Daniel Graveline

Our Son Daniel Joshua Graveline Daniel was born to us on Sunday 5 March 1989 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Viernheim Germany. When Dan was born believe it or not he was a tiny baby. Only 2560 grams (just over 5lbs.) and 47cm long. (about 18 inchs). From the time we brought him home from the hospital he kept us awake all night long and he would sleep during the day. We did not sleep thru the night for the first two years. When he did finally sleep thru the night for the first time we could not sleep because we were waiting on his cry. Dan learned to talk before he could walk. Since those first words he has always had to have the last word just like his Oma. Daniels first few years in this world were tough for him. First, when Dan was about 10 months old he had a bad bout of bronchitis. Dan was in the hospital for 10 days. That was so hard for us to see our baby in the hospital. Next, the doctor told us Dan had hip problems and his Achilles tendons needed therapy and boy did he hate the therapy. We kept up with the therapy, even though he cried, he finally got better. Things did not get any easier for Dan. Dan had a lazy right eye and we had to put a patch over his eye everyday all day for a few years. It seemed like forever. Dan hated it but he did get used to it and he knew it was to help him. Once he got his glasses and did not have to wear the patch he was so happy and we were too. After those first few years Dan got over the hump and he was a healthy and happy young boy. Three years after Dan was born his little brother Christopher came along. It took Dan a little while to get used to having a bother, but once he did, Dan did everything for him. It took Chris longer to learn to talk because Dan would not let him talk. He would answer everything and tell us what Chris wanted. As Chris grew up, he looked up to his big brother and wanted to do everything his big brother did. Dan started kindergarten in Germany and learned everything fast. The next few years, because of my job, we moved back and forth from Germany to the United States. From 1993 to 1996 we lived in Hopkinsville Kentucky. Dan went to a Catholic school there. When Dan first started school there he spoke mostly German but he picked up English quickly. In 1996 we moved back to Germany for a couple of more years and Dan was back in German school. Now Dan could speak English and needed to transition back to full time German. Dan adapted just fine. After just two quick years in Germany we moved back to the United States and settled in Florida where we still live today. Dan went back to school and finished high school at Bayside Lakes High in Palm Bay Florida. After graduation Dan went to Brevard Community College and it took him a long time to finally figure out, after changing majors several times, what he really wanted. Dan received his AA degree in Information Technology and we were so proud of him. During Dan’s life he enjoyed many things. Dan liked rollerblading, skateboarding, and probably his favorite was paintballing. Dan as he grew older was not the athletic or outdoors kind of kid. Dan loved computers and playing on his Gameboy and later computer games. Dan was a true “GEEK”. Anytime Elke or I needed help with the computer we would ask Dan. I am not talking after he graduated from college, I am talking about when he was 10 years old. Dan would get so frustrated with us and could not figure out why we did not get it. Dan always built his own computers from scratch and knew all the latest technology. He would spend hours and hours working on his computer. Dan had other interests too. He loved football and his favorite team, like his mom and dad, is the New England Patriots. Dan loved them so much he had a tattoo on his arm of the Patriots logo. Crazy kid. The most important thing to Dan in his life is his family. Dan loved being with us and knew no matter what else happened in life he has his family who will always love him and be there for him. There is so much else to tell and this is just a short story about Dan’s life. We have so many good memories of Dan in our hearts and minds, we will cherish them and never forget the short time we had. Dan was taken away from us too soon and the saying, That a parent should never have to bury one of their children rings truer than ever to us. Until the day we see you again Daniel, save us a spot in Heaven and God will keep you safe and happy. We Love you so much and miss you more than words can ever explain. Mom, Dad, and Christopher.