Pick a card

Watching the waves of green grass on the drive up was soothing. I don't think I've ever seen fields so deep green. I thought, what it must have looked like 100's of years ago with out the urban sprawl. The thought of why we were on our way to Dallas weighed heavy on me. I don't think it really hit me until I saw the hearse. As I stood next to my brother, waiting... then my cousins, waiting...the door open and it hit me.

We stood shoulder to shoulder, passing the long handle to my brother, the weight slowly dissolved. As we walked, everything outside my left hand disappeared. I could feel every grain in the wood, the bumps and imperfections of the floor resonated. My heart heavy seeing the pall spread by my Aunt and cousins, the grief in their eyes very familiar. I felt a calm, overcome me. As if a hand placed on my head saying everything will be okay. I have felt that very same feeling only once before.

As we sat in the church I last was in 30 some years ago I reflected...

My earliest memory was watching him and my Aunt Dollie, disco dancing at my grandmothers. I remember walking with my Grandma to visit him at the grocery store. Standing by the big table as he gave me my first "real" football with "Happy Birthday Ricky Love, Uncle Danny", written in marker. I felt so cool riding the lightning bolt skateboard, the one that my brother killed a tooth on. I think my introduction to fitness was in his apartment in Dallas. He had some weights in his room. He had a giant collection of hats he proudly displayed, in the garage. I don't think he was allowed to have them ALL in the house. I once heard him complain, about the time he went hunting with my Dad, he got the stand, no walls in sub freezing weather and sleet. I felt so bad when I poke him in BOTH eyes as we played The Three Stooges. Did he get angry? Nope. After that I realized that Moe poked Curly's brow NOT his eyes. He gave me a deck of cards, Magic cards. I still have them and know how to use them. He wouldn't have it any other way. I remember watching him during his ordination, his blessings. I still have the medallion he blessed especially for me dangling on my truck visor. I say a prayer and rub it every time I get behind the wheel. I was besides myself when he held my daughters, blessed them asked for their protection.

I will miss my Uncle Danny, he was very instrumental in shaping me into the man I am today. I thank God that he put him in my life to teach me patience and understanding. To empathize with the world around me. Can I touch as a many hearts as he did? Can I Let Go as he did?

He is a shining example of what we all should strive for.

Yes, I do truly believe, that was one. But in my heart he has always been a Saint.

In memory of Daniel Covarrubias my Uncle Danny.