Daniel J. Paul

I remember on that cold January day the steady rain seemed as though the angels were weeping. That was the day that you returned to us, not stepping off the plane but in a flag-draped coffin accompanied by the Military Honor Guard. All of us stood in stunned disbelief and somewhat silent, shattered by deep heavy sobs accompanied with oceans of tears. The finality of this tragedy was yet to be absorbed, as all of us were numbed. As the days passed, it felt as though time stood still or seemingly moved at a snail’s pace. Our thoughts pondered at what could have been but will never be …

Gone are the walks and talks.

Gone are the special moments of celebration.

Gone is your opportunity to have children.

Gone are the times of playing basketball with family and friends. Gone are your smiles and laughter.

Gone are the quiet times where no conversation was needed.

Even though it’s been 14 years since you’ve been tragically taken from us, it seems as though it were yesterday. The empty void that Dustin left can never be replaced. We find solace in the thought that his ultimate sacrifice was protecting all of us and our way of life. He died a hero.

This year, 2026, is the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. As many will begin this new year with resolutions for weight loss, exercise, dieting, and other personal and professional goals, let’s change that paradigm. Why not have a primary goal to be kinder to others, such as volunteering to aid nonprofits and schools, helping the poor, or assisting veterans and neighbors in need of help? All of these suggestions (and others, too) will enrich the lives of our community and in turn, will continue to improve our way of life. This will be a tribute to all in our armed forces that have given the ultimate sacrifice, have served, and are currently serving.

On a cold day in January …

(Dedicated to Pfc. Dustin Paul Napier, killed in Qalat, Afghanistan, Jan. 8, 2012)

May God bless all of you, especially everyone who has served in our country’s armed forces. May all of you have a blessed New Year!

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Daniel J. Paul is a retired school administrator. His columns focus on education, old-fashioned family values, relationships and other topics. Contact him at meaningfuldifferences@gmail.com.