As a coach in Baltimore's inner city middle school lacrosse league in 1995, I never condoned the kids name-calling but one of the most creative names one boy called another, I thought, was "you scientific experiment". The connotations were cruel and smart and way outside of their normal boxes. Well the chicken's come home to roost, b/c more than anything else I feel like a scientific experiment. I literally don't recognize myself in the mirror, I have no less than eight different bags of medicine flowing into me through tubes carved into my chest at all times. Drug reactions and reactions to reactions are non-chalantly discussed in untimely manners by the doctors, and they give me a generic pain pump button like a chimp to dampen the nerves whenever I feel the need. I haven't eaten in a week, I take a few sips of liquid a day, and I don't leave this room, period. In short, my young student athlete from inner city Baltimore, Early Jackson, could call me a scientific experiement and he'd be dead on right.
I have every faith I'll snap back to my old self in a few weeks, but in the meantime if only Early Jackson could see me now; we'd have a good laugh.
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David Holder
(202) 270-3174
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Scientific Experiment
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11 comments:
Coach, Father, Husband, Partner, Friend, Brave, Heroic, Admirable, Courageous, Unrivaled, Generous, Loving, Ireplaceable Scientific Experiment!
David - you are so brave; I can't even imagine what you are going through. You are in my thoughts.
-Brooks P.
Keep hope alive, my friend. Things will only get better. April 31 is exactly 4 weeks away. You will return to DC with the Nats a perfect 27-0, temps in the 70s, and trees/flowers in bloom. It will be special.
-Marty
It's been a long time- So sorry to hear all that you are going through. We were back in DC last weekend visiting and were updated. I made the mistake of looking at your blog while at work-very moving. Keep strong, you have an amazing attitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jen and Jeff Yeamans
Time to swap a story: the closest I ever felt to a science experiment was when about 30 docs and residents snatched the twins' apparently gargantuan single placenta before even Andy could get a five-cent curiosity look at it. But, you, my friend, are so much, so very much, more than an experiment! You are a true, wonderful, living, amazing miracle of a human being - something no science experiment could ever even measure up to! I happen to think you are brave and courageous beyond rational conclusion. :)
On a daily basis, several times a day in fact, I think of you in that room and imagine you standing tall while you take another something on the chin. As crazy as it sounds and as much as it pains me to hear of you in such discomfort, something about this whole "experiment" is making you stronger, every single moment of every day. And if you really want to know the result of this so-called "scientific experiment," I'll tell you. YOU, my friend, are changing hundreds of people's lives. How? By inspiring fans of this blog on a daily basis. And I have an inkling it's not stopping with us ... you just do great things. So when this is over, I expect nothing less. No pressure or anything. :)
Hold on for this ride, this "experiment," this what-will-soon-be-a-"blur" (as Liza calls it). We are all waiting with open arms and bottles of champagne at the finish line!!!!!
Love to you and Liza,
CMF
What was it, vinegar and baking soda that made those grade school volcanoes work? As always, you inspire awe and strength in all who are following this experiment, my friend. Can't wait til you come home. AJF
Colleen....
So very well said!!
Holder #28, you are one heck of a writer...as well as all those great things Jenny G called you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always down here in the great state of Texas. keep it up...plow on...keep taking the fight to this damn thing with your unrelenting spirit and attitude...if only you could tag out and let me jump in the ring for a moment!
Beat Harvard...Go Big Red...I think we're going to Boston!
Slocum #32
This post made me sort of laugh and sort of cry. You really have a good sense of humor. If I may just say ditto to Colleen's post, ditto! Dana
I can hear Early Jackson slurring "Scientific Experiment" in Highlandtown, and I can see you surpressing a chuckle/huge grin as you stearnly tell him to take back the comment.
Please remember that some truly wonderful things have been created from Scientific Experiments... and this one is going to give you and Liza your "normal", everyday, wonderful life back!
We love you tons and pray for the pain to end.
Cath, Todd, and Sammy
Dave:
Just wanted to pass on the thoughts and prayers of everyone at US Lacrosse. Your reference to the BCMSLL made me smile -- you and other coaches have been the heart and soul of that program since its inception more than 20 years ago. It continues today thanks to those who carry on in your footsteps. There is no doubt there are kids who played for you who fondly remember that experience and appreciate the contribution you made to provide them with that opportunity.
We're trying to coordinate some US Team players to visit the pediatric oncology unit at SK working with a small organization called E6 Lacrosse. Heather Eakins is a lacrosse coach whose 11-month old daughter was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. She has battled and survived, but her Mom has coordinated some lacrosse visits to the pediatric cancer patients. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, keep on fighting the good fight.
Steve Stenersen
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