In memory

This week life dealt a hard blow. My friend, Daniel, passed away this weekend.

Daniel was a member of my family of choice; the group of people that my husband and I get together with on a regular basis. I don’t know if I’ve ever met a sweeter, more gentler man than Daniel. It was rare to see him without a smile on his face, and his big, infectious belly laugh was more than enough to get the whole room laughing. He was often the first one to laugh at my husband’s inappropriate jokes, and would throw a hand over his mouth to try to hide the fact that he was laughing. He laughed with his entire body though, so we always knew.

Daniel loved church and worship and the community there. I know he looked forward to Sunday mornings with anticipation and served in as many ways as he could. He was always there to greet people with a big smile, and had a way of encouraging people. He was often seen taking a head count in the services, and my family of choice has joked that he’s probably taking a head count in heaven.

Daniel and I had a common bond over good coffee. He got hooked on Starbucks and we laughed together over our coffee snobbery. I gave him a coffee grinder, and he joked that there was no turning back after fresh ground coffee. He always came to me with questions, since I worked as a barista for a couple years. I was honored to be his coffee expert.

It sucks that he was taken so soon. I’m sad, mad, tired, frustrated, and my nose is tender from blowing so much. But I feel honored that I knew him. I rest in the knowledge that he is with Jesus, laughing his big belly laugh with Him. And he’s drinking way better coffee than me.

Daniel, you are greatly missed.

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