Remembering Dave

I am still really missing this guy:

 

I will never stop missing him, I know that.  The grief is gone for the most part, but life here without Dave Jordan isn’t the same.

 

• I miss the cohesiveness Dave brought to our “group”.  Dave connected people like no one else could.  He could relate to every personality in a group of very different people, and make it possible for everyone to appreciate and enjoy each other’s company.  All at once he could crack jokes with Howard and make everyone laugh, be goofy with Tony and make it contagious, and strike up an interesting conversation with my dad and involve everyone.  Dave was THE connecting point.
• I miss what he meant to my brother.  He was a true friend who took an active, personal interest in my brother’s life when he really needed it.  People came and went, used and rejected, but Dave was always there to talk and encourage.  I am eternally grateful Matt had Dave; I just wish he still did.
• I miss Dave’s stories.  He was a great storyteller!  He often made me laugh ‘til by belly hurt.  I can think of several stories right now, and I just have to smile.  Oh, man, if only he were here to tell them again- no one else can do them justice! 
• I just miss the simple things like seeing him at church every Sunday (in the very back!) and hearing him say, “Hey, Jessica. How are you doing?”  I miss how he sat on the window ledge waiting for Les, and how he played pool with the boys.  I miss the nicknames he gave everyone!  I miss how he would always take a break from interacting with the “adults” to catch up on the lives of the “younger” people of the group.  I miss how he loved everyone so much, but it wasn’t cheesy- it was real.  Everyone felt personally and especially loved by Dave. 

 

Dear Dave,

What’s heaven like on Christmas?
I’d really like to know.
Can you ice skate on the Crystal Sea?
Can you hear sleigh bells in the snow?

Are there Christmas lights and caroling?
Do the choirs of angels really sing?
Can you help yourself when the bells all ring,
But shout Hallelujah to the King?

Do you bundle up for the cold,
And get cozy by a fire?
Or does every day feel the same-
No need for winter attire...

Are there festivities and Christmas trees,
Is there music and dancing in the streets?
Do you celebrate the day that Jesus was born
And the barrier between God and man was torn?

Or is Christmas more like a birthday bash,
With balloons and a birthday feast?
Does Jesus give people gifts
Just like he washed the disciples’ feet?

Can you look down on Les, Mer and Tay
And wish them a Merry Christmas day?
Can you listen when they begin to pray,
And assure them that you’re not far away?

If there is Christmas time in heaven
I’m sure it’s a glorious sight.
I know that nothing here could ever compare
To celebrating Christmas with Jesus Christ.

 
Merry Christmas Dave Jordan!
-Third Christmas in heaven