“You don’t know that I can’t. You haven’t let me try.”
My Dad has been gone for nearly a week but it is just now becoming a reality. I spent the first few days making calls to family, Social Security, Doctors and Pension offices. That has been my role for the past few years – handling the logistics necessary to keep Dad here safely and comfortably at my home and keeping family in the loop as Dad’s health declined. So, naturally, that is where my brain went. Making lists of things to do – return medical equipment, contact social services, cancel subscriptions, etc. The problem now is the list is almost done. Growing up, my Dad wouldn’t allow us to use the word “can’t.” All seven children in my family delighted in ratting each other out when someone said that word. It must have had an influence on me because, at least in my own mind, I truly believe there is very little I can’t do. Many of you knew my Dad but for those who didn’t I have to tell you it will be impossible to tell you who

I take comfort in knowing that Dan, his life on earth long and incredibly rich, was ready for the next phase of his journey.

I am also so grateful for Dan's -- and his family’s, -- loving presence in my life.

There were many great things for me about growing up in the Granbys. One of the best was getting to know the Cunninghams. I probably spent more time at Barndoor Hills Farm than I did at my own house. The Cunninghams were a second family to me; Dan a wise father figure I very much needed. (My dad died young.)

Dan Cunningham personified "Goodness". Whatever I have learned about love, patience, grace, and kindness, I learned mostly from the Cunninghams. That all began with Dan and Polly: two very beautiful souls blessed to have found each other young, and smart enough to have treasured each other eternally.

Polly, Scott, Susan, Judy, Karen, Gwynne, Brian, Alan: thanks for sharing Dan with so many of us. You're the greatest friends my family ever had.

Photo: Thanksgiving 1988

I usually just watch Facebook, but I wanted to thank people for their pictures and kind words about my dad, Daniel Cunningham, who died on Wednesday morning. We're showing my mom, Polly, and she's really enjoying them.

My dad was a determined and optimistic man. One of our family's early stories tells of my dad, when in college at Carnegie Tech, going to sit on Polly's front porch in Pittsburgh with Polly's mom, Marie Dixon. Polly was out on a date with another guy. When Polly and her date arrived back at the house, she angrily asked why he was there. He said he was just visiting with her mother. Determined and optimistic. :) #MyPolly