Danny V

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” Philemon 1:7 NIV

God has blessed my life and I know it. I remember an old hymn from when I was a kid called “Count your blessings”. It told us to “Count your blessings name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” If I am going to name my blessings, one wears the name Danny V. He is my brother-in-law, married to my youngest sister. When someone marries your sister, you gain a brother-in-law. He has been a lot more than that. He is my spiritual brother in the deepest sense of the word. There is not one thing he would not do for me.

Oddly, I remember the first time I met him. He was picking up my sister for a date. He drove a very cool all black Chevy Blazer. He also had long black hair. Unfortunately, the Blazer and the hair are long gone.

When he first entered the picture, my dad was less than welcoming. My dad was not perfect, and I have never expected him to be. But knowing now what it is like to have a young man fall in love with your daughter, my dad and my sister hit the jackpot when Danny knocked on that door. He just did not know it at first.

My sister hits the ground running if you know what I mean. She is smart and kind of a handful to be honest. She has always had a strong will and that actually helped me. She pulled my parents kicking and screaming into the 20th century. By the time I got a little older they had worn down a bit. I had more freedom than any of my siblings who all say I was spoiled, and I was, but she cut a path for me.

Danny is more soft spoken. You will not notice him in a crowd, unless you pay attention to the one taking care of everyone. That would be him. I learned early on that if went to their house he had food and drinks prepared and he makes sure everyone has some of both. I have also learned that if he comes to my house, he will probably bring food and drinks and will serve me in my own house. It is his love language. The man can cook. He makes the best fish I have ever eaten and when he makes taco’s it is an event you do not want to miss. I remember him trying to teach my sister how to make perfect rice. Among the directions is the phrase “Don’t take the lid off!” If you do, the rice does not cook the same. Like clockwork, he still has to stand guard so she won’t open the lid to peak.

I asked my wife and daughter to tell me the thing they most think of about him. Aly said, “the way he takes care of his family.” She has looked up to him since she was born. My wife got emotional at the question. She described a time when her siblings were all in Kansas City. They ended up having dinner with my sister and Danny. It has been a while since that happened but she vividly remembers how well loved they all felt. He takes care of people. She used two words that hit home for me “authentic” and “Godly”. He is most definitely both.

Danny and Sally have three daughters and they all have high motors. All three were driven like few people you will ever meet. A lot of that was Sally, but Danny also accomplished something beautiful. My wife called him “the perfect girl dad”. What a cool thing to be. I remember once when he had rotator cuff surgery. He knew he would not be able to write very well, so he made the time to write cards for his girls prior to having surgery so he would be ready for birthdays and holidays. I also remember him forgetting to take the pink jewelry they made him wear off when he left the house.

I love that when he gets mad he walks around sort of talking to himself out loud. At the wedding of one of their daughters my sister could not find her car keys. He was busy dancing, which he does without moving his feet, by the way. Once the search got a little frustrating I remember him saying “We might as well trade it in if we don’t have the keys.” My sister skipped right past supportive and said something to the effect of “Really Danny? How would we do that if we don’t have the keys?” Did I mention that my sister does not cut much slack? Once he figured out that he had lost their cooler he stopped talking to himself and started trying to warm back up to her. Their interactions are beautiful to watch because they are perfect for each other. Not similar, but perfect.

He has been on my mind for a while so I just wanted to let him know how I feel. I am thankful for him. There is not one thing I would not do for him.

Do the people you love know it?

Life is short, if you have to wonder if they know, tell them.

Challenge: Counting your blessings but letting that lead you to thank the One who gave you the blessings.

Rick Claiborn