground, Dusty asked the gunman for his walllet and credit cards back, explaining what a pain in the ass it is to cancel and get new ones… They guy actually gave them back, taking only Dusty’s cash and jewelry… f-ing ballsy, if you ask me… Remember, his own drummer.

This weighed very heavy on his heart and gave him much fear.

Then about a month ago, Dustin was in an auto accident, while on a run at work (driving his bosses car). Waiting to turn right, a car ran a red light, struck another car then finally Dustin’s car. He was taken to  the hospital, not seriously injured it seemed. He had pain in his knee, back and neck. The initial exam didn’t reveal much…

Then the case got handed over to the state (workman’s comp)…. This is where it starts to suck.

The pain grew worse. Dustin saw a different doctor who concluded that Dustin may need surgery on his knee, and requested an MRI. Workman’s Comp, denied him, instead they gave him crutches and pain meds…

For the last week or 2 Dusty had been trying to get this resolved, getting the run around from the insurance companies. During this time, always the one to watch my back, Dusty watched my house and took care of my cats and garden 3 different times while I was out of town… hobbling around my house on crutches and in pain.

Our feeling is that on Tuesday night Dustin took  the wrong mix of medications, went to sleep and never woke up. I take solice in the fact that he went gently into that good night…

Dusty, D-Dog, D-lite, Dusty-D… I miss you and I love you! Every day that have known you (since you were merely months old) has been a gift to me and I am richer for it.
Wonderful travels to you -

Love you – Uncle Lennie

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  1. 20 Responses to “A Cherished One Moves On”

  2. By Julie Perry on Oct 4, 2008 | Reply

    Lennie,
    You have written an incredibly touching tribute to your nephew — it speaks volumes for the connection you two have. That connection remains, and I know he will continue to inspire you and all who knew him. Thank you for sharing Dusty’s story. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
    All my best,
    ~Julie Perry

  3. By Leisa Jo Waller on Oct 5, 2008 | Reply

    Oh Lennie you have painted such a beautiful and vivid picture of our beloved Dustin. Your relationship was is rare and special. I still remember his crooked smile and twinkling eyes. The love you shared will never end. It will continue. Love transends time and space. My heart is broken for you and the family. I am greatful for having had the chance to know him as a young boy. He loved you so much. He looked up to you and you never let him down. Peace be with you Dusty as you continue on your travels.

    With Love

    Leisa

  4. By Joel Wissing on Oct 5, 2008 | Reply

    Dear Lennie,
    thank you for the wonderful portrait of Dusty. As Dusty was a gift in your life, I must say he had a tremendous friend in you.

    I am as always, touched and moved, you have shared yet another facet to your depth and value which you grace our lives with.

    My heart reaches out to you my friend.
    Joel

  5. By Claes Appelqvist on Oct 5, 2008 | Reply

    Hi Lennie,

    We heard from Carolina the black news,

    please be sure that we all here are with you in our thoughts.

    As long as there is someone there to remember him, he is still there…

    Carolina, Johan, Gertrud, Claes

  6. By Krista Kowalski on Oct 5, 2008 | Reply

    Lennie,

    In this strange huge world we live in, it often feel so cold and disconnected. We are locked into our own self absorbed lives at times and with what often feels like little love, faith and a severely lacking humanity around us with little or no inspiration.

    You through mediums often reflected upon as cold and distant, have brought warmth, inspiration, faith and most importantly love to me and all who read your message from the heart. You both have touched my life and for all who read this will be as well. Both of you are and were truly blessed as well as those who were personally connected to Dusty.

    Take his blessings that he gave and keep them close to heart and mind and in remembering that very special young man, keeping his “channels of love” moving to touch others as you have here.

    God bless you and your family during this painful time. I feel confident that Dusty is still exploring and keeping his interests alive and continuing to touch others here and in other dimensions and realms. Please find some comfort that Dusty has found his pure harmony and is at peace.

    Sincerely and with love,
    Krista (Jones) Kowalski

  7. By Catrina on Oct 5, 2008 | Reply

    Dear lennie ,

    Sorry to hear of your loss. It was very brave of you to share that. Such a special person in your life taken too soon is an almighty blow.

    Indeed life will have changed forever and it will take time to accept and readjust.

    I understand the devastating pain of grief. My dear brother John killed himself some years ago now, still think of him most days, dream about him sometimes. Though not with the saddness once felt now with a sweetness and tenderness that i knew him at all .

    My hope is that you will take the comfort and peace with your family that you will need at this time.

    Cat x

  8. By David Meffert on Oct 5, 2008 | Reply

    Lennie,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I thank you for taking the time to show us what a wonderful person Dusty was. He was great for you but I’m sure he would say you were great for him. He lived his short time here to the fullest, I’m embarrassed for not living my life the same. People touch our lives in many ways, and even though I never met Dusty he has touched me through your words. Thanks Lennie, you are a great Uncle.

    David

  9. By Christina Altfeld on Oct 5, 2008 | Reply

    Thank you Lennie for your heartfelt and beautiful words for a beautiful young man. Dusty will always be in our hearts and thoughts with love.

    I love you my brother

    Christina

  10. By Mari Smith on Oct 5, 2008 | Reply

    Wow, Lennie – what a beautiful tribute to your nephew… and a deeply inspiring message to all who have ever lost a loved one. Thank you for taking the time to articulate your feelings and experience so well.

    Warmly,
    Mari

  11. By Apirl Fitzsimmons on Oct 8, 2008 | Reply

    Lennie -

    Thanks so much for writing this. I knew Dustin from Steven Anderson’s acting class.

    He was such a bright and gentle soul.

    I will remember him always.

    Peace and blessings to you and your family

    April

  12. By Michelle Mellgren on Oct 8, 2008 | Reply

    Lennie,
    Thank you so much for this….although I didn’t know Dustin for long, he made a huge impact in my life. I find my life so much more entertaining and meaningful when I ask myself “What would Dustin Do?”.
    THIS QUOTE IS DUSTIN:
    “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
    xxo,
    Michelle

  13. By Paul Heikens on Oct 9, 2008 | Reply

    Thank you Lennie. You captured the essence of D in your words. That was beautiful. Thank you.

  14. By Joanna Flynn-Hill on Oct 9, 2008 | Reply

    Lennie,

    I am an OLD friend of Liz’s from South Lake Tahoe( we became friends in 1973) and we both had baby boys in the late 70′s, I only knew Dustin as the cutest litte blond boy for two years. Liz talked about you fondly during the years we hung out. It sounds like he grew up to be a great guy, whose life should not have been cut so short…

  15. By Mulham Shbeib on Oct 9, 2008 | Reply

    Today I received a call from Dustin’s sister informing me of the sad news of my friend’s passing. After talking to her, I immediately googled Dustin’s name and was so pleased to see this tribute to Dustin. I wanted to share my memories of Dustin, as he truly was a great friend.

    I met Dustin in Chico, CA at the age of about 13. Immediately we developed a great bond. We used to take turns sleeping over at each’s others places all the time. We used to collect sporting cards together all the time (baseball, football, basketball cards). We used to send cards to professional players for them to sign them and on a daily basis would ride our bikes to the post office to see who signed our cards and sent them back. We used to delivery newspapers together on our bikes after school on the weekdays and in the mornings on the weekends. It was an awesome time. Two young kids were developing friendships for life with one another and had no idea. Dustin wasn’t a friend, he was a brother. We used to do so many pranks together as well. Whether it was ringing on people’s doorbells and running away, or toilet papering homes, we had so much fun.

    I remember so much about Dustin. I remember my mom being in Grad School and having spent numerous amounts of time writing her thesis. Somehow it was mistakenly thrown away before submission and lo and behold, it was Dustin who went through the big trash compactor to retrieve it. This was before the growth of technology as we know it today.

    I remember staying up late at night playing video games with him. Our favorite for the longest time was a Nintendo game called “Baseball Stars.” We would play this game constantly and never get bored. I remember him creating a customized team and name all of his players “Mulham” after me.
    We were each other’s company, confidant, and more. Our home situations were so similar and that’s why we had so much in common.

    I lived in Chico, CA for only two years but never found anyone I enjoyed as a friend as much as Dustin. To this day, I am 31 years old, and there has never been another friend who meant as much to me as Dustin. This is a testament to his warmth, his heart, and above all, the love his mother provided him with. He cared about you and wanted to see you happy.

    I remember one day we helped our neighbors move. We were young kids, but our neighbors said they would give us each $20 if we helped them move. Afterwards, Dustin and I took our $20 each and rode our bikes to a local sports shop. I remember buying a baseball hat and can’t recall what Dustin bought.

    I remember on Mother’s Day we each bought our Mother’s something together. I believe it was earrings, but not sure.

    I remember living in Chico for 2 years and then moving to San Jose. Dustin and I never stopped staying in touch with one another. Afterwards, I moved to FL for college and he stayed in touch with me. He was awesome. He would send me letters, pictures, tapes, etc. in the mail. He was personal in this impersonal world. It was always awesome hearing news about Dustin. His letters were always a great read and made you pleased knowing that Dustin was your friend. He took time out of his day, to write, talk, share his thoughts, ideas, goals, etc.

    For the longest time, Dustin would always call me on my birthday. He never seemed to forget when my birthday was, even though I always forgot his. This is an example of Dustin’s character.

    Many more things that come to mind as I write about my good friend Dustin. I remember him introducing me to Top Ramen soup. I remember him coming to our home and having my grandparents joke around with him. They liked him so much, as did my entire family.

    My family is originally from Syria and I remember Dustin coming to our home and enjoying our culture, our food, etc. I remember our sister’s being great friends as well.

    I remember our close group of friends (Mischa, Greg, and Andreas).

    I remember our code words with one another (ragamuffin, etc.)

    I look back at recall only great memories with Dustin. I hope this quick posting has given you a glimpse into Dustin’s life and his heart. I hope we learn from his tragic passing that life is truly short, and our life on this earth is even shorter. All we have to take with us are our deeds. Many people live to be 100 years old and others unfortunately pass away before they even learn how to walk. We never know when our time will come as this is something we usually can’t control. What we can control is how we treat one another, how we respect one another, how we learn from one another, and how we leave an impression on one another.

    A special thank you to Dustin’s mom, Liz, for showering her son with so much love throughout his life. You only get one chance to be a parent in life and the warmth that Dustin had in his heart is a sign of the warmth you gave him. He loved you and Kristin so much.

    Wishing you all peace, comfort, and softness of the heart in this difficult time.

  16. By MS on Oct 9, 2008 | Reply

    Thanks for the touching tribute to Dustin.

  17. By Mariette on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply

    Lennie…Lennie…
    I wish u was here…I know what u going thrue, if u ever comes to Sweden…you know where to go…1000 hugs, your friend for ever.

    Mariette

  18. By Jaye on Oct 16, 2008 | Reply

    A beautifully touching tribute, so well written that it feels like i knew Dusty personally… He sounds like a wonderfully enlightened soul, how sad that he he left this earth plane, at such a young age…

    I’m sure he will continue bestowing his love and help from the higher realms and will love the wonderful portrait you have painted, of his character and zest for life..

    Blessings, love and light, to all those who knew and were close to Dusty…

    Jaye x

  19. By Mia on Oct 18, 2008 | Reply

    I am so sorry, Lennie. Thank you for sharing the about Dustin and giving us a sense of who he (is) was. I appreciate you sharing this with us.

    Much love, my friend.

    m.

  20. By Elizabeth LaPrade on Oct 25, 2008 | Reply

    Amazing. Your words brought me to a place of understanding that truly transcends. You revealed the beauty of a soul that I had never consciously connected with, but through your dialogue, that soul quickly became a dear, old friend. The awesomeness that is Dusty is clearly a reflection of you.

    Smiles to you,
    E

  21. By Carolyn Collins on Oct 1, 2009 | Reply

    What a touching story and tribute to your nephew, Lennie. I enjoyed reading, thank you.

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