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.
Thank you for this 🙂
We have only recently become friends with Danny and April, as in a year or so ago. They were with us when Danny was diagnosed. Therefore, it is such blessing to get an insight into Danny’s past, to hear from someone who knows him so well. God has allowed this window into his life. Love that family dearly.
Much appreciated.
Thanks for your comment Georine. I am glad to know of your relationship with the Hall family. I have no doubt they will bless you as they have so many.
God bless you!
I read this and tears flood my face but this time it is not because of the disease Danny has been diagnosed with. It is because of the love I read in your words. It is rare for people to know this kind of friendship at such a young age and hold on to it for so long. It’s the kind of selfless, giving relationship that God wants us to have with our fellow man.
I can honestly say you have summed this man up perfectly yet described yourself in the process.
My memories of both of you go back as far as I can remember, which makes me one of the blessed ones as well. I think back as how much of a mentor Chris Chaffin was to Danny, to so many of us for that matter, and at the many lives he touched and people he changed just by his demonstrating what being a man of God is like. Danny is just one of the many seedlings of Chris’ tree and I can only imagine how many Danny has planted over the years.
I have admired Danny and April’s sacrifice of all their worldly possessions to go out and do as God commanded us to do, and I know that if our prayers work according to our selfish wishes, he will be healed because I can’t imagine anyone who is being lifted in prayer more than he is right now. Many people will be touched and strengthened by his faith and trust in his Father while he takes this journey that has been laid before him.
Danny, once again, “you’ve got this”.
And Ken, aka”Twin” to me, keep doing what you do, touching lives in your very special way as well.
I am touched by your kind words, LeeSa. Thank you so much for your heartfelt comments. It truly brought a smile to my face! I’m praying you’re blessed.
Amen, LeeSa! You’re so right.
Wonderful tribute to a extraordinary man from an extraordinary man.
Very kind of you. God bless you!
Words so beautifully said about a special man. No doubt Danny AND Ken are unique men of God and great friends to all who know them.
I feel very blessed to have had these two fella’s in my life since 7th grade.
Blessing to Ken and his beautiful bride as they continue to bless others and blessings the precious guy that we all know and love as Danny, and his beautiful bride, April.
You ALL continue to bless so many.
Love and prayers.
Debi
Thank you so much for your kind words, Debi. We are all certainly blessed to have grown up together. I am full of gratitude.
Wow Ken! This is amazing writing. You make the reader feel what YOU feel, thus we now all love Danny too!! My prayers are with him and his family as he goes through this journey.
I remember my whole life you talking about Danny Hall. I never saw or met him but I have always known his name!
Thanks for writing!! You and Susan are a blessing to me and so many others!!
Thanks for your kind words, Patsy! and thanks for keeping Danny in your thoughts and prayers. God bless you!