Monday, February 12, 2018
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Dan was a voracious walker when my family met him in 2006 during our frequent walks. He was ~80ish at the time and would walk 6 miles daily, rain or shine, either in 105F or 30 F. In my mind, I can still see him coming up the hill with his sidearms, a sling shot for loose dogs that want to bother him. All sweaty when it was summer or bundled during winter. I always enjoyed our encounter, and would stop tending my garden, and then we would enjoy our 15 minutes debate with whatever topic was at hand, while mosquitoes made feast of us. My children were in grade school and new to the neighborhood in 2006. We had moved to Lakesite from Nevada. He was one of the few that extend his friendship to our family without reservation. He loved/adored our children, and always gave each of my children and wife a few minutes of spotlight. He asked each one of my children questions, and leave plenty of time for their answers. My children enjoyed the encounter very much, and so did he. He always praised each of my children and had kind words for my wife and I, saying how wonderful parents we are. He always departed with smiles on our faces. Over the years, he and I have countless, and sometimes hour-long discussions over countless of subjects. He would not gave an inch, and neither would I. He was an avid Fox News watcher, and I wasn't. We share some similarities and much differences. We admired and respected each other, despite many decades of difference experiences/background. We visited and enjoyed each other companies. In the last few months of his life, I can see that he was longing to be with his wife. He had gave up his last dog after his last stay at Alexian. I can see that "the mind is willing but the body is tired." He was in pain the last time we met. I knew from cars in his parking lot, that Dan was departing. I confirmed my suspicion when he no longer answer his phone. Last night I saw Dan in my dream. He was no longer sickly. He is well and has a twinkle in his eye, with a mischievous look of a misbehaved child; like he knows something that I don't. I want to visit with him a bit longer, and want my family to do the same. I want to tell my wife that Dan is here. Then I wake up. Tears swell in my eyes. Dan has said good-bye, in his own way, and I miss him. Henry
