18 Comments
User's avatar
Delaney's avatar

Rest In Paradise, Dan. May your family be wrapped in comfort. ❤️🕊❤️

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Gillian Fletcher's avatar

There is something so powerful in those types of relationships with people who see and share themselves so openly. You do your friend justice in honoring him, but also by the way you connect to others. Something I know firsthand! Very sorry for your (and the world’s) loss, though I love how you found joy even in this news.

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Adrian Landin's avatar

Thank you for reading (or listening)—and for the heartfelt reflection. Connection is what it’s all about and I’m happy that you and I are now connected. 🤘🏼

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Ashlie Woods's avatar

Such a powerful, unexpected connection that forever changed you.

I have no doubt you make this same kind of impression, all the time, all over the world 💙⚡️

And, I love hearing it in your voice!

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Adrian Landin's avatar

Thanks, Smash. Your recent prompt is what had me tinker with doing my own recording. Now I need to get me a proper mic! 🎤

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Delaney's avatar

P.S.

HOW BOUT DEM EAGLES!?! 💚💚💚

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Adrian Landin's avatar

IT WAS FOR ONE SUNDAY ONLY, OKAY? 🦅✨

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Devi's avatar

If you ever wonder if your words make a difference in people's lives, let me tell you now, in real time that they do. What a beautiful, heartfelt illustration of your friendship with Dan. Thank you for so sweetly sharing again with us a piece of your gigantic heart. I'm so sorry about the loss of your Flying Eagle, Ace...such big love to you 💜

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Adrian Landin's avatar

Thank you for the acknowledgement, Dev. No matter how humble one might be, it’s always nice to hear that what you’re doing holds value for others.

Without question, you are someone else whose Legacy will be defined by being in service to others. In fact, I don’t know that I have another friend who is as committed and dedicated to showing up for their people as you.

You’re truly an inspiration. 🫶🏼

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judi landin's avatar

Isn't it amazing that a true bond can be made without physical contact but through voice and/or written words! Heartbreaking that such a loved soul was taken without warning. But what a legacy!!

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Adrian Landin's avatar

Trust me when I tell you, while reading the overwhelmingly kind words throughout those comments, I had the realization that your Legacy will one day (hopefully decades down the line) mirror Dan’s.

You ‘give’ and are always ‘willing to help others’ in the exact same way.

Love you, Mama. 💙

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Justin's Dailies's avatar

This captivated me the entire time and I want to give sympathy AND ask about fantasy football, all at once. *hugs + hug fives* Thanks for giving Dan a great friendship.

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Adrian Landin's avatar

Thank you for reading, or listening, and I’ll definitely share more about the grip Fantasy Football had on me in the future. 🙏🏼

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Anna Lively's avatar

Firstly, I am sorry for your loss. It sounds like your friend was well loved and well lived. It's always such a shock to learn of someone's passing on Facebook. And especially difficult not knowing exactly what happened. I once learned of a bright light from my traveling days who passed away and like Dan, literally hundreds of people came out to Facebook to honor him. There were so many people who were touched by my friend Andy that they started a whole group for his memory that persists today even 10 years later. Andy was a traveler and he would bestow gold stars to random folks around the US for acts of kindness or just generally being awesome. ⭐ Embrace your awesome was his tagline!

I can also relate to the not being on Facebook and getting sucked in. I'm currently on a Facebook hiatus that may very well be permanent. The last time I attempted a permanent Facebook break was just before my brother, Brad, died suddenly. We quickly realized that we had no way to communicate to the hundreds of people who loved Brad about his passing. After a day of shock, we opted to make the post and share how he passed to avoid the questions. This ended up being the only way to reach his friends since we couldn't get in to his phone, so Facebook was truly essential. It sucks to have to post about someone's passing like that, but I think without Facebook we would have had to have so many awful conversations and phone calls... honestly it was so useful.

Thanks for sharing, Adrian. Stay turned on and embrace your awesome.

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Adrian Landin's avatar

I loved reading this, thank you for sharing, Anna. As you highlighted, there are certainly benefits to Facebook’s reach, it’s just turned into too much of a cesspool of toxicity and advertisements for me and my mental health.

I know how much you miss Brad and I also look forward to you continuing Andy’s Embrace Your MF’n Awesome tagline. His giving of gold stars reminds me of ‘The Art of Possibility,’ do you know if that’s where it originates from?

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Anna Lively's avatar

I don't know where that gold star ritual originates from, but you now have me curious. I dont suppose I can ever find out...

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Maktub's avatar

A life lived well. A life that left a huge heart shaped footprint behind.

What more could one ask for.

This one hit me Adrian.

If you’re so inclined, I posted earlier on my Stack.

My sadness today is tying in to yours.

Big hugs my friend.

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Adrian Landin's avatar

What more could one ask for?

That’s how I felt reading all those comments. 🎯

Yes, of course his loss is gut-wrenching, but, all those words will undoubtedly, one day in the distant future, be so valuable and fulfilling for Dan’s kids to have and hold onto.

Bear hug back to you, Tash.

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