rest in peace

many years ago, at least 20 {geez, i feel old saying that}, my family spent a lot of time hanging out with my grandma's sister and her family. they all lived here in dfw and being that we were new texas residents at that time, spending time with the extended family was comfortable and fun. so the kids that were around my age were my mom's cousin's kids... that'd make them my 2nd cousins, right?? anyway, since those days all those years ago, we haven't seen each other. the cousin's kids, that is. not once.

until last night.

we all met again last night for one of those events that everyone hates but also one of those events that will always bring the entire family together.

one of the cousin's kids passed away this past weekend.

danny grogan had just turned 25. such a tragedy and such a loss to an amazing family.

i remember him as a little boy... i was little myself (7 or 8 years old) and i think he was 3 years younger than me. so in the last 20 years, i don't know the man he grew up to be. but from what i've heard from his family and from what i can read on his facebook page, he was a great guy. he had a good heart and was loved by everyone that knew him. he was a great friend and was a good listener. he had an infectious smile and loved making others feel loved. he had also served in the navy and will have a military burial this friday.

my heart aches incredibly for his parents and his sisters and for the other family members and friends that loved him so much. having now learned what little i know of him, it makes me so sad that our extended family didn't make more of an effort to spend time together and to stay connected.

i would have loved to know the man that danny became.

rest in peace, danny. know that you are dearly loved by so many and that you are missed incredibly by all that had the pleasure of knowing you. we all look forward to the day of seeing you again.