Welcome to the page that marks one year since Daniel Kaplan left the party way too early. It's been a tough year for his family and friends. Losing someone in an instant, who had so much more to do, takes a lot of getting used to. But we honor his instructions to celebrate, not mourn so below you'll find a couple of amusing videos, some photos, news and tributes that were paid to him in the past year.
The illustration describing Daniel's many virtues was drawn by Delaney O'Keefe for a tree planting ceremony held in Daniel's honor at Fremont Elementary. We think she did an awesome job. She had a relationship with Daniel that inspired her to do this amazing illustration and, with the help of her family, created bracelets with his own words, "Those who have passed do not wish to be mourned, they wish to be celebrated" that were given to CVHS students, family and friends. These gestures means so much to us because it shows the beautiful nature of Daniel's spirit and how it touched others while on this earth.
On April 7th, Fremont Elementary School and the Sparr Heights neighbors of the Kaplan family planted a tree in Daniel's honor along the south side of the school. An engraved stone was laid as well as painted rocks with messages from Daniel's many friends who attended. The tree is called a Blossoming Cherry and it’s linked to Daniel in that it drops it’s leaves around this time of year and blooms again right around Daniel’s birthday.
Daniel and his father had a pact to get tattoos on his 18th birthday. When the time came, he couldn't think of anything to get other than what Daniel had gotten a year earlier: an Om sign on the inside of the right wrist. He felt the world still needed someone to carry that symbol for awhile longer. Daniel's buddy, Haik, came along and got a much fancier one, but the Om sign is still at the center.
A scholarship was created at Allen F. Daily High School in Daniel's name for the graduating class of 2013. Two students, Maria Perez and Gabriel Galicia were chosen by their teachers and administrators to further their education with donations made by the class and by Daniel's own college fund. It was a way for him to still be part of his graduating class.
Legal Matters
On March 28th, 2013, three days before Daniel's 18th birthday, the young man behind the wheel of the Lexus that crashed into a retaining wall on La Tuna Canyon Road pleaded No Contest to the charge of Vehicular Manslaughter. He was initially charged with Felony Manslaughter but, in no small part to the requests of Daniel's family to show compassion and resolve the matter quickly, a plea bargain reducing the charge to a Misdemeanor was offered and accepted.
We are actively engaged in making the unprotected ends of the retaining walls that run along La Tuna Canyon safer so no one else meets such a brutal fate.
Message from Dad:
The big blue rock has made a circle around the sun and we find ourselves back in alignment with the same stars that received you. There must be some special gravity that goes along with it because the days seem darker as we end this year of firsts. We miss you more than there are words to describe it.
We’ve tried to do some good with what you left behind. Some kids from Daily are going to college, thanks to you. Some friends and family members have benefited, too. It doesn’t seem enough.
I’m so grateful I got to spend so much time with you that last day. You spoke of how much Tori and your friends meant to you and seemed to finally see some light at the end of a long, hard tunnel. You had spoken that week about wanting to learn music editing and perhaps working with me some day. Nothing could make a father prouder. You made us proud so many times.
We light a candle every night as a symbol of the light you brought into our loves. I copped your ink because whenever I look at it, it reminds me of how brave you were and makes me a little stronger. We work to keep your member alive every day because you meant so much to so many.
We took this picture in British Columbia from a plan last September. To me, it looks like two souls on their way to reunite with another. I’m hoping this is how it will be with you, me and your mom someday.
May you reside in a state of grace and love until we reach you.