Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Shaving

I had a nice soft grey stash and goatee develop over the past month, which felt cool, but also felt a little grungy. Razors (or anything that can cause bleeding for that matter) are strictly prohibited, but electric shavers are allowed. So my dad (it's like I'm a kid again) went out and got me a nice Braun. And I shaved. It felt good and civilized, and while I miss the smooth face I've had for the past few months, I like the progression.

I am still extremely nauseous from the lung drugs, but the lungs are improving and the drugs won't last forever. I am feeling a little better, or not worse, every day. The next big milestone is eating. I need to start eating again. Once I can eat, like the white counts coming in, a lot of good things will follow.

Thank you for your continued love and support. The angels and choir are working overtime and it warms my heart.

-------------
David Holder
(202) 270-3174

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

David,

Each milestone is so exciting. Just say the word and we'll bring any kind of food you would like!!!!

Love and hugs to you and Liza.....
-Linda & Ed

Anonymous said...

Dave - sometimes feeling like a kid again can be a great thing! Glad you are feeling better and look forward to you getting out of there! You are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Love - Halley, Jen & Eli

Anonymous said...

I'm sure that your Dad loved getting you that Braun, just like you will love buying Eli and Reed their first razors. Keep up the great work, my friend. These positive reports bring smiles to a lot of faces.
Your bearded pal,
Marty

grandma terry said...

David, we follow your progress daily and pray for a complete recovery. Terry and Jim Rubenstein

(can just see larry shaving you)

Anonymous said...

Ooohhhh ... a sexy 'stache? So very Tom Sellick-esque. :) I like it! I'm so glad to hear of little steps like facial hair - and that you are feeling human again, at least in some ways. Really and truly, each day, each baby, baby, baby step, is bringing you closer to a new beginning!

I was on my way to teach my class Sunday morning when I was driving down Wisconsin Ave and saw the literal PARADE of Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer Walkers (Dawn was among them!). It warmed my heart incredibly, and it made me think of ALL the people pulling for ALL the cures for the Big C. I was the only car on the road at 8 am, and I just started beeping wildly and pumping my fist out the window.There are lots and lots of angels in this choir singing very loudly for you!

It's May - and I am waiting for things to bloom for the Holders. The time is nearly here! PLOW ON!

XO
CMF

Andy Stewart said...

Dave,

Keep the scruff for our future fishing trips. Also, get the lungs cleaned out for some stogies up in Pulaski for the fall steelhead run. I look forward to seeing you soon, pal. Keep it up!

Cheers,
Andy

Anonymous said...

D -

Love the picture in my head of you getting all spiffed up. Sounds like you're making some nice progress on the lung thing. So glad to hear that. Think of you everyday.

Amy

Anonymous said...

Just let us know and we will send anything you want. We think of you everyday. Love, Aunt Ellen

Anonymous said...

Continued Love and Support;
Peter, Kate and Charlie!

Unknown said...

david,
keep on ... you inspire daily....and thank you for sharing.
this whole gaines family, inclding chocolate lab, is inspired by you and sends you love.
maggi

Anonymous said...

These little strides become the big hurdles that you will overcome. Before you know it, you'll be back home with Liza, Eli, and Reed. I'll be visiting the grandkids in June, so hope to catch up with you then!

Prayers as always and God Bless!

Dottie M

Unknown said...

David - I received a brief note today from Elizabeth, wishing me, #1 a happy day, but #2, saying that it had been a hard week for her emotionally. I didn't need to ask, but decided at that point to catch up on your blog and see how you are doing. I read it all from last October through to yesterday and felt the urge to write to you again (I did previously - we are friends of E's through our daughter Margo). You have such incredible strength , a positive outlook and such deep love for all of your family and friends - there is NO way that you are not going to beat this thing, once and for all! It may take some time, but don't give up the fight!
SS

Anonymous said...

Dave - I know we have only met once (at beth silverberg marx's Sukkah) - I went to high school with Liza. But I have been reading this blog for a while now and just wanted to send my thoughts and prayers for your full and speedy recovery. You and Liza are both a total inspiration for me and for my family.
-Sarah

Anonymous said...

Dave - I know we have only met once (at beth silverberg marx's Sukkah) - I went to high school with Liza. But I have been reading this blog for a while now and just wanted to send my thoughts and prayers for your full and speedy recovery. You and Liza are both a total inspiration for me and for my family.
-Sarah Gershman

Anonymous said...

Wilton Brauer "Bo" Vaughn was born on 4/24 and weighed in at 5.5 lbs. Came out screeming, "I want a Saab and I want a lacrosse stick!" Sound familiar? Julie's recovering well and Wilt's wooing the ladies. Keep after those lungs bub. We'll see ya on the outside soon. Cheers.