Dan of course was the "biggest" of my brothers, although not the oldest. When i saw him the friday before Christmas I remember him saying "307 pounds of man, the biggest Hodgson.... I'm not sayin, I'm just sayin". Dan always had to one-up us in some way. Dan was a kid person- thats why God placed him in the Hodgson family. He always reminded me that HE changed my diapers, and called himslef the "baby whisperer", able to put me to sleep at his command. I know a lot of pictures of me growing up Dan was in them- even then with one of us in his arms. As we got older Dan told me of his theory that God put him on earth to "perpetuate the species"- this became quite evident as he had always had to have a little one to "give him some lovins". I will always remember how much Dan supported, encouraged, and believed in me growing up. He was the number one storyteller of Dad- keeping him real to us. He was at every big event in my life, and when he arrived he would have at least 2 cell phones, a digital camera, video camera and a munchkin in the other arm, and loudly and boldly state "Don't worry, Im here now...and iv'e brought my troops." It was as if we were to have a sigh of relief, that the party officially could go on- the main event had arrived. He would then proceed with his next quest "where is the food?!?" I know I certainly could go on for hours about how wonderful and genuine he was. Iv'e never seen anyone more passionate about their job. Dan lived and breathed CentiMark. Every five years he would gladly sport his new "bling" in his ring and say "Stephanie- even tho you are a girl- If nursing doesn't work out- I've got a job for you." Dan thought everyone should work for him, of course. Most of all I will always remember how devoted he was to his family. No matter how early he had to wake up, or how many miles away- Dan would go anywhere and be back at home with his family that night. To say he loved his kids would be all too modest for Dan, he was soo proud of them. Although it doesn't seem real that he is gone, I keep reminding myself. But what encourages me the most is to know that Dan got the best Christmas gift of all. He is in heaven, hanging out with his two brothers and our Dad- telling stories, catching up and sharing that Dan humor with God. Dan may not be here as he was, but Dan made sure there was plenty of him here for a long time. In his 7 kids- soon to be 8- we can still find his hugs, blue eyes, smiles and energy. In his 6 siblings his humor, and in his Mindy, Mom, family and friends we will always here his stories. Either with his well known Dan humor, or as sugar coated as needed. What a gift Dan has left for us- in each of us.
Untitled- Read by Crissy & Aunt Diana
"I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine." He said, "For you to love the while he lives And mourn for, when he is dead."
It may be 36 or 37 years, or 2 months or 3 But will you, 'Till I call him back, Care for him for me? He'll bring charms to gladden And should his stay be brief, You'll have his precious memories As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, Since all from earth return, But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I have looked this wide world over, In my search for teachers true, And from the things that crowd life's lands, I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, Not think the labor vain, Nor hate me, when I come to call To take him back again?
I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done. For all the joy Thy child shall bring The risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness, We'll love him while we may, And for the happiness we've known For ever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him Much sooner the we've planned, We'll brave the little grief that comes And try to understand.
"Christmas in Heaven"
Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees, Around the world below, With tiny lights, like heaven's stars, Reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, Please wipe away that tear, For I am spending Christmas, With Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs, That people hold so dear, But the sound of the music can't compare, With the Christmas choir up here.
For I have no words to tell you, The joy their voices bring, For it is beyond description, To hear an angel sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart, But I am not so far away, We are really not apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear, And be glad I'm spending Christmas, With Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift, From my heavenly home above, I send you each a memory, Of my undying love...
For after all "Love is the gift, More precious than pure gold", It was always important, In the stories Jesus told.
So please love and help each other, As my father said to do, For I cannot count the blessings, Or the love He has for you.
So have a Merry Christmas, And wipe away that tear, For I am spending Christmas, With Jesus Christ this year.
I can't tell you of the splendor, Or the peace, here in this place, Can you just imagine Christmas, With our Savior, face to face?
I'll ask Him to lift your spirit, As I tell Him of your love, So then pray one for another, As you lift your eyes above.
So please let your hearts be joyful, And let your spirits sing, For I'm spending Christmas in Heaven, And I'm walking with the King!
