Monday, September 1, 2008

Back in DC

I'm back in DC. Very difficult. In the middle of chemo. My neighbor barbar wrote a poem. Love to him.


Back In The Hood
Holder Is Home
The King Of Sedgwick
Has Returned To His Throne

He Continues To Battle
With His Positive 'Tude
There's No Chance For Cancer
'Gainst Such A Tough Dude

Courageous And Selfless
Just A Few Of His Fine Traits
When It Comes To Quality People
He Certainly Rates

While We Don't Know Him As Well
As Many Of You Do
We've Realized Something Recently
That Many Of You Knew

If Our Daughter Or Son
Emulate David Some Day
We'll Know That Our Parenting
Has Gone A Long Way

Hang Tough Mr. Holder
It's Been A Long Ride
But Now That Your Back
We're Here By Your Side

-Kalers

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

62 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, to have seen the look on Ruby's face!

We were at a Bat Mitzvah this weekend in Ithaca and walked with the kids around Cornell. The HIGHLIGHT for Big Eli was wandering into the stadium and stumbling upon the lacrosse team scrimmaging - BIG moment!!

We love you and hold you close, every second. Sal

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear you are home. I'm hoping this is the beginning of coming "home" in so many ways.

Today's thought:
"Home is a shelter from storms - all sorts of storms." ~William J. Bennett

May it shelter you as you grow stronger!

Love you guys,
CMF + the boys

Anonymous said...

David--Even tho' we've moved to Boston, we think of you every day and check your blog for news. So happy to hear you're home and back in your comfortable space. I love the poem--your neighbor is so creative and also so right about knowing we'll be good parents if our kids turn out with even a modicum of your positive attitude and kindness. Please give our love to Liza. You are in our thoughts daily.
Beth, Dan, Madeline and Ruby

Anonymous said...

David- I am a friend of Annie's from Smith, and Elizabeth was a classmate of my sister's there as well. I've been reading your blog and just wanted you to know that we're rooting for you from Boston!

My nephew, Henry, was diagnosed with infant ALL at 6months and is now a feisty & healthy 3 1/2 yr old-- so we have a little idea of what you're going thru. I have faith that you will make it thru this stronger and hopefully feistier!

We're doing the Dana Farber Jimmy Fund Walk this year for the first time, and I will be sure to honor you and your courage in our fundraising and walking.

My best to you and your family. Not for nothing, but Henry loved to watch Baby Einstein during his chemo, who knows, it could work for you too! :-)

Rebecca Roth
rroth@yahoo.com

Leeann said...

Dave,
I'm so glad to hear from you. You have no idea! I selfishly get worried when we don't hear from you for a while. Obviously, you have much more important work to be doing right now.

We continue to think of you and pray for you,
with love,
Leeann and family

Carrmama said...

I know you have hoards of people around you but if there's anything you need, just email...dinner, diversion, you name it, just email. Glad you're back to enjoy this beautiful bit of summer. Hope you at least can open a window and enjoy the breeze on your face. Take care of you and your family.

Dana Carr (FS 91)

Anonymous said...

yay!!!! we can't wait to see you! we know it's tough, nothing is ever easy, haley can tell you that. but we're all here right alongside you.

we love you!
tansy, anna, haley, and ranan

Anonymous said...

Dave,

Loved the poem. Couldn't have been better. It was great hearing the news on your blog. Stay strong and focused. Prayers and God Bless!

Dottie M

Anonymous said...

Thanks for making our day, David. It's so good to hear from you again. And so glad that you're back with your crew of hometown supporters.

All of us--north, south, east, west--continue our cheering as you progress.You're our hero -- and we send strength and love.

Hugs to Liza, Eli, Reed.

Shelley and Shel

Anonymous said...

We are so glad you are home! DC is a far brighter, more hopeful place thanks to your return. Just look at this day! That blue sky is in your honor.

Big hugs,

Tor, Tony, and Nathaniel

Anonymous said...

David,
It's uplifting to hear from you. Though times are difficult, I hope being at home helps even a little bit. Is your wonderful pooch watching over you? I'm sure she is thrilled to see you. The twins can walk really, really fast - an almost run - now. I (and they)can't wait to show you. We miss you and love you; Liza, too, of course.
Love,
Caren

Anonymous said...

Must feel great to be home. Thinking of you. Love, Aunt Ellen

Scott said...

Welcome home!

Sedgwick, and indeed, all of AU is a sunnier place today.

All the best to you, Liza, the boys and Ruby

Maureen, Scott, Beck and Taylor

Anonymous said...

Love the poem...thinking about you tons. I hope that the fam huddles around you for three hours on Sunday to watch "Bazooka Joe" Flacco against the Bengals.

Brian Doak

Anonymous said...

Wishing you strength and comfort and healing. Thank you for posting again.

Andrew Slocum said...

Hey Buddy,

Its been awhile and I see you are hopping around NYC to "Back in DC"...good to hear...well I'm "back in USA" after finally conquering the mighty muskie up in Canada. Its a lesson of patience, endurance, and perseverence, as i have hunted this beast for 10 years, 8 trips to Canada, 70 days on the water, and roughly 100,000 casts. All this is nothing compared to your quest although you and i are a lot alike and when we put our mind to something we are going to do it. So keep casting, keep searching, and keep believing in yourself. It will happen.

Just do it!

Slocum

Anonymous said...

DC's a better place with you in it. We love you. Lots of love to Liza and the boys too. The McKennas

Dana Little Jackson said...

I'm happy you're back. It's nice to know that you're so close! I'm glad that you're back with your family, and that includes Ruby of course. LOVE! Dana

Anonymous said...

Thinking about you and Liza all the time and hoping you are starting to feel better because you need to get ready for our joint trip to Hawaii -- I think it might finally be time to go! ;) Much love, Cristina

Anonymous said...

Thinking about you guys always. Hope this rainy weekend brings you some peace. Glad you are able to be with your wife, who is so into you and so commited to you, and your little ones. Sorry for the horrible chemo.

Let us know if you need any kid coverage or other help up here. We are always around.
Sheila and Troy

Anonymous said...

David - Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and hoping you are having a peaceful night.

Keep fighting!

XOXOX,

Tammy

Leeann said...

Dave,

You've been heavy in my thoughts all day today.
My mind kept going to you and Liza.

Sending out huge quantities of love to the both of you.

Leeann (and family)

Anonymous said...

We just wanted to send a note to let you know that we are thinking about you and Liza and the boys, as always.

Love, Phyllis and Steve

Anonymous said...

Dave,
haven't heard from you and are worried about you. We really do think of you often even though we are far away. We can't imagine how this is for your family and want you to know how incredibly hard we pray for your recovery. It makes us so sad to know that you are not enjoying life as you'd like it to be. Please know that we love and pray for you. You are the focus of our prayers. Much love to you all - Phil, Liz and the twins.

Anonymous said...

So happy to hear that you are home! Diana has just made it through her first year of battling cancer on Aug 30th. It's hard to imagine one year ago we were all suffering, but now things are almost normal. She only has a year and a half left on her chemo! Hooray! She is on steroids this week which is always a little tricky for everyone on our house since we never know when she might errupt about the smallest thing. We pray for you and please know that love is coming from Denver.
Much Love to you all in this challenging journey,
Ann Benson Reidy and the whole gang

Anonymous said...

I love you David! You have a whole community of people here to support Liza, your Dad and the boys. We are all so blessed that you have touched our lives. I am a better person for knowing you! I hope you are finding comfort tonight at John Hopkins, and that you continue to feel the warmth of our love.

MHD

Anonymous said...

Love you, Dave Holder. Here for you guys. Whatever you need.

XO
CMF

Anonymous said...

Last night I dreamt that you were walking around a marina in a small town with your boys and a big smile on your face. What a beautiful smile! I'm thinking about you ;-) xoxo

Unknown said...

C'mon Dave! You're back in the hood and we've all got your back!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey old pal, hope you're doing alright. Wiggle

Anonymous said...

David-
We're thinking of you lots, sending energy for your continued healing. Your neighborhood must be more alive now that you're back!
hope you guys consider that green smoothie e-mail I sent earlier... could help.. if anything, will add color to your intake.. perhaps for the kids and Liza, too. Praying for you all, with love,
Bill, Wendy, Solomon, and Althea

Anonymous said...

David, we love you. The McKennas

Anonymous said...

David -
We're thinking of you guys. Let us know if you need anything.
Love, Becky and Alan

Andrew Slocum said...

We love you Dave. You mean so much to me. I will never forget you.

God bless you,

Blue Texas

Anonymous said...

Dave, The whole world is one big Holder-prayer-fest right now! We love you, Liza and the boys so so so so much, just take it minute by minute....
Linds & Ty

amandaorr said...

David,

We're thinking of you and Liza and the boys and praying. We love you.

Amanda, Preston, Madeline and Gus

Andy Stewart said...

David -

Lots of love and prayers coming your way from Colorado. You are a true hero.

The Stewarts

Anonymous said...

Can not tell you how many times you, Liza and the boys cross my mind. Wishing you comfort...thinking of all of you.

Mitzi, Chip, Addie & Wade

Shannon K said...

David- Thinking of you! You truly are a phenomenal person!

Love you- SK

Anonymous said...

Love and prayers pouring in from Rhode island too! Hugs to Liza and the boys! Pete, Patty, Christopher, Mark and Katie

Anonymous said...

David - Lila is visiting us and you and Liza and the boys are in our hearts. We are sending you all of our love in the hope that it will bring you strength and peace.

Chase, Meredith, Theo and Eliza

FishExplorer said...

You're in our minds and hearts every day, and double today...keep fighting!
the Sniders

Anonymous said...

I have never seen such an outpouring of love for someone as I have witnessed on this site ... if friends, love, support, and prayers could take the place of the unimaginable pain and pangs of what you are going through, I, for one, would be a happier person. Remember when Tinker Bell was fading, and Peter Pan said that if the whole world would just clap for her, she would rally? Everyone in your world is clapping for you and your family, David. We hope your light becomes blinding very, very soon.
You and your family are in my prayers (I'm praying as fast and as hard as I can)!

Anonymous said...

From the start, your posts have been so inspiring, so touching, so, so, so loving and have really made me think about things quite differently and truly appreciate. Thank you for that. I have so looked forward to reading your posts and learning your amazing perspective on life and family. I want you to know that you and Liza and the boys are in my thoughts daily. Prayers and positive vibes have been pouring out and I continue to pray for you, that you may be in peace. Those who know you are truly the lucky ones. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Sending you prayers and a warm hug tonight.

Anonymous said...

We love you, David. We are all better people because of you. You are showing us how important it is to appreciate every hour of every day. You are a rockstar.

Sending you, Liza, and the boys big, big hugs,

Tor, Ton, and Nathaniel

Anonymous said...

Sending oodles of love to you, Liza and the boys. xoxo, D, G, Ty and Syd

Robin and Elaine said...

David....

WE LOVE YOU AND ALWAYS WILL.

Anonymous said...

To the Holder family we send our
deepest sympathy. David was an inspiration for all of us. He will
be remembered for his strength and determination and he will be loved always. Our prayers are with the entire family.

Love, Jimmy and Ann

Anonymous said...

I got up this morning at 5 to try to run before work. I’ve not been running very much lately and was feeling bad about that. I was very tired and didn’t feel like getting up, but I thought of Dave and he made me get up - knowing that he would give anything to get up and go for a run. I thought about him while I was running and he inspired me to keep going. He died while I was out there, thinking of him and that smile. I feel like he paid me a visit. And in some quiet, small way, I'm comforted by that.

Julie

Straighterline said...

Some things just aren't right. Some things scream for cosmic justice. To make sense of it, I have to struggle to find something redeeming. For me, I feel blessed that I had a chance to know you. Sharing your struggle has provided insight into what courage means, into what character is. This tragedy that has befallen you and your family is something that could happen to anyone. Should that ever happen, now I have a role model. Words can hardly express the sadness, anger and pride that I feel. My best to Eliza, Eli and Read and the rest of the Holder family. Liza, let us know if we can help in any way.

Burck, Jen, Zach, Quin & Sawyer Smith

Anonymous said...

Dave-
You fought the most heroic of fights. There is a special place in heaven for you.

Please keep a close eye on all of us that loved you and were empowered by your strength and courage in the face of the most difficult of situations.

The earth was a better place with you in it.

Anonymous said...

David -
You taught us so much about strength, courage and love. We love you, and we will always keep your memory in our hearts. We'll all take good care of Liza, Eli and Reed.
Love, Becky and Alan

Anonymous said...

The only way I can begin to justify belief in a God above, a God who would allow this awful suffering and loss to occur, is this: That You would also allow for the creation of the humanity and spirit that has emerged in this blog, in this community, and around the Holder family.

Anonymous said...

Dave was introduced to me by a mutual friend a few years ago. We met to discuss an information technology venture. Dave was a sucker for helping people with their business ideas.

I almost did not make the meeting because I was on the last step of a mortgage re-fi that day, and I wanted to lock in a low rate. I decided to have a short meeting with Dave, and then I would rush to mail my re-fi package.

Dave and I hit it off instantly, and it felt like we were longtime friends. 45 minutes into the meeting, I hated to tell Dave that I had to rush to mail my mortgage package.

He informed me that he owned a mortgage company, and he promised me that he would take care of me better than any other mortgage firm. Something about him led me to trust him without hesitation.

So, I handed over my entire mortgage package, with my social security number, 2 years of W2s, paycheck stubs, and various other vital information, to a guy I had known only 45 minutes.

Of course you know that he took care of me and gave me the best deal possible. Years later when I was looking at a different mortgage deal, he told me to go with another firm because he could not give me the right deal. Isn't that what you call "INTEGRITY?"

How interesting that of all the days for me to have that mortgage package with me, I happened to have it the day I met Dave?!

I'm glad I did not make it to the post office that day.

Before Dave left for a long chemo session, he drove to my house, (sick and all) and we feasted on pulled bbq chicken sandwiches from the local dive. Those chicken sandwiches will never be as good as they were that day.

Damn.

I will miss you Dave.

- mw

Anonymous said...

To the Holder and Wexler Families,

Our love and deepest sympathy. David has been an inspiration to all of us. His great love for his family, courage, strength, spirit and easy smile will live in our hearts always!

With Love,
Sheila and Les Lichter and Family

Unknown said...

My deepest heart felt sympathies go out to all the family and friends of the Holders. I am very sad to hear the news today. I will always remember his tough fight and his endless love for his family. David was a great inspiration to me.
Prayers and Love-
Alison Conway

Anonymous said...

I miss you David Holder. Liza, you amaze me. I truly admire your strength throughout this battle and your relationship with your husband. David knows that he has left you and the boys in good hands. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and David's family.

Mary

Anonymous said...

Dear Dave, if the journey defines the man, you won ... and we all lost. I will remember. G.

Anonymous said...

We are all better people for knowing Dave Holder. He shared his struggle with all of us in the most courageous way possible and this honesty has helped us keep our own lives in perspective - we hug our kids tighter and tell our spouses more often that we love them because Dave said so and because Dave did. He knew how to live and he taught us that the human spirit knows no bounds. My deepest sympathy to Dave's family and friends.

Stephanie (Hesson) Monaghan (FS90)

Anonymous said...

David was such an exceptional human being--a wonderful friend, husband, and father--and we will miss him and remember his grace and courage forever. About two months after we moved to D.C., when Liza and David were our first new "local" friends, we were touched when they included us in their New Year's celebration. That night, we witnessed David's unforgettable proposal to Liza, and we got our first glimpse of their incredible love for one another. Observing their constant support for each other has been life changing. With love and sympathy, Phyllis and Steve

Anonymous said...

Daves spirit, energy, optimism, goodness and unbelievable smile will live on through Eli and Reed. Dave was a lucky man to have had a loving and beautiful marriage to Eliza and to have had two miracles (Eli and Reed) that will honor David for years to come. We love you Eliza and as your children get older i will be damn sure to remind them what a special man, friend, husband, and father David was.

Gary

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