“God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” – Voltaire
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln
That’s the life of 24-year-old Daniel Ben Panthier
The Pilgrim song states that “Man is lonely by birth, man is only a pilgrim on earth born to be king, time is but a temporary thing only on loan, while on earth.”
Indeed, we are on loan while on earth, and like the wind in the trees (we) man, has been rather reckless and free.
The hundreds from all walks of life, gathered at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Pointe Michel to say, bye-bye to 24-year-old Daniel Ben Panthier, and those who viewed the funeral mass on social media are still in shock and asking questions. Questions, that will remain with us for years as we grapple to understand the loss of Daniel and hope for answers.
History will record that this was the biggest funeral in the community in decades and for a 24-year-old many are asking what would he have done in his 24 years on earth to have impacted so many people.
Daniel was full of life, bright, intelligent, honest, hardworking, a community individual who excelled.
And so, as the community tries to come to grips with his passing, it is hoped that his time on earth will inspire all those, he touched…the young, old, politicians, sportsmen and women, the barefoot man in Pointe Michel, and others.
As Fr. Peter said in his homily, Daniel touched the lives of so many people at the age of 24 is evident in those who showed up for his funeral.
“No more Aunty Maudely…” Daniel, we love you, we will miss you dearly, gone too soon.”
It is Al Franken who said “Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way.”
Rest in Eternal Peace Daniel Ben Panthier.