Comforting a former student/Comforting self
A recent NKU grad, and beloved former student of mine, emailed me today from his Peace Corps post in N.W. Africa. Having learned of Danny’s death, he shared his own story of how Danny had personally, and doggedly, helped him clear all barriers to graduation. He expressed, as well, great concern for the English Department’s well being. As it turns out, my reply to him, which was meant to comfort and reassure a former student, did as much for this professor. For until I wrote the following words, I had not been able to put my grief into words. Nor the hope that is Danny’s lasting legacy for my colleagues and students both in the English Department and throughout NKU . Here, then, are excerpts from my note to “T”:
I was planning–but not looking forward –to let you know of Danny’s sudden death. Weird how news travels so far, so quickly. I guess, then, that … you … have heard, as well, of Barack Obama’s … (win).
That miraculous event had the entire department dancing through the hallways for, as it turned out, all of one day. In fact, the last time I spoke with Danny was November 5th, when I went to him offering a congratulatory hug on the US’s victory. When I was told of Danny’s stroke the next morning, I cried “But we were having such a good week”!
We’re all in a daze, here. Our shock was mitigated, somewhat, on Saturday, 11/16, when NKU hosted a beautiful memorial service in Danny’s honor. Many shared stories, like yours, of Danny’s genuine compassion and selfless willingness to serve others. Some, like Bob Wallace, Andy Miller, and a current student shared poems they had written for Danny. Others shared their favorite “Dannyisms,” such as this keeper: ‘I’m not sure if this is right, or true or even makes sense, but I’m just going to say it….’
He was LOVE, simply and thoroughly. He leaves an nonrefillable void in the heart of the department.
The department will be fine, nevertheless. Danny’s eight-year tenure as department chair was to end with the school year. Now, our unanimous pick, Jonathan Cullick, will begin his tenure in January. Jonathan is amazingly smart, capable, and thorough and will lead the department well. Still, I’m so saddened that Danny didn’t get the chance to enjoy the relative leisure of a post-administrative life.
Be Well, My Friend.
P.S. A memorial blog has been set up. You should share there the memory of Danny you shared with me. http://memoriesofdanny.english-nku.org/memories/
Tiffany N. Hinton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of English