If you’ve noticed, almost every picture I’ve posted has a little lion somewhere in the background. His name, fittingly, is Dan DeLion. I want you to know his story.

My youngest son, AJ, loves lions. He has hundreds of them. In fact, his favorite lion still insists on sleeping with him. Shh…confidential information.

My brother Dan was terminally ill with cancer. Dan and AJ shared a sweet connection. AJ was a rambunctious four-year-old, while Dan was a gentle giant who would read with him, sit quietly beside him and play Nintendo DS for hours.

AJ gave Dan one of his beloved lions as a token of love and courage. A four-year-old recognized that his uncle needed him.

Dan DeLion gave my brother courage through his pain and hospital visits. He was also a constant reminder of the quiet, peaceful moments spent with someone he loved.

Imagine my tears of joy when my sister-in-law, Ana, sent me a care package and Dan DeLion was inside.

I need him. I need his courage, even though my cancer is not terminal.

Lion is my constant reminder to fight and be courageous. He reminds me to cherish the wonderful times with friends and family. Lion is also a promise that there will be many more memories to come.