Daniel Francis Jusiel

Oh my, I could almost write a short story on how we met, how our artistic friendship grew, etc,. It started when I was directed from a beauty salon to the fish store in the same tiny plaza to meet the person whose artwork I admired hanging in the beauty parlor. I had my grand nephew with me who was age 5or 6 at that time. A kind elderly man showed us around and I asked who the artist was whose paintings graced these walls and the piece next door. It was none other than Dan Jusiel. We immediately struck up a conversation on art. Every time I went for a haircut I went to yak to him and discuss his latest work. Then one day I mentioned to him that I had free tickets to some Mystery Dinner in our little country town, but had no one to go with me. Without any hesitation he said "I WILL!" I was surprised but glad! Told him invitations said Formal, shirt and tie. Told him I 'd get him at 6P.M. Being an artist myself, I wore a white shirt with red bow tie black vest, pants, jacket. When I got Dan, I giggled and marveled at his black tie....it was one of his shoe laces!!! Such a hoot! We had a great dinner, was in the winning group that solved the mystery theatrical presentation on the stage before us. The younger folks seated with us loved Dan! Nobody was dressed as formal as WE WERE! I noticed people had wine at some tables, but none was for sale. I was informed it was BYOB, which was NOT mentioned in the invites. Luckily, I had 3 brand new bottles I forgot to take from my car's trunk, so I went to grab a cabernet and Dan and I consumed it with our dinner. Both Dan and I flirted with the pretty actresses who were lined up to say goodbye at the end of the show . He was so good at it! He got kissed!
Needless to say, our friendship blossomed from then on. I'd have him over for weekends and he taught me some violin, we looked at the heavens through his huge telescopes we kept at my house, and ate all his favorite dinners, and had hour upon hour of wonderful conversations until he moved north. We went to art shows, the beautiful parks nearby, and to my friends' houses. I will never ever forget him and the great times we shared. He was a talented, vivacious, non -judgmental knowledgeable man. I treasure the two paintings he gave me, and a few prints. I was told by him to never mourn him when he passed. So I will not. I will just look up to the planets and stars on a clear night and smile, and sing Danny Boy, which he taught me to play on a single string of my violin.


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