There is only one way to start this. That would be with gratitude.  There is such a tremendous amount of gratitude that my family and I have to every person that has sent a donation, a prayer, and love to Dai and the rest of us. Sometimes it’s hard to deal with the suffering and tragedies of life. We all have them. But there can be beauty in it too. Seeing how Dai affected so many people, in so many ways, big and small, is such a beautiful thing. As his family, we all knew what that he was an extraordinary person. He made me want to be a better person, just by watching who he was. He was inherently good. He didn’t know any other way to be. I used to watch him when we would be doing simple things, like errands. He would walk along, if there was something not right, like a piece of trash, he would pick it up without thinking about it. If someone needed help in any way, he did it without asking. He made his world a better place for everyone around him. I have always been so thankful to have someone in my life that could teach me to be a better person by example.

There are a few things that I wanted to share that have really meant a lot to me. Months ago, I think it was back in December, I was in the hospital with Dai. I was having a pretty hard moment, just dealing with all that had happened. It was just Dai and I, and I was crying and telling him that I need him to wake up. This was too hard to do. I leaned forward and put his arms around me, and laid my head on his chest. That’s when i felt him rubbing his hand on my back, very gently, very lovingly. I pulled back and just stared at him. That’s moment epitomizes who he is. He’s is the hospital bed in a “coma” and he’s comforting me.

This has always been a sign to me that Dai was going to be okay. It was in the first few days after the accident. Dai had ordered a book that he was going to take with him to the coast, but it didn’t come in. It came in right after the accident. It was called “Wake Up” by Jack Karouac. I was amazed when I found out, but not surprised. We are actually reading it right now and are almost done. Believe me, it is no easy read. It reads like master yoda wrote it. I’m sure I am driving Dai crazy with the halting, mispronunciations, but hey, I’m doing the best I can. The book is about how buddhism was founded. A few days ago I was reading a part that was saying because you will be something one day, you are already that. While I read for about an hour and a half, He sat up in his chair, with his head perfectly straight, and his eyes very focused, listening. It was the most alert I had ever seen him. He was just completely thoughtful. When I was done reading, I just kept telling him, “because you will be well, you already are well.” He just stared at me, thinking about that.

On Tuesday, he was trying so hard to get up. He seemed like he was trying to jump out of his chair. We hung out for awhile, then went outside to enjoy the view. He would relax for a minute, like he was counting in his head, 1…2…3.. GET UP!!! and he would jolt up. He did this for quite awhile. I could tell he was frustrated when he wasn’t standing and walking out of that hospital forever. Don’t worry baby, this isn’t forever. You still have healing to do.

I am so glad to say that the chamber is now in his room and we are just waiting for one more part, which should be in tomorrow. This is possible because of you. Every person that has donated will be a huge part of making this happen. I want to  thank everyone that has helped in Dai’s recovery. There are just too many, everyone from Jeff and Alice, who have been there since the beginning, everyone that made web sites devoted to him, all the friends and family that has kept us strong. Gina, who brought all this together and everyone that has believed that he will be okay.

I have to say, I knew how amazing my mom was, really just the best. Pure, unconditional love, but she was really taken it to the next level. And I know there is no one else Dai would want to have by his side. Billy, who has put everything on hold and taken care of the kids, so I can be with Dai. I am grateful for every moment I have with him and can’t wait for the day He can see all that you have done and the love that surrounds him.

So much love and respect.
mae

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