It’s not how you are inspired, but more importantly what you do with it. When I recall all those who have inspired me, I realize that those became opportunities for me to become a better person.
Today I was thinking back to all those who have been so giving and so thoughtful to Dave and me. I wish that I could thank each and every one of you who has had such a profound affect on us. I have this intense desire to repay all of you for your generosity, but I’d be so afraid that I would leave someone out. Instead, you have inspired me to do for others what you have done for us. When I talk to others here at the hospital who are struggling, I ask who I can pray for. In that moment, I say a prayer for not only the sick person they care for, but the caregiver too. You have been doing that for us all along. And yesterday, I was standing behind a nurse on our floor who was buying coffee for her and two other people. All three are involved with providing care for Dave. I slid my card to the cashier to pay for their coffee and my own. She actually got tears in her eyes, and you can’t imagine how it made me feel to treat these three caregivers.
My mom has always been an incredible caregiver to so many. From as early as I can remember, she cared for four active children, my sick father and also worked full time. Later, she cared for my youngest brother for almost 30 years, who was wheelchair bound since he was 22 years old. She and my step-dad have been caregivers to us and our family, even from thousands of miles away. With absolute certainty, I am sure that my caregiving instincts are inherited from my mom. She inspires me daily.
But truly, this is about how Dave has inspired me in countless ways. There is probably a reason most nursing shift changes come with a story of how nurses want to have Dave as their patient. He has given some of them different names, as most of you know that’s what he does. He’s kind to each and every one of them, never tries to over-work them and inquires about who they are and what they like to do. So it is a real tribute to Dave, when some nurses aren’t assigned to him, that they still stop by to check and see his progress.
Is it the little things he does that inspire me? Maybe it’s how I watch how he treats others, how he loves and cares for so many people, or that he thinks of others before himself. I can’t tell you how many times he has said, “I am so glad that this is happening to me and not to you, or to any of our children, or to any of our friends. “
Maybe it’s the big things he does that inspire me. He is so faith-filled and a God-loving man. We stand united in our journey to seek and to understand our purpose. We have not waivered even through the most difficult times. It just brings us closer to Him and in return to each other. As a man of integrity, he will not back down from his strong convictions of right from wrong, never meaning to offend others, but intending to be steadfast and true to who he is. And, his never lose attitude. If there’s one thing that has inspired me to be a better person, it’s to watch him fight this fight.
So now I ask this question directly to you. How has Dave inspired you? Was it with his words, something he said or maybe what he did? Maybe it was even what he didn’t do. Put your finger on what it was and how it affected you. Hopefully, you have one or two ideas swirling around in your head.
It’s not how you were inspired, but more importantly,
what you now do with it.
Tag Team 
One of the things that Dave did that inspired me the most, was when he gave up coaching, something he is passionate about, when his kids were playing ball in college, so he could be part of their baseball/softball careers. I remember the Monroe Evening News headlines read something like, “Nothing is more important than family.” I was so impressed, I sent him a card saying so. It really resonated with me, because I gave up my full time job teaching at the college, something that I was passionate about, to devote my time to educating my kids and attending their sporting events. Many people questioned me, and thought I must be crazy to give up such a great job, salary, benefits, and something I loved, and this caused me to doubt. But when I saw the article about Dave, it validated my decision, and I was confident after that, that I did the right thing. Both Dave and Michelle have been excellent parents, and it shows in their adult children. They are role models for parents everywhere of how to do it right.
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I graduated with Dave, I really didn’t know him all that well, but I learned more about him, his character, and his love of sports as his name was mentioned over and over as he coached ( I believe) my youngest brother, and my nephew.. I do remember him as a very nice guy who always had a smile for everyone… Continue the fight and God Bless you and your family Dave!!!
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Your words are full of kindness and compassion and I thank you for the tremendous compliment. You, as well, did exactly as you should do because it was right for you and your family. And look at how wonderful your children have grown – to be responsible, respected adults.
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Tag is an inspiration to so many. I cannot thank him enough for taking a brace-face little freshman under his wing and showing her how to fly. He inspired me then and continues to inspire me to dream big, be grateful, give love, and laugh lots—even when life doesn’t go exactly as you planned. He truly believed in every single student that entered into his classroom at a time teenagers need more than just their parents to believe in them. He is and will forever be my favorite teacher. I shared this with him a few years ago and even though it’s been over 20 years since I first stepped into Room 134, every word remains true: https://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/defining-traits-of-your-favorite-teacher
So thankful for BOTH of you. Your love for one another and your faith are inspiring.
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You write beautifully and you were an easy kid to love and encourage. You have played such a huge role in his recovery and in boosting his spirits when we were at an all time low. Thank you Peanut!
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I’m very thankfully for these post, it’s not often that I’ve gotten to work with someone and keep tabs on how they are doing. These posts and the attitude the both of you put forth are inspiring. I’ve always equated difficult times with negative feelings, but reading and experiencing how you guys handle everything with such grace, positivity, and faith has inspired me. Thank you.
Ps. Since meeting Dave I’ve yet to eat a popsicle without him popping into my thoughts.
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That made both of us laugh! You were just the best at keeping him supplied too! We think of all of you and how you all became family so quickly. The next post will bring smiles to your faces for sure. We are still fighting and refuse to give up!
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