My Uncle Dan
When I was little and living on Loraleen Street in Garden Grove with my mom, I remember Uncle dan living with us. Once in the garage and also in the back bedroom. One vivid memory I have is a painting he did on the back of the garage door. It was a portrait of Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns. I will always have this image in my mind as it impacted me, even as a young child. It showed me that even though he had his issues, he loved the Lord and had a desire for him in his life. It showed me a tiny piece of his soul.
I also lived with Dan when we moved in with Grandma and Grandpa when I was in eighth grade. He was such a huge personality, I always watched and admired him from afar. I used to use his Perry Ellis exfoliation cream! He gave me an in depth lesson on taking care of my skin so it would be nice when I was older. Here I am, almost 39, and darn- he was right.
One memory from Nichols Street in HB... One evening, Uncle Dan and Ronnie were babysitting Jimmy, Beth and I. They were letting us run wild and we were having a great time. Dan and Ron painted huge eyeballs on their foreheads and the "one eyed monsters" chased us... too funny. I will never forget that.
I wish I had gotten to know Dan more than I did. I was proud of him, impressed by his talent. I hope as a family, we can all make an effort to stay in touch so as to not have regrets later, not wishing we had known our loved one more.
Dan taught me about God's gift of grace. Even in times when we feel anguish or loneliness, whatever it may be, the Lord is a constant and is ready to meet us every day exactly where we are. That may mean it is far from where we should be, God is still there and waiting for us to come to him.
I love you all, my family and friends- even those I don't see often, or know very well, if at all. We are family. That is all that matters.
May we all see a picture of God's grace through Dan and his life. May we all be able to accept it and let it permeate us.
Love, Jenny