Daniels Best Friend ~ A+ For this Paper: The Legend of Dano

Ryan has a way with words! He has captured everything from the day they met to the day he said goodbye to my nephew. But even more he has shared a bit about Providence, the impact of events and people that change the course of your life. This ‘essay’ has brought tears and smiles as it tells the story of their friendship. Thank you Ryan. I know Jackson will learn a lot about his namesake from stories l ike this. Big hugs from Aunt Doodley! Love you! https://medium.com/@ryanclements_11431/the-legend-of-dano-df84d7a2fc44

Time Stands Still

There is nothing that explains why an event that happened 10 years ago feels like yesterday. 

The moment it happens, your mind plays reels of memories and suddenly, time stands still. 

No one ages, no one changes, we notice our own changes less as we are living in yesterday. 

Sounds, smells, songs, jokes, people, places they will all take you to that last moment. 

It seems surreal.

At the last moment you are together, that is where the memories begin fade, filtering out the darkness. 

You lose site of the bad days, sadness, anger, pain or harsh words and you focus on the joy. 

All of your life you struggle to forget the negative and in death you only remember the beauty. 

The thing is, even though they haven't lived a long life, they have definitely lived!  

That life is our gift. 

That life will be with you always. No matter how old you get they remain in your presence.  

You will reach for a phone to call them almost every day, or be reminded of a good story.  

You will miss them at the table, but you will be reminded of the smile, laughs or tears shared there.  

You will cheer on their teams, exchange tales with their friends and you will live on.  

And you will be ok.

jlg9.11.20

9 Years Since Yesterday

The loss and void will never be filled, but we have the joy from countless memories you left behind.
We love you always Daniel!

  

                               

Remembering Daniel.....Laughter

Where does the time go? All kinds of life is going on and 'The footprint of Daniel' is everywhere. I smile as I think about his having a niece and nephew, how he would be silly with them and not care. I was just watching video of him letting young Cody knock him over and giggle. He would sit up and do it again. Laughter! I think about his bestie Sam married and on some exotic couples vacation with a beach and a pub. I can see him snorkeling and likely terrifying any number of creatures. Laughter. I think about his other bestie buying a house and getting married all while continuing to parent the little  cute puppy. I hear jokes and laughter.
I find that as I miss him I also find he is very close and I think often he is laughing! He had fun in everything no matter what it was. He found the right attitude for his life, and I am forever grateful for that. And I will always hear his laughter. Love always, Aunt Doodley

A Year is a Long Time!

A year ago the Jackson Family lost one of our "boys". We have pictures galore of a fun, crazy, close family and better still memories to take us back to those happy days. Never without a smile or a good joke, which he would gladly sensor for more sensitive audiences. Always aware of those around him he enjoyed being that willing counselor, encourager and friend. And a gift, shared by this group of 'men" is the ability to help you take yourself a bit less seriously. Always about finding the fun in any day, any situation. I am forever grateful for every second I spend with my family, a gift that can be opened again and again. As we pass this anniversary I am opening those pictures and unwrapping all those great memories. Daniel, thanks for the memories!