My posts have been Dan-centric for the last few days, and for a good reason, High School Graduation is a big deal. I am sure if I look back two years, Anna got a good share, so here we are, celebrating the fourth out of the core four of us, to go through the Medway School system. Every kid has a story, Dan’s Middle School was like many, “just survive”… that was the mantra for most of it. Get through it, not the healthiest way to live for four years but it worked. Then in High School, it was “let’s stay under the radar for a bit.” We actually talked about it as a family, blend in for a bit, no need for attention, then December 5th, 2015 came. It was a Friday, I had the day off, I was going to be spending it with the cast of the movie Christmas Story, driving them around for my TV show (you read that right you can read about it here). Dan was getting ready for school, and he knocks on our bedroom door, says he will be staying at school no need to pick him up. He will be helping set up for the school coffee house, and he will be doing a song – then left. This was not under the radar, this was the first we had heard of it, turns out that would be the end of blending in. Dan found his space and lived in it for four years, and I could not be more proud of him. He is the best of us. Period. One of the most genuine, honest people you could ever meet. He is who he is and always has been, no matter the cost and the rewards will be great for it. I wish I had that strength. I added a video below, it is related to the coffee house story, he explains it better, I was not there that night (Christmas Story), but I have watched the video many times. At the 2 minutes 45-second mark, I can see it in his face, that is the moment it all clicked, music, stage, performing, he has never been under the radar since. Congratulations Dan, just know I want to be you when I grow up until then I will enjoy watching your show. Love Dad.
tr/trp
Congratulations Dan! You are indeed an awesome young man. The years and miles have made us practically strangers, but you are my grand nephew and I am very proud of you and of Anna. I am anxious to see where your talent takes you! Always be yourself! You will go far. Congratulation Barbie and Tim for raising two amazing offspring! Love you all!!!
Incredible Talent, Congrats Dan! Thank you for sharing Tim, you and Barbie have some amazing adults.
I have had the honor of hearing of Dan’s story through the years from Tim. Dan, you should know your father bursts inside with pride whenever he speaks of you or Anna. Besides his love for photography and your Mom…sometimes those interchange I think 🙂 the lives of his children and all they have, are and will do are the greatest sources of joy in his life. I myself remember that “watershed” moment when Tim had posted a video of one of Dan’s performances at one of the High School shows and I said “WOW this kid has IT” Keep dreaming Dan and let your imagination and drive take you to the great places you will go. You are an amazing young man with a family support system like no other. Congratulations young sir!
Just watched the video and I’m crying like a baby. Dan is an amazing young man and watching him come into his own has been a privilege. You should be incredibly proud-he is a role model for every kid and I can’t wait to see what the future brings for him! Congratulations.