My Cousin Danny

Last week was a crazy week, as I believe I already mentioned. My cousin Danny died. My cousin Danny: was/is a fantastic guy. I didn't really get to know him until I was an adult. He is 18 years older than I am (when your dad has 10 siblings, this kind of thing happens). But what I liked about Danny was that he acted like he was my age even though he was older than me. I think because 1. he is a young soul at heart and 2. he was good at being interested in what was going on in other people's lives.
I also remember how sweet he was after my mom died. I think he took us to a baseball game. He was good at being fun and making things seem normal, while also being sympathetic and comfortable talking about an awkward subject.

My favorite story about Danny happened while I was at BYU. He came out for a football game and invited me to go. So we went and then he took me to TGI Fridays afterwards. This is when I really got to know Danny. He showed me the ring he just bought to propose to his girlfriend. At 40 or so he said he was finally ready to settle down. I showed him around Glenwood, his old stomping grounds. I think he relived some good memories.

Another football game he was nice enough to give me an extra ticket. The game was the biggest game of the year. Between BYU and UofU. All the tickets were sold out and I didn't have one. Danny came to the rescue. We were supposed to meet up at the big Cougar by the stadium. Although the Melissa factor came into play, and I thought he meant the big inflatable cougar that was put up for the games in the parking lot across the street from the stadium. Although at this game the inflatable cougar was not put up for some reason. So I went and stood by the non existent inflatable cougar for 15 minutes or so. He never showed up, I wonder why! So I ran back to my apartment thinking maybe he dropped the ticket off there. I found what I thought was my ticket in my make up box and I triumphantly waved it around! And then my cousin/roommate laughed hysterically because I was waving around just a ticket stub.

Eventually I made my way to the stadium and there Danny was, standing by the cougar statue.
Back then cell phones weren't everywhere so now a day this story would never happen.
But I am glad it did, because it still makes me laugh.

Danny handled his illness with class and optimism. He made others feel comfortable even though he must have been very uncomfortable himself. His funeral did him justice and he was remembered for these qualities, and I know this is the same Danny that exists on the other side. I just hope for his sake that there is football there.