I wasn’t planning on writing something today, but I heard a still small voice saying, “this matters”. So, here I am listening and obeying.
February 8 marked the birthday of one of my dear friends, Dan. Sadly, God called him home in 2022. Dan was an encourager. Dan was hilarious. Dan inspired people. Dan had a firm foundation in his faith with Jesus.
We ran thousands of miles together. We laughed. Tlaked. Encouraged each other to be better husbands and fathers. And then, in one moment in time, he was called home to Heaven.
Dan always made people feel included and loved. He is missed greatly.
My wife just said to me, “Every time I walk down that street, I can hear Dan saying, “I love you Patty!'”. That’s just who Dan was. Larger than life. The glue to relationships. And, a man who only liked sausage links after a long Saturday morning run.
On his birthday, his wife Melissa, daughter and a few friends got together at the Ronald McDonald house to make some cookies and honor his life, and legacy.
Today would have been Dan’s 56th birthday. We now have a tradition – a way to celebrate his spirit – and to give to others in his honor. It helps to not make this day so sad and to focus on something else besides our pain. He would want us to be joyful – to remember all the great memories and not get weighed down by our sorrow. He was a bright light in this world – and he would want us to shine – and so that is what we did. Happy Heavenly Birthday Dan – we will forever miss you
I miss that dude a lot. And, anytime someone passes, it always poses the question, “What kind of legacy am I leaving?”
Leave a legacy. Go make a difference. Always run by faith.