Yesterday morning I went to visit Dave. I got there quite early and was his first visitor. He had finished breakfast and was all dressed and I commented on how good he looked. His voice is still a bit soft from the radiation, but he mentioned he felt blessed to have me as his first caller. I wasn’t sure if he was being honest or sarcastic (not knowing how many of my blogs he had read – I knew he had each comment read to him, but I think Marla spared him some of my postings).
I brought up that his breakfast looked like it was good, and he noted that his taste was not up to par so he didn’t care for it. I spotted a box of See’s chocolates and offered him some. That put a smile on his face! I figured I should have some too. We both were smiling.
I then updated him on the business, and told him of my day –getting up early for church, having to finish some work projects from home, cleaning out the cat box and spilling the sand all over my shoes, washing my car even though it was only 50 degrees outside, do laundry, and take care of some Christmas shopping. After about 15 minutes of me telling him of the monotonous day I was having, he had only a short statement to make, “You’re lucky!”.
Lucky! Lucky! Getting up at the crack of dawn to go to church! Finishing up on some projects needed for work because I couldn’t get them done by close of work on Friday. Washing a car. Have cat litter fall into my shoes. And Christmas shopping with the crowds only 9 days before Christmas! Lucky!
And then it hit me. Everything I take for granted is on his wish list; waking up in my own bed, going to Mass and seeing friends, being outside and enjoying the weather – even though it was chilly. And walking around with everyone else at the mall and finding gifts to make others happy.
I promised myself I would never preach or pontificate from this blog. That is better left to those with much greater skills, and who have led much more spiritual lives than me.
But no matter how mundane my life seems. Or how difficult a day at work may seem. I have a home, a job, a family who loves me, and a brother who thinks I’m lucky.
Without doubt, I am. Very lucky.
11 comments:
You are lucky Joe, I never had a brother especially such a great one like yours.
You all can pray for me on the
11th of Jan. I will have an angiogram, and maybe a stint or two. I have been having pain in my left arm while walkig, so I had a stress test. The test shows some problem, so they will check it out.
God is in control in each of our situations.
Hiner
Dave,
I have been trying to post a comment on this thing for a week, toooo much for me.
Anyway Jill and I are thinking of you everyday, this has been quite a year for sure.
With what you have been through before i Know that you are a fighter and will attack this with all that you can muster.
I was thinking about it the other day,,, i have known you 30 years, that is almost 1/2 of my life. Altman's was the first dealership that we called on outside of Colorado back in those early days. I remember you sitting there in Baldwin Park, "never had a claim",,,, with Paul and I back in the very beginning... wow that was a long time ago.
I even remember your first claim,,, when one of your vehicles hit the overhead crossover sign leaving your dealrship.
You missed the Cal RVDA golf tournement and the possibility of one of those great throws that you can make ( from one foot out) but I'll plan on it for next year.
Wishing you the best, thinking of you everyday
Bert Alanko
Hey David,
Wish I were still there hanging out with you. Hmph, no one brought in See's candy while I was there...what's up with that?
Andrew graduation from App State on Sunday. It was blizzarding outside during the ceremony. Leslie and Rick represented the Godparent faction (that'd be you!) and we all had a great time.
I'm praying you'll get better every day - also that you deservingly take a little time to gather strength for yourself spiritually and then regain your appetite and physical umph - I miss you big brother and love you bunches.
XOXO
Judita
Hi Dave,
I just heard about your hospitaliation from Greg Gerber's new blog. Many years ago when I was the new writer on the block (with RV News), I had the pleasure of golfing with you and Dick Akers at the RV/MH golf tournament. You veterans could have spent the day talking to each other and ignoring me, but that was never your style. I learned a lot about the RV industry that day from you and Dick, but more importantly, I got to know to great guys that really cared about people and the RV industry - but people first! We've joked about that day often in the years that followed, especially about my inferior golf skills compared to you and Dick. After all, you actually had brought your own clubs and knew what to do with them. May God bless you and bring you home to your family and friends real soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Evening Dave,
I, like Bert, have been trying to post on here for weeks now, I just finally figured it out. I think of you daily and I remember day by day the rehab my Dad went through after radiation. It is not an easy thing but you dont need it to be easy. You are a fighter and I am sure you will come out ahead in this battle. I hope to come by to see you and the "resort" at some point. I will be sure to call ahead to guarentee there is at least one piece of Sees candy or toffee by the time I arrive. Many prayers and thoughts to you and the whole family (even Joe).
Cathy Roach Reisinger
You are very lucky Joe, as are the rest of us but we many times take the simple things in life for granted. Dave, I have been thinking of you everyday and I am so excited about the progress you have been making over the last few weeks. Joe has done an excellent job of keeping everyone updated (and quite entertained I might add.) I told Joe last week that I am going to try and come visit in February or early March. I think I will probably stay with Danelle this time though because I really don't feel like steam cleaning Joe's carpets again (while he naps on the couch and asks me to please try and keep it down.)
Dave, I will contine to pray for you and your family. And I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
May God Bless You,
Tana
You are very lucky Joe, as are the rest of us but we many times take the simple things in life for granted. Dave, I have been thinking of you everyday and I am so excited about the progress you have been making over the last few weeks. Joe has done an excellent job of keeping everyone updated (and quite entertained I might add.) I told Joe last week that I am going to try and come visit in February or early March. I think I will probably stay with Danelle this time though because I really don't feel like steam cleaning Joe's carpets again (while he naps on the couch and asks me to please try and keep it down.)
Dave, I will contine to pray for you and your family. And I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
May God Bless You,
Tana
Hey dave,
Just wanted to let you know that you are on our minds constantly and we cant wait to see you up and around again. Sorry I havent sent any movies yet like I said but I havent had a chance to let Justin look through and see which ones you might like. Dont forget when you get better i still plan on kicking your butt on the golf course sooner or later. We will see how you handle my 83 yard drives into the rough! Well stay possitive and know that you will get throug this.
Joe Morales
Hi Dave, Joe, & Marla,
I hope you are feeling good today. It was nice to be able to visit with you last week. I know you have the strength and support to make it through this.
All the memebers of our Focus Group miss you, Joe, & Dannelle.
Thank you Joe, for you keeping us informed on Dave's progress. I appreciate your blunt humor and honesty.
I talked to Corey last week and conveyed your comments about his efforts with REDEX. He was very appreciative and has great admiration for you.
I hope I can come visit again soon.
Your friend,
Michael
Dave,
(Joe has been busy spreading joy to all the stores at their Christmas parties so the blog is not up to date)
Today, Dec.20,2007 Colton is having our Christmas party. We are joyful that Marla and Joe with be joining us however your presence will be missed.
Congrats on the progress. Keep up the great work. I hope to see your smiling face soon.
With love & prayers,
Shana McDonald
Dave is very lucky to have a brother like you, Joe.
We here in Product Research at Winnebago Industries send our best thoughts and prayers to your entire family. We wish Dave a complete and speedy recovery and for all of you to have all the blessings of the Christmas Season.
Sincerely, Jackie Vinci
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