I found out last Monday that my friend, Daniel E., whom I'd known for over a year, had passed away while in the hospital. When I went to his visitation, I teared up, but it wasn't until his funeral on Thursday that it really hit me that he was gone forever. I cried and cried that day. Daniel taught me to laugh more and appreciate the little things in life, such as just being happy to get a soda from Speedway. Daniel always knew gas prices, and he would ask "Is that a good or bad price?". Yes, he drove half the staff crazy, but he was also funny, happy, and loved to joke around. The one thing I'll miss most about Dan is him giving me a big hug whenever I've come back from a long vacation. If I wasn't at work, Daniel would always ask where I was every day, and when I was coming back. And now...all I can say is "Why Daniel? Why him?" It feels like a huge part of CWO has been destroyed with his death. Daniel was a huge part of CWO. You couldn't walk in the door without hearing or seeing him.

I'm so sorry to hear of your friend passing. He truly sounds wonderful. I have had quite a few loved ones pass away and all I can say to you is nothing helps like remembering them fondly. I do believe that those who pass away still smile with us...from wherever that may be. He may not be here to spread his joy and his hugs but he can continue to spread that joy through you and the positive impact he left on your life. When something that reminds you of Daniel makes you smile, know that he is smiling too.