I am not a fan of the 25th of February

5 years ago today, my nephew Dane left us. It is still hard to think about that day and that phone call and how our lives were forever changed. It is still hard to believe Dane isn't physically here with us to make us laugh, to love us like he did. Dane especially loved his mom.


I don't know what you do if you don't have faith, if you don't believe that you are going to be reunited with those you have loved here on earth who have gone before you. Here is something that I find so comforting. It was written by my brother, Tom, a little over a year after Dane died. Tom was in the midst of a tough battle with a brain tumor when he had the most amazing vision. In June 2006, Tom posted this retelling of the experience on Dane's memorial website (thedanetrain.com).

"This is about an incident that occurred about 5 or 6 weeks ago. I relayed it to Jenny back then and most of my family is aware of this but I then thought in the last few days that Dane's friends are as important. So for everyone, here is what happened to me.
This occurred early one morning when I was being moved in Memorial Hermann Hospital into the inpatient therapy section to recover the movement of my right side. So about 6am I had the veins in my legs examined to ensure there was not blockage, and all was fine. So I was laying in a bed waiting to be transported back to my room. I was not sleepy or high on any medication. While laying there, my Dad, Dane and my sister Marcia appeared. Marcia died in 1951 (when I was about 3 months old and my sister Sue was about 1 1/2 years old). Marcia had leukemia which wasn't something you survived then but do now. The three appeared before me and they were having a great time laughing and doing little dances like Dad would do. Dad spoke to say that every thing is fine but Dane and Marcia also gave a look that every thing is fine. The images were there for 5 minutes and after they communicated to me, they just hung around having fun. It was clear that while we get sad and mourn the loss of Dane, Dad and Marcia, they don't feel sad. It was clear to me that they aren't sad or mourning their deaths because they have moved on to such a peaceful place. Although they may wait 70 plus years to see us on that plane, that time is meaningless to them and they look forward to seeing every one especially Dane's buddies.
So it was very comforting to see these three and I have needed that comfort although I was in a great mood then and now. More importantly, Dane is in a great place."

So, today I take comfort in what God has promised us through His Son and I'll rest in the knowledge that some glorious day I will get to meet Marcia and I will be reunited, for eternity, with Dane, Tom and Dad.

I love you, Danie-boy!