It was October 21, 2001 and I was getting ready to leave for church when the phone rang. It was my mother,"Hey, hun, just thought I'd let you know that you might want to go by and see Danny today, he's not doing well at all." I told her I would go by after church. As I hung up, I wondered if this was another down time from which our precious Danny would once again rise to live another day, week, month or even a year. The last news had been bleak, but he kept defying the odds. Surely he would beat this thing! He had to! He was just too good to die and besides that we needed him. We needed his wonderful sweet and kind nature. He was the one who always knew what to do, the one who helped everyone else through difficult times, the one everyone depended upon. He was my wonderful "big brother" who had been part of my life for over 30 years.

As we came into my sister's home later that mornng, I knew this was different than the many times I had come by to see my brother-in-law during his three year battle with cancer. He was struggling to breathe and was mumbling unintelligible words.
I stood by his bed and held his hand. I bent down and kissed his cheek. I said "I love you Danny, you're the best brother anyone could ever ask for." He uttered the only words that anyone understood that day...he looked at me and said, "Bless your heart" and he squeezed my hand.
There were other people who wanted to see him, so I had to leave. My sister and I embraced and cried. She told me that we had to let go because he was suffering and he was ready.
I went home and took my favorite old guilt out in the backyard, spread it out and lay back. It was a beautiful fall day, a gentle breeze was stirring the leaves, the air was a little cool, but still had the last warmth of summer. The sky was perfect blue and spots of sunlight danced across my face. I could barely hear my family talking as they sat in another area of the yard, it sounded so distant. I felt as if I was in a sea, tossing around. A sea of grief. I just let the tears flow and silently prayed. I asked God why he was taking Danny away. There was no answer, but after a long while, I felt a deep sense of assurance. The shadows were lengthening and the others had gone in some time ago, so I got up, folded my quilt and went in the house.

The next morning, there was no news, so I prepared for work and began my 50 minute commute. As I was driving along, I suddenly felt that Danny was sitting beside me. He said to me, "Ramona, Good bye now, I'll be seeing you." Then he was gone. I didn't actually see or hear him, it was just a feeling. About 3-4 minutes later, my cell phone rang. It was my mother, Danny had just passed away a few minutes ago she told me.

His funeral was a celebration of his life and his faith. I can't believe he's been gone for 5 years. I still miss him, but have faith that he's somewhere taking care of things.

Danny Carter - October 25, 1946 - October 22, 2001

Aw. You two seem to have (had) a wonderful bond. Wherever you go and whatever you do, keep celebrating his life and faith, and what he meant to you.

The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond
our sight, but they are always looking down upon us."
-Jean Paul Richter

Ramona dear, I don’t know when I’ve read such a touching story.

Until we experience the anguish of their going
we will only then know our loss.

Jack

S Girl,

This is a very fine and touching account of the bonds that exist between people.
Your description is emotional but in sound contact with reality; sensitive without being sentimental.

You know, I think you do have a genuine talent for telling stories!
I wish you would do it some more ...

Jane

Ramona, I have been remiss in not responding more quickly.

This story is very heartfelt with emotions that are most difficult to express but you did so most warmly, and grandly. I agree with Jane -- you have a lot of talent no matter what the format. This is a very sad story but full of hope and understanding.

The most difficult pain he had to endure was knowing that he left behind those that loved him so.

Ken

Dear WD Friends,
Thanks so much for reading my story and responding. I believe that life paths cross for a purpose and I feel very blessed that my path has crossed all of yours.

Danny was diagnosed in 1998 with late stage melanoma and was orignally given a 50% chance of living 3-6 months. We were allowed to keep him with us for 3 years, almost to the day. While in the midst of a crisis such as that, it is extremely difficult to find anything positive about it. However, looking back, I can see purpose in many of the circumstances. One life lesson I have kept with me from the experience was shared with me by my pastor. He said to remember that we are all "terminal" as far as our time here on earth. What we do with that time will determine how we will live in eternity and how our memory will live on after we are gone. Danny was an inspiration to many and is still with us in many fond memories.


As Danny would want me to do, I always urge folks to be alert to any changes in moles or birthmarks and be sure to get anything suspicious checked by a doctor. Melanoma is very treatable and survivable in early stages.