I am a writer. So, I have decided to write about my husband – who unexpectedly died on January 2, 2021. The new year barely started. Since the age of fifteen, I had experienced many unexpected losses – from my brother when he was 21, to my nephew at the age of 17, and my parents in 2014 and 2018, but the loss I am experiencing now is the heaviest loss I suffered. 

This is the place I have chosen to write about my loss – my children’s and grandchildren’s loss – Daniel was a brother, an uncle, and a friend. From the flowers and cards I have received and the outpouring of love, he was obviously appreciated, liked, and loved by many. My heart is touched by those who have shared with me and the kids how much Daniel meant to them. If he knew how many people he affected in his 64 years, he would be amazed. But we who knew him and continue to love him are not surprised. 

Daniel was the type of man who would do anything for anyone – family, friend, or foe. He had a giving heart and loved people, and he was a kid at heart. As I write, I see in my memory bank the many times he carried on with the kids and had them laughing. Two of our grandchildren enjoyed locking him in the small shed located in the corner of our yard. Dan always knew they would lock him in the shed, but he played along with them anyway. He was such a good sport, and he embraced their laughter. 

There is a sacredness in tears.
They are not a mark of weakness, but of power.
They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues.
They are the messengers of overwhelming grief,
of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.  Washington Irving