In 1994, my high-school sweetheart, who I went on to marry in 1980, lost an excruciating and challenging battle to brain cancer. Candi's birthday is on May 11th -- she would have turned 60 years old. We had two little boys. Jacob was eleven and Matt was nine the last day she was alive on this temporary earth.
Photo by Loni Esplinoza - 2021 - David cleaned up the grave site.
Candi, I know you've been living an eternal life in Paradise. I can only dream of it being an exquisite place where everything is perfect and full of bright joy with no tears. You are no longer tolerating those painful headaches, seizures, or sleepless nights. You would wake me up at 2:00am when your seizures would hit hard. I was always there to comfort you and to do whatever I could to help and love you. It is with the help of God that I was able to manage.
Sometimes it was a blessing to have Mother's Day fall on your birthday -- like on May 11, 1997. It was so special celebrating you on Birthday-Mother's Day. Our two little guys were always smiling and having fun eating a healthy meal, and then for dessert, cake and ice cream.
There are so many things I want to tell you about our two boys and our grand kids. I'll try to limit my list, because truly, there's too much that would make you a proud mom and grandma.
Before I tell you about our two boys, I do want to mention that I retired seven years ago from my day job -- thanks for supporting me while I attended college in the 1980s. I have become an author and have really enjoyed writing -- I have a passion for writing stories. Thanks to you for encouraging me to write my first-ever story. You were the first editor I ever had.
Our son Jacob has become such a leader in our community. You were so right about Jacob. You recognized his intelligence level and his talents as a young kid. Jacob struggled a little during his high-school days, he had you on his mind so many days. I assure you that I was there to watch after him and to help him in any way I could. He was a straight A student his freshman year, and then his grades dropped fast due to his social life with many friends. By his senior year he made some positive decisions and his grades climbed fast. He was awarded the Comeback Kid Award at McNary High School. Candi, you would have been so proud of him. Not only that, but he helped the McNary Celtics gain a birth to the OSAA 6A State Basketball Tournament in 2001. Jacob was one of the starters and a strong contributor for the team. He went on to play basketball at Linn-Benton Community College. He also went on to attend the University of Oregon and Oregon State University.
Jacob is now married to a wonderful young lady, Jennifer. They have two amazing kids, Tyson and Kaleb. Our grand kids are growing so fast and they are enjoying life with two loving parents that have built them a basketball court in their backyard. I remember us discussing the reasons why I wanted to build a basketball court. Now our grand kids have a place to practice anytime of the year. Jacob is now a Leadership Consultant. He works for a great company and also has his own consulting business in leadership.
Our son Matthew has become a meaningful teacher and a basketball coach. He holds a few college degrees. You knew our kids well, and they were only nine and eleven when you last saw them. Matt was always trying to keep up with Jacob. And just like you said in the letter you wrote me, "One day Matt will catch up with Jacob and be evenly matched." Well, it did happen, because Matt helped his McNary team advance to the OSAA 6A State Basketball Tournament at Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon, in 2003. He even played against his brother in college. Linn-Benton C. C. vs. Southwestern Oregon C. C. Matt went on to play basketball at Southern Oregon University and helped his team advance to the NAIA National Tournament in Point Lookout, Missouri. He set several 3-point records and was invited to an NBA tryout with the Portland Trailblazers. You would have been so proud.
Matt is now married to Bethany, she brightens up any room with her smile. They have such an adorable little boy, Marquez, and a little dog named, Sherman. Our grandson is so active and he enjoys his time with grandpa. Matt and Bethany are doing a great job with him -- they are such caring parents to him. Matt is probably the healthiest of us, he eats vegetables and fruits daily, just like you did back in the days. He is also a strength and conditioning coach and has a passion for helping athletes of all ages in school sports.
Both our boys are technologically minded and are doing some amazing things with podcasts, videos, etc. ... you name it. With all of their accomplishments in mind, I have to admit that I'm most proud of them being believers in Jesus Christ -- they display that every day to people.
I know that our 13-year time together was not long enough -- the last time I spoke to you was in 1994. However, you taught me so much about Jesus in such a short amount of time, that it became so embedded in my brain for me to use as a reference.
I once told you that I would never get married again. Your words were, "David, you would not be happy alone, it's okay to meet someone -- just make sure she is a Christian and treats our boys well." I guess you were right again. Thanks for giving me the blessing. I am now married to a beautiful and wonderful lady. Her name is Loni and she supports me and is also supportive of Matt and Jacob. She is so similar to you in many ways. I've been so blessed to have found love twice in my lifetime. I do mean that, I'm a lucky man.
Candi, we have never forgotten about you, we still hold you in our hearts. Sometimes, especially times like Mother's Day or on your birthday, I still wipe off my tears. I don't think that life is always fair to everyone. Without sacrifice there would be no compassion. My faith, our two boys, and grand kids is what keeps me going.
Until the next time we meet, I love you, Candi, and I hope you are having a fun time in Heaven. Please put in a good word for me.