With the heaviest of hearts, Iām sorry to share my mom Leslie Pierson passed away Monday here in Richmond, Virginia.
A devoted mother to her four children ā Rob, Liz, Jon and me ā my mom centered her life around the people she loved.
I was born just at the end of her first life, and right for the beginning of her second. I was only a toddler when, at 40 years old and amidst a difficult divorce, she re-
invented herself, finishing her college degree and building a career in law enforcement, all while raising her kids as a single mom living check to check.
PO Pierson served Westchester County, NY as a proud probation officer for more than two decades. Thousands of offenders under her supervision were guided to
get off drugs, find meaningful employment, and re-integrate as contributing members to society. Thatās her in the photo rocking her bulletproof vest.
Beyond her work, she was many things to many people: Mom to her kids, Bubbie to her six grandchildren, a Facebook Momās Group Queen to her Chappaqua and
Richmond friends, a lover to her fostered dogs, a knitter (and habitual giver) of her handmade scarfs, a committed community organizer, and a source of counsel and comfort for people from all walks of life.
Later in her life, we traveled extensively together, all across Mexico and an unexpected trip to Africa; I was already in Cape Town when she called from Virginia to ask if she could come the next day. Her childlike wonder and joy watching the elephants, zebras, hyenas and giraffes stay with me still.
My mom was pint-sized and easy to overlook, but boy was she fearless and up for almost anything, making new friends even when they didnāt share a single word in
common. Attached are some photos from those adventures.
The world and each of us are better for her time here. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. I trust she is resting in peace, just like this photo I took
of her on Playa Boquilla in Oaxaca, Mexico.
A funeral service will be held at Chesed Memorial Park, inside Beth-el Cemetery, on Thursday, February 19th at 3:00 PM ET. Friends and family are invited to sit
shiva on Friday morning at 10:00 AM ET. Please DM for Zoom details.
They tell you to chase your passions. For my generation, anyway, itās the most common of advice, and in the past decade, Iāve followed mine around the world 10 times at least. Here are some photos of me answering my calling. Iām smiling in all of them, because thatās what you do when they say cheese.
And where did leaning into what I loved get me?! Well, here, of course, and nowhere else. I did what drove me, I walked my own path, and I pursued my purpose. I kinda sorta feel good about where it got me, even if Iām honest enough to admit itās not really where I thought I would be.
Now Iām knocking on 40 - itās five months away! - and Iām still here figuring it out. I used to think life was linear - like a fine wine aging, it only got better - and then 2023 happened, so I found out the hard way that perpetual š is a myth best left for boys and girls - you know - youth being wasted on the young.
Youāve probably heard the news, itās 2026. Thereās a next chapter here and Iām already living it. You donāt have a choice! My favorite Mark Twain has two quotes: āThe two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out whyā, and āIāve been poor, and Iāve been rich. Iād rather be richā. Iāve figured out one, and not the other, Iāll leave you to decide which is which.
Well, hereās to a 2026 that leaves the other 2020s a lump of coal in comparison. I hope a month in it finds you and yours well.
-Dan
Photos by all sorts of people, @francisfraioli@rodtrvn@danpierson@mattborowick
Well, thatās it. This safari to Botswana and Zim last November marked my exit from the travel industry. 8 years, trips on 5 continents, 100ās of new friends made on adventures around the world, and a 112mph curveball called Covid. Itās been a ride.
With caption limits and too many people to thank, Iāll start with my one-time partner and forever friend now, @jancoscott.js . Janco is a legend, a giant of a man, and my lucky stars crossed when we first teamed up for six years of Safari. If youāre even thinking of going to Africa, Iām thrilled to connect you.
So many other people, since 2017! Almost a decade of my life, dedicated to my rollercoaster ride in the travel industry. Iāll mention next @francisfraioli , his photos displayed here, and in my humble opinion, the best photographer in the world.
Iām already realizing Iāll shortly run out of space. To everyone who booked a trip, sailed a boat in Greece, the BVIs, Norway, rode a horse in Iceland, hiked a Japanese mountain, overlanded in Baja, NYE retreated in Oaxaca, rooftop tent camped on safari in ZA, Bots, Zim - we shared moments, and Iām largely better off for it.
So thatās a wrap! AdiĆ³s travel! Iām working on a new company here in Mexico and hope to share more on that soon. 2026 ššš
Wrapped 25 days in Nepal trekking under the highest mountains in the world. The Himalaya can make you feel small and it can make you feel big, right at the very same time. I didnāt have a bucket list but this trip made me make one and then just got right ticked off.
These last 8 days I discovered parts of Kenya I didnāt know existed. Thanks to my friends @intuafrica for leading the way, more to come here soon šš»
