Celebration of Life for David Spires

Hello!

I'm David's daughter, Laura.

 

First, Ryan (David's son) and I would like to thank you for your thoughtfulness and consideration in contributing to Dad's Celebration of Life. Many family and friends have reached out asking how you can help during this time. We greatly appreciate your kindness, and we ask for your continued prayers that we may all find peace and comfort from this sudden loss, as COVID is so notorious for inflicting. And if you should feel moved to do so, we would greatly appreciate any contribution to assist with unexpected expenses in his passing.

 

Support is a sensitive thing to ask for, really, as you want to grieve and make sure your dad is remembered for all the wonderful, good things he brought into this world. Not bring light to the fact that he wasn't well prepared to leave it! (And Dad had more than an ounce of pride...let me tell you! And if you knew Dad, then you know this to be true.) However, I believe that if Dad had been well enough in the past few years...mentally, emotionally and physically...he would have never left me and Ryan with such heavy burdens, as he didn't ever want to be THAT either!

 

Nonetheless, with his retirement and savings wholly depleted in the last few years, as he tried to overcome a series of unfortunate events, his diabetes spiraled out of control and his overall mental and physical health deteriorated. Unable to work and eventually unable to independently care for himself, Ryan stepped in to provide Dad's care 24/7 while trying to stay on top of his own needs as well. Not an easy task! (Remember that "pride" comment up there?) I provided what help I could with my living in Austin, but distance has been a struggle for many, many years, and on many different levels.

 

Dad's diabetes was not well controlled, which undoubtedly contributed to how quickly COVID took him. With a DNR in place, he didn't want to be on a ventilator, and it was his wish not to provide extra measures to prolong his life. He was strong like that - knowing which battles to fight and which ones he was willing to walk away from. And when the medical team took Dad off his BiPAP machine, they kindly told Ryan and me that it would only be 1-2 hours before he would pass. However, we think he must've heard them as he took on this final challenge and decided, "Oh ya? Watch this!" We would keep Dad comfortable for another 25 hours before he would finally let go and rest with the Lord!

 

While Dad's passing has brought us closer (as well as closer to MANY of the Spires clan), it has also brought unforeseen expenses. Dad had no life insurance, no savings/retirement, negative cash flow in the bank and no way to pay for his death in the way we wanted him to be cared for - respectfully and with family. (Well...there was a way...and we managed to go into debt to make it happen, as there was no other choice. It's what you DO, for family.)

 

I am now back in Texas, tending to my grief, needs and responsibilities, and Ryan remains in South Carolina to grieve and find his new path without Dad, too. And although I love tulips, and I'm sure Ryan would appreciate the delivery of a hot meal, in lieu of such, we would appreciate any monetary gift you feel moved to make. While it will absolutely help offset the financial loss...nothing can heal the loss of Dad, except time, prayers and love. So...we appreciate whichever you choose to do!  

 

If you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to me, or Ryan, as we welcome your positive words of encouragement, love and prayers. We are also aware that FEMA may reimburse some expenses related to COVID death, which I will be looking into. In the meantime, gifts received will be used towards Dad's cremation, his hospital stay and related expenses, as well as towards his upcoming Celebration of Life in Conway, SC, this Spring. (To be announced as soon as we have a date.) Any remaining funds after paying final expenses will be used towards a remembrance/memorial in Charleston, in Dad's honor. Your ideas are appreciated, so please feel free to email me directly. 

 

We know he is in a better place, free of pain and earthly struggles. And we will miss Dad...David, Dave, Papa Dave, Corky, Mr. Spires...and see him again one day.

 

Thank you, again, for your thoughtfulness and may God bless you and keep you safe and well!

 

Peace, love and joy,

Laura

 

“We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

 

I don't have many photos of Dad, nor Dad with the extended Spires family. (Betty Lou probably has a million! ;-) But here are a few of my favorites that were easy to scan and share. Enjoy and smile!