My younger brother Daniel is 25 years old. I’ve always bragged about how gorgeous yet modest, talented but humble he is. Dan’s the most thoughtful, kind, considerate and generally fantastic young man I’ve ever met. He cooks, cleans, dresses well, doesn’t smoke, doesn’t drink – the ultimate SNAG, and I am so proud to be his big sister.
He has travelled the world solo twice, mentored kids, won the Pan-Pacific Championships for the sport he loves, and started his own business. Dan is idolised by his students, adored by his girlfriend and cherished by his family and friends.
Dan told me this February that he thought something was wrong with him. He was incomprehensibly upset – it didn’t make sense to him or me. He’s young, fit, strong, intelligent, grounded and surrounded by love. I didn’t understand that none of that matters when you’re depressed.
Dan did all the right things to try to get himself better. He took the medication he was prescribed, attended the appointments, read books to understand more about the mind. After reading The Art of Happiness several times over, he went to see the Dalai Lama with the hope to broaden his already mature wisdom, knowledge and insight.
I did everything I could to be there for him – my partner Ruth and I attended his gym two nights a week, had him over for dinner, hung out with him when he was lonely. For those 6 months I got up to 10 calls a day from Dan, when he’d often have nothing to say, and just cry. He’d call Ruth at 3am unable to sleep and desperately sad. He really leaned on us, and although we tried to hide the toll it took, I worry he felt like a burden. It broke me to see Dan hurt so much despite our tirelessness.
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Have you had any further luck... or anymore sightings?
I hope you have
Hi Kelly - sorry for the delay. I am kept busy with the social media campaign, and have also just founded a NFP to create more awareness for Missing Persons in Australia. No more confirmed sightings since the QLD one - all updates are communicated at www.facebook.com/dancomehome and www.dancomehome.com
Thank you so much for your support,
Loren
Dear Loren, I came across your story from several links on Facebook through the groups of Jill Meagher. I can almost feel your sorrow, your willpower is truly amazing. I'm actually lost for words as to describe how strong you are.
I have a friend Anna, whose sister (Sally Cheong) went missing in 2008, and she's never been found either. She vanished without a trace, and I've always wondered how Anna copes. Till today there's been no word of Sally's whereabouts.
I'm a deeply stubborn person, and I refused to believe Jill Meagher was dead, until I read the articles online. However I have the most hope that your brother Dan is still out there. Don't give up now, we all have your back.
Thank you Liling. I know about Sally, and I'm so sorry for Anna.
I was the same - I had so much hope for Jill for those 5 days, because I know what it's like to have only hope. The result crushed me - for theirs to be taken away so swiftly. Then it made me wonder about the two: waiting and hoping / knowing and being allowed to grieve. Neither torment is more bearable than the other.
I am extremely stubborn, motivated, determined - all of those things I used to think would help me to get a good career, now only seem to pertain to my search for Dan.
Thank you so much for your encouragement - you know how much it means to someone in my position.
L x