In memory of Danny...

As I silently cried for my cousin Danny, I looked up to see the many faces solemnly watching as his casket was slowly lowered to its grave. Their dark sunglasses covering their weeping eyes to hide the pain we were all feeling inside.

Numerous friends and relatives attended the funeral. Some I did not know and others were the old relatives and friends from the neighborhood. What was more surprising was seeing the kids of my day who now I did not recognize as they have all grown to become young men and women. It made me realize how much time has passed and how far removed I have been from my old neighborhood, my family and friends. After all those years, it was good to see the people I grew up with. Unfortunately, it was under those circumstances.

It was a big blow to the family. No one could believe what happened to my cousin Danny. We always hear it on the news…a child, a girl, a boy, an innocent bystander killed by a stray bullet, a shooting... a drive-by. These occurrences are happening every day but which never really affects us until it hits closer to home.

This is what happened to Danny. It was said he died a hero. He took a bullet trying to save his cousin. In doing so, he gave up his family and his life. He may not have been involved but when it’s around us (whether it’s from the people we know, or the neighborhood we live in) it is hard to escape from it.

I felt deep sympathy for Danny’s little girl as I watched her looking innocently about her, not really understanding what was happening at that very moment as everyone gathered around Danny’s grave saying their last goodbyes.

My heart went out to Danny’s wife as she silently cried for her husband, trying to keep strong for their little girl. But most of all, my heart ached for his parents and siblings. They appeared to be crying… crying dry tears from all the lamenting and grieving from the days before when they first received the tragic news. Their shoulders slumped forward as their appearance seem to be one of resignation… that they will never see their son (brother) again.

Danny was killed due to gang violence… a vicious cycle, a never ending story. It should be a wake up call for some, but it’s just another day in the ‘hood. Someone dies and life goes on. The sad part is that it’s always the innocent ones that are paying the price.

As I held a single rose in my hand, I said a little prayer for Danny. Everything appeared to be moving in slow motion. I brought the rose to my lips and gently gave it a kiss. I then released the rose from my hand and watched it fall as it landed on Danny's casket.

Goodbye Danny…

May God keep your soul and may you rest in peace…

In memory of D.H.
7/19/82 to 7/8/07