A Tribute to an Old Friend

A Tribute to an Old Friend

This story is about a good friend of mine, Danny, who lost his life to cancer in August of 2016. His passing left a void in my life, but in the time I knew him, he taught me a lot about life, and my life is better because of having known him.

Several years ago, he and I, along with a few other friends, went on a trip to Michigan. We wanted to visit the Cabela’s sporting goods store in Dundee. Because it was a long drive, we decided to leave on a Friday afternoon, spend the night in a hotel, and visit Cabela’s the next day.

After we hadchecked into the hotel, we decided to go find the pool. There wereseveral kids in the pool when we got there. Danny went to the table to take off his wig and prosthesis. He had lost his right leg to the disease several years earlier.When he got up and hopped over to the pool to get in, the kids that were in the pool took one look at him and ran screaming. They were so scared, they didn’t even take the time to towel off. We all thought that was the best joke, and we had the pool to ourselves the rest of the night. Even Danny thought it was funny as he always made jokes about his leg and hair, and he liked to surprise people who didn’t know.

I learned from him that no matter what happens in life, you can either choose to be happy or you can let it get you down. He battled cancer for over ten years, buthe always chose to be happy and live his life to the fullest.Even when he was going through the harsh treatment and didn’t feel well, he didn’t give up.

One of his dreams was to travel and go hunting, and he did.He went out West and to Canada on elk- and bear-hunting trips, trekking through the snow and climbing mountains with just one good leg. He travelled to the Smoky Mountains and various other places with his friends. He and I also occasionally went fishing together.

Another one of his dreams was to have his own wood-working shop and work from home, and before he died, he had made it happen.He had his own business, making cabinets and furniture. He worked hard at establishing it, and I have a few pieces of the furniture he made.

One day when he and I were out fishing, I asked him if he everfelt like justgiving up. He said there were many days he felt like it, but if he did, he wouldn’t be able to live his dreams. He reminded me that he didn’t have strength on his own. He gave me a verse from the Bible which helps me every time I think my life is caving in. “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary;they will walk and not faint.”Isaiah 40:29-31.

Even though I miss Danny very much, I cherish his memory, and I am grateful to have been a part of his life. I know he is in a better place, and I hope to see him again someday.