D-man...

D-
I could have sworn I saw you walking today down the street and just the
thought of seeing you again made me almost wet my pants. My heart skipped
a couple beats...only to realize that it was not you, nor will it ever be
you. Oh my sweet Danny how I miss you and long to see you so desperately.
How can I do this without you?

Dan, the thing is...I love and adore you more than words could ever
explain. And forutnately/unfortunately I don't know my life apart from
you. I will never know my life apart from you. And so it just makes life
unbearable...because you aren't here. How does this happen? You came into
my heart and did something to it that I will never understand and now I
have to deal with the repercussions, for better or for worse, the
indescribable goodness that you planted in it. Being your little sister
and walking 2 steps behind you my 24 years of life I have learned things
that some people will never learn in their lifetime. The way in which you
lived your life...people envy becuase they think that a degree earns it,
or that money could buy it...but they are silly, aren't they? It was just
you being you. And what a indescribably beautiful thing that was.

D-man, You taught me to love without limits no matter the person, to look
people in the eye when you talk to them and sincerely want to know when
asking how there day went, to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, to
laugh at life...myself. Very few people can actually do this or would dare
to and I am realizing that more and more each day. I learned that money
only goes so far...to think outside the box in regards to politics, music,
religion, what is truly humorous and what is not...I learned to love and
love some more and then when all else fails...to keep on loving.

You are a joy to me beyond measure and I praise our God who is holding you
right now. You are my everything...when all else failed around me (us) in
this world...you were my stronghold.
I need you buddy. I can't do this without you...just be close to me and
remind me of your presence. Remind me of your goodness...
I promise to live your legacy...I promise to love my kids like you loved
me. I promise to listen and love no matter the circumstances.
Love you D...can't wait to be reunited again real soon.

all my love,
B-

Probably the greatest honor of my life will be holding the title of being
Dan Boatwright's younger sister. What an honor to be able to learn, grow
and become the person that I am under the greatest human being that I have
ever known. He did the things in life that sometimes we are so bad at.
Like speaking kind words and meaning it to everyone around him...even his
enemies(if he had any), smiling at strangers, having patience with
life...his heart, respecting others and humbling himself so that others
could be honored. Listening, I mean really listening to people when they
talk. Giving all that he had...whether it be hugs, money, kind words, a
listening ear, patience, jokes...he loved to give and give and keep on
giving. My brother defined love at its finest...simply put.

So here's my plea...
Please, anyone that reads this...please, oh please...carry on this
goodness. It is so simple and yet we are so bad at it sometimes in this
crazy world...but remember that you have the capabilities to do this. And
you can give and contribute to this world just like Dan Boatwright did and
it will be a better place because of it. And it is simple, little things
each day that make life better.
Two other plugs that I feel the need to say...Please, get your heart
checked with your cardiologist...often.
Please be an educated voter...know what is going on in the world and take
action. You make a difference!
If any one of you ever wants to talk and remember the goodness of Daniel
James Boatwright...I would be honored to hear from you.
BeckyBoatwright@BestBuddies.org
(541)231-5952
Love you all...