My Experience With Daniel Peterson
Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 9:32 pm
Since much of the recent discussion on this board has dealt with Daniel Peterson. I would like to offer my thoughts and my brief personal experiences with him.
I was a BYU student working for a Professor of Religion when I first met Daniel. I was just leaving this professor’s office when Daniel walked in. He introduced himself and we all talked about various things for a while. My impression of Daniel was that he was very intelligent, gentle and perceptive. He certainly did not have an air of superiority/arrogance that many professors have, especially when dealing with students.
I remember specifically discussing with Daniel that I was going home for a week to be with my father as his health deteriorated. He offered me some kind, compassionate words and gave me a little perspective in dealing with the loss of a parent.
The second time I met Daniel was at the CougarEat about a year later. He was in front of me in the checkout line. He remembered my name, asked specifically about my father and paid for my lunch (Daniel, I still owe you $4.39). These little acts of kindness meant a great deal to me. I have no doubt that many people’s lives have been touched by him.
I know these were just little acts of someone being kind and Christlike, but they have stuck with me over the years, probably because there have been so few times in my life that I have witnessed true acts of charity and kindness from a stranger.
I would just like to say that the Daniel I knew was a great man. I know that his online persona does not reflect the reality of who he is. I am thoroughly convinced that if Daniel’s critics really knew him, he would have no critics.
Thanks Daniel.
I was a BYU student working for a Professor of Religion when I first met Daniel. I was just leaving this professor’s office when Daniel walked in. He introduced himself and we all talked about various things for a while. My impression of Daniel was that he was very intelligent, gentle and perceptive. He certainly did not have an air of superiority/arrogance that many professors have, especially when dealing with students.
I remember specifically discussing with Daniel that I was going home for a week to be with my father as his health deteriorated. He offered me some kind, compassionate words and gave me a little perspective in dealing with the loss of a parent.
The second time I met Daniel was at the CougarEat about a year later. He was in front of me in the checkout line. He remembered my name, asked specifically about my father and paid for my lunch (Daniel, I still owe you $4.39). These little acts of kindness meant a great deal to me. I have no doubt that many people’s lives have been touched by him.
I know these were just little acts of someone being kind and Christlike, but they have stuck with me over the years, probably because there have been so few times in my life that I have witnessed true acts of charity and kindness from a stranger.
I would just like to say that the Daniel I knew was a great man. I know that his online persona does not reflect the reality of who he is. I am thoroughly convinced that if Daniel’s critics really knew him, he would have no critics.
Thanks Daniel.