07/26/2026
Some words from Dan. Long, but worth the read.
Hello,
This is an open letter not to a group, but instead a very personal letter to everyone who reads it.
If, as you read this, you think it odd that you've never seen anything like this from me before, you're right. I've always preferred to keep my thoughts close to myself, but I've been given a task that I didn't ask for nor did I want at this terrible time, but yet obliged to do. Make no mistake, although this letter comes from me, it's content comes from a greater source and was given to me to share with you.
I and my family are just very common ordinary people doing ordinary work, and trying to live ordinary lives.
Our family, not unlike many others, has experienced many unwanted changes in recent years with the loss of our loved ones. Recently I was given a new love and hope of happiness only to have it taken away as quickly as it came. And once again our hearts were broken. Just when you think your heart can't take any more, our dear Mark was called home and the pain seems unbearable. Almost immediately after his passing all of us here started receiving non stop messages, calls and visits from you giving us your kindness, compassion, love and sharing many stories of your own losses.
I and my family have never seen this kind of outpouring of genuine caring and love before. It is more than overwhelming and more than our hearts can hold. You believers will understand my words and for the skeptics, I encourage you to talk to any one of my family members.
In recent years I've become increasingly disappointed in the direction of our society and the lack of morals in our people. In the era that I was raised we were taught values that aren't followed so much these days. Those were my thoughts and just as the Lord does, he has taken this time of our unending grief to prove to me that I am wrong. God didn't take our loved ones and break our hearts to prove his point. He's simply using this event to expand his flock, showing all of us the greatness of His Love and our love for one another. I don't know and may never know why he chose this family, this time and this event to spread his love, but I do know what I and my family have seen.
Like most people, I've always wanted my family to grow and thrive, only to watch it shrink and not being able to stop it. Although I and my family's hearts are once again crushed from our most recent loss, once again he has shown me that I was wrong in my thinking. Our family hasn't shrunk, it has grown tremendously. In spite of myself, I am richly blessed.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Dan Griffey and Family