Today we finished moving Mike's stuff out of his Oak Park Apartment. It was difficult, such finality to it. Nicole and her parents helped us, as did Justin, and we appreciate their help greatly.
This evening, at 6 pm, the The medical school is having a memorial service for Michael at the hospital chapel, which I believe is in the basement of the hospital. We are taking some pictures from the funeral service in WV, and a few more. Hopefully, Michael's doctors will be there so we can thank them for their incredible care of Michael.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving Day
Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends!
Here's a bit a Michael trivia that you probably didn't know:
Michael Brewster Davis is 14th generation from Elder William Brewster, who said the first Thanksgiving prayer in Plymouth after sailing over on the Mayflower.
Bruce
Here's a bit a Michael trivia that you probably didn't know:
Michael Brewster Davis is 14th generation from Elder William Brewster, who said the first Thanksgiving prayer in Plymouth after sailing over on the Mayflower.
Bruce
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Loyola Service
The Loyola Stritch School of Medicine will be holding a memorial service for Michael at Loyola's chapel at the school.
The date is Monday, November 30th, at 6:00 pm.
Bruce
The date is Monday, November 30th, at 6:00 pm.
Bruce
The Rainbow
The rainbow which appeared when Michael left us begs to be retold. So here it is.
When Mike passed away, Barb wanted a prayer said. The regular ministers were not at hospice, so two african-american nurses came in to pray with us. One of them read from the King James bible, which happens to be our favorite. She read the 23rd Psalm, which is also one of our favorites.
Then, as we held hands, including Michael's, she started to pray. As she prayed, her momentum built, and the more enthusiastic she became. Now, we Presbyterians rarely get excited about much, except eating, so as the second nurse sprinkled in Amens and Hallelujahs, that wonderful nurse sent Michael to heaven in grand style. It was just what we needed.
Than, as Jon looked out the window in wonder at the beautiful, full rainbow, she shouted, "Oh, Lord, Jesus is taking Michael to Heaven!" She ran from the room and made all the staff go outside and look.
Jon and I went outside to see the rainbow in all it's glory, and as it started to dissipate, I saw a flock of birds fly right through the center off into the distance. Michael never did anything half way. He let us know not only where his spirit was going, but that there was going to be a lot of fun and happiness there. Amen
Bruce
When Mike passed away, Barb wanted a prayer said. The regular ministers were not at hospice, so two african-american nurses came in to pray with us. One of them read from the King James bible, which happens to be our favorite. She read the 23rd Psalm, which is also one of our favorites.
Then, as we held hands, including Michael's, she started to pray. As she prayed, her momentum built, and the more enthusiastic she became. Now, we Presbyterians rarely get excited about much, except eating, so as the second nurse sprinkled in Amens and Hallelujahs, that wonderful nurse sent Michael to heaven in grand style. It was just what we needed.
Than, as Jon looked out the window in wonder at the beautiful, full rainbow, she shouted, "Oh, Lord, Jesus is taking Michael to Heaven!" She ran from the room and made all the staff go outside and look.
Jon and I went outside to see the rainbow in all it's glory, and as it started to dissipate, I saw a flock of birds fly right through the center off into the distance. Michael never did anything half way. He let us know not only where his spirit was going, but that there was going to be a lot of fun and happiness there. Amen
Bruce
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Directions to Visitation and Services
For those coming to the visitation and/or services, here are the driving directions to the Teays Valley Presbyterian Church.
Directions from Charleston:
Take I-64 West to the new exit #40. Go left at the end of the exit ramp onto Rt 35 South.
Go 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Teays Valley Road (light).
Go 1.2 miles - past Scott Teays Elementary, past Beechwood Estates. Teays Valley Presbyterian Church is on the right.
=========================
From Huntington:
Take I-64 West to the new exit #40. Go right at the end of the exit ramp onto Rt 35 South.
Go 0.2 miles. Turn right onto Teays Valley Road (light).
Go 1.2 miles - past Scott Teays Elementary, past Beechwood Estates. Teays Valley Presbyterian Church is on the right.
Directions from Charleston:
Take I-64 West to the new exit #40. Go left at the end of the exit ramp onto Rt 35 South.
Go 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Teays Valley Road (light).
Go 1.2 miles - past Scott Teays Elementary, past Beechwood Estates. Teays Valley Presbyterian Church is on the right.
=========================
From Huntington:
Take I-64 West to the new exit #40. Go right at the end of the exit ramp onto Rt 35 South.
Go 0.2 miles. Turn right onto Teays Valley Road (light).
Go 1.2 miles - past Scott Teays Elementary, past Beechwood Estates. Teays Valley Presbyterian Church is on the right.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Michael's Obituary
Michael Brewster Davis
Michael Brewster Davis, 27, of Scott Depot, WV, passed away on November 18, 2009 after a long illness. He was born December 2, 1981 in Salt Lake City to Barbara and Bruce Davis.
Michael graduated in 2000 from Winfield High School, and in 2004 from Colorado College with a BS in BioChemistry. He spent the summers of 2004 and 2005 in East Timor volunteering at the Bairo Pite Clinic, located in one of the world’s poorest regions. It was a very rewarding experience and his time there solidified his desire to become a physician. In 2005, Michael enrolled at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago.
In January, 2007, in his second year at Loyola, Michael was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. For almost three years he battled his disease and enriched the lives of all those he touched. He retained his sense of humor and loving spirit throughout his illness. Michael’s final days were spent at home and at Hubbard House Hospice.
Michael is preceded in death by his grandfathers Frank W. Davis, George W. Berry, and his grandmother Frances W. Davis. He is survived by his parents, his sister Katherine Anne Davis, his brother, Jonathan Richmond Davis, his grandmother, Ethel Berry, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A special thank you to the many people who sent stories, pictures, and prayers through Michael’s blogs.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 11:00 am at Teays Valley Presbyterian Church in Scott Depot, followed by burial services at Spring Hill Cemetery in Charleston.
Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, November 20 at Teays Valley Presbyterian Church.
Michael told us that in lieu of flowers, he would like donations to be made to the Bairo Pite Clinic in East Timor. The web site is http://bairopiteclinic.tripod.com.
Checks may be made out to:
Medical Aid East Timor
C/O Stokes
PO. Box 3382
Madison, Wisconsin 53704-0382
Michael Brewster Davis, 27, of Scott Depot, WV, passed away on November 18, 2009 after a long illness. He was born December 2, 1981 in Salt Lake City to Barbara and Bruce Davis.
Michael graduated in 2000 from Winfield High School, and in 2004 from Colorado College with a BS in BioChemistry. He spent the summers of 2004 and 2005 in East Timor volunteering at the Bairo Pite Clinic, located in one of the world’s poorest regions. It was a very rewarding experience and his time there solidified his desire to become a physician. In 2005, Michael enrolled at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago.
In January, 2007, in his second year at Loyola, Michael was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. For almost three years he battled his disease and enriched the lives of all those he touched. He retained his sense of humor and loving spirit throughout his illness. Michael’s final days were spent at home and at Hubbard House Hospice.
Michael is preceded in death by his grandfathers Frank W. Davis, George W. Berry, and his grandmother Frances W. Davis. He is survived by his parents, his sister Katherine Anne Davis, his brother, Jonathan Richmond Davis, his grandmother, Ethel Berry, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A special thank you to the many people who sent stories, pictures, and prayers through Michael’s blogs.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 11:00 am at Teays Valley Presbyterian Church in Scott Depot, followed by burial services at Spring Hill Cemetery in Charleston.
Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, November 20 at Teays Valley Presbyterian Church.
Michael told us that in lieu of flowers, he would like donations to be made to the Bairo Pite Clinic in East Timor. The web site is http://bairopiteclinic.tripod.com.
Checks may be made out to:
Medical Aid East Timor
C/O Stokes
PO. Box 3382
Madison, Wisconsin 53704-0382
Dear, Sweet Michael
Michael peacefully passed on to the Lord this morning.
Amazingly, one of the nurses read the 23rd psalm and said a prayer, then Jon looked out the window, and there was a beautiful full rainbow. Michael went out in style. Just amazing.
Our current thinking is to have visitation on Friday, with a service on Saturday. I'll post the final arrangements.
Thank you all again for your wonderful messages, thoughts, and prayers. They have been an endless source of joy to learn what a positive difference Michael made with so many people. You have touched us the way he touched you. Thank you.
Bruce, Michael's dad
Amazingly, one of the nurses read the 23rd psalm and said a prayer, then Jon looked out the window, and there was a beautiful full rainbow. Michael went out in style. Just amazing.
Our current thinking is to have visitation on Friday, with a service on Saturday. I'll post the final arrangements.
Thank you all again for your wonderful messages, thoughts, and prayers. They have been an endless source of joy to learn what a positive difference Michael made with so many people. You have touched us the way he touched you. Thank you.
Bruce, Michael's dad
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday at Hospice
Michael spent another night peacefully, although he is more restless lately. He remains responsive to our touch and still appears to understand us. Mike does indeed to continue to surprise.
Apparently the link to his East Timor page can't be copied and pasted to your browser. Try typing it in, and the search engines point you to the right page.
If you are trying to get to his FaceBook wall and can't find him among the 500 other Michael Davis folks, try emailing a comment, and I'll send you his email address for searching. It's his Colorado College alumni email, for those who have it.
Barb and I spent the night at home, while brother Jon stayed the night. I went to my regularly scheduled tennis lesson today, and the pro wore me out. It feels good to be physically spent. I hit the balls terribly, but it was satisfying to abuse them. Better than kicking the dog.
It's hard just waiting. Michael is on his own timetable, so we just keep telling him we love him, that we will be here with him, and remind him again and again that his short life has made an amazingly positive impact on many, many people, evidenced by your kind and inspiring messages.
Bruce
Apparently the link to his East Timor page can't be copied and pasted to your browser. Try typing it in, and the search engines point you to the right page.
If you are trying to get to his FaceBook wall and can't find him among the 500 other Michael Davis folks, try emailing a comment, and I'll send you his email address for searching. It's his Colorado College alumni email, for those who have it.
Barb and I spent the night at home, while brother Jon stayed the night. I went to my regularly scheduled tennis lesson today, and the pro wore me out. It feels good to be physically spent. I hit the balls terribly, but it was satisfying to abuse them. Better than kicking the dog.
It's hard just waiting. Michael is on his own timetable, so we just keep telling him we love him, that we will be here with him, and remind him again and again that his short life has made an amazingly positive impact on many, many people, evidenced by your kind and inspiring messages.
Bruce
Monday, November 16, 2009
Surprises
Mike continues to surprise. This morning I found a site on which he chronicles his East Timor trips.
http://mysite.verizon.net/mb_davis/
Bruce
http://mysite.verizon.net/mb_davis/
Bruce
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday at Hospice
Today, as it has been all week, was a beautiful, sunny, crisp fall day.
Michael was about the same. He seems to be the most "talkative" in the morning when we all get up. He really moves his arm around and fiddles with our hands. He likes the mouth moistener brew they make here and touches his mouth when he wants us to swab some more on. His IV, which was in his hand, finally had to come out, so his meds (swelling and seizure) are given subcutaneously - under the skin in fatty tissue. I apologize if I misspelled that.
Bruce's sister and her husband drove up from Georgia on Saturday, and will probably leave tomorrow. Michael's sister Katie drove back to Chicago today to get back to her architecture classes. Brother Jon is hanging in there with us. Looks like Bruce's brother Tad will come in from Colorado later this week.
Of course we don't know how long Michael will hang in with us, so we take every moment to tell him we love him and are with him, hold his hand, and just be here. The hospice folks continue to be amazingly compassionate and attentive.
Thank you all again, and I hope these posts help keep you informed. Your messages mean everything to us, and to Mike. The tagged photos in FaceBook are great as well. We love seeing Mike having fun with his friends.
Bruce
Michael was about the same. He seems to be the most "talkative" in the morning when we all get up. He really moves his arm around and fiddles with our hands. He likes the mouth moistener brew they make here and touches his mouth when he wants us to swab some more on. His IV, which was in his hand, finally had to come out, so his meds (swelling and seizure) are given subcutaneously - under the skin in fatty tissue. I apologize if I misspelled that.
Bruce's sister and her husband drove up from Georgia on Saturday, and will probably leave tomorrow. Michael's sister Katie drove back to Chicago today to get back to her architecture classes. Brother Jon is hanging in there with us. Looks like Bruce's brother Tad will come in from Colorado later this week.
Of course we don't know how long Michael will hang in with us, so we take every moment to tell him we love him and are with him, hold his hand, and just be here. The hospice folks continue to be amazingly compassionate and attentive.
Thank you all again, and I hope these posts help keep you informed. Your messages mean everything to us, and to Mike. The tagged photos in FaceBook are great as well. We love seeing Mike having fun with his friends.
Bruce
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Saturday at Hospice
Saturday at Hospice.
Michael is about the same. He is communicating through his hand and squeezes, points his pinky, and moves his arm from time to time when he wants to tell us something. Mostly it's to just hold our hands. We are constantly letting him know we are with him and love him.
He has a guardian mouse with him, and Haagen Daas, his stuffed black and white cow which he got when he was about eight.
Mike's sister stayed the night and declared that the towel dispenser is haunted. Apparently it's a very hygienic ghost, and it spits out towels at random times to remind us to wash our hands.
Mike' mom loves your messages, as does Mike and the rest of his family.
Bruce
Michael is about the same. He is communicating through his hand and squeezes, points his pinky, and moves his arm from time to time when he wants to tell us something. Mostly it's to just hold our hands. We are constantly letting him know we are with him and love him.
He has a guardian mouse with him, and Haagen Daas, his stuffed black and white cow which he got when he was about eight.
Mike's sister stayed the night and declared that the towel dispenser is haunted. Apparently it's a very hygienic ghost, and it spits out towels at random times to remind us to wash our hands.
Mike' mom loves your messages, as does Mike and the rest of his family.
Bruce
Friday, November 13, 2009
To Hospice
Hi, all of Mike's friends.
Today, a bed opened up at the Hubbard House Hospice in Charleston, WV. We moved Mike there this afternoon. It is a wonderful place with wonderful people. We can even take the dogs up there to visit. We certainly will.
Mike is comfortable, and I know is thrilled to hear all your messages. They mean a great deal to Mike and all of us..
Bruce
Today, a bed opened up at the Hubbard House Hospice in Charleston, WV. We moved Mike there this afternoon. It is a wonderful place with wonderful people. We can even take the dogs up there to visit. We certainly will.
Mike is comfortable, and I know is thrilled to hear all your messages. They mean a great deal to Mike and all of us..
Bruce
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Not much new
Michael slept peacefully last night. Michael's little brother, Jon and I slept at home with the doggies. Mike's big sister Katie and Barb stayed with Mike at the hospital.
Mike is still on an IV for hydration and swelling meds. Hospice would probably disconnect the IV. So we're trying to come to terms with that and decide if that's what Mike would want. It's very hard.
Bruce
Mike is still on an IV for hydration and swelling meds. Hospice would probably disconnect the IV. So we're trying to come to terms with that and decide if that's what Mike would want. It's very hard.
Bruce
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
This is Mike's dad. Yesterday, Michael would not wake up.
Mike is in the hospital now. The docs said that the swelling and tumor pressue have squished his brain stem. This is the reason he is largely unresponsive. He is breathing on his own.
Michael was clear in his desire not to have any measures taken to prolong his life. He did say that medicine for swelling and other stuff like that is ok. He was put on a high dose of medicine to try to reduce the swelling. Cognitively, Michael was always pretty good. Hejust had trouble getting what he wanted to say out.
This morning, after about 10 hours of the medicine, the nurse came in and told him she was going to take his blood pressure. Michael raised his arm for the cuff! So we (Mom & Dad) think that the reduced swelling has helped some, and that he still understands what's going on. He is unable to open his eyes, though he blinks when we touch his face. We don't think he will recover, but it's important that we stay with him and continue talking to him.
Hospice is coming in this morning to talk to us about options, home care or at their facility, which is supposed to be very nice.
I'll keep you posted as we know more. Thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers.
Bruce
Mike is in the hospital now. The docs said that the swelling and tumor pressue have squished his brain stem. This is the reason he is largely unresponsive. He is breathing on his own.
Michael was clear in his desire not to have any measures taken to prolong his life. He did say that medicine for swelling and other stuff like that is ok. He was put on a high dose of medicine to try to reduce the swelling. Cognitively, Michael was always pretty good. Hejust had trouble getting what he wanted to say out.
This morning, after about 10 hours of the medicine, the nurse came in and told him she was going to take his blood pressure. Michael raised his arm for the cuff! So we (Mom & Dad) think that the reduced swelling has helped some, and that he still understands what's going on. He is unable to open his eyes, though he blinks when we touch his face. We don't think he will recover, but it's important that we stay with him and continue talking to him.
Hospice is coming in this morning to talk to us about options, home care or at their facility, which is supposed to be very nice.
I'll keep you posted as we know more. Thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers.
Bruce
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