I don't know that I will ever write about Dan, my younger son. He died in a traffic accident (he was the passenger) a few days ago. Certainly, right now, I'm too upset to write about him. It's just wrong for a son to die before his father. And I don't know that I will ever be dispassionate enough to write about him. But I want, and need, him to be recorded. So I'm going to repeat a few things his son, his brother, and an honorary daughter wrote about him:
From Josh, Dan's son:
"Words can't express what I feel right now. Never have I lost someone so near and so dear to me. You were and are my best friend. I wouldn't be the man I am today if it weren't for you. I love you with all my heart and you are always going to be in my thoughts. You only get one dad, and I had the best. R.I.P. father, and always remember --- I love you." Josh
"I'm lost." --- Josh
From Sean, Dan's brother
"Hello, everyone. I've been silent up until now on Facebook, because I really can't find the words to express how I feel about my brother and how I feel about his death ---- I loved him very much and although we didn't say it to each other (we aren't touchy feely kinda guys) we didn't have to --- I knew he loved me, and he knew I loved him. Dan was a good man and you only need look as far as my nephew Josh as proof of that --- for he too is a good man and Dan raised him. Dan would have been quietly proud and humbled by all of the outpourings of love, kind words and condolences for him --- and so am I. I don't think he truly knew how many lives he touched and how loved he was, because to know Dan was to know -- he wasn't keeping count. --- R.I.P. BROTHER --- " Love Sean
From Sage, honorary daughter
For several years Dan was in a relationship Sage's mother. After that relationship ended Dan continued to consider, and treat, Sage as his daughter.
"If I could go back into time, I would convince God it wasn't his time to go. You weren't my biological father but you were the only father figure I had in life, and for that I couldn't be more thankful. I would tell you how deeply sorry I am for my selfish and stubborn actions and remind you that my greatest and happiest times in life were because of you. You taught me how much of a beautiful young girl I am, you promised to always protect me and that if a boy were to ever break my heart you'd do the same to him. I would tell you how much I cherished those special nights when it was just me, you and Josh and we'd do nothing but watch movies and eat popcorn. Or all the times you'd come up with those silly random jokes and you had me and Josh laughing so hard (we thought you were so cool). You really were the coolest dad EVER. You were a natural. The world has lost a wonderful man, and not a day went by that I didn't think of you. I miss you dearly. Until I see you again, may you rest easy. I LOVE you dad." --- Sage ---
And I wish I could write and do more justice to the man Dan was. These are just some of the comments about him. He was a wonderful man and a wonderful son. I am unable to say more. DJA
"Words can't express what I feel right now. Never have I lost someone so near and so dear to me. You were and are my best friend. I wouldn't be the man I am today if it weren't for you. I love you with all my heart and you are always going to be in my thoughts. You only get one dad, and I had the best. R.I.P. father, and always remember --- I love you." Josh
"I'm lost." --- Josh
From Sean, Dan's brother
"Hello, everyone. I've been silent up until now on Facebook, because I really can't find the words to express how I feel about my brother and how I feel about his death ---- I loved him very much and although we didn't say it to each other (we aren't touchy feely kinda guys) we didn't have to --- I knew he loved me, and he knew I loved him. Dan was a good man and you only need look as far as my nephew Josh as proof of that --- for he too is a good man and Dan raised him. Dan would have been quietly proud and humbled by all of the outpourings of love, kind words and condolences for him --- and so am I. I don't think he truly knew how many lives he touched and how loved he was, because to know Dan was to know -- he wasn't keeping count. --- R.I.P. BROTHER --- " Love Sean
From Sage, honorary daughter
For several years Dan was in a relationship Sage's mother. After that relationship ended Dan continued to consider, and treat, Sage as his daughter.
"If I could go back into time, I would convince God it wasn't his time to go. You weren't my biological father but you were the only father figure I had in life, and for that I couldn't be more thankful. I would tell you how deeply sorry I am for my selfish and stubborn actions and remind you that my greatest and happiest times in life were because of you. You taught me how much of a beautiful young girl I am, you promised to always protect me and that if a boy were to ever break my heart you'd do the same to him. I would tell you how much I cherished those special nights when it was just me, you and Josh and we'd do nothing but watch movies and eat popcorn. Or all the times you'd come up with those silly random jokes and you had me and Josh laughing so hard (we thought you were so cool). You really were the coolest dad EVER. You were a natural. The world has lost a wonderful man, and not a day went by that I didn't think of you. I miss you dearly. Until I see you again, may you rest easy. I LOVE you dad." --- Sage ---
And I wish I could write and do more justice to the man Dan was. These are just some of the comments about him. He was a wonderful man and a wonderful son. I am unable to say more. DJA
