There are few people in the world of whom you might say, “No, God. Take me, instead.” Dan Whitfield was one of those such people. And despite that, last week, God took him instead of me. I suspect this less to do with Dan “fulfilling his purpose” on Earth, and more to do with the fact that looking at this planet right now, God needed some cheering up.
Your friend sounds like a lovely person. You have written literally THE best obituary/ tribute I have ever read. I think you should take him up on his suggestion of FL. I believe getting out of the putrid swamp will lift your spirits too.
Raheem - your command of the English language is, indeed, extraordinary. Even as deeply saddening as your words convey of the unfathomable loss you and Daniel’s family are enduring - it’s an honour to have been given the opportunity to read and a mull over such a beautifully crafted piece.
Thank you Raheem for that very special look at what made Daniel such an amazing person. It made me want to have known him too! I will look forward to perhaps having a chance to meet him on the other side as well. May God be with you and his family and friends. All will be well. 🙏🏻
It is great fortune to have such a friend. Now, at least you have friends on the other side. I have one such friend (still with us). He is older than me and I aint' young. His wife said when we all met for dinner. We all work to do the best we can while we're here, then we go home.
The one public figure I would have ever said “No, God. Take me, instead.” was Rush Limbaugh. But his work here was done, and I think God wanted to save him from what was coming. Perhaps your friend, Dan, and Rush are sharing Smirnoff Iced and cigars with God.
A young man filled with a lifetime of wisdom, I would say. "I want what you want" I've been married nearly 32 years and have never used or heard this spoken to me. I think I'll start. So sorry for this tragic loss, Raheem. I'm certain Dan is keeping the microwave light on for you.
Raheem, indeed, you are enriched to have had such a remarkable friend. If I have read your character correctly, and I believe I have, I am certain that you reciprocated with similar love and friendship for him. Please accept my condolence for his untimely death, and may blessings remain for his family and for you in Dan's absence.
Your friend sounds like a lovely person. You have written literally THE best obituary/ tribute I have ever read. I think you should take him up on his suggestion of FL. I believe getting out of the putrid swamp will lift your spirits too.
One could argue moving from DC to FL is like trading one swamp for another, lol!
But, but... the Everglades is a beautiful, natural swamp with predators that eat solely for survival...not in service to political vendettas.
Beyond the ‘glades, Florida is MAGA Country!
So sorry for the loss of your friend Raheem. May he Rest In Peace. May you find solace.
Raheem - your command of the English language is, indeed, extraordinary. Even as deeply saddening as your words convey of the unfathomable loss you and Daniel’s family are enduring - it’s an honour to have been given the opportunity to read and a mull over such a beautifully crafted piece.
Thank you.
We should all live to have such a beautiful tribute written at our lives end. Blessing to you and all those who are grieving such a loss as this.
Thank you Raheem for that very special look at what made Daniel such an amazing person. It made me want to have known him too! I will look forward to perhaps having a chance to meet him on the other side as well. May God be with you and his family and friends. All will be well. 🙏🏻
Beautiful tribute Raheem. Sincere condolences for the loss of your dear friend. May God bless and comfort Nena and the girls. Godspeed Dan.
I am saddened by the loss of your close friend and colleague. The world needs more Dan’s and Raheems.
What is better in this life than a friend?
It is great fortune to have such a friend. Now, at least you have friends on the other side. I have one such friend (still with us). He is older than me and I aint' young. His wife said when we all met for dinner. We all work to do the best we can while we're here, then we go home.
The one public figure I would have ever said “No, God. Take me, instead.” was Rush Limbaugh. But his work here was done, and I think God wanted to save him from what was coming. Perhaps your friend, Dan, and Rush are sharing Smirnoff Iced and cigars with God.
What a fabulous pair of Friends you have been .The world needs more people like the two of you.
God Bless You Both.
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your wonderful friend, Raheem. May God comfort you and all of Daniel's grieving loved ones.
I am so sorry for the loss of such a fine friend. Yes you need to move to Florida with the rest of us. Take care.
Raheem, thanks for sharing and the world is a lesser place today without him. requiescat in pace, brother.
A young man filled with a lifetime of wisdom, I would say. "I want what you want" I've been married nearly 32 years and have never used or heard this spoken to me. I think I'll start. So sorry for this tragic loss, Raheem. I'm certain Dan is keeping the microwave light on for you.
So sorry to hear that. Wonderful man.
Raheem, indeed, you are enriched to have had such a remarkable friend. If I have read your character correctly, and I believe I have, I am certain that you reciprocated with similar love and friendship for him. Please accept my condolence for his untimely death, and may blessings remain for his family and for you in Dan's absence.