The cliffs above Rospico beach - Easter Monday 2010
Well....David breathed his last at 3.30 am this morning. I sat with him through the night hours, listening to him struggle to breathe and watching his body slowly shut down. In the end he was in peace, with no pain, with his beloved Florence by his side as always...and I know that's what he wanted..
Everyone says it that the end is a relief when it comes and that is true. These last few days have been more traumatic and difficult than I can tell, but those who love him most have had the chance to say goodbye which is how it should be.
My lovely friends...his new journey has now begun and ours must too. This will be my last entry...David's blog was all about the fight...and that is now over for all of us...we now have to face new challenges which will be just as great. The challenge of being without him will be just as big a fight but one which we will all face with courage because that's what he would want and what he deserves.
It has been an honour and a privilege to continue the blog for David whilst he has been unable to do so himself, and the more I talk to people...even the nurses at the hospice who have only had a few days with him...and read the comments on the blog from so many people from all over the globe...the more I begin to understand what an amazing, amazing person he was....the word 'inspiration' is used to describe him time and time again...and I think I will probably never fully know the extent to which he has influenced and enriched the lives of so many who came into contact with him. The greatest honour and privilege has been to share that life with him over the past 27 years....no words can describe how proud I am of him and how much I will miss him.
I have asked him to be there to meet me when my time comes...and I am sure that he will. He will continue to be with us in all our hearts as the days, weeks and years go by...and I know I will hear his voice often.
The funeral will be a wonderful celebration of his life so I hope to see you all there. Let's give him a riotous send off...he would love that!
So...today when you think of David...amongst the tears which I know we will all shed..let there be smiles and laughter too....again, that's what he would want. Even at the end...we had to smile ourselves..David's feet suddenly turned dark brown and none of us could figure out what this strange medical phenomenon was until one of the nurses suddenly realised that she had moisturised his feet with fake tan!!!
So..For David...this is Florence...signing off for the last time and sending you all my love on this wet Sunday morning....isn't it strange how the weather has taken a turn for the worse...(!!)
God bless you and Keep you, and Make His face to shine upon you...and give you Peace xxxxxxxx
44 comments:
RIP to an inspirational man!
Dear Teresa and family, how sad I am to hear this news expected though it was, even nature is shedding tears over his passing. I thank God that his suffering is over and that he is now safe in the arms of his Saviour. I will come and celebrate a life that has inspired so many people and I praise God that I knew him even for such a short time.
Thea Lee
'And so he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded on the other side.' Teresa these words were written about the arrival of Mr Valiant for Truth in the Celestial City, and I'm sure that those trumpets rang out triumphantly for David this morning. We treasure the time we had you both in our Grp at Woodside and will continue to pray for you.
When you came to speak to us last December I was reminded of the three men in the fiery furnace in Daniel who said 'the God we serve is able to save us ... but if not, we will not serve your gods.' Deliverance has come but not in the way we all hoped and prayed for. Nevertheless .. our God is able. May you prove that time and again in the months that lie ahead.
We send our love and deepest sympathy.
Marion and Gordon
Dear Teresa, and Amy, James, Carys (and James and Chloe) - so sorry to hear the news, but so glad to hear it was peaceful and he is now at rest and not in pain. It has been an honour to have known Dave even though only for a few years - I remember one of the first times I met him, sitting next to him in a showing assembly at school, with Jessica as a baby on my knee, who kept thrusting a dolly at him - and he smiled at her and said 'Is that for Uncle Dave?'. I do feel the turn in the weather has almost been a sign from above - and when I saw the flashes of lightning last night I wondered if it was a sign. Anything we can do, please ask,
Lots of love,
Jane, Nick, Emily and Jessica xxxxx
Our love, deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all at this very sad time, we know you will have a wonderful celebration of his life-so much to celebrate and so much love to surround you all, he will always be with you I am sorry we are too far away to be there Much love Michelle Mick and girls xxx
I really am so very very sorry. My heart is ripping with pain even though I know he is now no longer in pain himself. It has been an absolute privelege to know David over the past few years. He was a very determined man and never balked at showing his emotion. Last Friday week he said not to be angry on his behalf. I'm not. He taught me more about what it is to trust in God in his last days than I ever ever learned. I remembered all that he had ever preached. The serenity that surrounded him was the peace of the Lord. The other thing I realsied was just how much he loved you Teresa. The last word I ever heard him say was to confirm he wanted you. I know he is saving you a place, as ever he is ahead of the game as far as heaven is concerned!
Love to you all and remember, we're here for you all, whenever and for whatever.
Suzy XXXXX
For Teresa
sorry this may not be very coherent, I'm blinded by tears. I just want to send you all my sympathy, love and support. To you, Amy, James and Carys. I'll never forgot the first time I met Dave, when he interviewed me. I just thought he was a warm, friendly bloke and the new job would tide me over for a few months. Little did I realize what a hugely positively influence (yes inspiational) influence he and you would have on my life. I'm so grateful to have known him.
love Lucy
PS Please don't ever fire me. I'd be heartbroken!
Dave is now pain free in that place 'Where the streets shine'. I pray that knowing we will all be reunited there helps ease your pain.
The word 'inspiration' for us summed him up -he touched all of our lives in a way that I'm sure he never knew and we will all be better people for it.
The thunder storm last night made us think that God was hurting too and sharing our tears in the rain this morning.
Lots of love to you all
The Beamish Family XXXXXXXXX
Theresa, you have all fought the fight together - different roles in the battle, but all important. Dave has his rest and reward now and yours is to come. We weep with you all but also have a chuckle when we remember Dave and all he was to so many people, especially you the family. Remember God's everlasting arms which will hold you up and give you strength in the time ahead.
With much love Gerry and Gary
Don't think I'll ever meet a better dude.
Ben G
xx
Dearest Teresa, Amy, James, Carys and the family. We feel so privileged to have known your amazing, inspirational husband and dad. Our lives are so enriched for having known him, and knowing all of you. Although our hearts are breaking we cannot fail to do as you say and remember Dave with fondness, love and laughter. When we say his name the images that come to mind are not those from the hospice, but boats, France, holidays, whisky and hot tubs (that one's for you Dave!!!) Through thick and thin, through good times and bad, we will forever be your anchors and pillars of support. All our love from Nick, Sarah, Emily, Oliver, Lucy and The AlfageXXXXXXXXXX
This is Keith, Ken and Joy's cousin in the south of France. I was so very sorry to read this morning that David's great battle is over. He has been lucky to have the support of such a wonderful family through his gruelling period. His strength, endurance and extraordinary sense of humour in the face of what was happening have been an inspiration to all those of us who have read the blogs.
I hope the entries will remain somewhere for others to refer to and use in the future, as they provide such an amazing example of courage in the face of the ultimate adversity.
Our hearts go out to you and your children, as they do to Ken and Ann, Joy and all others of your closest family members.
You clearly have a huge number of friends who, with your family, will be there to support you as you begin this next stage.
On behalf of those who, though not knowing you personally, feel inspired and honoured to have been part of the last two years' experience, we wish you everything that is good, for you and your children.
Go well.
Sorry for your loss. Best wishes for you all on your onward journey.x
i am desperately sad but also so happy and proud to have known this wonderful man, and what a fantastic family you all are. You are right when you said Flo that David enriched so many of our lives, from someone who is of little significance you have all been of great significance to my life. Love you all and am here for you all, Hannah xxx
I am so sorry to hear the news and please accept my sincere condolences. Whilst I have never posted on the blog before, I have read it every day over the past few weeks and have been amazed by your strength. I worked with David many years ago and he truly was a wonderful man. I will light a candle for him and say a prayer that he is at peace at last and in a wonderful place.
Eileen Phillips
It was a pleasure to work with David and to get to know him as a friend. We are all very sorry for your loss. We have followed the blog every day and have been inspired by all of your strength and courage. We know that this and David's impression on us all will live on. We know the Blog is ending but please let us all know when the (funeral) celebration of David's life is, so we can remember and celebrate his life with you - The Haydens
Teresa, Amy, James and Carys (James and Chloe)
I've sat here for such a long time, trying to find the right words but there are none- I am so, so sad for all of you. You can never know just how much you all have been in my thoughts and prayers since David was first diagnosed all that time ago, but none more so than especially in the last couple of weeks.
David was one of those people whose zest for life, warmth and love for his family really shone through. I'll never forget David's infectious laugh and that great sense of humour on many a Saturday morning, always so welcome before we started work! He was a brave, wonderful man and I feel honoured to have known him. You really have both been the most wonderful people to work for.
I hope that knowing you have so many people around you who care so deeply, will be of some comfort to you all. I believe David's spirit will always be close, never more so than when you really need him.
If there is anything I can do please let me know.
With love and heartfelt sympathy
Liza xx
Tears fall in Lidlington today, but a smile broke through at the mentioned of "tanned feet".
We will join you for the celebration of a life that touched so many in a way no other ever will.
Dearest Dovid.....x
love, and prayers, and hugs, and gratitude for all that you have done ,
Sianaroonie xx
Teresa, Amy, James & Carys (James)
Your loss felt by so many, because so many shared a part of their lives with you, in small church groups, serving the church in fantastic children's work, the list go on ... Really a true fighter and a valiant fight at that. Dave inspired many people to pray and to commune again with God. We lift him up once more your husband and your father.
We continue to lift you all in prayer over these difficult days and pray that you all feel a great sense of peace at this time.
Many Blessings
The Scotties XX
David's positive and cheerful attitiude throughout his illness has been...here comes that word again...an inspiration!!
We shall miss our 'bus-stop' chats.
love Jo, Mike, Christy & Mia xx
Teresa & family
Thinking of you at this incredibly difficult time....as so many have said it is hard to find the right words - but I know that whatever words we say will help you know how many people have been thinking of you all.
Make sure you take time to rest and grieve and look after yourself in the coming weeks.
Helen x
My love and prayers are with you all. I have been reading your blog for a couple of weeks and am so amazed by the strength you have all shown and the love and power of God which just radiates from you. As you have said, David was an inspiration to so many people, myself included - thank you for taking the time to keep the blog updated. My heart is breaking for you all, but rejoicing that David is free from pain and with our Saviour forever more. I pray that the Lord will give all the strength you need now and always.
J xxx
Dear Teresa - you are quite right when you say that you will never know the extent to which David inspired, influenced and enriched the lives that he touched. His love of his Lord shone from him. He is now with his God and God is, as always,with all of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family.
Love Gill & John (currently in South Africa), Suzy's Mum & Dad
Dear Teresa and all the family
I was awake between 3 and 6 with you all very much on my heart and wasn't at all surprised to get the news this morning.
I couldn't blog before church. There was too much pain mixed in with relief that the 'battle' was finally over.
We have had a wonderful service at WNL of thanksgiving for Dave's life and tears for your (and our) loss. Geoff Talbot preached so movingly
Please know that we are continuing to pray for all of you as you start on the 'next journey' and if you need us at any time we are here.
We'll be in touch about the 'celebration'.
With our love and prayers
Ken and Mu
Dear Teresa, Amy, James and Carys,
It has been my privalege to know David, and, as so many have said, he was truely inspirational. I helped with him at XLR8 where his enthusiasm and love of God shone through. He has had such a positive influence on so many lives that I am sure,as you say, that you will never know the full extent.
Please know that our prayers and our love are with you all at this time.
Jo
Teresa, Amy, James, Carys, Chloe and James
Thank you so so much for taking the time to share with us all over these past few years.
David is an inspiration to so many, including all of us at XLR8. He came and mixed it up a bit and I know helped so many of us in our journey with God. I have a great memory of him singing 'Your love is amazing' nice and loudly during our worship times! I continue to thank God for him being in our lives and I remember lots of fun times that we all had.
I pray that God will be with you all now, bless you and comfort you. You are all so strong.
David is an amazing man and I know everyone who knew him has some amazing memories. We'll miss him.
Always in my thoughts and prayers
Lots of love
Katy G xxxxxx
I'm so sad for you. Nothing I can say can begin to erase that pain, but the knowledge that he is now at peace slows my tears. Thinking, praying, hoping and wishing for you all.xxx
Barbara and I will never forget our
visit to your church when David was preaching.
What a sermon - sorry to go about it, but for a man who was suffering from cancer to preach on Philippians 1:21 and with such power is something not to be forgotten.
He is now with His Lord and we thank God for his life and all he did.
May you know that peace which passes human knowledge in these days and may the Grace of our Lord Jesus uphold you all
Douglas R. Allen
When the darkness closes in still I will say Blessed be the Lord.
struggling to say too much more just now, but God bless you all
xxx
Dearest folk
sorry to come back but forgot to ask if you would keep us informed about any celebration of David's life you intend as if humanly possible we would wish to be with you
Doug
Dear Teresa, Amy, James & Carys
We are so so sorry. This is heartbreaking news. Words cannot do justice, but please know that our tears are falling and our hearts are aching for you all. David is at peace. We will never forget him and he will always remain in our happy memories. Love to you all. Liz & John xx
This is Susan, Keith's sister. I am so sorry to hear that David has lost his final battle. I haven't seen him since he was a little boy but have heard about him from Ken and Ann, Joy and Bob. His blog has been such an inspiration in relying in God's love and grace. Having just gone 'On trial' as a local preacher I hope I can follow David's example of both relying on and passing on the message of hope we have found in the Lord. May God bless and keep you all as you journey on.
Susan
I read this entry very first thing this morning and it it only now that I feel that I can leave a message. Having been in tears and prayer this morning for all of you 'left behind' but also thinking of the wonder and joy that David is experiencing forever.
Thinking of you all Teresa at this most difficult time.
love Cilla x
Lots of love to you all. Praying that God will have His arms firmly around you.
love from
the Hudsons
Sleep peacefully David. Every Blessing.
when a ship sets sail
for a distant shore,
you know she'll never return no more
you stand on the quayside and wave goodbye,
some wil cheer and some will cry
thats the mystery of leaving
thats the mystery we long to know
thats the mystery of leaving
why do beautiful ships always sail away
when we long to have them home once more
on another quayside
they jump for joy
theyre welcome home
from a long hard voyage
though we still have sadness
and long to hold, we know some day
we too will go........
thats the mystery of leaving
thats the mystery we long to know
thats the mystery of leaving
why do beautiful ships always sail away
when we long to have them home once more
i tell you a mystery, we shall not all sleep but we will be changed in the twinkling of an eye.....
Dave - so good to see you last week, the usual you, holding court with good humour and grace, you held Amanda's and my hands as we cried whilst you told us how you wanted the funeral. Some may say youve passed on, but youre resonant in our hearts, the redders cackling laugh - catch you soon. you have inspired and you will continue to do so.
Teresa, Amy james and Carys - what a journey this last 26 years, didnt think it would bring us here, nothing to say except thanks for allowing us to share your lives across the years. We're here for youxxxxx
John Amanda, Abi and Pete, Josh and Em.
Thanks Dave for all your encouragement!! I loved popping in to see you all at XLR8, always needed to take my pen and paper to jot down that little gem of funniness, or that one amazing way of explaining things. I cannot tell you how much I learnt!!
Theresa and family, God bless you all. May his holy spirit be with you, comforting you, and giving you peace!!
All my love and prayers
Rebecca xx
Quite simply, you are all in our thoughts. We feel very privileged that we were able to spend some time with you and Dave on Monday. We giggled together on Monday and now we will weep with you. Stay strong. Love Lynne & Nick xx
Dear Teresa, Amy and family, both my wife and I are deeply saddened by the news of David's paaing away. I would like to remember David the only way I have ever and always known him to be, Smiling, laughing and cheerful.He was an inspirational person and I was fortunate to have had glimpses of this when he delivered assemblies at our school.
I pray that the Lord provides both you and your family with all the strength and love in this difficult time.
Santosh and Family
To you all, we are so sorry to hear of your great loss, I am at a total loss for words. In these sad times you are all in our thoughts. This may be the end of David's current journey but it is also the start of many more journeys. David has been so brave and his work and efforts here on earth will be rewarded 10 fold on his next set of journeys. Please take courage in the fact that this is not the end but the begining. David was so well loved and he bravely faught what was sent to try him and he did this with courage, dignity and valour, he will be rewarded well. His work will not stop. We send you our love and you will be in our hearts as is David. RIP and God Bless. James, Donna, Chloe & Jessica in Derby.
In our end is our beginning. I am so sorry to hear the news of David's death. But after the long struggle he is now at peace and with his Lord and Saviour whom he has served so faithfully here on earth. I'm sure he's already heard those words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant". He has fought the good fight and earned his everlasting reward. I have just returned from London where I attended a rehearsal for Bach's B Minor Mass by the Monteverdi Choir. The rehearsal finished with the Credo, and those final words were so poignant, "I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come".
May God bless you all and give you His peace and surround you with His love. David.
We were all very sad to hear the news. Lorna is devastated and is thinking of her friend Carys. Lots of love and kisses to you all. You are so strong and brave and David must be so proud of you all. Please call us if there is anything that you need, at all. Much Love. Marie, Richard, Matthew, Chantelle and Lorna Harris xxxxxx
Dear Teresa and all the family, we are all really sorry to hear about Dave, our thoughts are with you all.I am proud to be able to say that Dave is my cousin and even though we havent seen you all for such along time, as i have been reading this blog i have been reminded of his keen sense of humour even in the most difficult of times! love to you all from Sarah and family x
Dear Teresa, Amy and the family.
It is with deep sadness that we received this news today. It is almost as if the heavens were grieving with us today...and I then remember the Word in Church this morning - about heaven. Heaven of all topics! As believers, although our sadness and sorrow runs deep, we do not grief as those with no Hope! You guys have been, and will always remain to be, an inspiration to us. May God grant you peace and strength for the days ahead. With Love from Wikus & Breggie, Emma and Anika.
To Teresa and all the family,
Our thoughts and love are with you all at this time. David was an amazing guy, he had such an infectious love for life and was so kind and funny! He will be greatly missed, remember him always and stay strong. All our love Son, Lins, David, Ben and the Burridge family xxx
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