I had my first check-up today at the Mayo Clinic. It went smoothly, but tomorrow we get down to the nitty-gritty. At 2:30 CST I will be meeting with Dr. Frederic Meyer who is the chair of the Neurology Department at Mayo. This is when we will begin to develop a treatment for my tumor.
But before that, I want to take a few moments and say 'Thank You' to a few people who have made the past few days so much better.
First off, thank you to my new friend Thomas who was sitting next to me in the conference when I went into my seizure. As he said so eloquently, he could see in my eyes that I was rather afraid when I went into my tonic-clonic seizure, but that the feeling was "extremely mutual".
Considering we were at an 'Expert Conference', I was lucky enough to have 3 expert doctors surround me immediately. Thank you to Brendon Burchard, the conference leader, who apparently quieted all 400 people in the room and lead them into meditation on my behalf. He kept reassuring the audience that I was being taken care of and that the results of this situation where in God's hands. Indeed they were and are.
Shortly after being loaded up into the ambulance, I woke up and looked into the eyes of the medic. This wonderful woman made me feel so comfortable despite the situation that I still remember her face and her calm perspective. I remember feeling very safe with her. I do not know her name and have not been able to find it yet, but if anyone from Stanford can pass along her name, I would be extremely grateful.
Upon arriving at Standford, my business partner from Dot&Cross, Brett VanTil never left my side. Like my own father, he took notes, called insurance agents, wrote down every single doctor name, case numbers, etc... Remaining away from his family for several days, he did everything in his power to help me. I am blessed to have a friend such as he, let alone be business partners with him. Thank you so much Brett.
In the ICU, I met a wonderful RN, Corey, who kept me healthy, hydrated and entertained. I was bummed when I had to leave the ICU because we had such a great time talking. He even came down to my next hospital room to check up on me the next day. Corey, you are a wonderful person and God loves you so much. My family and my wife thank you for your attentive care on my behalf. If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. Please stay in touch and best of luck in school!
Shortly there after another minor-miracle happened. My pseudo-parents, Marilyn and Kent Amstutz showed up. They happened to be vacationing in San Francisco at the time and immediately dropped in when they heard the news. They have known me since I was 5 years old and are practically another set of parents to me. Kent, a doctor himself, actually went through a successful liver transplant many years ago and was able to ask some of the hard questions that none of us would have thought to ask. Marilyn and Kent - Thank you so much for your love and sacrifice to spend a portion of your vacation at my bedside.
After determining to relocate to the Mayo Clinic, Don Miller suggested I get in contact with Andy Cass, a local youth pastor here in Rochester. He picked up Brett, Amy and myself at the airport and delivered us to our new home for the evening. (However, not before a quick trip through Taco Bell. After all, I felt I deserved it.) Andy, later introduced me to Cindy who showed up later. Andy, thank you so much for dropping what you were doing in order to come support some random people you've never met before.
We stayed that night at the Wilson's house. Thank you to Steven, Jeanne, Ben & Brit. This dear family opened up their home to Amy, Brett and I, once again not knowing us whatsoever. They fed us, took care of us, gave us a quick tour of Rochester and the Mayo Clinic and waited patiently with us until my parents arrived the next day. Not only were they amazing to stay with, their prayers are still echoing in my ears. Once again, I don't understand where these people came from but I thank the Lord for them and hope to be like them one day.
Today I met Cindy, a cancer survivor who has made it her goal to fight cancer with a supreme vengeance. This woman is a tiger. She showed up on our doorstep and threw down knowledge. I was blown away by her confidence and love for God, but I think Amy found a life-time friend in a matter of minutes. Her encouragement was incredible and I look forward to talking out some of the finer points of this whole matter with her over the coming weeks.
And of course my parents. Immediately aborting their long-awaited European vacation in a matter of hours, they were on a flight back to Omaha which quickly turned into a road trip to Rochester, MN. Never in my life have I ever doubted their dedication to me and my well-being. This occasion was no different. My father's dedication to detail will strike fear into the heart of any flippant doctor and my mother's unending positivity is mind-blowing. I could not ask for more thoughtful and loving parents. I am so blessed. I love you both very much.
And last but not least, my Amy. I don't even know where to begin. She is everything to me. Her wisdom, her confidence in Christ and her love for me, are all unbelievably humbling to me. She has the ability to comfort me in a way no one else every could. I pray that each of you have a love like this. She and I have been walking and talking together, sharing stories, crying, laughing and everything else in between.
I know there are many who I have forgotten to thank, but I suppose I can blame it on bumping my head. Nevertheless, thank you so much. And to the literally thousands of you who have sent your love from over 20+ countries, thank you, thank you and thank you!
I would also like to thank the photography community. I don't know any of these people but it has not stopped them from sending their love and support as they were referred from my wife's blog or a dear friend of ours, Jasmine Star's blog. Jasmine & JD. Thank you for your support.
As you read this, I pray you remember Jesus' words in Matthew - “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Never, ever turn away from someone in need whether you have a spare room or a car to pick someone up at the airport. This is at the center of what Jesus stood for and how He calls each of us live.
Thank you for bearing with me through this long post but I refuse to move forward without saying thank you to those who have stepped in to help out. I'll keep you updated with what happens tomorrow.
I love you all.
- David
I look forward to reading more about how Jesus is strengthening your faith through this journey, David! Praying for you daily.
Posted by: Jamie Delaine | June 11, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Still praying for you both here in Colorado! Can't wait to see how God will continue to bless you! I pray for complete healing and a peace that passes understanding! God is good....all the time!!!!
Posted by: Melissa Hatcher | June 11, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Thank you and Amy for sharing your faith especially through this experience! It's really encouraging to me to see other Christians sharing the joy and comfort a relationship with Jesus brings. Praying for you.
Posted by: Katie H. | June 11, 2009 at 08:15 PM
we are all thinking of you and praying for you.
Posted by: stacy t | June 11, 2009 at 08:33 PM
I can't believe I didn't get a thank you. You are one selfish bastard, Dave.
Mins and I are praying for you, buddy! My parents wanted you to know you're in their prayers, too!
Posted by: Jordan Green | June 11, 2009 at 08:36 PM
I am praising the Lord with you as I read through all of these wonderful people that he put in your life in a matter of seconds!
I have been praying for you & Amy throughout the entire day today.
Posted by: Jessica | June 11, 2009 at 08:46 PM
Nice update David. So glad you all made it fine to MN. Will remember you tomorrow during your appt. Love in Christ...allen vaughan family.
Posted by: Margaret | June 11, 2009 at 10:04 PM
I am moved to tears by this post. This is truly the way of Jesus. All those people along the way willing to help a stranger. I will be thinking and praying for you tomorrow.
Posted by: Keri Jackson | June 11, 2009 at 10:49 PM
David, I stop my day several times to pray for you and Amy. I am believing God for a great and mighty miracle! You have a bright destiny ahead of you and much to accomplish. May this "bump" in your road merely draw you and Amy into a deeper, more intimate place with your King, giving you both the strength and faith to go to the heights He planned for you before the dawn of creation. Great love to you both in this difficult journey.
Posted by: Becky | June 11, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Wow, I don't know you, but I will be praying for you guys.
Posted by: Jana Kunz | June 11, 2009 at 11:19 PM
I stumbled across your story while looking at a photography blog. I stopped immediately to pray for you and your family. In the days ahead I will continue to pray that God will hold you in the palm of his hand during this journey you are on.
Posted by: Madonna Benoit | June 12, 2009 at 12:25 AM
Hey David...Thanks for sharing your story and progress with the infamous online community. My family and I are praying for you! (you can add "Chicago" to the list) :)
-Leah (Gombis) Bare
Posted by: Leah Bare | June 12, 2009 at 12:45 AM
Hi David,
My husband Josh and I are following your story. We're praying for you and are so encouraged by your & Amy's faith in Jesus!!
Blessings,
& a hug!,
Bethany :)
Posted by: bethanyfphotography | June 12, 2009 at 03:43 AM
Still praying for you! Your words and faith are incredible! *STAY STRONG*
Posted by: beth | June 12, 2009 at 03:56 AM
God is a miracle worker and works in mysterious ways. Keep up your faith. Many blessings and prayers!
Posted by: Carrie | June 12, 2009 at 08:23 AM
David,
I don't even know you but feel like i do while reading your posts. Stay strong and positive you are an inspiration to many! I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Posted by: Tim | June 12, 2009 at 08:47 AM
Thoughts and prayers from the pacific northwest. :)
Posted by: Lisa Nelson | June 12, 2009 at 09:21 AM
i am so impressed and blessed to read an entire blog of thanks from you during this experience you are going through! i am a photographer from oklahoma who heard your story through jasmine star's blog and your wife's blog, and i have been praying ever since!
Posted by: ~abi~ | June 12, 2009 at 09:25 AM
It's so good to hear about the people who have helped you on each step of this crazy journey. Thanks for keeping us updated.
All of us at the office miss you!
Posted by: Sally Herman | June 12, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Hi David.. I was just thinking about you and Amy and wanted to check in to your blog.. I am so happy to hear all the positiveness in your spirit.. I am blown away by your kindness and thanks in all that you are going through right now.. and it makes me so very happy to know that in such a huge world and in all the bad we hear and see everyday on the news that the world is in fact full of kind wonderful caring people.. those are the unsung heroes..of the world those who give selflessly. Its a wonderful reminder to the nature of human spirit and the love of god. I will continue to check into both your blog and Amy's and continue to pray for you both.
Elizabeth
Posted by: elizabeth | June 12, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Many prayers coming to you & Amy from the east coast. Saw Jasmine's post and my heart just felt overwhelmed to send you my prayers. God Bless you & keep you.
Posted by: cassandra m | June 12, 2009 at 11:56 AM
love and peace and grace and courage to both you and amy. i pray for you both daily.
Posted by: lindsey | June 12, 2009 at 12:14 PM
we're praying for you and amy in lakewood, ohio. your spirit and positive attitude are amazing.
Posted by: betsy | June 12, 2009 at 12:25 PM
how funny is it that Brett was seated behind Brie and I on the Detroit leg of our journeys back to GR last night. just got JShipp his lunch (thai) and we chatted about all y'all and God's crazy timing in all this on so many levels. the big "reveal" happens in a few hours here...you're not a second away in all our thoughts. w
Posted by: 1eyedmonkee | June 12, 2009 at 03:17 PM
I don't know you, but I know your story. Yours really touched me. Healing prayers and vibes being sent from NorCal (very close to Palo Alto!). Stay strong and positive.
Bri~ San Jose, CA
Posted by: Bri | June 12, 2009 at 03:24 PM