I am writing tonight’s posting with a terribly heavy heart. We got results back from tests performed on Dave and the findings are not good.
The cancer has spread significantly since Dave’s initial hospitalization. In addition, Dave cannot be administered blood-thinners due to the risk of internal bleeding, and blood clots are forming in his lungs and impeding his respiration.
There are no medical treatments for his current condition, and his time with us is quite limited.
Dave is aware of his condition and fully at peace with it. His desire to have made a difference in the world on which he lived is paramount in his mind. While the final answer to that question lies with Divine Providence, I told him I had no doubt that the earth was a better place for him having walked upon it.
His sense of humor is still intact. We both agreed that only I could get away with using Marla’s nickname of “Big Mama”. Even he dare not use that pet name. It’s not that she’s big – far from it. It’s just that I said it one time, and she didn’t hit me, so it stuck.
He also noticed, while eating his dinner tonight, that my sister Anne and her husband Gus mistook his brown gravy for soup. The look on his face when he got a spoonful was priceless. You could say shock was an understatment.
He had another visit today from Cardinal Roger Mahony. I don’t know why I always miss those visits and my sister Sue and niece Tina “just happen” to be there. I guess they need blessings a lot more than I do. That’s the only explanation I can figure out.
I had the pleasure of speaking one-on-one with Dave for a time. I told him how lucky I was to have him as a mentor, a brother, and a friend. He squeezed my hand and told me how lucky he felt to have me as his brother. “God threw me a big curve ball this time”, he said. I held his hand, told him I agreed, and that I loved him.
We read him the cards and emails from today and it, with the exception of having Marla at his side, is the highlight of his day. To everyone who sent him their kind and wonderful thoughts; thank you.
Dave is still welcoming visitors. He will be at Casa Colina through this weekend but may be moved to another facility next week. If you plan on visiting, check this log and I will make sure it is updated with his location.
Everyone’s path in life is a mystery, and the path Dave will follow in the upcoming days is also unknown. Your prayers are appreciated beyond words.
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13 comments:
Dear Dave:
We are praying for you and your family at this time. We were so hoping for better news so we also write to you with a heavy heart. You have touched countless lives and have made a beautiful and lasting mark on this world. You must be very proud of your accomplishments in both your personal and business life. You are a perfect example of an amazing man, husband, father, brother, etc. You are a man of integrity, humor, love, compassion, generosity and faith. People everywhere love and adore you because you treat others as special gifts from God.
My Mother-in-Law, a holocaust survivor and cancer patient, often says that, "none of us know what is waiting for us". It is a reminder to enjoy each day for what it is. You do that even now. Once again, you are an extraordinary person that has set a great example for us all. I love you!
Dearest Dave,
I just got word of your test results and am very sad. My heart and spirit are heavy knowing your condition and will continue to pray for you and your family. You have no doubt made huge differences in many people's lives who you intereact with personally, professionally and not only in this country, but also abroad. I know that you'll leave much more with all the charities you're a part of. You're truly a humble servant!
Mylene
Dave,
We just got a call from Diane telling us of the test results.
I am not very good with words so will just say that you will always be in our prayers.
Love,
Your cousin-in-law
Sheila
Dear Dave, Marla and Joe-
I cannot imagine how heavy your hearts must be, mine is breaking.
I had hoped for tears of joy; for laughter and instead I feel sucker punched. I am so desperately sorry that we "met" under these conditions. I have heard so much about you from Michelle Wright over the past few years that I really felt as though we were friends- or would be!
The past few months it has been my privilege to get to know you and your family on a more personal level. They, and you, are quite simply, beautiful.
Even now, as I am crying, I am laughing- the gravy thing.
Imagine the impact your life has had on others. You, your attitude and your strength have inspired me personally more than I can say. I have shared you with so many and prayed for you in my heart and in my church every day. Thank you is
feeble.
As I write this there is a small nagging voice saying the game is not over, the battle has yet to be won.
Whatever God's will, I pray you are at peace and without pain.
There is so much power in love and laughter. May you and Marla, your children and family experience each and every day with both.
You have touched my heart.
May God Bless you and hold you in his arms, this day and always.
Christine
Hi Dave and Marla,
Tom Lander here.....So Dave I heard a rumor that some of your golfing buddies were sitting around the waiting room discussing what they could get to cheer you up....They finally decided on a hooker...so as the rumor goes 2 days passed and this gorgeous blonde worked into your room and in a sexy voice said...."I'm here to give you soup-or-sex"....your reply was "thats fantastic" "I'll have the soup please!!"
Lots of Love Tom and Gail!
Dear Dave:
As I was readiing my morning meditations, one was Psalm 112. This Psalm brought you to mind and I think others will agree.
Happy the man who fears the Lord,
who takes delight in all his commands.
His sons (children) will be powerful on earth;
the children of the upright are blessed.
Riches and wealth are in his house;
his justice stands firm for ever.
He is a light in the darkness for the upright:
he is generous, merciful and just.
The good man takes pity and lends,
he conducts his affairs with honor.
The just man will never waver:
he will be remembered for ever.
He has no fear of evil news;
with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
he will see the downfall of his foes.
Open-handed, he gives to the poor;
his justice stands firm for ever.
His head will be raised in glory.
Dave you are constantly in our prayers. We love you. You have been an inspiration to Louie and me. Thank you and God bless you and all your family and friends.
Love and prayers,
Ethel
Dear Dave:
I am so sad about this latest news. You have made an indelible mark on the lives of many. Enjoy your family and know you are loved and well-liked!
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." .. Einstein
Dave,
It's been too long since we've touched bases. Sharon and I have been following your ordeal and have been praying for the best.
Our families have enjoyed many fond times together...Ram games, Tiki Hut, pool and barbeque parties. Memories last forever. You are very much in our hearts and prayers.
God bless you...Love Dennis and Sharon
My Heart is heavy my eyes are swollen. I cried for a good hour this morning after I read your Blog. But I had to put on a happy face as I had 2 deliveries today and I tried to make you proud! But no matter what I'm feeling I know does not compare to what your family is feeling.
I could only hope to be half as strong as you are. Your faith is incredible.
Thank you so much for taking me in when you re-opened Carson in 98. You took a leap of faith on me with no experience. With the help of Danelle, Darylin and Colleen you've made me who I am today, helping people make their lives fuller spending more time with their family. You have defineately touched my life to this day!
Lots of love to you and Marla!
Hugs and kisses always,
Michelle and Matt, Cole and Madison
Dear Dave,
I hope you know what a truly remarkable man you are…and will always be to all of us. I have felt that from the moment I first met you. You are inspiring, insightful, thoughtful, considerate, savvy, smart, strategic, playful, fun, a special friend to all instantly and I know I could go on and use up all the memory on this blog’s server’s hard drive…but then Joe, whom I’ve not met…would shoot me! After all, we do still need this place we’ve been coming to now for this past period of time and hearing updates on your well being!
Joe’s words “Everyone’s path in life is a mystery…” are so true. We all do though believe in miracles…it is just what and when will be the next one. My prayers are for a miracle for you…an incredibly remarkable man…the man you will always be to all of us.
Sending love and big hugs always,
Ann Fairclough
We love you, Dave.
Jim and Dusty
Dear Dave,
This life on earth is but a wink of an eye. You are actually the lucky one, because you get to reach the goal before us. But in a wink of an eye, (God willing, if we can be as amazing as you) we will be partying on the other side with you.
Carol Shubin made a comment tonight after the 5:30 mass. She blames this whole thing on Msgr. Pierce because she said that this is all happening because he wants his golf partner back. There might be some truth in that...
Dave, you are "second to none," and they are preparing an outrageous party for you in heaven. Msgr. Pierce will surely be waiting for you, golf clubs in hand. All of our prayers will help pave the way to allow this to truly be the most incredible journey you have ever taken. Life is like the overture before a play. Death is merely the time that the curtain opens, and heaven is real thing,...it's when all the best stuff happens. You have inspired all of us to do our best during our overture.
Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you, Marla, and your family right now.
Much Love,
Kevin and Barbara Shore
Hi Dave,
It is 10:30 pm and I got a call from Michelle Wright, she is so lost for words as we talk about the love and friendship you have given her in the pass years, She said Terry I can't believe this is happening....I told her Dave is such a loving man, and the fact that he knows the Lord will help us all through this. Hopefully we will visit you tomorrow, Buddy, myself along with Matt and Michelle, and Dave we want you to know that we feel blessed that we have had the opportunity to have you in our life,and the whole Altman Family. We will pray for you and your family daily, as we have been since Thanksgiving and thanks for your wonderful friendship...you are AWSOME!!!
we love you! Buddy and Terry
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