As I watched Dan give his last dollar or his coat to a perfect stranger, an act he did more than once, I asked him why he did it. He said, "They looked like they needed it more than I did." That was one side of Daniel few people knew about. He did his kindest deeds without fanfare.
Daniel was known by the nickname "Big D," he didn't like it and he knew his mother didn't either. Have to thank I believe Dale Oya (sp) for that, I believe, in conversations I had with Dan. He said it just stuck after that.
Daniel loved Christmas! Buying a huge tree with all the lights and trimmings was a great time to him. Not for himself, but for the enjoyment he knew everyone else would have.
If I had to make a guess what was Dan's favorite group, I'd have to say The Ohio Players, a sentiment he shared with my late brother Damon, and their mutual buddy, Ricky Alexander. Dan would always be over our house, either upstairs or downstairs, usually with Ricky, just doing things than normal teens do. If not at our home, they'd be at Ricky's and if not at Ricky's they'd be at Daniel's. They were one tight group. For years that was a partnership rarely broken. Only time and circumstance separated that trio.
Daniel and I became friends, buddies then brothers only because we were both substituting for my late brother Damon, who had to make, shall I say, a limited engagement. During that time, we shared every family secret, fear, hope, dream, aspiration and fantasy, as buddies do. We never shared what we told each other to another.
In 2004 my son Justin and I had jobs with the NBA All-Star Game Jam Session just before the actual game. I worked the autograph booth the entire time and I'd call Dan every now and then. Well, Dan has a serious crush on Sue Bird, of the Seattle Storm WNBA franchise. I was able to take a picture with Sue Bird and I mailed it to Dan. I laughed because I knew he'd be hating on me because I was so close to his secret fantasy crush. He loved that picture! It was one of the few times I was able to repay Daniel for the countless kindnesses he had shown me over the years. It's probably still on his wall above his favorite chair upstairs.
I'm gonna miss you Daniel; we only get to know one like you in a lifetime. My life is better because I had you in it. I'm sorry for myself, a myriad of reasons we all have when our family passes, but happy for you because you have no more pain.
Thank you for helping me through a very difficult time in my life, I appreciated it, greatly.
You know I loved you like a brother because I told you personally; you know I miss you because we spoke of this time now, then; and you know that we all have to go on and do the best we can with what time we all have left, giving all Grace and Glory to God.
Even though you quit drinking years ago and so did I, I bought a bottle of wine the other day. Imma take a drink and pour a little out on the ground for you, as I believe you'd do for me. Cost me $18 for goodness sake, lol. Nice pretty gold bottle, easy taste, not like that Southern Comfort you liked many years back. See ya when I see ya, at the crossroads. Don't worry buddy, I wont start drinkin again. But for you, one time. Peace
