In stone

I recently received an email from our friend, Belen, to inform us that her family has dedicated a memorial brick in Daniel's name in a very special place. The brick will be placed in Madison's Walkway in Keller, TX, where her family moved last year.

This loving gesture meant so much to us. Especially given our history with her family.  You see, Belen's parents, Olimpia and Luis, have lived across the street from us since we moved into the neighborhood in 1998. They watched Jimmy and me live happily, sans children, for plenty of years, and they completely rejoiced at the news that we were starting a family. They fell in love with our little Madi as soon as she arrived home, and they celebrated with us as she blossomed. Papa Luis was always intrigued and impressed by Madi's industrious ways, as he watched our little toddler haul heavy palm fronds to the garbage heap on Thursday afternoons. He truly adored her and admired her tenacity for a little tyke.

And then we made the decision to add to our family. Nana Olimpia and Papa Luis also fell in love with Daniel instantly, and recognized something special within him. Papa Luis saw him as a fighter, given his serious medical condition, which always accompanied by a positive attitude. Papa would light up whenever he saw Daniel charge across the street for a visit with a big smile on his face.

During that time, Papa Luis was diagnosed with cancer, and we slowly watched his physical condition decline over the months to come. It was clear he was in pain much of the time, but his demeanor never failed to brighten in the presence of the children.

When Daniel died, I remember calling across the street to deliver the sad news to Olimpia and Luis that morning. I don't know what I expected, but what I heard over the line, I will never forget. I heard a grown man cry out gutterally in sadness and rage, and he threw the handset to the ground. He couldn't speak to me. His dear wife, Olimpia, picked up the phone and I told her about Daniel, too. They were both devastated.

I also remember coming out of the house, that same day, at the very same time that Belen (their daughter) pulled up to their house. She got out of the car with a perplexed expression, as she noticed the string of cars in our driveway. And when I told her of Daniel's passing, she crumbled.  Crumbled.

There's something about a person's reactions that makes you truly realize the beauty and grace that humanity holds sometimes. Their reactions were ones of pure love. And though our hearts were broken, we were lifted up by their shared sorrow of losing Daniel.

As Papa Luis was admitted in and out of the hospital for treatments, and eventually moved into hospice care, we always made time to visit him. Nana and Papa rejoiced with us, once again, when we decided to go back to China to adopt another child. And when we were matched with Charlie, Madi and I took his referral picture to hospice, and told Papa Luis all about our son who was waiting for us. He was so happy for our family.

Papa Luis passed away on July 4th, 2011, but not before we were home with Charlie, and I was able to take Charlie over to hospice to meet him. I knew in my heart that it meant a lot to Papa Luis, and it meant a lot to us, too. For he was a very special man. One with a great, big open heart. We are blessed to have Nana Olimpia still across the street from us, and we think of Papa Luis often.

So, thank you, Belen, and your wonderful family, for such a beautiful gift to remember our Daniel. We appreciate it more than you'll ever know.

We believe that--up in Heaven--Papa Luis is being a loving Grandpa to Daniel right now. That thought gives us comfort.