A few days ago we headed back to Brenner but this time not for Nicholas. This time it was to say goodbye to a wonderful, wonderful man. Last Sunday morning, before we left for church, we found out that one of Nicholas' PICU nurses died suddenly from a heart attack. The Lord had called him home. It was obviously quite a shock and still seems so unreal to us.
David was an awesome nurse and man. I remember the first time we had David as a nurse. Nicholas was just off ECMO and Stephen and I were VERY picky about who kept him at night. At that point, parents were not allowed to stay in the rooms at night in the PICU. I wanted to make sure that any nurse that kept him was a mother type person who would nurture Nicholas in my absence. It was SO hard to leave him especially after we had almost lost him. In walks David. Okay...this is a man not a woman. I wanted a mother figure-loving, nurturing, etc. He was quiet, shy and would not look at us in the face. Great! I am NOT leaving. David walks first to Nicholas. Rubs his head and says "Hey little man. No coding tonight, right? We are going to behave and have fun." Brownie points!! Then he leaves. Uh..excuse me, where are you going? He comes back with treats and coloring books for all of the kids. Then proceeds to ask us what we need. David became one of our new favorite nurses. Our big, quiet, shy nurse.
David's love for all children radiated through his work. You could not help but love him. His quiet and shy ways were what made him so endearing. The picture below was on David's locker at work. That was his piece of Heaven on earth. He now has this for eternity.
David, we love you and will miss you so much. I can't quite believe you are gone. While we will cry and mourn over our loss we know you are at peace in the perfect place. I know all of the angel babies that you loved and cared for were waiting for you at the gates of Heaven. Thank you David for everything. Until we meet again.......
Please pray for the staff at Brenner. This is obviously a huge loss for them. Many of you know of our love and appreciation for the staff there. We not only hurt for losing David but we also hurt to see them in pain. It takes special, special people to do what they do and now they must do this and deal with the loss of David.
Hmm...what is wrong with that picture??? Oh, yeah that would be Claudia not me!!! Oh well, she is a second mom to the kids anyway..
Last minute instructions from Christy. Is that a grin or grimace Stephen??
Saying goodbye to little brother with a threat to keep their room clean while he is gone.
Saying goodbye to other little brother. (Yes, I am crying!!)
Time to load up...... 
Pastor Don greeting all of the kids.
Pastor Don getting ready to pray for the campers.
Hmm...would you trust your kids with that bunch???
Seriously though, that is one group of special people. People that love the Lord and want to show children all about that love. We are so blessed to have such an amazing group of volunteers that serve with our children. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do!!!
