My cousin Donita and her husband Doug Smith died in an early morning house fire, 3 am on May 25th, 2013.
The family and I have been posting thoughts and photos on our Facebook pages. She was my favorite cousin all through my childhood--ALL MY LIFE--and he was my best friend all through high school. I introduced them, they married and had two wonderful boys.
Doug and I created A Deviant Mind together back in 1980...he was the one who created Tayge and Lucky and gave them to me to use in the series. It wouldn't be until 2010 that I would bring the characters back, and it would be my son Alex and I who really brought them to life.
I didn't post yesterday because I spent the day going through every stage of grief that exists, and by 10 pm I was totally exhausted. When we finally get around to A Deviant Mind #15, Door At The Edge of Nowhere, I'll be dedicating that issue to Doug and Donita.
Love you guys and miss you.
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Editor's Note, 02/18/2025
Oh. My. God. You guys are still with me in spirit through every journey between heaven and hell I've walked since your tragic loss. Thank you. Throughout the series A Deviant Mind, I've written some very personal, heartfelt episodes. This has been a twelve-year long journey of unimaginable struggle without my two bestest friends. But I'm still here. Reading THIS post after all this time tonight took me back for a minute, but after wiping tears.... the devastation is no longer as fierce. I HAVE healed. I promise you. I have my feet under me again. Damn this time capsule. You didn't want me to give up back then, and I can't give up now.
Onward, my loves. 
We have countless more stories to write.
Donita and Doug: Thank you. I love you both forever. Miss you so much.
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