113 responses to “Guest Book”
We welcome your comments, so long as they are respectful. Rants and distasteful or hateful messages will be deleted. You may leave your name and email address if you wish, but please note we might not have the time to respond.
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I am so sorry for your loss. I remember the day clearly. My son was 4years old, and I was in my 5th year teaching elementary school. I immediately changed my teaching to include teaching life skills and friendship skills. I learned then that my child wasn’t safe until all children were safe.
I watched a video interview of you and was moved by it. I appreciate your efforts for gun regulations. I am sure Daniel is proud of you. It is obvious that your love for him in enduring and everlasting.
I am in my last year in education as I am retiring. I went on to be a principal to impact more children and families. I continue to focus on social emotional skills and mediated outcomes for conflict. Teaching important skills to young kids. I feel that is how I honor the victims of school shootings. I can’t imagine your loss, but I am inspired by your ability move forward in love, hope, and advocacy.
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Thanks for writing, Julie, and for your kind words. I can’t believe that I didn’t respond to you, since you were the FIRST to sign the new guest book in 2024. That’s when I finally posted a re-created version of Daniel’s website in WordPress, after 7 years of it being a static, unresponsive website in an outdated platform. So perhaps I didn’t reply because I wasn’t familiar with the totally new format.
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Dear Tom,
Daniel could not have had a better father.
I am sure that he is very proud of you because of all that you have done to make the US a safer place for everyone.
Instead of dwelling on pain, you had the strenght and courage to stand up for others and for that you will always have my total respect and admiration.
I wish you, Linda, your daughters and grandchildren the best in life.
Yours Sincerely,
Alberto Pimienta (Spain)
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Thank you for your kind words, Alberto.
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Dear Tom And Linda Mauser
I Just Wanna Say What Daniel Did That Day Is Amazing He Lost His Shyness That Day By Pushing A Chair In front of Eric Harris I Also Have A Brother Who Is The Same Age As Daniel I Would Lose It If I Lost Him He Has Been My Role Model And I Would Lost it I Also Wanna Say Me And My Brother Are Very Shy Like Daniel I Get Bullied A lot And My Dad Is Very Shy Too Us Three Love Pizza And The Simpsons And Computers But Anyway I Just Wanna Say This Website Is Amazing
Sincerely CJ
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I just saw an interview of Tom on 9NEWS. Daniel would have been a wonderful adult. It is humanity’s loss.
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Sending belated condolences to the Mauser family on this day, Daniel was a hero for his efforts, may he rest in peace
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Thank you, Laura.
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Belated thanks, Lee Ann. You were one of the first people to sign the new guest book in 2024. That’s when I finally posted a re-created version of Daniel’s website in WordPress, after 7 years of it being a static, unresponsive website in an outdated platform. I think I didn’t reply back then because I wasn’t familiar enough with the new format.
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I love the new updates to you website!!! I am so proud of your work showcasing Daniel’s life and gun violence activism.
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Thanks, Aaran.
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Tom , just remembering yesterday the tragic loss of Daniel. It is such a shame that nothing has been done since this senseless shooting to change anything regarding gun ownership. How your family was able to move on is so amazing.
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Thanks, David. Well, we’ve seen progress in blue states, and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of a couple years ago was a good step, after waiting 30 years for something–among other things, it essentially closes teh gun show loophole (that the voters closed in Colorado 24 years ago!).. But, yeah, still a long way to go. So, how the hell are you? Retired?
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Tom, thanks so much for responding. I cannot believe we cannot get at least an assault rifle ban. What a country. I have been retired for 4 years but I am still doing some consulting work for AASHTO. About 5 years ago they ask me to take over the annual survey and report for state funding of transit. It has been interesting but not sure how much longer I will do it. My creative juices are drying up and each year I get further away from the transit industry. It is still interesting that MTAP and SCOPT are still functioning and I still know a few of the DOT people. I am staying active with golf, sailing, walking, umpiring and pickleball. Have 2 grandsons now so that is cool. How are you doing and how is your adopted daughter doing?
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Hi David. Maybe better to move this conversation to email.
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I´d like to tell, that story of Columbine, including your son´s (brother´s, grandchild´s….) story is told around the world. Me, personally, met this story on my psychology lessons on university. The point, what im trying to say is, the memory of Daniel will live forever, and ( despite the fact you would like him alive near you), he will be one of the bravest of that day, because of his ,,chair defense” action. He is trully inspirational, not just for his beloved, but for total foreigners at all… even on the other side of Globe.
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Thank you, Bob.
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I just listened to your interview with Tim Miller on the Bulwark podcast. My heart goes out to you and your family and I thank you for being a passionate activist for gun control in this country
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Thank you, Joyce.
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Wow. I try to remember to revisit this website every year around this time and was surprised to see it completely revamped this time around.
Seems like a lot of effort was put into this and it turned out extremely well. What a great tribute to your son. He would be so proud.
Tom, I appreciate everything that you do and stand by. Even 25 years later, you still continue to inspire others by keeping your son’s story alive.
Jon
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Thanks, Jon. A lot of work, but a labor of love!
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Having read a lot about CHS and the tragedy and as an adult at the time remembering it well, Daniel always impressed me as a kid I’d love to have met. Tom/Dad sounds so much like him. The loss of Daniel seems like everyone’s loss. Of course the loss of any young kid IS everyone’s loss.
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Thanks, Amy.
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We just saw your interview on the PBS Newshour. I remember that day so well, but for you and our family I’m sure it’s a profound lifetime of grief and remembrance. I admire you for working so hard for 25 years to try and change gun laws. It’s so frustrating to see this scenario play out again and again without the kind of change we should have seen by now. Thank you for all you are doing, and may we all remember Daniel and the other young innocent victims of that horrific day.
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Thanks, Karin.
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Dear Linda and Tom:
As the father of a son of similar age to Daniel’s, I cannot begin to comprehend the pain and suffering you have had to endure with Daniel’s tragedy. But it is also the most noble cause to dedicate your life to ensure other families are spared this pain and suffering. Thank you for your work.
The closest I’ve come to your loss, is the loss of a 16 year old nephew in 1996 in a terrible freak accident at his school. Like you, my cousin and his wife established a foundation in the name of their son for helping disadvantaged youth. It has given meaning to their life and helped countless young persons.
I believe in your cause and will make a one time donation in Daniel’s name to the Everytown For Gun Safety Support Fund, of which we have been donors over many years..
Yours Truly:
Jose E. Siman
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Thank you, Jose.
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Mauser,
My name is Isabella, and I am currently 17 years old and a junior in high school. I want to begin by thanking you for having this memorial of your son and allowing his story, and most importantly, the life he lived, to be showcased here. Daniel seemed like an incredible person, full of character, joy, and had many great things ahead of him. I often seek out articles or memorial pages like this to learn more about the victims and, in a way, to get to know them for the people they were in life. To me it’s essential that we remember victims for the lives they lived, not as another number and statistic. Sometimes I cannot help but cry when I visit these pages. Though I do not know and will never know anyone from these pages, it is painful to see how someone so full of life can be taken away just like that. I cannot even imagine how it feels as a parent, and I extend my deepest condolences. No parent deserves this. Even though you have both faced so much, I am glad that you are able to use this and advocate for change. It’s inspiring, and I truly appreciate what you are doing as a current high school student. I am certain that this is what your son would have wanted more than anything. Yet again, I am really thankful for this page you’ve set up and I hope that both of you have a wonderful day!
Yours Truly,
Isabella 🙂
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Hi Tom,
I sent you an email with a longer message, but I will summarize it here. I am also 15, was just confirmed in the Catholic Church, and am also a Scout. I am a Freshman in high school as well. Seeing that someone just like me shows that anyone can truly be a victim of violence. Daniel’s story has motivated me to do what he did – to look at your weaknesses and work on them. Thank you for all you do, and sorry for your loss.
Thanks,
Aaron
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Thanks, Aaron. Messages like yours, especially from young people, keep his memory alive.
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Hi Tom,
I was a toddler when the columbine tragedy occurred so I didn’t become aware of it until a was a bit older. As I learned more about the victims I saw a picture of Daniel. He seemed like such a sweet boy. This site is wonderful and I admire you and your families fight against lax guns laws. It was a pleasure to learn more about who Daniel was as a person and how he impacted so many people. I wish you and your family many blessings.
Best,
Jamilah
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Thanks, Jamilah.
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Hi I’m not sure who will read this but I am from Texas and I’ve been doing an English project on the columbine massacre and from that I’ve learned so much about the victims. I’m currently in highschool and I am scared to go to school. I’m a junior and in my 3 years of highschool I never once felt comfortable especially with Texas gun laws. Daniel has inspired me and continues to inspire future generations. I was born 8 years after the tragedy and when I first learned about it I cried. I am so sorry for your loss but I hope it brings you comfort that it wasn’t in vain. He is still impacting the future and I truly look up to your son. Thank you for your continued activism I hope it makes its way to Texas.
Much Love, Tracey-
Thanks, Tracey, for your kind words. Yes, Texas has some really weak laws, but do keep in mind that schools are still a fairly safe place to be, especially for kids from some households and neighborhoods. Still, our schools are certainly and sadly more dangerous than those in other developed countries.
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Hi Tom,
I wanted to thank you for all that you do in raising awareness about gun violence.
I also wanted to thank you for sharing your son’s life with the world. Learning about Daniel introduced me to the issue of gun violence when I was a teenager.
I believe that kids (and possibly people of all ages) need to be able to connect to an issue in some way before they can understand it, and learning about Daniel was what did that for me in April 2009 when I was 15 years old.
I had a lot in common with Daniel. We both got straight A’s, we both joined various clubs to combat our shyness (it was choir and drama for me), and we both were described as encyclopedias who loved cats. I liked that Daniel pushed himself to improve upon his weaknesses while also still appreciating himself and his nerdiness. There were a lot of similarities between us and I remember relating to almost every detail I read about him. That really mattered to me at 15 because I often felt lonely and like I didn’t have much in common with most other kids, so it meant a lot to even read about someone who was like me and could have been my friend.
Daniel’s birthday is exactly 10 years and 5 days before mine, and that stood out to me because when I first read about him in April 2009, I realized that I was almost exactly his age. That made me very sad, but it made me think about the world on a bigger scale and it made me start to think about what kind of impact I wanted to have with my life.
I’m still figuring out how to come out of my shell at 30, but Daniel’s story was one of the first things that really made me think about that.
I’m inspired by your willingness to walk in Daniel’s shoes and continue what he started when he questioned the loopholes in the Brady Bill. You will always be an inspiration!
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Thanks for your kind words and your reflections on how you’ve connected with Daniel. It’s very heartwarming for me to hear these stories so many years later.
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Hi Mr. Mauser,
I was watching your powerful interview on the “Real Crime” youtube special on Columbine while doing my nursing school assignment. Daniel was brave and seemed like a phenomenal young man. May his memory forever live on!
-Chanel from California.
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Hi Chanel. Thanks for your kind words about Daniel. And thanks for your commitment to nursing!
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A stranger in Texas, I went through this site and it is clear Daniel was deeply loved. May his heavenly presence grace both his parents and family until you join him in the gardens of eternal peace.
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Thanks, Mohamed.
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In 1999 I was a 15 year old in Oklahoma shocked by the tragedy at Columbine. Here I am now 41, Daniel should be here. In 2012 I had a 6 year old daughter, when Sandy Hook happened. She graduated this year, but it hurt my heart because there should’ve been 20 more kid’s graduating. It’s seemingly endless and completely senseless that this continues to happen. I pray that God opens hearts and eyes to reason he is not here as well as so many others and that changes are made so we don’t lose anymore children to needless gun violence. Thank you for sharing Daniels beautiful life he has touched my heart in a very meaningful way.
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Thanks for writing, Rachel. Senseless, indeed.
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Daniel seems like such a sweet boy, such a sweet soul. The world needs more people like Daniel, and more people like you. Sending love.
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Thank you, Sarah.
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Dear Mr Mauser (or whomever I am talking to)
You are the definition of a great human being. Very humble, a kind heart.
Please can you tell me what I can do to help you? I will be visiting DC, Colorado and Louisiana in September for a holiday. I want to do something productive to help. I would donate to your cause if you want (I couldn’t find a link) but it doesn’t seem like enough. Please tell me.
I haven’t suffered what you went through but I was beaten up while pregnant and you inspire me to get up every morning. I was deep in grief that I refused to meet my niece and nephew but now I will be flying to Switzerland to meet them for the first time because of you. Thank you.
You have so much passion and I think everyone wants the 12 children’s parents to find happiness after trauma.
You come across as very dignified, classy and eloquent. You don’t play a victim. I will also metaphorically walk in my child’s shoes.
I saw the lovely video you put up where Daniel goes to France. Did he enjoy it? I aim to go to Daniel’s bench but there’s snakes apparently?! I’ve bought a beautiful lightweight wooden cross but I don’t think I would be allowed to leave anything on a grave (I know his grave isn’t the bench).
I’m getting the book but I’m from the UK so can’t get a signed copy. Do you not do paypal? I guess there is always ebay.
Anika ps- If my message is too forward please delete it and I’m sorry for disturbing you. I know I’m a nobody but strangers around the world care about you. You are not alone. Daniel is beautiful, precious and treasured.
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Thanks for writing, Anika, and for your very kind words. Sorry for the late response–I somehow missed this one. It was a busy summer and I wasn’t checking very often. Especially sorry because you wrote before making a trip to Colorado. There are rattlesnakes in Roxborough Park, but rarely is anyone bitten, you just have to be alert and not approach if you see one in the path. I was just there a week ago. I’ve walked the park many times over the years but only once saw a snake, in the open on a different path, after someone pointed it out. Good luck finding the book. Did you try Amazon? I pay with Paypal but have never accepted payment using it. I do use Venmo now. However, the postage would cost you more than the book.
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Hi, I am Emma from Sweden.
i was just 12 years old when this tragedy happened. It was very much upset tragedy and I remember that the newspaper and the news on tv talked a lot of it.
today I read everything I can about it, trying to understand. I try to live the life to honour the victims that got their life and future taken away.
I am so sorry for your loss. I really hope that one day this evil will end. That the laws about gins will chs.that people with mental illness will get help.
Thank you for your work for change ❤
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Thank you for writing, Emma.
And as for mental health, I don’t know if you were aware, but another school shooting happened in the southeastern U.S. this week. Once again a disturbed young man brought an assault rifle to school and killed others. He killed two teachers and two students, and injured 9 others. As with Columbine, he had signaled his intentions, but nobody did anything. And, worst, this boy ASKED for counseling but didn’t get it, and, his father GAVE him that gun. Things are crazy in my country.
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Thank you for your answer.
I have heard a lot about the attack, it’s a big news in Sweden too. I really wish that this will come to an end. It’s so devastating 😢
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Dear Tom,
First of all, I am extremely sorry for your son and all the victims of this terrible crime. I am 34 years old, I have no children, and I cannot imagine your pain. I want to believe that you have found peace. Remember that death is not the end of our journey. Greetings from Poland
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Thank you for writing, Krystian. It is very touching when we hear from people from other countries.
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I wanted to write something here, but after failing a number of times to write something sensible, this is my message.
English is not my main language, so i’ve been struggling with being able to convey how much Daniel story touched me.
What started off as a research on wikipedia on the topic of school shootings (i wanted to seek knowledge of the main reasons of why they happen) led me to discover this site by accident. I’ve read most of what’s been written.Your strength and bravery needs praising. I can’t even begin to imagine what you had to go trough, but thanks to your efforts, we can learn what happened, how painful the greiving is and, most importantly, how to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Your story will forever be with me. I will hold you all in my thoughts, and wish you nothing but happiness and peace.
Andrea
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Thank you for your kinds words and concern, Andrea. It’s touching to have people write and reflect after so many years have passed.
And I don’t know if you were aware, but another school shooting happened in the southeastern U.S. this week. Once again a disturbed young man brought an assault rifle to school and killed others. He killed two teachers and two students, and injured 9 others. As with Columbine, he had signaled his intentions, but nobody did anything. And, worst, his father GAVE him that gun.
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Thanks for your answer.
Today i was thinking about Daniel and decided to check back here. It really is disheartening having to “scroll past” so many shootings to find the one you were writing about. So many lives changed forever.
It seems unreal to me how, where i live, the mere idea of being unsafe while at university of school is simply silly! Meanwhile, in what is portrayed as the most advanced society in the world, kids have to go trough drills preparing them for possible school shootings.
The only kind of drills we do where i live are for earthquakes and firefighting.These should be the only worries of a child, and of a parent whose child is at school.
There really is a cultural problem.
Once again and most sincerely, I wish you nothing but good things, and i truly truly thank you for sharing your experiences and giving me (and surely many other people) some insight on these matters, and a chanche to change opinions.
I admire you.Andrea
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Thanks for your kind words, Andrea.
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Hi, I’m here because I came across a beautiful and well-made documentary that honoured all the victims of this horrific crime. I was so touched by the way you spoke about Daniel – an intelligent, shy, sweet-natured young man with great perseverance and courage that inspires me on a personal level. I’m so sorry you were robbed of many more years with him. Please know that we will never forget the name Daniel Mauser and that he continues to inspire people all around the world. Blessings from the UK
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Thanks for writing, Eva, and for your kind words. Nice to hear from the UK–my son in law is a Brit.
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Hi, I’m Jennie from DC.
Thank you, Tom, for sharing Daniel’s life with us.
I wasn’t born when Columbine happened, but recently I’ve been looking into the case. While there’s always something I can relate to with each victim, I’ve felt an especially deep connection to Daniel. In high school, I wasn’t anything remarkable, just focusing on my own thing and minding my own business. But if I’d been in school at the same time as Daniel, I’m sure I would have wanted to be his friend. He seemed like such a genuine, kind soul, so much more mature than his age. His intelligence would’ve also completely fascinated me.
I’m sorry for all the pain Daniel went through. I truly hope he’s somewhere better now, somewhere free from suffering. I like to believe he’s finally at peace. And from everything I’ve read about Daniel, it’s comforting to think that when he was here, loving him was easy because he had so much love within.
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Thanks for writing, Jennie, and for your kind words about Daniel.
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Hello Tom,
Daniel seemed like an incredible person to live, and I often look into these type of stories, to study how the victims of terrible tragedies (such as Columbine and Parkland) lived, and what incredible human beings they were.
I’m so, so sorry that you had to experience this, a classroom is one of the most innocent places that exist in this world, and should stay as such. Students (such as myself, since I’m still in high school as I’m writing this) should NOT in any circumstances have to worry about being shot and dying in the same place they are supposed to learn.
Daniel’s, and many other victim’s lives serve as life lessons to me, as a young person myself, to always never take time on this earth for granted.
Sending my condolences.
An Anonymous Observer
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Thanks for writing. I’m always touched when hearing from students who weren’t even born at the time of Columbine.
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Daniel Mauser, did you really like pets? I saw his photo with cats, I thought he and Alfred were so cute, did Alfred die before Daniel passed away?
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I didn’t know Daniel, but he had great energy, he was a docile person, he liked animals as I do too, the photo of him with his cat Alfred was so cute, Alfred died before Daniel?? probably if he died after daniel, alfred missed him. Did Alfred die due to old age? could you tell me
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Hi Tom,
You and your son’s story has touched me, and a lot more people you could ever know. Learning about your activism really gives me hope that there are people out there who truly care about our children.
I teach freshman, and whenever I see a photo of Daniel, I always see my students in him. I get the opportunity to watch them grow, share their passions, and be so excited about their futures, and it just breaks my heart that Daniel didn’t get to have a future.
He should still be here, and it’s beyond unfair that he was taken so young by two people who had no right to take anyone’s lives.
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Thanks for writing and for your kind words–and for being a teacher!
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Hello Tom,
I am truly heartened to have stumbled across this site by accident. A beautiful memorial to the beautiful person that Daniel was.
How beautiful it is that people like me – who were not yet born in 99′, may get to know a part of Daniel, and feel the huge deck of love and strength of his great family.
Wishing you and your family all the best in your life from Wrocław, Poland.
Dominik
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Thank you for writing and your kind words, Dominik. It’s very touching to hear from people not even born at the time of Columbine, and especially from people living far away.
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First of all, I would like to inform you that I wrote it using a translator.
I am a student living in Korea.
I knew the dangers of guns in the U.S., but after searching through various sources, I found them to be even more harrowing than I thought. Living in a gun-free country, I don’t know the pain, but I wish I could heal your wounds with my little consolation. I’ll be rooting for you anywhere.
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작성해주셔서 감사합니다. 답변이 늦어져서 죄송합니다. 예, 총기 폭력은 우리 나라에서 심각한 문제이며, 슬프게도 앞으로도 계속될 것입니다. (저도 번역기를 사용하고 있습니다.)
jagseonghaejusyeoseo gamsahabnida. dabbyeon-i neuj-eojyeoseo joesonghabnida. ye, chong-gi poglyeog-eun uli nala-eseo simgaghan munjeimyeo, seulpeugedo ap-eulodo gyesogdoel geos-ibnida. (jeodo beon-yeoggileul sayonghago issseubnida.)LikeLike
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Mauser,
My name is Wessel Joosten, and I am a 21-year-old from the Netherlands. I recently came across your memorial site while reflecting on the tragic events at Columbine. I was deeply moved by the way you have chosen to honor Daniel’s memory and the lives of all those lost that day.
As someone who recently turned 21, I often find myself thinking about the profound loss of young lives, especially those like Daniel’s, who was only 15. Reading about Daniel and seeing his pictures deeply moved me, as he seemed like someone I would have been friends with. It is heartbreaking to consider the pain your family must have endured 25 years ago and continues to carry even now. Your strength in sharing Daniel’s story has touched me deeply, and I want you to know that his memory reaches far beyond borders, resonating with people like me who weren’t even born in 1999 and who never had the privilege to know him personally.
I find myself returning to this site often, and I know I will never forget Daniel and the impact his story has had on me. I am sending my heartfelt love and deepest compassion to you and your family.
Wessel Joosten
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Belated thanks for your kind words about Daniel. It is touching to get such messages after so many years have passed–and especially when it is from a nation far away.
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Dear Mauser Family,
Thank you for creating, maintaining and updating this website. This is the form I believe remembrance should take in the aftermath of tragedy. Your efforts here are immensely important, not only as a memorial to Daniel, but to the victims and their families as a whole. This perspective is what should first come to mind when one thinks about Columbine.
I have watched a number of Mr. Mauser’s speeches, and I urge him to continue fighting the good fight. It is needed now as much as ever before. Sharing the memory of your son with the nation is courageous and necessary to humanize an issue that often remains impersonal – out of sight and out of mind.
I cannot adequately express my appreciation. Thank you once more for all you are doing and have done. I will keep Daniel in my heart and encourage others to do the same. Merry Christmas and best wishes from Indianapolis.
Daniel S.
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Belated thanks for your kind words. And yes, I am continuing the fight.
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Hello Tom. I just want you to know that people at my school know who daniel is. It left an incredible impact to us on how precious memories are with family. After we watched documentaries about people who were affected to “gun violence”. Many of my classmates admired how you became an anti gun violence advocate after losing Daniel. He mattered to you so much. Even tho his time with you was cut short. Always take care of yourself. – Justin
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Thanks, Justin. It means a lot to know that some young people keep his memory alive after so many years have passed.
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God bless you for creating such a wonderful and beautiful tribute to your son. In heaven, Daniel has undoubtedly been telling all those who listen how proud he is of his family, especially his father. Your continued activism towards gun reform is deeply admirable. Daniel, and everyone else who died in the Columbine tragedy, will never be forgotten.
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Thanks for writing, McKenzie, and for your kind words.
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Thanks for your kind words about Daniel. You know him well.
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Beautiful website. My heart goes out to you and to all that have suffered! Love from Germany!
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Thanks, Iris.
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hey mr mauser,
im a 15 yo autistic girl from Germany. So it means, i never knew ur son. And yet Columbine is in my interest. However, im more interested in the victims than in the perpetrators 😼 When i look at the photos of Daniel and his lil sister as children it just melts my heart ♥️ they were so cute especially as kids 🥹🥺 u know i kinda think my dad and Daniel couldve been buddies. My dad is actually thirteen years older than him but hes also more an introvert (and also doesnt really like to get photographed lol). Ik it sounds a bit weird for u cos my dad was 29 in 1999 (and Daniel was 15). But i think it couldve worked out (i also have a friend that is 21 years older than me yk). Btw, i think my dad was also more the shy kid studying alone (as he still his today). And when i got it right, Daniel excelled in maths just like dad (a bit bad for me cos he tortures me almost daily with math exercises 😭). Idk what u think but im sure they couldve been buddies (with an age gap of 13 years lol).
btw, (read only if it wont trigger u cos now im talking abt April 20 1999) i kinda think its understandable that Daniel fought back that day. He was injured, afraid and reacted by putting a chair towards Harris. Of course everyone can see it as an heroic act ever since he was the only one who fought back that day. But its just my own opinion (from a girl that was born ten years later after 1999).
⚠️ triggerwarning: sibling loss
i forgot to mention that dad also had a sister named Bianka. She was one year younger than him. They were both like Daniel and Christie: Dad was the shy kid, Bianka seemed to be more outgoing. In 1991, Bianka died in a car accident. So ive never got to met her. And dad is more the type of person that suffers in silence (so i prefer for everyone to not talk abt her in front of him). Idk really much abt Bianka cos dad never talks abt her (my grandparents however sometimes do when they talk abt dads childhood). Its a sad thing that u and my grandpa have in common: u lost a child. Christie and dad lost a sibling. Christies children never got to meet their wonderful uncle just like i never got the chande to met my aunt.
wish u only the very best after all u went through. i hope u and ur wife Linda have the best life without worries or something. U are incredibly strong. And for Christie (in case shes reading this too): i hope ur very happy now cos u deserve nothing more than a great life filled with happiness, love and fun. And for Madeleine: i hope ur very well too. U never met Daniel and i understand this pain. But hes watching u from above 🙂 and im sure he doesnt feel replaced: hes proud that his family gave u the chance of an normal life.
lots of love
Six 🎀
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Thanks for writing. Sorry it took a while to reply–I don’t check it real often. Thanks for reflecting on Daniel. It’s heartwarming to have people do so after so many years have passed–and especially from someone overseas and from Germany (you probably can tell from my name that I have German blood in me. Actually the family name is Mausser–someone changed it in immigration. Sorry to hear about your aunt. Tom
Daniel seems like such a kind, caring, and courageous young man. And so intelligent! I know that is considered ‘nerdy’ at 15, and shyness is hard. I was a shy kid too. I’m sure he would have done amazing things with his life and I think what happened to him is so terrible and unfair.
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Tom,
I have just recently started reading your book and I can happily say it was an amazing decision. I am currently a senior in high school and I can’t help but be fixated on what happened 25 years ago, far before I was even born. On graduation day, I will be carrying this book with me so a part of Daniel can experience graduation too.
Thank you so much for your fight for gun control. Your son lives on through your commitment to make our world a safer place.
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Thanks for your kind words about Daniel, Lauryn. You brought a lump to my throat and a tear to me eye when you said you’d carry my book to your graduation. It means so much to me that Daniel’s is still kept alive after so many years, and especially by young people not even born at the time of Columbine.
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Dear Mr. Tom Mauser,
I hope this message reaches you with the respect and sincerity it’s meant to carry. I’ve known about Columbine for years, but it wasn’t until recently that your son Daniel’s story truly hit me — not just as a tragedy, but as something deeply personal and powerful.
It took me time to realize that Daniel wasn’t just a victim — he was a fighter. The moment I learned that he pushed a chair at one of the attackers… it shattered something in me and woke something up too. That kind of courage, in the face of absolute horror, is something I’ll never forget.
Your son showed strength beyond his years, and I want you to know that I carry that with me now. I’m an artist, and I’ve been through my own struggles. But Daniel’s bravery — even in that split second — is something I will fight to honor in the work I do and the life I lead.
Thank you for continuing to share his light with the world. I’ll do my part to carry it forward.
With deep respect,
Rhys Green (HardRTheGoat)
Traverse City, Michigan
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Thanks for writing, Rhys, and thanks for your kind reflections on Daniel.
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Hi Tom,
Sending love and strength to you and family on Daniel’s heavenly birthday, from Australia. I know wherever he is, he is celebrating. I’ll never know what this day is like for you, but I hope you are all well and finding peace.
I purchased your book last year online and it was wonderful, but so heartbreaking. Though I was born a few months after Columbine, Daniel seemed like someone I would have loved to be friends with. I think the reason I felt so drawn towards Daniel’s life and legacy is because we were exactly the same in school. I too was very shy and academic, but I tried out debating and leadership clubs because I didn’t want to feel limited or constricted by something I struggled to do. I ended up winning a speech award anyway.
I also wanted to let you know that Daniel’s story and your advocacy inspired me to try university again, as someone who dropped out in 2017. It was so motivating to see Daniel take on his weaknesses and fears head on – and I guess it just stuck with me. I was accepted early this year and I’ve now finished my first semester of my communications degree. Thank you for all the work you’ve done to bring Daniel’s story to so many people. He really seemed like the kindest kid.
Happy Heavenly Birthday Daniel. Thanks for inspiring me.
Sending love, hope and strength from Brisbane, Australia
(Georgia, 25)
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Thanks for writing, Georgia. You are the only one who wrote here on Daniel’s birthday. In the past I’d get quite a few messages on his birthday, but I’m not terribly disappointed, for I recognize that 26 years have passed. Congratulations on being accepted into university–I’m so touched that Daniel helped provide some inspiration!
BTW, my wide and I visited Brisbane in 1989.
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Daniel’s story deeply touched my heart, in a way that will never be forgotten. The love, strength and determination of your family is something inspiring and I’m sure Daniel is proud of you. Thank you for giving the world the privilege of meeting an incredible human being like your son, he will always be in my heart.
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Thanks for your kind words, Laura.
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I went to the “acolumbinesite.com” for edeucational purposes and came across the page with the vicitims and it led me here.
I’m sitting here now crying, which feels ridiculous because the sadness i just felt is NOTHING compared to what his family and friends feel. Daniel seems like a wonderful young boy with so much potentional. No one ever deserves to go thru any pain close to what he felt or his relatives. I’m wishing you all the best and i know that Daniels spirit lives peacefully in heaven watching over and protecting you.
Thank you for sharing such loving and wholesome information about Daniels life, Sending lots of love from Sweden
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Thanks for writing, Sara. It’s touching that people are reflecting on Daniel after so many yearss.
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Dear Tom,
When I learned about the tragic massacre that took Daniel from this earth, around 2010, I was around 15 myself.
I remember looking at Daniel’s pictures and learning about him. I remember crying so much, for him, for his family and loved ones, for an unimaginable loss, which I could never pretend to know.
The injustice was too heart-shattering for me to process and accept, even from a distance.
I looked at Daniel’s pictures and saw someone who would have been my friend.
You have done so much towards no one else having to go through what you and your family and your son’s loved ones have gone through. Your work is commendable and extremely important. Anyone who would dare to say otherwise has an agenda that is not compatible with life. I am sorry for all the attempts at denigration, threats, and despicable forms of violence.
Any human being, truly human being, is thankful for you and the work you’ve done.
Daniel will live forever in the hearts of those who love him, and in the memory of those who honor him from afar, including myself. He will never be forgotten.
Thank you and sending much love from Portugal
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Thanks so much for writing, and thanks for your concern and for your kind words about Daniel. It’s amazing that after so many years we still have people reflecting on Daniel–and especially when it’s from people living an ocean away!
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The care and love you poured into creating this memorial is deeply moving. Daniel is, and will always be, cherished. As long as there are hearts that remember him and the other victims, their stories will continue to echo, and their lives will keep being honored.
Here in Brazil, we’ve also faced tragedies that left deep scars. Even without knowing the victims or their families personally, the pain of such loss resonates across borders.
With heartfelt sympathy and a warm embrace from afar,
Amanda
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Thanks for writing, Amanda, and thanks for your kind words and concern. Yes, I have heard of those tragedies in Brazil.
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Mauser,
Firstly, to introduce myself, my name is Aether. But I just go by Etty mostly. I am 15 and from New Zealand. (So very far from America!)
I only recently learned about the tragedy of Columbine. I was first introduced to it by a post written by a ‘Columbiner’ on Tumblr. Which is quite disturbing, so we’ll move on.
This is such a beautiful website that was made with lots of love, I hope that you guys. I think of Daniel often. I also think about how difficult it must be to firstly have to grieve losing your son in such a tragic way, but having to do it in the spotlight of the press and cameras, AND having to deal with people like the ‘columbiners’. Your strength and courage amaze me every time I think about it.
I have had an encounter with grief when my mother passed last year. But her death was semi-expected as she had been terminally ill for 2 years. But the difference was that she had lived a good chunk of her life and I was allowed to grieve in the peace and comfort of my own home. Even then her death really disturbed me. My own grief has given me perspective and now i understand how hard it is, that is why I am so inspired by the strength of your family. I cannot even begin to imagine losing your child (Who was so young, and was taken so unfairly) and being forced to grieve in the middle of the public eye.
Daniel was such a beautiful boy; he was smart and intelligent and would’ve gone on to do such great things. In each of his photos, you can see the light of joy and love in his eyes. I do not doubt that if we were in the same school at the same time, we could’ve been friends.
I have cried so many tears for him, and I have prayed that your family find all the peace and healing that you guys deserve. And i hope it also gives you some hope that people are still thinking of him and saddened that his life was taken even if they haven’t ever met him or your family, and live halfway across the world.
Anyway,
I’m sorry if this was long-winded, or didn’t really make sense, it was written at midnight while I had tears in my eyes,
Much love and prayers,
-Etty.
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Thanks for posting, Etty. I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, even if it was semi-expected. I can somewhat relate to that, as my father died from cancer when I was ten. (However, it was different, because he was pretty remote, a drinker and a bit abusive. For me it was only a loss in that I didn’t have a father anymore.) Thanks for your kind words. Yes, it does mean a lot to still have people reflect on Daniel after so many years. Tom
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Dear Mr. Mauser,
I remembered Daniel and visited your blog again, as I do many times each year. Although I was born in 2006, well after Columbine and more than 9,000 miles away in Singapore, this tragedy still feels deeply devastating.
The pain and grief of human loss know no boundaries of geography, age, or time. I believe in the six degrees of separation, and that all of humankind is largely interconnected, which is why I still feel deeply upset about Columbine.
What happened was senseless, unjustifiable, and preventable at so many junctures. Its ripple effects are still felt 26 years later, which was what drew me to research and understand more about the causes and impact of Columbine over the past few years.
Daniel seemed like a wonderful and friendly kid, with many similarities in hobbies and personality to myself. I know it doesn’t change anything, but I am genuinely sorry for your loss.
I sincerely believe Daniel was fortunate to have you as his father, and vice versa. In some form, whether atomic or afterlife, I believe you will see him again.
Sending peace and love from Singapore,
Jessica (19)
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Thanks for continuing to keep him and us in your thoughts, Jessica.
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Hello Mr Mauser, I don’t know it seems this letter has been sent so many annoying times. I’m sorry for the long letter however please read this, I promise it’ll be worth your time. Please call Mrs Mauser over if you can, and send this to Christine as well.Oh my lord, words cannot explain how I’m so grateful and thankful to the Lord that I have found this. I’ll try not to write too much though I think will.Okay look, I am a 15 year old black female born in the United Kingdom, England and oh my lord Daniel’s story has absolutely turned my world. I want to be so honest, I found out about Danny on the 16th of August on someone’s tiktok story and coincidentally, though I’m not so patient on long stories, but I clicked through every story patiently until I landed on Daniel’s slide, and I have to say It didn’t mean much at the start but a few minutes later, it’s as if God had wanted me to find out more about Daniel and in my head right after seeing this story I was like ‘I know I’m going to come back here again’ and effectively ,I did. And oh my ,that very same day a few hours later after having done research on him, I replied to the person’s story saying exactly this, ‘OMG I LOVE HIMMMMM’ which is unusual as I had just found out bout him, but I had already began to feel deep interest. From that day until now the 31ST, I have never gotten Daniel out of my mind because his story absolutely made my cry for days and I still do at the most random times even in the middle of family fun moments because I think of how this could’ve been Daniel with his family ,once upon a time . And honestly I am NOT an emotional person AT ALL, but Daniel has made me realise that I have a heart.Thinking of the amazing boy he was and the amazing brotherly figure he must have been for Christine and the beautiful boy, he certainly was to both you and Mrs Mauser. I often imagined him as a school boy as well and what a lucky school, to have had such an amazing student attend it. I have loved seeing a few aspects of him on YouTube and internet, from the bubbly young blonde boy ,to the golden retriever like shy blonde teenager.
I have printed a picture of him and have placed it in my room. I call Daniel ‘ My angel’ because honesty he’s a very lovely soul to hold in one’s heart. I have received many signs from God but this is my favourite. I had strongly felt the need of having a picture of Daniel in my room in order to never forget about him and bare in mind, I had tried printing stuff in the past, but after having printed too many things, my printer had very little ink. Nothing would come out and it would give me an alert saying something along the lines of ‘There’s very few ink left ,you cannot print anything’ The same exact amount of ink remained on the day I printed Daniel’s picture. So before I printed his picture one night, I heard God say through my soul that night, ‘Go and print the image that you have in your heart’ and I was reluctant at first, and I said to myself this isn’t going to work obviously so why would I? But a certain feeling began growing inside of me so I eventually decided to attempt printing the image and a few seconds after pressing print on my iPad, suspense—And BOOM. The picture comes out. I began tearing up as the song ‘I will remember you’ by Sarah McLachlan played through my headphones and this was the song I would listen too in my grieving days for Daniel, and I thanked God endlessly, for I knew he was the one who had made that printer give out every single bit of ink it had inside. I felt God’s presence so strongly almost as if he was telling me ‘I have given you Daniel as a gift’ and I hear this exact phrase so many times in calm and reflective circumstances .
Well if you want to know, Daniel has brought me so much closer to God. Before I found out about him, my relationship with God was the epitome of poor. After having discovered him, first thing is searched was ‘Daniel Mauser Religion’ and over the time I began asking myself, where is Daniel? And that same day I looked deep into his eyes from a picture on the internet and I felt this feeling and I said out loud ‘Nahhhh, this guy’s with God’ ‘He’s with God’ and I didn’t say it to reassure myself, I promise you, I FELT IT STRONGLY. And oh my, directly and over time , God answered me in so many ways and many many times. I always feel this strong voice in my heart saying ‘Daniel is with me’ over and over again and I always say to myself ‘I love Daniel, he’s my brother (in Christ)’ and I felt and heard God say this twice at different times, ‘Daniel loves you too’. God has made me scroll over your website many times until 15 days after, I find this thing where you can send messages. Please guys listen and believe me when I tell you that DANIEL IS WITH GOD, I cannot tell you how much I want you to UNDERSTAND this. IT IS REAL. I cried like a little girl the first day I had received this sign. I mean they are so many. I highly doubt that God would make me very patiently and “coincidentally” tap through long stories on TikTok until I find a slide about some “random”blonde teenager who “accidentally”ends up rekindling my relationship with my God. This is God’s message, maybe he’s tried talking to you in the past and you didn’t think much of it. Or maybe you have ‘faith’ but you don’t HAVE FAITH. I say it again, DANIEL IS WITH OUR GOD, and all God is asking is that the Mauser family speaks more about him when you speak of Daniel. Write a book about your faith and your challenges! recognise God’s fidelity and greatness for us. He wants you to get closer and closer to him.
Forgive me Mr and Mrs Mauser, I don’t know much about your deep and secret relationship with our God and it’s not my place to make assumptions but this is what God has told me to send you through his presence and voice. Daniel is my gift, for he has brought me closer to God again, and in result, God has revealed 100x where our angel; your Daniel is. When I first started my proper research on Daniel, I’ve read many times on websites discussing Daniel and his life and people saying , ‘he inspired me’, I see it everywhere. I deeply felt that sense over time and I said to myself ‘ I know I’ll get my inspiration too, I feel that an inspiration will grow, I’ll just have to wait’. And look what I’m like now. I’m a girl , but I want to be just like him. I feel his innocence ,and guess what God loves? Innocence. I feel that you need to know that the picture I have printed of Daniel ,one of his lasts I believe, is the one where he is in his whitish-gray sweatshirt with the blue writing that I cannot fully see and is looking into the distance with that precious and distant smile. When I look at that picture of Daniel I have in my room, his smile seems more sincere almost as if his picture is telling me, ‘I’ll see you soon sister one day, carry on what you’re doing’.
I promise you Daniel is having the time of his life and having this special connection with God and getting to know little things about our Danny has made me love both God and Daniel even more. I also love to call him My Brother because honestly he is. At the bottom of this picture of him, I have written,’My angel (with a tiny heart)’ and ‘God’s beloved son (with a tiny cross drawn), Daniel Mauser 25th June- (infinity symbol)’ and a little phrase saying, ‘As long as my days on this earth are counted, I will never forget you’. So , my friends, remember, the dead in Christ will what? Rise again! God just wants you Mr & Mrs Mauser ;Christine and the whole Mauser family extended ,to focus on him a lot more , speak about him a lot more,and believe that your beautiful son, is having the time of his life with him and his other brothers and sisters. And guess what, very very soon , WE WILL MEET AGAIN, IN JESUS’ NAME. I have also followed you on instagram Mr Mauser and Christine, God bless you so so much and I pray for you everyday. I love you so so much and I love Daniel so so much. And to Linda that I rarely see online, you are such a strong woman and I admire both you and your husband so much. I apologise for the long message. (Also quick random childish question,what was Daniel’s favourite song and singer/band)
Your beloved sister Victoria
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Thank you for writing, Victoria, and for reflecting on Daniel. He was indeed a special kid. But do not cry so much for him, for, as you said, he is in a much better place. When people ask how I can cope with this loss and live on, I say “I think of what Daniel would want for me. I’m sure that he would not want or expect me to live in perpetual grief. That’s the kind of kid he was. He’d want me to be happy, and he would be happy to know we honor him through the things we do in his name and by sharing his story with others. Thanks for keeping his memory alive–that’s how his legacy lives on!
He was not much of a fan of music, so I cannot tell what song might have been a favorite. And, BTW, you submitted two duplicate entries here, so I am deleting the first one.
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Thank you for replying 😊 and sorry for submitting two duplicates 😭
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Daniel Mauser Memorial Website 
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