I expect that many folks who read this particular blog will read this knowing Danny. They will undoubtedly be one of his literally countless friends who like myself, consider themselves unique. That Danny was somehow “their” friend. See, Danny is like that. He has an ability to which we all aspire: ‘Understand the conversation going on in someone’s head and become part of it.’ Danny goes a step further. He becomes part of the conversation… and cares. How I would truly love to have more of that character.

At our age, Danny and I probably remember remembering our first meeting more than we actually remember meeting. I know at one point we remembered playing with blocks together in nursery at Florida Street Baptist Church. What I remember now is that even then… Danny was my friend.

It was later of course when the real tests of friendship showed up. It was Danny who sat with me 6-8 hours a day and taught me guitar. He wasn’t interested in playing guitar. He was interested in ME playing guitar. Day after day he showed up with records (for the younger folks, think big CDs). Led Zep, The Beatles, Mother’s Finest, Steppenwolf, Grand Funk Railroad, Kiss… Danny wanted to hear me play them and he would pick up the needle on those 12″ records and drop them for hours until I learned where to put my fingers. It was an unbelievable test of faith for Danny. But it paid off. For me.

Little by little, I learned those records, got gigs, got a guitar scholarship and have consequently provided for a family from that dedication from Danny. I have never said thanks enough.

Years later, Danny was the one who sat directly beside my deafeningly loud Mesa Boogie guitar cabinet for about an hour, holding my guitar cord into the pedal board to keep it from shorting out. Yep… Danny knew what friendship is made of. That conversation in my head was going ‘you’re gonna blow it… good gig tonight but your guitar cord shorted out’. Danny chimed into my head conversation, “I got this.”

Due to a series of events, different colleges, lifestyles, etc., I lost touch with Danny for a few years. I was living in LA, struggling to get a foothold in the music business when I got the call that my grandmother died. The next call came from Danny. Years of silence was covered in seconds and Danny said, I’ve made arrangements at the airport for you to come home to North Carolina. Danny had heard the conversation in my head then: “I won’t be able to make it back”. He answered in his usual tone… “I got this.”

I could go on and on but here is what you should know: Danny became a part of the team that created the heads-up displays for fighter jets. Being one of the smartest people I’ve had the pleasure to know, (he never worked for an “A” in school!), he could do whatever would pay the most. What he did however, was exchange all of his plans, for God’s plan. He, his incredible wife, April, and their amazing two young girls, exchanged it all to become missionaries in Angola.

I could go on and on but in the interest of time, I want to let you know that, a few weeks ago, I became aware that Danny had been diagnosed with oral cancer. I would like to ask you to pray for him. Some may feel led to donate to their mission. If so, kindly shoot me an email and I will give you the information to do so. You can follow his progress here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/971630599558727/

Right now, I would like to say “Happy Birthday to you today, Danny.” Thank you for 50 years of friendship. You have touched an untold number of folks, and you are the picture of friendship. I hope with all my heart, to be that for you. I love you and God bless you.