John, my sweet little Daniel would have turned 15 years old today.

Every year, this day is the toughest reminder that I’m always moving further away from my life with Daniel. The birthdays we’ve spent without him now outnumber the ones we spent with him. It feels almost impossible to bear.

It’s been nearly eight years, and the gulf just keeps getting bigger – and I can’t do anything to change that. That hurts more than I can say.

But for now, on days like today, I try to focus on the sweet little boy who was so affectionate, compassionate and in love with every moment he lived – and I think about the effect he has had on the world.

His kindness and compassion have inspired people like you to help us make sure no other parent has to endure their children’s birthdays without them because of gun violence. So please, would you join our family in honoring Daniel’s memory by signing a special remembrance card today?

Please click here to sign our special card in honor of my sweet little Daniel’s 15th birthday.

Daniel believed that each day was a gift to be unwrapped and opened with never-ending enthusiasm. He embraced every moment as lovingly and tightly as I wish I could embrace him, even just one more time.

Daniel wanted to make this world a better place, but he was robbed of the chance to live. That’s why I put everything I have into this work – to honor his too-short life by protecting other children like him from gun violence.

Happy birthday, my sweet Daniel. We love you so very much – always.

Mark Barden (Daniel's father)