To my dear nephew Dan

I am blessed that I made the decision to move here a year ago, when Dan was with Chris here in Corvallis.  I have been able to spend so much time with Dan so recently in his life.

As we have shared so many stories about Dan during this last week, especially about his amazing ability to interact with so many people in all aspects of life, I can picture him out there, being the good host, the charming public relations person.  So often when we meet that type of person, the words that come to mind are "slick" and "rehearsed" and more often than not, "eeuhh".  Those words never came to mind with Dan.  Dan loved talking to strangers and they surely knew that.  He was true and genuine with everyone he knew and met.

In my difficulty in comprhending that this being, this physical presence, this sweet boy I could wrap my arms all the around is gone, I am not comforted by the thought that "he will live on in our memories".  I need more than that.  I will have the image of our son, nephew, grandson, cousin, friend and stranger greeting us and saying, "Hello, I am Daniel James Boatwright.  I am happy to know you.  Oh, and here, please have this part of me."

So we all have this part, this package, this gift we hold and cherish.  And when we are together and opening and sharing our gift, the words we will hear most will be, "You think that's funny!  Look at mine!"

 

I love you Dan.  Aunt Adrienne

P.S.  Where's Bobby?