Tribute

Our family has been moved by sorrow with the passing of Uncle Dan. And this sorrow will be transformed into celebration of a beloved man, a special soul.

While I never formally met Uncle Dan, he was known to me by several email communications we shared and cards sent to Bodhi and Buddha and Amanda. Indeed, I really knew Uncle Dan through one of his principal legacies, Amanda.

Uncle Dan is actually Grandma’s Uncle, and so Amanda’s Great Uncle, and so Bodhi’s and Buddha’s Great, Great Uncle. And there has never been a doubt in my mind, or my own “knowing him,” of his true greatness. It was always clear that Uncle Dan is and always will be one of Amanda’s very few, true heroes---like her mom, like GiGi, like Papaw, like her Aunt Chris. Uncle Dan is also a treasured, special, special, special mentor to Amanda, a bigger than life gifted defense attorney, a champion of the underprivileged, an iconic figure representing the hope of good triumphing over evil, powered by knowledge, education, intellect, dogged determination, and an indomitable will I have come to know and especially associate with as being a Grills.

Uncle Dan, to Amanda, is what sociologist Glaser referred to as a real role model. Through Amanda’s eyes I have been shared a vision of Arizona as a near mythical place where Uncle Dan reigns supreme, where wild pigs have been given sanctuary by an inimitable litigator who will neither tolerate meddling neighbors nor troublesome interference of any sort or source, where Amanda has so indelibly been imprinted with both the encouragement and necessity of higher education, and most importantly credible assurances that of course she could do it—she could do or be anything she wanted—she was a Grills (a message reinforced by MooMoo, who closer to home helped engineer a young woman’s promise, a young woman’s destiny—a Grills woman).

Young Bodhi and Buddha, too, will come to know Uncle Dan. They must. They have Grills in them. And they need the strength, unique personality, intellect, compassion, and courage of Uncle Dan to fulfill their destiny. Upon the death of my father, it was recommended I read a book titled No Voice is Ever Wholly Lost by Louise Kaplan. I kept this book. And I want Amanda to read it, and MooMoo, and GiGi, and each of our family. I want Bodhi and Buddha, someday, to read this book. It is about grief, and loss, and comfort, and truth—and it is true, no voice is ever wholly lost. Her beloved Uncle Dan has always, essentially, spoken to me through my beloved Amanda. He ever will.

Vaya con Dios, Uncle Dan, travel in peace and love; smile upon those whom you have touched, and through the window of eternity please reach across time and space and gently touch our Bodhi and Buddha, your great, great niece and nephew, so that they forever will be assured of your presence, as you may be assured they will forever know you and your lasting voiceJ.

Last time Mommy was with Uncle Dan, 2001.
Aunt Ti and Mommy made the long journey to Tucson to visit Uncle Dan.    Mommy was contemplating attending the University of Arizona after Uncle Dan pulled some strings and had Mommy accepted (I had missed the admission date) since I was in Queens, NY with plans of attending John Jay. Uncle Dan lifted Mommy's spirits after having my dreams of living and attending school in NY crushed.   

Your Great Papaw Grills and Great Aunt Chris comforting their brother, Great Uncle Dan.

Sibling Love, sibling support.

Nate and Great Uncle Dan :)

When it seemed as though Mommy wouldn't be given the opportunity to say goodbye to Uncle Dan on the phone, Mommy had you two make a video, as did Mommy so that Aunt Chris could hold it up to his ear.  Mommy has gone back and forth if I should post these pictures and videos, but Daddy absolutely believes I should, for both the two of you and for Uncle Dan :)

Second part of video.  You two are so dang sweet!

Mommy's final goodbye 

Ronstadt Family Deathbed Tribute In Song