Tribute to Uncle David

My Uncle David died unexpectedly on Monday, Aug. 19. He was one of my mom's youngest brothers. At only 43 years old, he was more like a cousin or brother than an uncle and he meant a lot to our close-knit family. I wrote this love letter to him on behalf of my mother, her siblings, as well as his many nieces and nephews.

We Only Give Our Best

A Love Letter to David

Dearest David,

You represent the best our family has to offer because not only did you defy death at a very early age you also blazed new trails.

You were the first to play football in college, the first to graduate from college, the first to pledge a fraternity, and the first to have a professional career. We know these firsts meant that you had to explore uncharted territory, often on your own, but you didn’t let that stop you.

You knew your purpose was bigger. You knew failure was not an option. And you knew that we were looking to you to succeed.

David L. Green

You achieved success in your own way and on your own terms. You knew that your success was OUR success. And you never let an opportunity go by without putting each of us in a position to succeed too!

You represent the best our family has to offer because you carried with you the pride of being from a family that looks out for each other. You knew that in spite of OUR imperfections as a family that our family works better together, not apart.

You were a dedicated brother and uncle who met each of us where we are.

Beloved David, you were our teacher, adviser and confidante. You showed us that our circumstances could be changed. You taught us how to look good even during the toughest of times. Now, your jokes were sometimes questionable but you never missed an opportunity to make us laugh.

You represent the best our family has to offer because you showed the world that a boy from West Dallas could make it out, go into the world and make it a better place. You showed that God spared your life so that you could help those less thought about.

Your gentle spirit, your kindness, your care, and your love is a reflection of OUR best.

Now, as we say goodbye, it’s hard to imagine a tomorrow without you.

You represent the best our family has to offer and because of that we’ll carry a piece of you with us wherever we go.

With love,

Your FAMILY