My husband Andy is the oldest of three brothers. I first met Daniel (youngest brother) my freshman year of college in 2006. Back then he was a punk skateboarder who wore skinny jeans. He was extremely tall for 13 and apparently coming out of a short chubby stage. I saw other pictures around the Shortt home in Richmond and couldn't believe pictures from just 6 months ago could be the same child before me.
Daniel immediately welcomed me into the family, even when others were a little hesistant at the new stranger in their home. Even at such a young age he had this amazing gift as a storyteller and comic. I always looked forward to visiting Andy's family because I knew time with Daniel was guaranteed to be entertaining.
The family's move to Charlotte allowed Daniel to make a huge impact on the Union Co. community in only three years. During his time here, he was involved with band, ice hockey, volunteer fire department, soccer, football, sheriff's explorers, church youth band, and Young Life. Daniel also spent most of his free time helping people with construction or any other sort of task that needed an extra hand. He grew up from the gangly skateboarder to a true Southern boy with a suped-up white pickup and Carharts. Daniel had a servant's heart and always accepted everyone for who they were.
Daniel passed away on April 3, 2010, just four days shy of his 17th birthday. My mother-in-law Kathy wants us to continue to celebrate his birthday each year in his remembrance. This year we (Mike, Kathy, Matt, Andy, and I) bought a balloon to release at his gravesite and each signed it. Ten minutes after we released it and were driving down the road, there was a tiny rainbow poking through a small cloud in the sky. It hadn't rained that day and it was a very small rainbow - the kind you only notice if you were really looking. I believe Daniel wanted us to know he was safe in God's arms and had received his birthday balloon.
I am so blessed to call the Shortt family my own. Never in a million years would I have thought something so tragic would touch this wonderful family. Daniel lived everyday as if it were his last and I'm sure he left his temporary home with no regrets.
At this point, I wake up each day and pray for God's strength and mercy as He watches over us in this time of mourning. I will remember Daniel for the brave, fun-loving, and kind-hearted guy that he was and honor him by taking things a little less seriously to have some fun.
Below are some pictures of Daniel with the family:
Daniel, though our time with you was too short, it was an honor to have known you. You will be in our hearts and minds forever. I can't wait to hear your stories again when I join you in heaven. We love you always.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
