David Mullen

1998 - 2022

Daniel Allen Mullen



4/10/1998-2/8/2022

Daniel Allen Mullen, age 23, passed peacefully serenaded by music on February 8, 2022 at his lifelong home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is survived by his parents, Dana (Allen) and David Mullen; and his very best ever sister, Diana who is currently attending Reed College in Portland, Oregon. Daniel attended NMSBVI (New Mexico School for Blind and Visually Impaired), Mark Twain and Zia Elementary schools, Hayes Middle School and Highland High school.

He was taught, cared for, loved and included by so many teachers, EAs, therapists, nurses and friends. His community included people of all abilities and disabilities. He attended every play and concert in which his sister participated. Challenger Baseball and Special Needs Vacation Bible School were favorite places to belong and make friends. Park walks and music of all varieties enriched his days. COVID changed "graduation" to a drive-by honking celebration followed by two years of isolation with mom and dad spent exploring beautiful outdoor NM sites.

Two faith communities have sustained our family during Daniel's complex journey. Faith Lutheran Church friends and sponsors walked the early years and Daniel's first visit on hospice. Saint Paul Lutheran Church welcomed Daniel (and our family) into the fold and encouraged loud "singing" throughout every service and activity over the last decade and a half. Through Medically Fragile and Carrie Tingley Hospital advisory boards, Daniel patiently sat and, by just being in the room, represented all the real people these groups were discussing. He contributed to the education of many med students, therapists and educators by being the smile that made his group approachable and not so scary.

Daniel, who had cerebral palsy, seizures, and multiple medical fragilities, graduated from hospice at the age of one after undergoing 20 plus neurosurgeries. He lived happily, with uncanny resilience, for 22 more years. On the day of his passing from complications of his long standing neurologic issues, he visited with treasured lifelong friends and was serenaded by harmonica, whistling, violin, harp and piano. Daniel accepted his life as it was with no complaint; thus, he was a happy soul and teacher to us all. We can never thank the scores of people who have cared for Daniel and our family through these years. You have walked this hard but rich journey with us and we are grateful. Despite

Daniel's gift as an ambassador of welcome and inclusion, ongoing COVID pandemic issues require us to grieve and celebrate in different ways. Daniel's community is filled with the most vulnerable, the caregivers, the frontline workers, and at risk friends. Love for Daniel means we must be respectful and careful of their safety even as we celebrate his life.

Two spring outdoor COVID safe gatherings are being planned to include a traditional church service at St. Paul and a park "music and memories" community gathering. Dates not yet set but will be passed by our huge loving community and online site update. Contributions may be made in Daniel's name to Make-a-Wish New Mexico,

NewMexico.wish.org.



Please visit our online guestbook for Daniel at

www.FrenchFunerals.com