Please keep Chance in your thoughts and prayers (1 Viewer)

[bigbottom]

Never opened this thread until today. BB, you've always been one of the most thoughtful and genuine people around here, and I'm so sorry you had to go through something that is frankly unthinkable to me. You, your amazing son, and the rest of your family are in my thoughts.

Hundreds of people who read this thread have taken time to remember what is important, I'm sure. I know I have. Your courage to share has done a lot of good.

Great response from everyone as well.

Thank you for the kind words. Still only beginning the process of healing, but this thread and everyone's contributions have been of great assistance to me. I am really grateful to you all.

 

[krista4]

No pressure at all of course, but how about some more Chance stories? I think of that kid several times a day, every day.

 

[John Bender]

I agree with Krista

 

[mr roboto]

BB - I've got a question that you don't need to answer if you don't want to, but thought I'd give it a shot. Something I've always wondered.

Do you find it better to share stories about Chamce, to talk to others about him, his life, his personality, and remember him through sharing, or is it easier to not talk about him and his life? I've often heard that after a loved one dies, many friends and family think that the grieved won't want to discuss their lost loved ones, but that the opposite is usually true - that they want to talk about them.

Feel free to either answer this or if you don't want to, just let it go by in the thread. Either way, your story and Chance's life have touched my wife and I deeply. We've shared this story with our girls and they have asked to pray for you and your family a couple times.

 

[bigbottom]

It's a bit of a contradiction for me these days. There is definitely some measure of happiness and release in sharing stories about Chance. Remembering him in positive ways. But I still find it incredibly difficult to actually talk about him at any length without completely breaking down. So at present, I don't talk about him that much in conversation. But I do write about him in correspondence with friends and family, or when posting in this thread, for example. And whenever I do, tears are streaming down my face. I'm a mess, and that's okay I guess. But it makes for awkward face to face conversation. So, yes, krista, I'll share some more stuff about Chance at some point in the near future. It would be my pleasure, and it warms my heart that you all remain interested.

 

[bigbottom]

No pressure at all of course, but how about some more Chance stories? I think of that kid several times a day, every day.

Hey krista. Not a story, but for those of you who showed some interest in Chance's bagpiping deal, here is a video of some excerpts from his school's concert in March 2012. This was less than three months prior to his initial diagnosis.

 

[gianmarco]

No pressure at all of course, but how about some more Chance stories? I think of that kid several times a day, every day.

Hey krista. Not a story, but for those of you who showed some interest in Chance's bagpiping deal, here is a video of some excerpts from his school's concert in March 2012. This was less than three months prior to his initial diagnosis.

So awesome.

 

[belljr]

BB I was going to ask a simialr question to Mr. Roboto.

SO I have one more but you can ignore it also....

I'm not sure how to word this so I will apologize now if it comes out wrong, I am asking this sincerely.

Is there a sense of peace at all? I know it was a roller coaster with him battling, then recovering then battling again. I know EVERYONE here has been moved by your courage.

 

[krista4]

No pressure at all of course, but how about some more Chance stories? I think of that kid several times a day, every day.

Hey krista. Not a story, but for those of you who showed some interest in Chance's bagpiping deal, here is a video of some excerpts from his school's concert in March 2012. This was less than three months prior to his initial diagnosis.

Wow, that was awesome! Did you film it? Whoever did did a great job. Thanks for posting this.

 

[bigbottom]

BB I was going to ask a simialr question to Mr. Roboto.

SO I have one more but you can ignore it also....

I'm not sure how to word this so I will apologize now if it comes out wrong, I am asking this sincerely.

Is there a sense of peace at all? I know it was a roller coaster with him battling, then recovering then battling again. I know EVERYONE here has been moved by your courage.

I am glad that when he relapsed for the second time and there were no other options, the cancer took him quickly. I am glad that he is no longer suffering. But honestly, I feel no sense of peace. I pray for peace, and am optimistic that one day I'll find it. Thus far, it has eluded me.

 

[bigbottom]

No pressure at all of course, but how about some more Chance stories? I think of that kid several times a day, every day.

Hey krista. Not a story, but for those of you who showed some interest in Chance's bagpiping deal, here is a video of some excerpts from his school's concert in March 2012. This was less than three months prior to his initial diagnosis.

Wow, that was awesome! Did you film it? Whoever did did a great job. Thanks for posting this.

Yeah, I filmed it with the aid of a tripod. Thank you for watching it.

 

[Premier]

I knew watching that video would make me tear up and it did.

Man I just am so sorry. I wish there were things that could be done to prevent this.

 

[rodg12]

No pressure at all of course, but how about some more Chance stories? I think of that kid several times a day, every day.

Hey krista. Not a story, but for those of you who showed some interest in Chance's bagpiping deal, here is a video of some excerpts from his school's concert in March 2012. This was less than three months prior to his initial diagnosis.

Very cool!!! Any significance to the jackets/no jackets in the second excerpt? Just curious.

 

[Don Quixote]

Bob Sac, can we still donate?

This. Is it too late?

Nope. Every time I make a post in this thread I receive new PMs indicating someone would like to donate. Within reason, as long as the money is coming in, I'm going to hold off sending the check. I'm currently anticipating early next week to send it.

FWIW: I've collected over $3500 at this point.

At least $4300 from FBG in total.

Has the donation been made? If so, what was the final total?

 

[AcerFC]

Every time I hear wake me up, I think of Chance. Like others, I find myself thinking of him a lot. I tell my kids I love them all the time. Thank you BB for helping everyone realize what is important in life.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Bob Sac, can we still donate?

This. Is it too late?

Nope. Every time I make a post in this thread I receive new PMs indicating someone would like to donate. Within reason, as long as the money is coming in, I'm going to hold off sending the check. I'm currently anticipating early next week to send it.

FWIW: I've collected over $3500 at this point.

At least $4300 from FBG in total.

Has the donation been made? If so, what was the final total?

I sent a letter to the hospital, signed with the RL names of everyone who donated and did NOT indicate they wished to remain anonymous (as I indicated I would earlier in this thread). Along with the letter were two checks totaling $3600. I'm aware of at least $800 more being donated separately from various FBG. I know there was more than that, and I didn't actively solicit any information from people. I simply compiled from those who volunteered the information. I think it's safe to say the people in the FFA showed pretty strong financial support.

If there are people who missed donating, you can still do so online...

That said, if there is anyone who does not want to forward donations in that manner, and would rather donate directly on-line, we've confirmed that donations can be made to Texas Children's Cancer Center at the link below. Please be sure to complete the Tribute information at the bottom of the page to provide that the donation is being made In Memory of Chance Davidson. Thank you all so much.

https://waystogive.texaschildrens.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=1064

 

[bigbottom]

Bob Sac, can we still donate?

This. Is it too late?

Nope. Every time I make a post in this thread I receive new PMs indicating someone would like to donate. Within reason, as long as the money is coming in, I'm going to hold off sending the check. I'm currently anticipating early next week to send it.

FWIW: I've collected over $3500 at this point.

At least $4300 from FBG in total.

Has the donation been made? If so, what was the final total?

I sent a letter to the hospital, signed with the RL names of everyone who donated and did NOT indicate they wished to remain anonymous (as I indicated I would earlier in this thread). Along with the letter were two checks totaling $3600. I'm aware of at least $800 more being donated separately from various FBG. I know there was more than that, and I didn't actively solicit any information from people. I simply compiled from those who volunteered the information. I think it's safe to say the people in the FFA showed pretty strong financial support.

If there are people who missed donating, you can still do so online...

That said, if there is anyone who does not want to forward donations in that manner, and would rather donate directly on-line, we've confirmed that donations can be made to Texas Children's Cancer Center at the link below. Please be sure to complete the Tribute information at the bottom of the page to provide that the donation is being made In Memory of Chance Davidson. Thank you all so much.

https://waystogive.texaschildrens.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=1064

This is so, so awesome everyone. We've been mailing thank you cards to everyone who has donated, but we don't have addresses for those generous FBGs who PayPal'd their donations to Bobby Sac. Please know that we are so very grateful for your contributions. After the holidays we will be meeting with Texas Childrens Cancer Center to discuss options for how the money will be spent. I'll be sure to let you all know how that goes.

 

[bigbottom]

Every time I hear wake me up, I think of Chance. Like others, I find myself thinking of him a lot. I tell my kids I love them all the time. Thank you BB for helping everyone realize what is important in life.

Feeling my way through the darkness

Guided by a beating heart

I can't tell where the journey will end

But I know where to start

They tell me I'm too young to understand

They say I'm caught up in a dream

Well life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes

Well that's fine by me

So wake me up when it's all over

When I'm wiser and I'm older

All this time I was finding myself

And I didn't know I was lost

I tried carrying the weight of the world

But I only have two hands

Hope I get the chance to travel the world

But I don't have any plans

Wish that I could stay forever this young

Not afraid to close my eyes

Life's a game made for everyone

And love is the prize

So wake me up when it's all over

When I'm wiser and I'm older

All this time I was finding myself

And I didn't know I was lost

Didn't know I was lost

I didn't know I was lost

I didn't know I was lost

I didn't know

 

[glock]

No pressure at all of course, but how about some more Chance stories? I think of that kid several times a day, every day.

Hey krista. Not a story, but for those of you who showed some interest in Chance's bagpiping deal, here is a video of some excerpts from his school's concert in March 2012. This was less than three months prior to his initial diagnosis.

Wow, that was awesome! Did you film it? Whoever did did a great job. Thanks for posting this.

Yeah, I filmed it with the aid of a tripod. Thank you for watching it.

Chance showing real veteran piping technique up in there.

 

[Foosball God]

Every time I hear wake me up, I think of Chance. Like others, I find myself thinking of him a lot. I tell my kids I love them all the time. Thank you BB for helping everyone realize what is important in life.

I can't listen to Cups now without thinking of Chance and tearing up a little.

 

[B-Deep]

I have not been around in a while,

so sorry to hear this....

i dunno, unsure of what to say. i wish i could give your family a giant hug.

 

[bigbottom]

No pressure at all of course, but how about some more Chance stories? I think of that kid several times a day, every day.

Hey krista. Not a story, but for those of you who showed some interest in Chance's bagpiping deal, here is a video of some excerpts from his school's concert in March 2012. This was less than three months prior to his initial diagnosis.

Wow, that was awesome! Did you film it? Whoever did did a great job. Thanks for posting this.

Yeah, I filmed it with the aid of a tripod. Thank you for watching it.

Chance showing real veteran piping technique up in there.

Yeah, he had a real knack for it. He was only in sixth grade when that was filmed. Had aspirations of competing at Worlds in Scotland when he hit high school. And to answer an earlier question, I think the jacket/no jacket thing has to do with what grade and band group you're in. Nearly all of those kids were older.

And thanks everyone for the kind words.

 

[Mr.Pack]

Every time I hear wake me up, I think of Chance. Like others, I find myself thinking of him a lot. I tell my kids I love them all the time. Thank you BB for helping everyone realize what is important in life.

I can't listen to Cups now without thinking of Chance and tearing up a little.

Watched Pitch Perfect the other night. First thing I thought of.

 

[Maik Jeaunz]

I recently read this entire thread from the beginning. What a gut punch. I don't know you BB, but your family is in my thoughts. I lost a parent earlier this year, but I can't fathom the pain of losing a child. I hope the memories you have bring you comfort, and I pray that you and your family can continue to heal a little every day.

 

[RustyFA4]

It has been quite awhile since I read this thread and I have seen it bumped quite a bit lately.

BB, I am so very sorry for yor incredible loss. Probably feeling what the vast majority here do and you never capture it in words. You will be in my prayers.

 

[TheWalkmen]

This thread is so incredibly sad to read, and it's absolutely heartbreaking that you had to live through this. I hope you're able to grieve in a healthy manner. I hope your wife is able to do the same, somehow. I don't know how my wife would ever get through something like this, and she's damn strong. I'm really not sure what else to say.

 

[Jewell]

No pressure at all of course, but how about some more Chance stories? I think of that kid several times a day, every day.

Hey krista. Not a story, but for those of you who showed some interest in Chance's bagpiping deal, here is a video of some excerpts from his school's concert in March 2012. This was less than three months prior to his initial diagnosis.

Coolest instrument on Earth. Great taste and great talent by Chance.

 

[bigbottom]

I sent a letter to the hospital, signed with the RL names of everyone who donated and did NOT indicate they wished to remain anonymous (as I indicated I would earlier in this thread). Along with the letter were two checks totaling $3600.

We receive periodic letters from the hospital listing the names and addresses of those who have made donations in Chance's name. Yesterday, we received one of those letters and it was filled with name after name, all without addresses. I know that these names are the names of my FFA brothers and sisters. The vast majority of these names I do not recognize, and I will likely never be able to match the real life names on that letter with the corresponding screen names I have come to know here in the FFA. What I can say is that I read every single name, and said a silent thank you for every single one. We have been sending thank you notes to all of the generous donors who have given in Chance's name. Because these names are without addresses, however, our thank you will have to come in the form of this thread. And this post.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for your kindness and your giving nature. Thank you for contributing to Chance's legacy. Thank you for making my wife smile when she opened the letter to see all the names. Thank you for helping support children with cancer and their families. Thank you for helping me maintain my belief in humanity and grace in the face of unspeakable grief. Thank you for being there. And for being here.

So far, more than $40,000 has been raised in Chance's name. The hospital informs us that this is an unusually large amount for a memorial drive that is not dominated by one or a couple large donations. Literally hundreds of people have made donations in Chance's name. I will never forget their, and your, generosity.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Continued best wishes for you and your family, BB.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Thanks for being a great dad and a great guy on these boards bb.

 

[AAABatteries]

Continued best wishes for you and your family, BB.

Nice work FFA FBGs!

 

[the moops]

Southern Slang should cover that Cups song. Make it a kick-### southern blues little thing

 

[Guest]

I sent a letter to the hospital, signed with the RL names of everyone who donated and did NOT indicate they wished to remain anonymous (as I indicated I would earlier in this thread). Along with the letter were two checks totaling $3600.

We receive periodic letters from the hospital listing the names and addresses of those who have made donations in Chance's name. Yesterday, we received one of those letters and it was filled with name after name, all without addresses. I know that these names are the names of my FFA brothers and sisters. The vast majority of these names I do not recognize, and I will likely never be able to match the real life names on that letter with the corresponding screen names I have come to know here in the FFA. What I can say is that I read every single name, and said a silent thank you for every single one. We have been sending thank you notes to all of the generous donors who have given in Chance's name. Because these names are without addresses, however, our thank you will have to come in the form of this thread. And this post.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for your kindness and your giving nature. Thank you for contributing to Chance's legacy. Thank you for making my wife smile when she opened the letter to see all the names. Thank you for helping support children with cancer and their families. Thank you for helping me maintain my belief in humanity and grace in the face of unspeakable grief. Thank you for being there. And for being here.

So far, more than $40,000 has been raised in Chance's name. The hospital informs us that this is an unusually large amount for a memorial drive that is not dominated by one or a couple large donations. Literally hundreds of people have made donations in Chance's name. I will never forget their, and your, generosity.

BB - you and your family exemplify everything that makes people want to care. Thank you - and Chance - for inspiring that.

 

[John Bender]

BB, thanks for the awesome updates. Love you man.

Whenever you want to talk blues again, shoot me a PM. My band has uploaded a lot more videos at the address I previously sent you months back. If only for a brief second, I'd love to distract you with discussing music like we did before. Hope you're doing as well as possible.

 

[bigbottom]

As I've mentioned before in this thread, Chance had been approved for a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He wanted our family to go on a trip to Hawaii. Unfortunately, though the trip had been scheduled twice, it had to be cancelled both times because of relapses of his brain cancer. As much of a bummer as it was, though, Chance never once said one word about not getting his wish. It wasn't in Chance's nature to ask for things or complain when things didn't go his way.

After his passing, it was clear that our family needed to heal. It was clear that we needed to bond as a family, and to learn how to live a life together without Chance there with us. And we wanted Chance's little brother, Clay, to know that he could have fun with his parents, even as an only child. So we decided to schedule a trip to Hawaii. It's what Chance would have wanted for us. We just got back today, and I'm happy to report that we had a wonderful time and really bonded as a family.

But what I wanted to share with the FFA was that we didn't learn how to live life without Chance. Rather, we learned that Chance is always with us. We felt his presence with us during the entire trip. And whether Chance's presence was from beyond, or merely from within, there was no denying it. He was there with us, and we held him in our thoughts and in our hearts. And while I know rainbows are plentiful in Hawaii, and are no more than light being refracted through raindrops, it was hard not to think that Chance was showing us his presence when rainbows seemed to follow us wherever we went this past week. We called it Chance's Rainbow.

Chance's Rainbow 1

Chance's Rainbow 2

Clay taking some quiet time under Chance's Rainbow

 

[AAABatteries]

Awesome BB! So glad you guys got to do that. God bless and happy holidays.

 

[AcerFC]

Glad you had a great time. And glad Chance was showing you he was still with you.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Stupid onions

 

[St. Louis Bob]

Stupid onions

Damn it

 

[Zegras11]

As I've mentioned before in this thread, Chance had been approved for a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He wanted our family to go on a trip to Hawaii. Unfortunately, though the trip had been scheduled twice, it had to be cancelled both times because of relapses of his brain cancer. As much of a bummer as it was, though, Chance never once said one word about not getting his wish. It wasn't in Chance's nature to ask for things or complain when things didn't go his way.

After his passing, it was clear that our family needed to heal. It was clear that we needed to bond as a family, and to learn how to live a life together without Chance there with us. And we wanted Chance's little brother, Clay, to know that he could have fun with his parents, even as an only child. So we decided to schedule a trip to Hawaii. It's what Chance would have wanted for us. We just got back today, and I'm happy to report that we had a wonderful time and really bonded as a family.

But what I wanted to share with the FFA was that we didn't learn how to live life without Chance. Rather, we learned that Chance is always with us. We felt his presence with us during the entire trip. And whether Chance's presence was from beyond, or merely from within, there was no denying it. He was there with us, and we held him in our thoughts and in our hearts. And while I know rainbows are plentiful in Hawaii, and are no more than light being refracted through raindrops, it was hard not to think that Chance was showing us his presence when rainbows seemed to follow us wherever we went this past week. We called it Chance's Rainbow.

Chance's Rainbow 1

Chance's Rainbow 2

Clay taking some quiet time under Chance's Rainbow

Awesome....

I bet #2 is hanging on the wall soon. Frame that one!

 

[CurlyNight]

Awe, so glad to hear you all had a good time and you had Chance with you, as you always will! God bless.

 

[Koya]

Just awe inspiring. Chance's Rainbow.

Has a nice ring to it.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Stupid onions

 

[Mr.Pack]

Stupid onions

 

[prosopis]

I think of your family often. I am glad you got away for a bit.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

What gorgeous pictures. I hope you and yours have a most peaceful Christmas.

ANd those pipers played a favorite of mine- "Mairi's Wedding". Such a lovely song. Thanks for sharing it.

 

[strykerpks]

I tell you what, there's not much more inspiring than that.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

As I've mentioned before in this thread, Chance had been approved for a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He wanted our family to go on a trip to Hawaii. Unfortunately, though the trip had been scheduled twice, it had to be cancelled both times because of relapses of his brain cancer. As much of a bummer as it was, though, Chance never once said one word about not getting his wish. It wasn't in Chance's nature to ask for things or complain when things didn't go his way.

After his passing, it was clear that our family needed to heal. It was clear that we needed to bond as a family, and to learn how to live a life together without Chance there with us. And we wanted Chance's little brother, Clay, to know that he could have fun with his parents, even as an only child. So we decided to schedule a trip to Hawaii. It's what Chance would have wanted for us. We just got back today, and I'm happy to report that we had a wonderful time and really bonded as a family.

But what I wanted to share with the FFA was that we didn't learn how to live life without Chance. Rather, we learned that Chance is always with us. We felt his presence with us during the entire trip. And whether Chance's presence was from beyond, or merely from within, there was no denying it. He was there with us, and we held him in our thoughts and in our hearts. And while I know rainbows are plentiful in Hawaii, and are no more than light being refracted through raindrops, it was hard not to think that Chance was showing us his presence when rainbows seemed to follow us wherever we went this past week. We called it Chance's Rainbow.

Chance's Rainbow 1

Chance's Rainbow 2

Clay taking some quiet time under Chance's Rainbow

I've been following this thread all along but haven't posted in it. I lost my brother to leukemia around the same ages as Chance and Clay, only ages reversed. It was extremely difficult and I can empathize with Clay. And now that I have children of my own I can't imagine the pain.

My parents did the best they could but the way you and your wife have handled this devastating loss has been exemplary. This last post brought me to tears again.

All my best wishes.

 

[tikigods]

I know a number of you have suggested that the FFA come up with something special or helpful for Chance. Well, a couple of our FFA brethren have come through in a big way.

As you may be aware, Chance is a big Houston Texans fan, and his favorite players are Andre Johnson and JJ Watt. And as many of you know, rabidfireweasel is an amazing artist with a big heart. Yesterday, we received a really cool painting of Andre Johnson in action hurdling a defender after making a reception. What a really cool thing for RFW to do (I'm sure it took a long time) and Chance really, really liked it. We're going to frame it, and it will likely end up in his younger brother Clay's room. Thanks so much RFW for such a meaningful gift.

Others of you know that St. Louis Bob is one of the best guys around. Just a genuinely good person. Well, SLB reached out to his contacts, and I don't know how many mountains he had to move, but today Chance received a personalized video from JJ Watt. Chance was sleeping (he's on low dose morphine now), but as soon as I started to play the video, he perked up and had a smile on his face throughout the entire video. It was absolutely clear that Chance recognized JJ and understood everything he said. And that smile was worth the world to me.

I couldn't have asked for two more meaningful gestures to bring happiness to my son during this difficult time. Thanks to you both, from the bottom of my heart. And sincere appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to my good friends here in the FFA for your kind words, continued support and offers of assistance. This is a special place. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Dude...I just read through this entire thread and I'm honestly sitting here with tears in my eyes.

for the record, Peter aka RFW is one of the greatest guys floating around the interwebs.

 

[bigbottom]

Thanks everyone for the continued kind words.

As I've mentioned before in this thread, Chance had been approved for a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He wanted our family to go on a trip to Hawaii. Unfortunately, though the trip had been scheduled twice, it had to be cancelled both times because of relapses of his brain cancer. As much of a bummer as it was, though, Chance never once said one word about not getting his wish. It wasn't in Chance's nature to ask for things or complain when things didn't go his way.

After his passing, it was clear that our family needed to heal. It was clear that we needed to bond as a family, and to learn how to live a life together without Chance there with us. And we wanted Chance's little brother, Clay, to know that he could have fun with his parents, even as an only child. So we decided to schedule a trip to Hawaii. It's what Chance would have wanted for us. We just got back today, and I'm happy to report that we had a wonderful time and really bonded as a family.

But what I wanted to share with the FFA was that we didn't learn how to live life without Chance. Rather, we learned that Chance is always with us. We felt his presence with us during the entire trip. And whether Chance's presence was from beyond, or merely from within, there was no denying it. He was there with us, and we held him in our thoughts and in our hearts. And while I know rainbows are plentiful in Hawaii, and are no more than light being refracted through raindrops, it was hard not to think that Chance was showing us his presence when rainbows seemed to follow us wherever we went this past week. We called it Chance's Rainbow.

Chance's Rainbow 1

Chance's Rainbow 2

Clay taking some quiet time under Chance's Rainbow

I've been following this thread all along but haven't posted in it. I lost my brother to leukemia around the same ages as Chance and Clay, only ages reversed. It was extremely difficult and I can empathize with Clay. And now that I have children of my own I can't imagine the pain.

My parents did the best they could but the way you and your wife have handled this devastating loss has been exemplary. This last post brought me to tears again.

All my best wishes.

Thank you for sharing this, DM. I'd like to hear more about how you dealt with your loss, either here in this thread or via PM, if you are so inclined. We are very worried about Clay. He's currently in counseling, and things seem to be generally okay on the surface, but we are nevertheless concerned about how he is dealing with everything.