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
13 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Mike and Family,
Thank you for your updates on Mike. He always was full of surprises. Please let him know I'm praying for him and you all and give his hand a squeeze for me. He is an amazing guy and I treasure the friendship we have.
Thank you so much for the updates. I thought I would share a funny, light-hearted Mike memory...
In our senior year of high school, Mike and I developed this silly little game of yanking at the bottom of his jeans, you know, the part that drags the floor, at least Mike's did back in the day :). I would yank and he would narrate the event with the inevitable "Yank!", but would do it in really funny voices, from serious, to loud, to even sexy and breathy. Just some weird silly game high schoolers would come up with. During this time, a bunch of us were driving back from eating at a restaurant and were stopped at a stop light. Mike was in the car in front of mine and I was busily talking to other friends in the car. I heard a knock at my driver's side window and Mike was standing in the road by my car with his leg hiked up in the air, ready for me to yank. I yanked, he narrated it and ran back into his car before the light even turned green. It was one of the funnist things ever, so funny that I still remember it. Later that year, Mike even cut or tore off a piece of his jeans and gave it to me as a remembrance of our "yanking" or "yankage" I believe he called it. I still have it in a high school memories box. Man, Mike is one fun guy. This was so silly, but so much fun.
Mike, I've learned you're full of surprises, too. In July of 2008, you posted something about bananas and boredom -- I think the alliteration appealed to you. You followed up with a longer post, "Clearly" -- and I am reading you loud and clear. Your words renew the meaning of gratitude, acceptance and reconciliation -- how did you find the way? You've kept your blog in the spirit of reaching out to people, educating them, making your contribution to the world. And it is a boundless one. Thank you.
"Thursday, July 17, 2008
clearly
Well... I agree... that last post was weird, but you got the point, clearly.
Really, life is good. For all the positions I could be in, I certainly can't complain about where I am. And I find that is the only thing that truly matters, where I am now.
My sister asked me a question during the time I was graduating from Colorado College way back in 2004. She said, in essence, "do you regret anything about your time here?" I thought about it a little bit and said, "there are things I've done that I'm not proud of, and there are things that I'm ashamed of, but ultimately they have all led me to this place with these people at this time. I love my life now and so I don't regret anything that I've done, ever."
I thought that was a pretty good answer to a really deep question. However, it's a question that I'd never had to ask myself through personally trying times. So, I'll ask myself that now. Do I have any regrets; anything I would take back; anything that if I could undo, would I undo? Do I have any regrets?
No. Absolutely not. For all the debt I incurred; for all of my "drain on society's economy;" for all of the heartbreak, both for me and for my loved ones; I absolutely wouldn't change a thing that I've done or which has happened to me. It's through these trials and tribulations that I find a clarity in my world through which I can enlighten other people. Even if I knew the exact cause of my tumor, I still wouldn't go back in time to stop it.
My cancer has given me (perhaps despite it's best efforts) greater relationships with my friends, a variety of exceptional mentors, and a deeper, more meaningful relationships with my family than I could ever have hoped for otherwise. I believe I've been able to enrich their lives to a greater degree than I could have otherwise. It's strange, and I'm aware that the cancer could shorten my life, but I'm grateful for the position I'm in, for this moment at this time with all of you who have been so supportive.
I believe in the life that God gave me, that it is right, and that I can do right by it. How could I ever regret that?"
Michael, I am truly enjoying reading all of the comments about you, Michael. The few "moments" that I have spent with you at the Davis "reunions" have been great. One, in particular, that I've never forgotten and have told to many was the reunion way back in '85 (yes, 1985) We were at your house having a cookout. You were a tiny, little, CUTE, cotton top-haired boy. We were in the back yard, and someone must have been discussing the male body parts around you. :-) I just remember that you hollered at the top of your lungs, "IT'S A PENIS!" I was quite amazed that you knew the "correct" word, and even more amazed that this little kid was correcting someone about it. It was so funny!!
On a more serious note, Michael, my heart aches for you and your family. I found a quote that I'd like to share with you. It says,"The most beautiful people I have known are those that have known defeat, suffered, known struggles and losses, and have found their way out of the depths. They have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that is filled of compassion, gentleness, and deep loving concern. Beautiful people just don’t happen. Everyone has a message. Our lives are our message. What makes us special is the signature of God on our lives." ~Lorna Tolentino
Michael, you are a beautiful person. You, Uncle Bruce, Aunt Barb, Katie, and Jonathon will continue to be in our prayers.
We love you all!! Alana, Mike, Ansleigh, and Madison Dickey
Not really knowing how to organize my many thoughts, I'm just going to type randomly. Please forgive if it comes out disorganized!
First things first: Please give Michael another hug from his "Aunt Pam."
I was just thinking yesterday what a gift was the visit from Michael & Bruce for Obama's big day. Most of all, Michael was just so FUNNY, and as I read what other people have posted on his blog, I continue to delight in his terrific sense of humor. The souls in heaven have a real treat awaiting them, when Michael arrives!
But also yesterday I was thinking that I wish we'd had the chance to hear about Michael's experiences in East Timor, which I know really affected him. So it was amazing to see that just this morning Bruce posted a web link of Michael's account of his trip. Thank you, Bruce - we can't wait to read it!
To repeat the obvious: Michael is just amazing - a man full of grace, intelligence, kindness and wit. Over the past months I've kept up with his blog, and have an assortment of favorite posts: "The weather is just startling" (4/7/08) and "Life and Death in the Southern United States" (5/22/07), to name a few.
So I'll close this message with Michael's post from March 6 of last year:
"Thus I go forward into an unknown future and a startling abyss with the greatest of hope and the hand of God. The better angels in me wouldn't have it any other way."
And a quote from the beautiful "Song of Farewell":
"May the Angels lead you into paradise; May the Martyrs come to welcome you."
Each day holds so many surprises. That is what this earthly existence is all about. De-LIGHT-ed you have found another one: the Timor trips. As yet, I have NOT mastered how to "open" it... I am thrilled that your sister came and Tad is on his way... FAMILY! Love to you and yours! Renee
Michael has shown me that no matter what life throws at you to live life to the fullest and to forget about the little things. He has been an inspiration to me and to my family. My love goes out to him and his family. I pray for peace to each and every one of you. Michael has touched so many lives and he will never be forgotten. If there is anything I can do please let me know. I love you all very much!!! Georgie
The Space Shuttle Atlantis took off for the Space Station today at 2:28 EST. It weighed 4 million pounds, burned half a ton of fuel per second. NASA is showing live pictures from space of our BEAUTIFUL Blue Planet on Television. What a WONDER-FULL sight!!!!!! Creation, what a concept! Love God and love one another is our ONLY mission. Mike you are shining example. God bless us all. love to you and your family and ocean of friends. a fan in Texas, Renee
Mike-- Reading your "news" on the East Timor trips is a rare privilege; I'm so glad your dad led us to them. No matter how much time has passed, your voice is still so immediate and brings you, Mike the (total) Man, so much closer.
Wish we could give you a personal squeeze but will just have to have mom and dad do it for us. Your mom's e-mails, dad's blogs, and conversations with your aunt Anne and cousin Diana have kept us in the loop.
All of you hold a permanent piece of our hearts. Sue and Lewis
I have so many memories of you from TVPC youth group days! You always had some witty remark or joke that had everyone in the church van in stitches. Never a dull moment! You are one of those rare people that everyone instantly likes and instantly trusts. A truly kind spirit.
In my time of need, you selflessly gave me words of comfort and encouragement, even though you were facing your own battle. I am struggling to reason why the outcome has been so different for both of us. All I can do is strive to lead a life half as inspiring, witty and adventurous as yours...and do whatever I can to help put an end the big nasty "C" once and for all!
You have touched so many lives. More than you can possibly imagine....all over the world. Thank you for letting us be a part of your incredible life. Please know that the Hereford family is sending endless prayers of strength for your family.
Much love to you and your entire family, Mike! You are one of a kind and we are blessed to know you!
A few folks have had trouble getting to the East Timor site, as I did, until I hand-transcribed the URL into my browser rather than cutting and pasting. When I did, Google took me right there. What a wonderful site. And what a tremendous gift the Internet cast up when it was found. Thank you for building it and keeping it up, for all those years.
I've just started to read from the first email of your first day -- the shock of arrival, the long journey to the sick, the very rough terrain. It reminded me immediately of Paul Farmer's missions to the sick in Haiti -- he said that it was good for doctors to have to travel very, very far to do their work. I'm going right back, to read more... Thank you.
If you can’t read this, someone can read this to you. I’m Dan, the safety guy at Kanawha Manufacturing Company. We have briefly met a few times. I am very impressed with your internet blog — especially with your in-depth East Timor experiences. Your motorcycle story was absolutely hilarious. I enjoyed it! It should be framed.
Because of your experiences, I have gained knowledge. Because of your adventurous insight, I won’t be visiting East Timor! You are a very brave and honest guy — you didn’t put any skeletons in your closet. I cannot cure your glioma, but I do care, and will be available to you and your family for whatever reason. Hugs and brotherly love to you!
Mike, I've been on the East Timor site for a while now. I've been to the parts where you said you wanted to think twice before telling your family. I'll bet! (The motorbike, the grilled dog meat, the explosions...I could go on...) You kicked a lot of butt in those six weeks, and did a lot of good. I am thinking especially of this email from July 31, 2004. As follows...
"I got to scrub in and assist on a second heart surgery on my last day at the clinic, Thursday. It was another patent ductus arteriosis and I took a lot of satisfaction in that one because the girl was really sick. Her parents weren't going to come to see the cardiologist at all because someone in their family told them it was a bad idea. The Bairo Pite Clinic is seen as non-threatening, so I went with an interpreter to their house to go talk to them about everything. They were mostly concerned that if they went to the cardiologist, their daughter would be taken away to surgery without their say or any time. That was often done in Indonesian times but not for curative purposes. I digress, that's a whole story in itself.
In any event, he saw her and she had a wide open duct. He really didn't think she'd live to see her 16th birthday (she's two) without the operation. After more assuring that we'd respect whatever decision they made, he told them the situation. They asked how many months before the surgery would take place. He told them it had to be the next day, as the surgeons were going home. The surgeon and the anaestesiologist came and talked to them too. They were absolutely terrified, but they knew their girl was sick--she just looked sick. They left to decide on their own whether to come in or not. The Timorese don't make decisions quickly, especially not of that magnitude. They usually involve their entire family and community in it. These poor people had to make a decision in about 18 hours.
It turned out that they did come in. The parents were very happy to see me there too. I went in, the surgeon invited me to scrub again (wahoo!!) and I did. I was upgraded this time from cinder block to chimpanzee. I got to cut strings either too long or too short! It was really great. Both the surgeon (Andrew Cochran) and the anaestesiologist (Dave Baines were showing me things and teaching me stuff the whole time. I really think that's something that I could do."
13 comments:
Mike and Family,
Thank you for your updates on Mike. He always was full of surprises. Please let him know I'm praying for him and you all and give his hand a squeeze for me. He is an amazing guy and I treasure the friendship we have.
Love,
Allison Schirtzinger Glass
Mr. Davis,
Thank you so much for the updates. I thought I would share a funny, light-hearted Mike memory...
In our senior year of high school, Mike and I developed this silly little game of yanking at the bottom of his jeans, you know, the part that drags the floor, at least Mike's did back in the day :). I would yank and he would narrate the event with the inevitable "Yank!", but would do it in really funny voices, from serious, to loud, to even sexy and breathy. Just some weird silly game high schoolers would come up with. During this time, a bunch of us were driving back from eating at a restaurant and were stopped at a stop light. Mike was in the car in front of mine and I was busily talking to other friends in the car. I heard a knock at my driver's side window and Mike was standing in the road by my car with his leg hiked up in the air, ready for me to yank. I yanked, he narrated it and ran back into his car before the light even turned green. It was one of the funnist things ever, so funny that I still remember it. Later that year, Mike even cut or tore off a piece of his jeans and gave it to me as a remembrance of our "yanking" or "yankage" I believe he called it. I still have it in a high school memories box. Man, Mike is one fun guy. This was so silly, but so much fun.
Lori Vealey Halstead
Mike, I've learned you're full of surprises, too. In July of 2008, you posted something about bananas and boredom -- I think the alliteration appealed to you. You followed up with a longer post, "Clearly" -- and I am reading you loud and clear. Your words renew the meaning of gratitude, acceptance and reconciliation -- how did you find the way? You've kept your blog in the spirit of reaching out to people, educating them, making your contribution to the world. And it is a boundless one. Thank you.
"Thursday, July 17, 2008
clearly
Well... I agree... that last post was weird, but you got the point, clearly.
Really, life is good. For all the positions I could be in, I certainly can't complain about where I am. And I find that is the only thing that truly matters, where I am now.
My sister asked me a question during the time I was graduating from Colorado College way back in 2004. She said, in essence, "do you regret anything about your time here?" I thought about it a little bit and said, "there are things I've done that I'm not proud of, and there are things that I'm ashamed of, but ultimately they have all led me to this place with these people at this time. I love my life now and so I don't regret anything that I've done, ever."
I thought that was a pretty good answer to a really deep question. However, it's a question that I'd never had to ask myself through personally trying times. So, I'll ask myself that now. Do I have any regrets; anything I would take back; anything that if I could undo, would I undo? Do I have any regrets?
No. Absolutely not. For all the debt I incurred; for all of my "drain on society's economy;" for all of the heartbreak, both for me and for my loved ones; I absolutely wouldn't change a thing that I've done or which has happened to me. It's through these trials and tribulations that I find a clarity in my world through which I can enlighten other people. Even if I knew the exact cause of my tumor, I still wouldn't go back in time to stop it.
My cancer has given me (perhaps despite it's best efforts) greater relationships with my friends, a variety of exceptional mentors, and a deeper, more meaningful relationships with my family than I could ever have hoped for otherwise. I believe I've been able to enrich their lives to a greater degree than I could have otherwise. It's strange, and I'm aware that the cancer could shorten my life, but I'm grateful for the position I'm in, for this moment at this time with all of you who have been so supportive.
I believe in the life that God gave me, that it is right, and that I can do right by it. How could I ever regret that?"
Michael,
I am truly enjoying reading all of the comments about you, Michael. The few "moments" that I have spent with you at the Davis "reunions" have been great. One, in particular, that I've never forgotten and have told to many was the reunion way back in '85 (yes, 1985) We were at your house having a cookout. You were a tiny, little, CUTE, cotton top-haired boy. We were in the back yard, and someone must have been discussing the male body parts around you. :-) I just remember that you hollered at the top of your lungs, "IT'S A PENIS!" I was quite amazed that you knew the "correct" word, and even more amazed that this little kid was correcting someone about it. It was so funny!!
On a more serious note, Michael, my heart aches for you and your family. I found a quote that I'd like to share with you. It says,"The most beautiful people I have known are those that have known defeat, suffered, known struggles and losses, and have found their way out of the depths. They have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that is filled of compassion, gentleness, and deep loving concern. Beautiful people just don’t happen. Everyone has a message. Our lives are our message. What makes us special is the signature of God on our lives." ~Lorna Tolentino
Michael, you are a beautiful person. You, Uncle Bruce, Aunt Barb, Katie, and Jonathon will continue to be in our prayers.
We love you all!!
Alana, Mike, Ansleigh, and Madison Dickey
Dear Barb and Bruce,
Not really knowing how to organize my many thoughts, I'm just going to type randomly. Please forgive if it comes out disorganized!
First things first: Please give Michael another hug from his "Aunt Pam."
I was just thinking yesterday what a gift was the visit from Michael & Bruce for Obama's big day. Most of all, Michael was just so FUNNY, and as I read what other people have posted on his blog, I continue to delight in his terrific sense of humor. The souls in heaven have a real treat awaiting them, when Michael arrives!
But also yesterday I was thinking that I wish we'd had the chance to hear about Michael's experiences in East Timor, which I know really affected him. So it was amazing to see that just this morning Bruce posted a web link of Michael's account of his trip. Thank you, Bruce - we can't wait to read it!
To repeat the obvious: Michael is just amazing - a man full of grace, intelligence, kindness and wit. Over the past months I've kept up with his blog, and have an assortment of favorite posts:
"The weather is just startling" (4/7/08) and "Life and Death in the Southern United States" (5/22/07), to name a few.
So I'll close this message with Michael's post from March 6 of last year:
"Thus I go forward into an unknown future and a startling abyss with the greatest of hope and the hand of God. The better angels in me wouldn't have it any other way."
And a quote from the beautiful "Song of Farewell":
"May the Angels lead you into paradise; May the Martyrs come to welcome you."
All our love to Michael, you and the family,
Pammie and Martin
Each day holds so many surprises. That is what this earthly existence is all about. De-LIGHT-ed you have found another one: the Timor trips. As yet, I have NOT mastered how to "open" it...
I am thrilled that your sister came and Tad is on his way... FAMILY!
Love to you and yours!
Renee
Michael has shown me that no matter what life throws at you to live life to the fullest and to forget about the little things. He has been an inspiration to me and to my family. My love goes out to him and his family. I pray for peace to each and every one of you. Michael has touched so many lives and he will never be forgotten. If there is anything I can do please let me know. I love you all very much!!! Georgie
The Space Shuttle Atlantis took off for the Space Station today at 2:28 EST. It weighed 4 million pounds, burned half a ton of fuel per second. NASA is showing live pictures from space of our BEAUTIFUL Blue Planet on Television. What a WONDER-FULL sight!!!!!! Creation, what a concept! Love God and love one another is our ONLY mission. Mike you are shining example. God bless us all. love to you and your family and ocean of friends.
a fan in Texas,
Renee
Mike--
Reading your "news" on the East Timor trips is a rare privilege; I'm so glad your dad led us to them. No matter how much time has passed, your voice is still so immediate and brings you, Mike the (total) Man, so much closer.
Wish we could give you a personal squeeze but will just have to have mom and dad do it for us. Your mom's e-mails, dad's blogs, and conversations with your aunt Anne and cousin Diana have kept us in the loop.
All of you hold a permanent piece of our hearts.
Sue and Lewis
Mike,
I have so many memories of you from TVPC youth group days! You always had some witty remark or joke that had everyone in the church van in stitches. Never a dull moment! You are one of those rare people that everyone instantly likes and instantly trusts. A truly kind spirit.
In my time of need, you selflessly gave me words of comfort and encouragement, even though you were facing your own battle. I am struggling to reason why the outcome has been so different for both of us. All I can do is strive to lead a life half as inspiring, witty and adventurous as yours...and do whatever I can to help put an end the big nasty "C" once and for all!
You have touched so many lives. More than you can possibly imagine....all over the world. Thank you for letting us be a part of your incredible life. Please know that the Hereford family is sending endless prayers of strength for your family.
Much love to you and your entire family, Mike! You are one of a kind and we are blessed to know you!
Sarah Hereford Waterworth :)
Mike and family,
A few folks have had trouble getting to the East Timor site, as I did, until I hand-transcribed the URL into my browser rather than cutting and pasting. When I did, Google took me right there. What a wonderful site. And what a tremendous gift the Internet cast up when it was found. Thank you for building it and keeping it up, for all those years.
I've just started to read from the first email of your first day -- the shock of arrival, the long journey to the sick, the very rough terrain. It reminded me immediately of Paul Farmer's missions to the sick in Haiti -- he said that it was good for doctors to have to travel very, very far to do their work. I'm going right back, to read more... Thank you.
Hello Mike,
If you can’t read this, someone can read this to you. I’m Dan, the safety guy at Kanawha Manufacturing Company. We have briefly met a few times. I am very impressed with your internet blog — especially with your in-depth East Timor experiences. Your motorcycle story was absolutely hilarious. I enjoyed it! It should be framed.
Because of your experiences, I have gained knowledge. Because of your adventurous insight, I won’t be visiting East Timor! You are a very brave and honest guy — you didn’t put any skeletons in your closet. I cannot cure your glioma, but I do care, and will be available to you and your family for whatever reason. Hugs and brotherly love to you!
Mike, I've been on the East Timor site for a while now. I've been to the parts where you said you wanted to think twice before telling your family. I'll bet! (The motorbike, the grilled dog meat, the explosions...I could go on...) You kicked a lot of butt in those six weeks, and did a lot of good. I am thinking especially of this email from July 31, 2004. As follows...
"I got to scrub in and assist on a second heart surgery on my last day at the clinic, Thursday. It was another patent ductus arteriosis and I took a lot of satisfaction in that one because the girl was really sick. Her parents weren't going to come to see the cardiologist at all because someone in their family told them it was a bad idea. The Bairo Pite Clinic is seen as non-threatening, so I went with an interpreter to their house to go talk to them about everything. They were mostly concerned that if they went to the cardiologist, their daughter would be taken away to surgery without their say or any time. That was often done in Indonesian times but not for curative purposes. I digress, that's a whole story in itself.
In any event, he saw her and she had a wide open duct. He really didn't think she'd live to see her 16th birthday (she's two) without the operation. After more assuring that we'd respect whatever decision they made, he told them the situation. They asked how many months before the surgery would take place. He told them it had to be the next day, as the surgeons were going home. The surgeon and the anaestesiologist came and talked to them too. They were absolutely terrified, but they knew their girl was sick--she just looked sick. They left to decide on their own whether to come in or not. The Timorese don't make decisions quickly, especially not of that magnitude. They usually involve their entire family and community in it. These poor people had to make a decision in
about 18 hours.
It turned out that they did come in. The parents were very happy to see me there too. I went in, the surgeon invited me to scrub again (wahoo!!) and I did. I was upgraded this time from cinder block to chimpanzee. I got to cut strings either too long or too short! It was really great. Both the surgeon (Andrew Cochran) and the anaestesiologist (Dave Baines were showing me things and teaching me stuff the whole time. I really think that's something that I could do."
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