I was going through photos for the funeral tonight and I came across the photo above. Here we are, camping more than 20 years ago (I’m on the left) when we decided to make soap mohawks. I’m going through thousands of photos but for some reason, even though I thought I put it away, this photo stayed in front of me as I sifted through many stacks of other photos. It was almost like it was trying to remind me of something that I needed to remember about my brother. I wept bitterly when I realized what it meant. He loved me and he showed it many ways, but one way he showed it was by protecting me. There were many times in my life when my brother came to protect me and he didn’t let anything stop him.
Above – David with his arm around me as we feed the ducks.
I remember one day when I was six, I was making some sort of craft or project on my front sidewalk on Calvin Place in Santa Cruz, where we used to live. My neighbor, who was a year older, came by to tease me about it and wouldn’t stop. My brother warned him to stop, or he would be in a lot of trouble. After the neighbor came by a final time, my brother launched after him and chased him around the cul-de-sac, but within a few seconds, two neighbors who were older and bigger than my brother chased my brother down and pushed him head first into the sidewalk – his tooth went through his lip and he was crying. I immediately ran to tell my parents and burst into tears when I got in front of them to tell them about it. Needless to say, the older/bigger neighbors got in a lot of trouble, but the point is, my brother always protected me and didn’t care about the consequences. I love him. He was my brother, protector and one of my most loyal friends.
Below – Me lifting David. He looks like he is flying. He is flying in the heavens above on a new adventure now. See how much fun he is having?
You didnt have to meet them more than once to know Dave and DeDe were special people and a special family. Their amazing energy and passion were evident, and there was always something new in their lives. Nothing can replace a family like that one. We should all be mindful that, in life, they lived vividly and brightly, and hewed to a path as close to their desires as they could.
It is so wonderful that you have such great memories and photos of your life with David. I believe that this relationship will continue, in a different way now – he will always be with you in your heart, spirit and mind, if not physically present.
John, those pictures are priceless! I’m so glad you shared them with us. There is nothing David wouldn’t do for someone he loved and cared for. Especially family. I said a little prayer today at the time that the service was taking place, knowing that there are hundreds of people there honoring him and his family. I wish more then anything that I could have been there too….but I was in spirit. So, again, thank you for sharing so many wonderful thoughts and pictures of you and your brother….he will always be there watching over you.
John, spending these many sad days with you since the day of the tragic accident that took them from our lives as we had known it, you have spent many hours keeping in touch with their families, friends and even those who never met them. I know you have said this time was helpful and healing to you also, and I am experiencing the same. I just want you to know that I know how proud your big brother was, is and always will be of you. You said his shoes would be hard to fill, well my dear young man you have a pretty good pair yourself that no one could fill. I love you John and I have blessed in adding you to my family through David and our families were joined and have continued to grow with them in love and sharing over the many years ahead. You, Jodi and Kaleigh were blessed to share and witness the love of David, DeDe, Luke and Ryan and their sharing of times with you. Kaleigh will be able to look at the pictures as she grows and know that she was loved and welcomed into their lives. Ryan especially loved holding her and marveled at her sweetness and how cute she was. You always have touched my heart in a very special way, but nothing can define the love you have surrounded me with and the comfort you love and caring have brought to me. I am here and always will be to continue to share our love and help in any way I can. I believe that there always is a purpose in living. You having David for a brother was a gift oh so valuable to both of you. Remember you do not have to walk in anyones shoes, you have a very special path to share in your life now and the future. Love and sharing of themselves was their way of giving to us that they loved so much. Sending my love to you! Linda