Tomorrow would have been Daniel's twenty-eighth birthday had he remained here on Earth rather than departed sixteen years ago, of presumed sudden arrhythmic death syndrome at age 12 1/2. Immediate CPR did no good in this instance, and when the sheriff brought the AED, too much time had elapsed.
On these birthdays I always take a moment to think about what he might be doing had he remained, and how we might have celebrated this day. Instead, I still man the fort, or the farm as it is, and try to find ways to keep sane, now missing two beloved sons from Earth, both Daniel and Matthew.
I still think of you an awful lot and I remember your conversations and thoughts you had. Gosh Daniel, you were so intelligent and so wise. No wonder God needed to call you home.
This year, I am going to try to celebrate your life differently than with grieving. Perhaps rather than being sad, and after sixteen years, I can simply celebrate your life and your time spent here on both the day of your birth, and on the day of your passing. Lets see how that goes.
In any event, I am one day closer to seeing you again. It's a fact I keep tucked in my pocket, a bit like a secret gift, but try not to talk too much about because it upsets the other members of the family.
Daniel departed Earth at 12 1/2
Happy Birthday, Daniel. I love you wider than the oceans and deeper than the seas.
Yes, I can hear you, but I doubt you could possibly "love me more" than I love you.
