Regardless of heading into what would be the most consequential week of their lives, Daniel Penny’s household is specializing in gratitude.
“We’re blessed and grateful for everything we do have. We have each other,” Penny’s mom Gina Flaim-Penny informed me on the eve of Thanksgiving.
On Thursday, Daniel gathered together with his mom and his youthful sister Taylor Penny, 24, at his maternal grandparents’ dwelling. His two different sisters, Jackie Penny, 27, and Katie Penny, 22, who have been in Miami and Texas respectively, deliberate to FaceTime so they may all eat “together.”
Along with conventional Thanksgiving fare, Flaim-Penny’s mom made her well-known lasagna.
“I can’t make it as good as my mother and Danny said ‘Nonna’s is the best,’” she mentioned, including that her mom was glad to organize her specialty for her grandson. “My parents love him so much. He always goes to visit them.”
Flaim-Penny and her three daughters say they might deal with this Thanksgiving prefer it was every other household vacation – with video games, jokes and naturally, Nonna’s lasagna. However nothing is typical of their world.
Their beloved “Danny” is dealing with second diploma manslaughter and criminally negligent murder for the chokehold that prosecutors have argued killed mentally disturbed homeless man Jordan Neely on the F practice in Could 2023.
After a month, the trial is nearing its finish. On Monday either side will ship their closing statements and the 26-year-old Lengthy Island native’s future will relaxation within the arms of the 12 Manhattanites on the jury. He’s dealing with as much as 15 years behind bars.
“There’s a lot on the line,” Jackie, the eldest sibling acknowledged to The Submit. “Our brother’s fate will essentially be decided. Ultimately we trust that whatever happens is God’s will. We will get through it together.”
The controversial case has tugged at racial tensions and uncovered the gross inadequacies of DA Alvin Bragg’s soft-on-crime insurance policies and the left’s twisted model of compassion, permitting harmful, mentally disturbed and violent folks to roam free.
However the Penny girls say it’s strengthened their household bond and their religion.
“We’ve seen Danny be so strong throughout all of this. When this initially happened, there was a lot of attention and it’s really scary and uncertain. It makes you want to recede and hide. But his strength has encouraged us,” mentioned Jackie.
Katie echoed her oldest sister’s sentiments. “He’s just very calm and I give him credit because it’s not easy. He is putting everything in God’s hands.”
His mom is coping in her personal method: retaining busy. Flaim-Penny, who lives in Queens, is each a instructor’s assistant and a caregiver for a girl with dementia.
“If I don’t have anything to do, yeah I start thinking and I don’t want to go there because Danny doesn’t want us to be that way.”
There have been glad distractions for the household. Katie is engaged to marry in December of subsequent 12 months. 9 months in the past, she gave beginning to her daughter, Aurora. She mentioned her brother “lights up” when he’s together with his niece, who brings out “this beautiful side of him and it makes me so happy. My daughter just loves him.”
Adoration for the Marine veteran is a working theme within the shut knit household.
“When I was younger I would follow him everywhere, because I wanted to be his favorite sister,” mentioned Taylor.
And with good purpose. They are saying he’s at all times stepped up once they wanted assist.
“Danny’s always been a good big brother. It takes me back to the things he used to do for me growing up,” mentioned Katie.
The brand new mother recalled signing as much as carry out of their elementary faculty expertise present as a primary grader. The day of the manufacturing, nerves kicked in, and she or he informed her mom she needed to again out as a result of she was scared. “It was like an hour before the show, and without hesitation, he said, ‘I’ll dance with you so you don’t have to do it alone’.”
Penny, who was a fifth grader on the time, adopted via on his promise and carried out together with his little sister in entrance of all the faculty. “From that day on, he meant so much more to me that just being a big brother. I truly look up to him. I always have and I always will.”
They describe Daniel as humorous and lighthearted however dynamic and centered. After talking to the Penny girls, I’d describe them as stuffed with grace and restraint.
“I think we’ve been good with holding it together. Behind closed doors, everyone has their moments. All we can do is wait,” mentioned Katie.
They are saying they’re prepared for any verdict the jury returns. Even when it’s not in Daniel’s favor.
On Sunday night time at 5 pm, the household may also maintain a Zoom for about 20 family to come back collectively and pray “for the upcoming decision. That’s all we can ask for, is prayers,” mentioned Jackie.
