Remembering David

One year ago today the world lost a hero.  Oh, he wasn’t what we have come to think of as a hero in this day and age.  You see, he wasn’t a soldier, although he battled his opponent as valiantly as any warrior.  And he didn’t invent anything, although because of his courage, medical breakthroughs may indeed be made.  He wasn’t an activist or a motivational speaker, although the life he lead continues to inspire others.  No, he wasn’t a typical hero at all.  He was much more. 

David was 16 years old when he received a diagnosis that would bring most of us to our knees … a brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme.  Even the name is scary.  And with the diagnosis came labels like invasive, aggressive … terminal.  Terrible news for anyone, much less a 16 year old.  But rather than bemoan his bad fortune, David comforted everyone else and then he fought …  he fought hard … and for awhile there was hope.  Everyone knew if anyone could beat it, it would be David.  So he endured surgeries and treatments, keeping a positive outlook, smiling and doing what David did … looking forward, planning for the future and making the day of everyone he encountered a little brighter.  This was a guy it was impossible not to like … beautiful smile, great sense of humor, upbeat, fun and a friend to everyone … from classmates to fellow patients and even a celebrity or two!   Yes, he was a great guy and that’s why today so many are marking his passing. 

And while it’s great to remember the fun stuff, there was so much more to David.  To call him typical … definitely an understatement.  For example … how easy would it have been for him to have fallen into self-pity, anger?  How many of us would have done just that? Instead, while fighting the battle for his life, he continued to think of others.  While hospitalized, he organized a holiday gift drive for other kids who were also hospitalized … THAT was his Christmas wish.  Nor did David ever give up hope for the future, continuing his education, graduating and  receiving his high school diploma AND attending his senior prom!  No, he did not, in the words of poet, Dylan Thomas, “go gentle into that good night”.  He fought and went forward and lived and in the process served as an inspiration, an example of grace and dignity and courage.

Of course, by now you know how the story ends.  After a two-year battle, on May 11, 2012, the cancer won.  I refuse to say David lost the battle …because he may have been defeated, but he NEVER surrendered!

I did not know David that well; I did not have that privilege.  His parents were friends of a friend and I met him only a handful of times.  So maybe you’re wondering why I was moved to write about him.  Because even in those brief encounters, I could see what a great kid he was; what a great man he was going to become …except Fate had other plans … and that makes me sad for what might have been.  I’ve heard it said many times, we all come here with a purpose and when we fulfill that purpose, then we leave.  If that is the case, then David was one hell of an over-achiever!  Or maybe God just needed him back in Heaven … I think I’ll go with that.  So, thanks for the love, the inspiration, the great example … hope those of us left down here on the old Earth plane can do you proud, but you ARE a hard act to follow!

In closing, May is brain cancer awareness month.  To learn more, visit www.abta.org.  Do it for David.