It was a warm, sunny day in Los Angeles, as I was driving up the winding pavement that lead to your home on Mandeville Canyon Road. I was a smiling stranger with red glasses and a red car, as I came to your home for the first time. I was in awe of the trees casting their willowy shadow prints across the gravel. I admired the craftsmanship of the wooden boards carved expressly for your memories. I knocked on the door and your mother, Maria, greeted me. She has a special kindness that penetrates through her eyes and warms your heart with a smile.
I was welcomed to come inside and led to the back room where your father, David, enjoyed his days. The golden interior of your home reminded me of the fairy tales I read when I was child. As I walked through, there was a room immediately to the left filled with toys and books. Your mother stated it was “David Miles Playroom”. I poked my head inside the room. In the middle of the play rug, there was a bright red fire truck. She said this was your favorite toy. Your mother had just put you down for a nap, but you were resisting her attempts for peace. I chuckled softly and thought to myself “I can’t wait to meet this kid!”
Your mother took me to the room, to meet this whimsical and inviting person, your father David Sr. Your father was a humble, generous and resilient man. He was the strongest individual I had ever met in all my years of travel nursing. He kept a positive mental attitude despite his adversity. He told me every time we met he was playing the long game. He lived his life with one purpose, YOU David Miles.
He enjoyed his inside days lounging in the chair next to the wood pane windows that opened to your front yard. He would watch nature through the window, observe the sound of the wind, or the feel of the breeze. His favorite place was the back yard. The lavender bushes attracted big, beautiful butterflies and you would chase them with joyous excitement and open arms. Your father would lie outside on the grass, in the sun, watching your every moment tenderly. His spirit was one with nature and he connected with every beautiful moment.
On the first day we met, you were bashful when your mom introduced us. David Miles, you are someone special. You took my breath away when I laid eyes on those sunshine curls that captured the golden twinkle from the sun. In that moment, I saw a young man with the courage to maintain a positive mental attitude as I peered into those liquid blue eyes with the depth of another galaxy. Immediately, I was drawn into your infectious energy.
You, David Miles, have a courageous spirit. You are full of life that is gifted to you from pure love by your parents. I was only in your life for a short time but nothing happens by chance or circumstance. The picture I gifted you was painted with glitter. It is a representation of the Sunshine Lion that lays dormant inside YOU. Use this strength and innate courage to conquer the sorrows in your life. I wish you health, wealth and peace of mind on your journey through life.
With Love,
Ashley “Amazing” Asberry, RN, BSN, CCRN