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Saying GoodBye to Danny
By Kelsey on May 04, 2011
Thursday March 10th my mom called me late that night when I was at school getting ready for finals the next week. I had already talk to my mom on the phone earlier that day knowing that Danny had been on oxygen for the last couple days to help him with his breathing. I knew the second I saw that she called that Danny wasn’t doing well. I answered and she said that I should come home to be with Danny and the family because we weren’t sure how long he had left. I instantly broke into tears and rushed home. My friends Taylor and Michelle picked my sister up from Linfield and got us home as fast as they could. I made it home by 11:00 to see my family and his close friends gathered around him in the living room. By the time I got home Danny was barely responding anymore but I know that he knew we were all there. I specifically remember when I walked in the door standing at the end of his bed as he opened his eyes so wide to see Emily and me as we just got home. That’s how I knew he knew we were there. I also remember so well when I was sitting by him later that night as I was holding his hand telling him how much I loved him and how were all there for him and he squeezed my hand tightly. I knew he was listening to us and knew we were they with him every step of the way. Those things I will remember so clear for the rest of my life.
Throughout the night we all gathered around him in the living room having one last sleepover with him. Danny fought through the night fearless with everyone by his side. I was up the whole night because I wanted to spend every second with him possible. The next morning he only seemed to be getting worse and worse. This was so hard for me to watch and deal with but I knew I had to be strong for him. Our whole family was there to help each other along with some of Danny’s closest friends to get through this difficult time. Slowly I could tell things were coming to an end. Danny’s breathes started becoming shorter and shorter and we knew as a family it was his time to go. At 1:15 in the afternoon on Friday, March 11 Danny passed away. Danny was known by everyone as the strongest, happiest, and most courageous person. It is amazing knowing Danny is in a better place, pain free looking over each and every one of us. Danny will always be in my heart and I will never forget him. I will never forget his contagious smile, his crazy sense of humor, and his loving and positive attitude. I look up to him now in sense I will never give up because he has made me a stronger person. Danny’s funeral was held on Thursday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. All of his family and friends gathered to celebrate the amazing life he had while wearing his favorite color green. It was so hard to say goodbye to him but I know that I will see him again soon.
After going through so much getting back into the normal routine and being away from my family at school has been really hard on me. I have been doing my best to stay positive but sometimes it just doesn’t work. I have the most supportive friends, family, and boyfriend so I always have someone to talk to about it and they have helped me through this hard time. The support and love from everyone around has been incredible. Things seem to slowly keep getting better but it will never be the same without him. I miss him so much and I will keep the memories we had together with me forever. I love you Danny.
