Don’t you love how I suckered you in last month with a week full of entries and then….nothing.
The last update just stares at you, taunting you. All that is left is the clouded, fogged up window into our world.
I can tell you that life has not been cloudy or fogged up. It’s been busy, but clear and sunny.
Praise the Lord! I am now working. Searching for a job has been a job in and of itself. But, finding the right job for me and for my Village has been even more taxing and worth the wait. Although, we do not understand, God’s timing is always perfect and so is His provision.
Preparing for heading back to a full time job for the first time since August 16, 2005 has been crazy. It’s a huge adjustment for all of us. Taking me out of the picture for Danny-care and Corbin-care requires more from my Village, primarily Danny’s parents.
Once school starts for Corbin, my almost Kindergartener (how’d that happen?), I will be able to take him to school in the mornings on my way to work and that will help out tremendously. Until then, scheduling my boys is a daily discussion.
To say I couldn’t do this without Danny’s parents is the greatest of understatements.
And, 36 years ago today, Danny’s parents welcomed him into the world.
When I was a child, I remember my mom telling me how much she loved me and sharing with me that when I became a parent, I’d understand the depth of that love.
I can’t imagine the heartache and worry that comes from watching your child experience tragedy and hardship.
Our journey has been long; almost six years now.
As a wife, it is incredibly frustrating to be unable to make it all better for Danny.
For his parents, I can imagine it’s probably worse.
As Corbin’s mother, I am the one he cries to and runs to when his heart or his body is hurt. And, I hold him, dry his tears, clean his wounds and give him a band-aid to cover his boo-boos. And, with that and time, he heals, grows and moves on.
Danny’s mom can’t put a band-aid on Danny’s brain injury and make it all better. In his now 36 years, I’m sure this is not the way they dreamed it would be for Danny and it’s a daily effort to give his injuries, both physical and emotional, to the Great Physician.
But, the important thing is to view the other side of the coin, the glass half full part.
Danny is here.
Danny is present.
Danny is living.
In his 36 years, he’s become a great man. Through all faces of difficulty, he continues. He does not give up, not that I give him much of a choice, but still he goes.
Don’t get me wrong. He doesn’t have the whole world smelling like roses and he can come across as being pissed off at the world.
But, don’t we all sometimes? Don’t we all have our moments?
I know I do.
The funny part about me harping (yes, I can nag) Danny about being thankful to be able to just be here, giving him some tough love, I have to give myself the same pep talk too.
Life could be worse. It has been worse.
Take my friend Adam again, who has now passed on to be with the Lord. My life could have been very different.
Danny is here.
Danny is present.
Danny is living.
I did not have to bury my husband, Corbin’s dad and Hector and Loida’s son.
I do not have to tell stories about Danny to Corbin to teach him about his dad. He can see it for himself.
Danny is still a husband.
He is still a dad.
He is still a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin and a friend.
He still loves deeply. His smile and laugh still brighten the room. His determination spreads to others; “if he can do it, I can too.” He still loves his Lord, although I think they often have some serious talks. He still makes people laugh and can banter with the best. He is tender and tough when he needs to be. And, he is growing, learning, and remembering more every day.
So, on this Danny’s birthday, I have a request for you my (few) loyal readers:
Make a comment (it will appear after I approve it) or send an email to dannyandallison@hotmail.com and tell Danny what it means to you that he is still here, still present and still living.
And, if you read this tomorrow or many days from now, do it anyway.
Help this cheerleader rest her pom-poms and rely on you, the Pep Squad.
Happy Birthday, Danny!
Okay, Danny. . . having just read what your wife has posted, I am picking up my pom-poms (you know I have them) and giving Allie a rest! Things could be soooooo different and you know it! The progress that you have made is astonishing your therapists and your doctors. You have an opportunity that is unique to just a few in this world – to show sheer determination to press on in spite of the circumstances. What is your goal? Not Allison’s, or Corbin’s, or your parents. Your goal. See it. Own it – and in the words of Winston Churchill – “never give up”. You and God – seems to me that that is a majority. . . okay, that cheer did not rhyme and I certainly did not do a cartwheel, but my pom-poms were moving and shaking! Seems to me, you are in a win-win situation.
We love you, Danny, and are so proud at how far you have come. We cherish our friendship that has developed and grown over the last 6 years. From standing with 100% support to climbing our steps, you have come a long way and we have taken pleasure in watching you improve and progress!
Happy Belated Birthday Danny. Keep fighting the good fight & the bad when it comes down to it. You may not get a lot of feedback but people are reading and watching continually. So, chin up and keep working hard.
I hope this birthday year is great for you and progress astounding!
May the Lord add His blessing to your hard work.
Hi Danny!
Though this is a little late, I want to wish you a belated birthday!
It was so good seeing you when we came to Georgia for Grandmother’s memorial. You made me laugh so many times when we visited, especially when you described how you like your coffee prepared, “white and sweet, just like my woman.” When we went outside to look at the pool area, you were inside and decided to tease us and hold the door handle shut when we tried to get in so that we couldn’t open the door! That made me laugh and feel so good. It had been a few years since I had seen you, and man oh man, you are doing so much better! I know it must be so hard and frustrating sometimes because your healing is taking longer than you’d like, and you aren’t out of the “d___” wheelchair yet, like you’d like to be. But… from someone who hasn’t seen you in awhile, I see a really big change. I see the “old Danny” back making all of us laugh. You were helping around the house, playing with Corbin in the hallway, making beautiful birdhouses, and you came and sang “The Lord Bless you and Keep You” with us at the memorial service. That was a wonderful blessing! So, just so you know, we out in Arizona believe in you and keep praying and trusting God’s promises that the Lord will finish what he has begun in you! He has begun a great work already! We love you very much! Farrah, Abel, and Micah Silva
Happy birthday Danny! What an amazing story you have to tell and share with others about life, love and yes, even tragedy. I am amazed at your determination, stamina and your willingness to move on even when it is tough. May this year, be the best thus far as you celebrate not only your birthday, but the day that the Lord decided to share you with the rest of us! Keep on trucking and always remember, that even though it may be a hard road, God gave you this life to use it for His glory. Your Father must be smiling down from heaven on you as He watches you grow.
Happy Birthday Danny! Nearly five months ago but better late than never. You may not remember me but I worked at Killer Creek and knew you before and after the accident. Really I knew of you and Southland Choppers more than I knew you personally. Just a few months before your accident, we raced our motorcycles against each other at the dyno drags at one of the killer creek parties. I had an old cop bike that I was about to tear down and fix up and you were on your sportster. I am glad to read that you are improving, even if it’s not as quickly as you would like. Allison, you are doing an amazing job. Thank you for maintaining this site. I hope the new year is better for you all. Keeping you in my prayers,
-Bob