Today is the shortest day of the year and Dave is still “hanging in there”. His spirits are good and he has been busy with a lot of friends visiting. The medical prognosis is still very cloudy, but we all understand that Dave’s future is in the hands of God, so we take it one day at a time.
Yesterday Dave had the good fortune to be visited by a flurry of people. George Selzer (who Dave still refers to as George Salazar--Dave he's German, not Mexican, I always to said) who has handled the electronic signs for the company, Santa Claus (really, Santa Claus, all dressed up with the white beard and all– I don’t know who it was but he knew Dave and I only pray I get something good this year), Frank Degelas- a business associate, and Lee Fitzgerald-a long-time friend in the RV Industry, and lastly one of Dave’s friends from church who might have seen me leave Mass early last Sunday.
Dave’s appetite is still not good. There will be pictures of Dave refusing food as memento's. For anyone who has ever dined with Dave, this is a very new experience. Being a sibling, I got to enjoy watching him eat his meal, and well as half of whatever desert I ordered.
Dave is enduring about 5 hours of therapy every day. He doesn’t really enjoy it . He questions if he’s making any improvement, but the therapists have told us his progress is normal.
It was four weeks ago yesterday that Dave fell ill. It sometimes seems like four months but we’ll just be patient. The number of cards and well-wished is astounding and very much appreciated.
The blog has not been updated for a few days because Marla and I were busy every day attending the Christmas Potlucks that each of our three locations has each year. This year the employees overwhelmingly decided the Annual Company Christmas Party would not be much fun with Dave in the hospital, so we stayed with our 3 individual, smaller gatherings.
We had our party in Baldwin Park on Tuesday, Carson on Wednesday, and Colton yesterday. Besides eating way too much, the parties were a great time to visit with our valued employees.
As I mentioned, one of Dave’s visitors on Thursday was Lee Fitzgerald. He flew down from Northern California. Lee and I are about the same age. Well actually, Lee is slightly older since he turned 50 a few months ago, and I’m still hanging in there at 44 (43 in dimly lit clubs and bars).
We’ve known Lee’s family for somewhere around 30 years! Dave served on the Board of Directors for Lee’s dealership, Venture Out RV, for several years and Dave has always had great respect for him.
Jokingly, I mentioned to Lee that he was the younger brother Dave always wanted. I was shocked (very shocked!) when Dave agreed.
Whatever happened to “No Joe, you’re the best younger brother anyone could ever want!”? Or, “No Joe, Lee would just be treated like a red-headed step-child if he were my brother.”
Debbie, Dave’s daughter, quickly grabbed all pillows and any other smothering tools in my reach, so I just sat there and sulked.
I just found out that on weekends, there is no physical therapy staff so family members get to rub this yucky stuff on Dave’s legs and help him to exercise. I hope Lee enjoys his new status as favorite brother.
The only reason I keep this up any more is the nice comments people make about this blog. Thank you. I'll update when there's more news. Or interesting stories.
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8 comments:
Dave,
Is Casa Colima ready for the Altmans invasion on the 24th? You might want to prep all those Doctors and Nurses that you have an obnoxious family that loves you and wants to be with you on Christmas. So if they aren't going to let you out, we're coming there!!!
We will make Joe rub your legs with that icky stuff since he is your 2nd favorite brother after Lee Fitzgerald. I wonder why Joe is surprised that you like Lee better? Lee is so nice and Joe is....Well you know.
Anyway, kick butt today in your therapy and we'll see you soon.
I haven't been by in a week because I've had a horrible sinus infection. But since it is better now and I won't infect you, I'll be by with hugs and kisses shortly.
Much love and prayers.
Your favorite niece.
Just a note, Dave...
...to let you know you are and have been deep in my prayers since learning of your illness. It's impossible for me to comprehend what you, your family and your support group are enduring.
The same spirit you showed when golfing with a cath bag will surely be your steadfast ally in this battle. My earnest hope is for your speedy and total recovery.
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is beside you now and always. May He fill you and yours at Christmas and through this difficult time.
Peter Albano
Dear Dave-
I know this comes as a significant shock however it appears, Joe has feelings too! At least tell him he is your favorite blood brother and Lee is the favorite adopted brother. OR, if you really want to tweak Joe, reverse it!!! Let him be the adopted one, the one mommy and daddy found on the doorstep and graciously took in to raise as their own. Then tell him they really had hoped for a puppy but he was kinda cute and had those adorable eyes and ears....well, the ears thing might drive him to therapy so better hold up on that one.
If you think he looks in the mirror a lot now....watch what happens then! He'll be all over his ears- in a casual way, of course. It'll be small things like, "Do you think these earmuffs make my ears look big?"
"Do my ears look fat with this haircut?"
Oh no! Not that one either. He'll become obsessed with your wigs. He'll want one too.
Ever seen the brother/sister act in Vegas called the Scintas? Most fun and entertaining. The one brother looks like Joe- the hair thing- and he wears a kick butt fro wig.
Hey, it's Christmas, Joe needs a present....you do the math!
Okay, it is apparent I have had a bit too much eggnog so I am off to make killer spaghetti sauce for my family- heavy on the wine.
If you are really good, I will spare you the Hungarian Paprikash and make you a most amazing Italian spaghetti when I next visit California.
I am appalled to think you are not eating and have no interest in food!!
I may have forgotten to pick up a child at daycare but I have never forgotten to eat!!
Ok, made that up......I was on a roll.
Hugs, love and God's blessings to you, Marla, your amazing extended family and little Joe.
OHHHHHH- doesn't that sound like a great character for a TV show?
Cleveland loves your heart and spirit and we are praying for you- and the Browns.
Frankly, you have a lot more hope than they do!! :)
Hugs and bunches of love-
Father Joe and Sister Corita of St. Augustine's send their prayers as well.
Christine Dern
Hello Dave:
Just wanted to send a quick note before we take off for Cambria to celebrate Christmas with the family. We will be thinking of you each and everyday. Enjoy your Christmas, eventhough you will be in Casa Colima. It doesn't matter though because you will be surrounded by people that love you so very much. It is not where you are, it is who you are with that matters. You matter very much to our family and we love you and we'll be praying for you!
Subject: Never Lie About Your Handicap...
Never Lie About Your Handicap
A businessman, John Erickson, was attending a conference in Africa. He had a free day and wanted to play
a round of golf. He was directed to a golf course in the nearby jungle. After a short journey, he arrived at
the course and asked the pro if he could get on. "Sure," said the Pro, "What's your handicap?" Not wanting
to admit that he had an 18 handicap, he decided to cut it a bit. "Well, its 16," John said, "But what's the
relevance since I'll be playing alone?" "It's very important for us to know," said the pro, who then called a
caddy. "Go out with this gentleman," said the pro, "his handicap is 16." John was very surprised at this constant
reference to his handicap. The caddy picked up John's bag and a large rifle; again the businessman
was surprised but decided to ask no questions.
They arrived on the 1st hole, a par 4. "Please avoid those trees on the left", said the caddy. Needless to say,
John duck-hooked his ball into the trees. He found his ball and was about to punch it out when he heard the
loud crack of the rifle and a large snake fell dead from a tree above his head. The caddy stood next to
him with the rifle smoking in his hand. "That's the mamba, the most poisonous snake in all Africa. You're lucky
I was here with you." After taking a bogey, they moved to the 2nd hole, a par 5.
"Avoid those bushes on the right," says the caddy. Of course, John's ball went straight into the bushes. As he
went to pick up his ball, he heard the loud crack of the caddy's rifle once more and a huge lion fell dead at
his feet. "I've saved your life again," said the caddy.
The 3rd hole was a par 3 with a lake in front of the green. John’s ball came up just
short of the green and rolled back to the edge of the water. To take a shot, he had
to stand with one foot in the lake. As he was about to swing, a large crocodile
emerged from the water and bit off much of his right leg.
As he fell to the ground bleeding and in great pain, he saw the caddy with the rifle
propped at his side, looking on unconcernedly. "Why didn't you kill it?" asked John
incredulously. "I'm sorry, sir," said the caddy, "this is the 17th handicap hole, you
don't get a shot here."
That's why you never lie about your handicap.
Hiner
Dave-
Not being able to get over there recently would have been much worse for me if it were not for Joe's GREAT work on this blog (do you think that will pick up Joe's spirits a bit now, Dave?)
Karen, "Baby Sarah", as you call her (not a baby any MORE), Charlie & I will be by tomorrow morning with a "treat" for you. Hope your appetite's good then so you can enjoy it. Otherwise I know Joe will appreciate it.
Can't wait to see you in the A.M.
God Bless!
Pete Ridder
Marla and Dave, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas together. As I was looking for a message for you at Christmas I saw one from Eva Burrows (The 13'th General of the Salvation Army)."In family life,love is the oil that eases friction,the cement that binds closer and the music that brings harmony". You are what family is all about. Both at home and in your business. Bill
Hi Dave & Marla
You and your family are in our thoughts as we enter a New Year. Dave, we are sending good wishes that God will hear all the prayers of your friends and family and that he will restore your health. As much as we all complained about bunko, we really missed it last night and promise we won’t complain next year so what an incentive for you to get better (Steve says golf would probably be a better incentive but then what does he know !!!!!).
Miss you guys……..Steve & Lucette
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