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Marius and His Mom Respond to The Voice/David Archuleta
Posted by djafan on Friday, November 4, 2011
Dasianu Marius Vasile Free Woodward
Hello,
I’m not sure who I’m writing to. Is this Angelica? My name is Lynne Woodward and I am Marius’ adoptive mother. I was googling his name and came across this website I hadn’t seen before. I was so amazed and moved as I read through it, the love and compassion that shone through your description of Marius and the very generous donation you’re making on his behalf. I don’t know how I can thank you. I’m blown away by David Archuleta’s fans – such a unique group of incredibly caring and giving individuals. Truly. I wish so bad Marius could meet every single one of you and thank you personally. But please let me thank you, as his mom, for what you are doing. Marius wants desperately to be able to go to Romania next summer for his sister’s wedding. Marius and his sister, Alina, have not seen each other since Marius left for America in August of 2008. It’s been very hard on Marius and his brother to be so far from their sister, and of course very difficult for her to be the last member of her family left in Romania. So thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your donation. It will go straight toward the effort of reuniting the three siblings at the wedding. I hope all who donated will be able to see this message and know of our gratitude.
Again, thank you.
Lynne Woodward (Marius’ mom)
The article that caught the attention of Lynne Woodward and Marius here in which a donation is made in David’s name from his fans from money sent for the Arizona event. The following is a talk given by Marius to the Shriners, October, 2011 published here with his permission and that of his adopted mom, along with her above email.
Good morning, everyone. My name is Marius. Thank you for asking me to come and tell you my story today. I was born in a small village in Romania in January 1999. My parents were Catrina and Mihai Dasianu. I had an older brother, Ionut, who was 10, and my sister, Alina, who was 7. We lived on a farm. I liked living on a farm. I liked playing with my friends and my dog and talking to the neighbors. I liked hanging out with my mother and helping her around the house. She was a very loving mother. My dad taught me lots of things. He taught me how to work hard. He taught me how to fix things. He was playful and joked around a lot. But when he drank, he became a different person who I was afraid of.
Our family didn’t have a lot of money. Sometimes my parents left to work in Italy, and Alina or Ionut would take care of me at home. Then Ionut went to work in Italy too. In December of 2007 my parents came home for Christmas.
On the night of December 7th my sister Alina was out with her boyfriend. Ionut was still in Italy working. I had gone to bed. I woke up in the middle of the night. There was smoke all around me and I could see fire. I thought I saw my mother through the smoke. I got out of bed and tried to get to her, but I slipped and fell in something wet. Then I couldn’t see her any more, so I broke a window to get out of the house. I don’t remember any more after that, but I was told our neighbor found me lying on the ground. He called the ambulance and they took me to the hospital. When I woke up in the hospital, the nurses told me I had been in a coma for two weeks. I was in a lot of pain. I was pretty shocked and sad when I saw I had lost my nose and all my fingers. My legs were bandaged so I couldn’t see them, but I knew they were burned pretty bad because of how much they hurt.
My brother, Ionut, came a few days later. I really wanted to see my parents, but Ionut and the nurses told me I couldn’t yet. They said my parents had been burned too, and they were being treated just down the hall. Two American girls, Jessica and Ashley, started visiting me in the hospital. January 30th was my birthday and I turned nine. Jess and Ashley came with balloons and some presents and threw me a little party. I was happy that I had a party, but it was hard to enjoy it because I was still in so much pain and I wished so bad that my mom and dad were there.
Jess and Ashley started coming to see me every day. A lot of the people in the hospital didn’t like Americans. They told me Jess and Ashley were witches and to pretend to be asleep when they came. I tried, but they were so nice and pretty that after a while I gave up and started looking forward to their visits. One boy in the hospital kept sticking his tongue at me and calling me a monster. Ashley told me next time he was mean to tell him that I had 2 American girlfriends, and what did he have? He stopped bothering me. After that I always called Jess and Ashley my 2 girlfriends.
I had been in the hospital for 5 months. A lot of times Ashley and Jess brought me little things – balloons, stickers, candy. One day I asked them if they could bring me a flower, a real flower. They didn’t know it, but the next day was Romanian Mother’s Day. When they brought the flower, I asked the nurses to wheel me down the hall so I could give the flower to my mother. The nurses told me they couldn’t because my parents had been transferred to another hospital. I was so sad and disappointed that I still couldn’t see them.
It was only a few days later that my aunt told me my mom and dad had both died in the fire. I felt like my heart was breaking and I cried all day long. I was so sad and scared I couldn’t eat for a week. Later I really wanted to know more about what happened and how the fire started. My brother Ionut told me about the phone call he got in Italy the morning after the fire. He found out that my dad had been drinking a lot that night. He became really really angry about something. I know that, because of the alcohol, he was not in his right mind. My dad poured gas around the house and lit it on fire. When my brother got the call, my dad had already died, but my mother was still alive. My brother came as fast as he could from Italy, but by the time he got to Romania, my mother had also died. It was really difficult for him. He loved my parents too. He was only 18 years old. He had to bury my parents and he was also very worried about me.
I was so scared. I didn’t know what would happen to me. Then Ashley and Jess told me that they and their families had been working for months to arrange for me to come to America for better medical treatment. A lot of people were donating money to help with the expenses. Shriners Hospitals for Children had accepted me as a patient and said they would do all the surgeries I needed at no charge. Ionut was going become my legal guardian so he could come to America with me. But Ashley and Jess said it was my decision to go or not. For all those months I had just wanted to go home, but now my parents were gone. I had nothing to go home to. I decided I would go to America. Pretty soon I got more and more excited and started telling everyone in the hospital that I was going to America to get new hands and a new nose.
In May Ashley and Jess had to go back to America, but I wasn’t too sad because I knew I would see them again soon. On July 1st I took my first steps since the fire almost 7 months before. Just a few days later, Ionut and I went to get my passport. Except for the ambulance, it was the first time I had ever ridden in a car. On August 3rd we left the hospital and went straight to the airport. I was so excited I felt like I was going to burst. When we arrived in Los Angeles, my girlfriends, Ashley and Jess, and their families were there to meet us. They had balloons and signs and everyone was cheering. I felt a little shy, but really happy. I was in America! I had people who loved me and were going to help me! I could hardly believe how lucky I was.
My first few months in America are kind of a blur. Everything was so new and strange, and I couldn’t understand a thing anyone was saying. But it still was so fun and exciting!The doctors at Shriners Hospitals for Children told my families that before they started the surgeries, we just needed to go have a good time. So we did! Disneyland, Sea World, the beach, horseback riding, the zoo, boating. They kept me so busy with activities, sometimes I just wanted a day at home to rest! But even with so many fun things happening, it was still hard. I got stared everywhere I went. Some people jumped back and looked scared when they saw me. A few people said really mean things. I didn’t like it. But I was starting to realize that most people stared just because they wanted to know what happened. I think lots of people had never seen anyone who was burned before.
After a month of fun, Ionut and I moved in with the Frees, Jessica’s family, in Arizona. They have a lot of kids, so I started picking up English pretty quickly. I started school in Arizona. Around Christmas time everyone got a really big surprise. My brother Ionut and Ashley, my girlfriend, announced that they were engaged! What the heck? Ashley was my girlfriend! No, seriously, I was really happy. Ashley was going to be my new sister, and after the wedding I was going to go live with her parents in San Diego and they were going to adopt me. The Free family was sad I was leaving them, but they knew that it was the right thing. And they would always be my second family. In April of 2009 my brother Ionut, and Ashley, my ex-girlfriend, got married. I was Ionut’s best man.
A couple of months later I moved to San Diego to live with my new mom and dad, Paul and Lynne Woodward. When I started 4th grade in San Diego, it was tough. I didn’t know anybody. I got stared at all over again. There was one real cute little girl in kindergarten who cried every time she saw me. I tried to smile at everyone who stared and just be myself. Pretty soon I started making lots of friends. I think the kids started to realize that I’m a regular guy who might have some scars, but still likes to joke around and have a good time. I was even elected Student Body Vice President! But one of the best days in 4th grade was the day I saw the little kindergarten girl and she didn’t cry. She waved at me and smiled and said, “Hi Marius.” Wow, that was a great day.
I just started 6th grade at a new middle school. I’m making a lot of new friends. Some kids still stare, but once most kids find out what happened, it’s no big deal. During all this time I was having LOTS of surgeries at Shriners Hospitals for Children. My first surgery the doctors put more skin on my eyes. Finally I could close my eyes again! And I really liked how they looked. Then they got my hands ready for some toes to be transferred to be made fingers. Then a couple months later they transferred my right big toe to my right hand. I had a thumb! Can you believe it? I could pick things up, eat, and write with one hand again. It was so cool. My next surgeries were pretty crazy. I was getting my new nose and it was going to take three surgeries. For the first surgery the doctors at Shriners took a bunch of skin from my head, pulled it down over my forehead and onto my nose. The next surgery they took some bone from my rib to give my nose its shape. For five weeks half of my head didn’t have any skin on it. Also, the skin from my head that was attached to my forehead started growing hair. I called it my little pet. It looked pretty funny. Then the last surgery they took the skin and put it back up on my head. They also transferred my second toe. Now I had 2 thumbs and a nose! It was pretty unbelievable.
Since then I’ve had 2 more toes transferred. My doctor says that when my next 2 toes are transferred in February, I’ll be the first person in the world to have 6 toes transferred to make fingers. Guinness Book of World Records, here I come! A while ago my sister read this poem to me
Be glad your nose is on your face, not pasted on some other place.
For if it was where it is not, you might dislike your nose a lot.
Imagine if your preshus nose were san-wiched in between your toes.
That really would not be a treat, for you’d be forced to smell your feet.
Inside your ear your nose would be an ab-so-lute ka-TAS-tro-fee,
For when you had the urge to sneeze, your brain would rattle from the breeze.
And the poem goes on. I got thinking what pieces of me I’ve got where. I made a diagram to try to keep it all straight. So far I’ve got —
1. Some of my back on my legs.
2. Part of my stomach on my hands.
3. The back of my ear on my eyes.
4. Four toes on my hands.
5. Some of my leg on my hands.
6. Some of my leg on my feet.
7. Part of my head on my nose.
8. Part of my rib in my nose.
9. Part of my arm on my mouth
10. Some of my leg on my arm
11. And some of my leg on my forehead.
I’m totally all over the place! But I am so grateful. With every surgery I can do more, I look more handsome (smolder here), and my life gets better. I have had so many great experiences since I’ve been in America. One of the greatest was becoming an uncle! Ashley and Ionut had baby Ethan a year ago. I got to throw out the first pitch at a San Diego Padres baseball game. I’ve been asked to speak at some events for Shriners, including a Kenny G concert. I got to ride on the Shriners float in the Rose Parade last January. I even won 1st prize for scariest costume at our school’s Halloween carnival! I think if you ask my parents, though, they’ll say the best day ever was June 17th, 2011, when my adoption was final. That day I became their son for real, Marius Dasianu Free Woodward.
I have a very good and happy life, but sometimes things are still hard. I sometimes wonder what my life would have been like if I had not been burned. A lot of times I wish I looked like the other kids. It still hurts when people stare or say mean things. I wish I could do pull-ups and dribble a basketball a little better. I really miss my sister in Romania. I miss my angel mother every day and pray for her every night. I still think about my dad. He was a good dad. I try to understand what made him do what he did, but I don’t know if I’ll ever completely understand what happened. I really love my new family, but I miss my parents every day.
But I have so many things to be grateful for. I’m grateful for my neighbor who found me on the ground and called the ambulance. I’m grateful to the Romanian doctors for keeping me alive. I’m grateful to Ashley and Jessica for caring enough to want to help me. I’m grateful to Ionut for giving up his own life and coming to America with me, even though he STOLE MY GIRLFRIEND! I’m so grateful for the hundreds of people who donated money to help me come. I’m grateful for the opportunities I have living in America. I’m especially grateful to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Because of them I can see, I can run, I can use my hands, I can do karate, I can play the trombone, jump on the trampoline, drive a go-kart, go to school. I’ll be grateful forever to Shriners Hospitals for Children who have made all these things possible. Thank you very much.
Excerpt from a follow up email from Lynne dated October 6th in which the above talk was included.
…he’s been in school, doing great, amazing social skills, everyone loves him, Student Body Vice President and everything! Balancing everything with surgery after surgery after surgery, in which I have never heard one, not ONE, complaint, ever. Eye surgery so he could close his eyes again, brand new nose, 4 toes transferred to his hands to make fingers, with 2 more coming up in February, and a bunch of other stuff. He’s such a handsome guy now! And just the most amazing kid ever. His attitude, his zest for life, his love for people, his appreciation for what he has, his sense of humor and fun. My gosh, the kid is one in a million and the light of my life, and he inspires everyone wherever he goes, just by being himself.
Again, just saying “thank you” seems woefully inadequate for what you are doing. Thank you so much for being so interested in him! And for passing his story along on your website. Let me tell you, meeting David was a thrill! I was so nervous I could hardly talk for the first few minutes. But what a sweet and darling boy. It was such a privilege to meet him. And it’s such a privilege to, from that meeting, get to meet you! Our lives have been enriched from this experience.
Again, thank you.
Sincerely, your friend,
Lynne
To read more of the story of Marius go to TeamMarius, also posted on the right sidebar. I would like to thank you all too, so much, for your generosity to this wonderful young man. And I would love to use this post to help make the reunion of Marius and his sister in Romania a reality. If you would like to help too, please go here to make a donation, however small. David truly does have the greatest fans in the world.
Marius with David
The Voice David Archuleta 
dakgal said
How am I supposed to leave a comment, when my eyes are full of tears? What an amazing story–in every way.
What a beautiful young boy-inside and out! And beautiful man standing next to him in the picture.
I am somehow struck by the picture behind David and Marius–it is telling me that David is doing exactly what God intended him to do–music–with out this gift he would never have met Marius or help bring attention to his cause. Bless them both!
Wow , just wow.
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sweetonDA said
Angelica, thank you for bringing this to our attention. Marius is such a great kid, even after going through everything he has endured he has a fabulous smile. His story gives me hope and makes me so thankful for everything I have. I pray he will have a wonderful time when he gets to go back to Romania and see his sister and brother. Family means everything to me so I know how he feels, especially being away from them.
Dak, I love what you said and I agree wholeheartedly. “I am somehow struck by the picture behind David and Marius–it is telling me that David is doing exactly what God intended him to do–music–with out this gift he would never have met Marius or help bring attention to his cause. Bless them both!”
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betsy said
Thanks so much for sharing this. Maybe the best thing I’ve ever read.
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loulou said
A wonderful heart felt story and god bless you Marius !!!!
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Heidijoy said
Very Inspirational! So much love from so many. Thanks to David, The Voice and all that donated here and on his site. So many giving people from the missionary girls, the adoptive parents, Shriners,David fans etc. Blessings to everyone involved and dear Marius.
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prd9601 said
What a great read! Thanks so much for sharing this.
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dakgal said
One more thing about the picture of Marius and David—
I think David should get a shirt just like the one Marius has on–its right up his alley. 😉
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Abrra said
To Lynne
Reading Marius’ story was intense, to put it mildly. He has been blessed to have a family like yours to accept him regardless of the tough path everyone faced to facilitate his recovery. I applaud your commitment to a boy that came to your home through your heart. The words you wrote describing Marius, come very close to describing David and how he conducts his life.
“His attitude, his zest for life, his love for people, his appreciation for what he has, his sense of humor and fun. My gosh, the kid is one in a million and the light of my life, and he inspires everyone wherever he goes, just by being himself.”
The door has been opened to a new friendship for both Marius and David. As someone once said to David, “It’s not a bad place to be, is it?”
To Marius
I read your story about the fire and what progress you have made since then. Life can be very hard, but how you handle the tough times shows how strong your character really is. You are leading other children by example. Having someone like you to inspire them is a gift they will treasure.
I know you will get to the wedding in time to dance with your sister!
Abrra
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pattiNC said
I too am in tears after reading this story…he’s an amazingly strong boy. I’m lucky to know someone pretty similar to him…my son’s gf’s sister was burned over 60% of her body when she was a baby, in a freak accident. Eight years later, she constantly amazes me with her spunk, incredible personality and her strength. We could all learn something from them. I find JR Martinez on DWTS to be the same way. Such inspiration they all are! as well as the “girlfriends” and adoptive family!!
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Tawna21 said
My heart was pounding as I read Marius’ story, written by him. What an amazing boy! What amazing girls Ashley and Jess are to bring him love when he needed it most. What amazing families they both have to bring him into their homes to help him adapt to America. What truely amazing adoptive parents he has. What amazing doctors and medical staff he has on his side. I have been so touched by this real-life experience. My heart and prayers are with Marius and his family as they work to get him back to Romania for his sister’s wedding. It will happen.
Tawna
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Tawna21 said
One question… will the donations made thru the burn unit site be able to be used to help Marius get back to Romania, or is there another site that will be used for that?
Tawna
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Abrra said
Tawna
From Team Marius page
“3. What will the funds be used for? A good deal of the funds so far have been used in the effort to bring Marius and his brother Ionut here to the US from Romania. Relating to Marius’ ongoing care, there are a variety of expenses that these funds will help cover, including but not limited to, living expenses, medical costs, and legal fees.”
From Lynne Woodard’s letter:
“So thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your donation. It will go straight toward the effort of reuniting the three siblings at the wedding. I hope all who donated will be able to see this message and know of our gratitude.”
Getting a chance to reunite with his sister is high on his wish list. Seems like they are willing to put donations towards that happening.
I have no official confirmation. Perhaps Lynne, his mother, will drop in and respond to your question.
Abrra
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Marylee_DAangel said
A beautifully inspiring story about such a courageous little boy. Reading Marius’s own words brought me to tears. It’s the kind of thing that you can only begin to imagine. God bless him & his wonderful adoptive parents as well as Ashley & Jess for being there for him when he needed someone most of all. It warms my heart to know that he is now a happy boy enjoying his new life. More tears came as I read those words from Marius’s Mom when she described David as a “sweet & darling boy”~because that’s exactly what he is~so proud, every day of my life, to have the privilege of being his fan.
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Tawna21 said
thank you, Abrra.
Tawna
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MT said
After reading this article, I don’t even know how to begin saying how heart-breaking his story is or much I admire this young man for his courage, his wonderful attitude and his ability to see and appreciate every gift he’s been given along his road to recovery. What an amazing young man.
It warms my heart to hear how well he is doing and how happy he seems.
Abrra,
I think you’re right. Marius does sound a lot like David. Such a wonderful spirit he has.
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djafan said
What a heart wrenching experience for Marius and his family but also an example of perseverance and courage. God bless him, his siblings and his adoptive family. I have great admiration for Lynne, what a wonderful heart she must have to do what she is doing. Thank you for sharing with David’s fans.
I wonder how the meeting came about between Marius and David. David has brought such positive light not only to charities he supports but also to individual people. Had to watch again how passionate he is when he speaks of Marius and what a special boy Marius is.
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Abrra said
Djafan
When the blog finished, I saw a news clip video of Marius preview screen.
Abrra
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jans11 said
When anyone thinks they have it bad, all they have to do is read Marius’ story. He is quite a special person and I’m glad that he and David met so we got to know and help him too. God does move in mysterious ways.
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bebereader said
Thanks Angelica, for showing us the correspondence between Marius’ mother and you. She googled her son’s name and came up with the name of this site! How cool!
It’s a fascinating read about courage and strength of the human condition. About perseverance and about forging ahead when you don’t think you can do it anymore. About how much untapped strength we have hidden inside of ourselves.
Through David we were introduced to Marius, a remarkable young man who suffered unspeakably, yet has the courage to tell his story.
Marius, we hope and pray that you make it to Romania to reunite with your siblings! With your determination and positive outlook on life, may all your dreams come true!
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Abrra said
More pics from Fox mini concert on David’s OS http://davidarchuleta.com/home/?page_id=1059&show=gallery
Abrra
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SandyBeaches said
That is a wonderful picture to open up to this cool fall morning.
The story by Marius reminds us that we see and hear so very little about the children in the burn units of our hospitals.
I have been receiving a few donations occasionally to help offset the cost of the “David…Nobody Sings It Better” bracelets. Following David’s Christmas tour, I will be sending the money to this site as a further contribution to Marius. Oh and I will send along a couple of bracelets as well…
Thank you Dayzee, I received your card this morning and it gave me the idea!
SB
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amb4da said
Hi Voice peeps and happy Saturday.
Loved reading this post, Lynne’s letter and mostly Marius’ story. He sounds quite charming and witty, especially for one that’s been through so much…such a strong and grateful attitude too. What I love even more…is this wonderful community of David’s fans…caring, thoughtful, creative, fun. And of course at the heart of it…the caring, thoughtful, creative, fun, and awesomely talented young guy who inspires it all.
I love the circle of good stuff that goes around and around because of it all….because of one sweet, shy young guy, with, (as Meredith Vieira recently said), a “Voice as BIG as his heart, showed up to audition on Idol 4 years ago…and woke up a lot of hearts in everyone who listened and really heard something.
Abrra #8 “His attitude, his zest for life, his love for people, his appreciation for what he has, his sense of humor and fun. … the kid is one in a million and the light of my life, and he inspires everyone wherever he goes, just by being himself.” I was thinking the same about the David parallel.
To Marius…you keep going, kid…I can see you at that wedding next summer.
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dakgal said
Tap–Tap Tap–Waiting
How long does it take anyway? Do we have to wait until he wakes up?
Screeeeeeaaaammmmmm!!!!
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Djafan said
Haha dak! I have to keep reminding myself to breathe.
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Lynne Woodward said
Hi David fans!
This is Lynne, Marius’ mom. It’s been so amazing for Marius and I to read all of your responses. Thank you all so much for taking the time to read Marius’ talk (it’s not short 🙂 and to send in your comments. I can’t tell you how much they buoy Marius up.
Tawna, as of right now, ALL contributions are going toward the Romania trip. We are also trying to help Ionut (Marius’ brother) get to the wedding, as Ashley and Ionut are in school and don’t have two dimes to rub together. So it will be expensive. But I can’t tell you how excited Marius and Ionut are about going back for the wedding. And Alina is just beyond excited. Apparently in Romania it’s traditional for couples to get married civilly at the courthouse, and then a few months later have the big church wedding. Last month she was civilly married, and no one, not a single person was there from her family. It just broke her heart. So to think she will have her two beloved brothers there for the church wedding is just a dream come true.
And just so you know, 100% of donations go directly to Marius. The Burn Institute was initially going to take 10% towards the administrative costs of maintaining the account, but then decided not to and are just doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. Most recently most of the donations went toward adoption expenses and legal fees associated with getting him permanent US residency. A couple of months ago we took money out to get Marius a computer! But right now ALL donations will go to the trip.
Again, I truly don’t know how to thank you all. I’m very humbled.
Love, Lynne
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emmegirl said
What a remarkable young man. His amazing story of strength and courage, determination and perseverance, caring and incredible kindnesses is truly a blessing.
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SandyBeaches said
Lynne Woodward…
Hi Lynne and, I mentioned ‘David’ bracelets in comment #21. A picture can be seen at the top right hand bar.
If Marius or anyone in the family would like to have one then please email me at… thevoiceschat@yahoo.ca …I only require an address to send them to you.
Fans of ‘Archuleta Avenue Malaysia’ have received theirs and they will be posting a picture for us on their site after the concert in Singapore!
Now can’t stall any longer I have to go back to outdoor fall work to get ready for the snow!!
SB…
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Abrra said
He is back!!
@DavidArchie Back in the US again
Abrra
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dakgal said
Thanks Abs—Are you sitting down–I did get on TweetDeck and slowly figuring out how it works–have several questions–I’ll bug you about them later. I was going to post that he was home–but you beat me to it. 😦
Whew—he’s home!!!!! Oh, happy day!! 😀
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MT said
28. Thanks, Abrra … and Yay! Now Kitty can relax and the rest of us can breathe easy, knowing David is home safe and sound.
Welcome home, David!
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Abrra said
Dak!
I knew you could do it! It’s just like cooking, if you can read ,you can use Tweetdeck 🙂 Keep looking at the support page and there are tutorials on youtube too , I am guessing. You learn more by figuring it out as you go.
Abrra
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bebereader said
WELCOME HOME, DAVID!
You’ve been missed!
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Angelica said
It was such a wonderful surprise to receive that first email from Lynne and to know she was aware of what David’s fans had done on Marius’ behalf. When she sent the talk he had written and given to the Shriners the week before, my heart tried to beat its way out of my chest. Such overwhelming tragedy and pain alongside so much optimism and strength. I am convinced that both Marius and David are very special spirits who are here for a reason.
Lynne, thank you for explaining the use of the funds and that everything will now go to reuniting these 3 siblings in August for the wedding in Romania. I hope in this month of Thanksgiving, as we all give thanks for our own families and blessings, we remember these children in our prayers and out of our abundance or scarcity, give what we can.
Marius, you are amazing and truly one of the most beautiful human beings I have ever encountered. Your sense of humor and positive outlook despite all of the physical and emotional pain you have endured is awesome and I am incredibly in awe of you. I know you will be a wonderful motivational speaker, which, as you say in the video above is your goal. You must be very smart and blessed with a talent for speaking to be able to speak English so well already when you couldn’t understand a word a few years ago. There is hardly even a trace of an accent! That is a gift and I am sure you will use it well to uplift and inspire countless people.
I love what you say here…”But I am so grateful. With every surgery I can do more, I look more handsome (smolder here), and my life gets better.”
You had me at (smolder here). You really are getting to be quite the handsome gentleman and such beautiful eyes! I can honestly say that though I’ve never met you, I love you. ♥ In the years ahead I will follow your progress, as I do David’s and cheer from the sidelines and support you in any way I can. God bless you, (((dear Marius))), with more joy that your heart can contain.
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Abrra said
http://www.livestream.com/thevoiceunplugged
Abrra
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stenocruiser said
Oh my, what wonders can come from tragedy when such courage and caring come into play. Marius and his story are so inspiring — God bless him and his future. All the wonderful people who have touched his life are blessings indeed. Endless thanks to David for making us aware of this remarkable boy. Praying that the dreams of Marcus and his siblings to be together at the wedding come true. I was moved to make another donation today to the fund — I guess I did it right as I received two thank you acknowledgements.
So happy that David has arrived back safely from that amazing trip — great to see the love and respect for him everywhere he has been in Asia.
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emmegirl said
Apologies for this off topic comment. Couldn’t remember details, but does he have a charity performance for a Ronald McDonald house on the 8th with Cook?
Idol tour moment (can’t help myself)
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Abrra said
From his OS
“David Archuleta will “Make a Difference” for children battling cancer, as he joins fellow FOX’s American Idol alumni David Cook and Constantine Maroulis for a star-studded concert at Ronald McDonald House® New York on Tuesday, November 8th.”
Abrra
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bebereader said
more here: http://archuletafansgermany.com/2011/11/06/photos-von-davids-auftritt-bei-der-casbaa-convention-in-hong-kong/
and here: http://www.casbaa.com/events/event-photo-gallery/category/159-2112011?start=60 Casbaa Convention Archive 2011
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dakgal said
Seems I have an hour to kill–someone messed with my clock!
Nothing to do but stroll around the neighborhood–I tell you, in Archuland you can always find something that makes you smile—and THINK. I think I needed to see this, and so do thousands of other people. I really liked it!
http://archuletafanscene.com/2011/11/02/the-grinch-and-david-archuleta/comment-page-1/
I always wondered what that nagging feeling was when I listened to David’s Christmas songs, well it’s perfectly clear now.
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dakgal said
Oh Kitty—Davids safe and sound—home. Go rest up for the next trip in two weeks—-and treat yourself to some catnip. 😉
“Well Done!” —Said she, with the feeling that her pea size heart was growing.
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Abrra said
A beautiful song for a Sunday
I was really inspired after hearing David’s cover of “Fields Of Gold” so I decided to design something! Hope you guys enjoy
@juanart31
Fan art from Juan featured in the video
@juanart31’s design inspired by “Fields Of Gold”
Beautiful recording and image, well done Juan!
Abrra
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Abrra said
Dak
Kitty might be waiting for David to make the NYC trip.;)
Abrra
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dakgal said
Just beautiful-abs Thank you
I guess I thought that kitty only stood duty when David left US soil.
Gonna be one tired cat after Nov. and Dec.– I think David has spent 1/3rd of his life in the air these past three years. Bless his heart!
Forgot to mention last night in chat–I was surprised you weren’t watching the Wizard of Oz—maybe you were chatting –playing scrabble and watching it–ain’t nothin you can’t do! Hee Hee
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skydancer1x said
Marius,
You are a courageous, special, and beautiful young man♥ hard to find the words, to tell you what an inspiration you are to people all over the world, who have heard your incredible story.Thank you for sharing it with all of us, you are totally awesome dude!!! ♥♥♥♥
Lynne, you,Ashley, and Jess are earthly angels♥
Dak,”Nothing to do but stroll around the neighborhood–I tell you, in Archuland you can always find something that makes you smile—and THINK. I think I needed to see this, and so do thousands of other people. I really liked it!”
ain’t that the tarruth?! thanks for posting that.I so needed it! and Dak, I agree David needs a shirt like Marius has. LOL soo the perfect shirt for David!. haha
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Angelica said
You are correct Dakgal. Kitty is gone till David leaves US soil again. Thanks for the reminder. I guess someone didn’t get the memo I sent but now Kitty Wait can curl up and have a long rest.
Chat was fun last night! Thanks to all who showed up and made it that way.
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bebereader said
I stayed til the wee hours in chat last night since I missed last week. When I miss chat my week is just not the same! Thanks for all the fun. Emifriend, you’re such a hoot. Gladys, I love your determination! Djafan, where were you? Hmm? LOL
I love Juan’s artwork set to Fields of Gold. Wait til Betsy sees it! She’s a FOG fan from way back.
Seems that Deseret Online has re-stocked their supply of autographed GCT cds. Yesterday it was announced that they were sold out but now the site’s “In Stock” sign is showing again.
Go here if you want to order one. Or two. Or more:
http://deseretbook.com/Glad-Christmas-Tidings-Autographed-Mormon-Tabernacle-Choir/i/5071470?s_cid=e6111103&utm_source=spotlight&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=spotlight
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betsy said
Lol Bebe, I saw it this morning and soon got lost in all the FOG videos. 🙂 All it takes is a reminder, an image, an idea.
So yeah, that’s what I’ve been doing this fine Sunday.
Now I am getting ready for work, feeling very zen after filling my head and heart with the most beautiful music/voice/feeling ever.
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Dayzee said
David has introduced us to so many wonderful people. He expands our universe. And through David’s eyes it is easy for us to see how truly amazing these people are. He gets us moving and improving. Good to see how many are helping Marius and his brother in their quest. SB, I thought your bracelet idea was a wonderful way to bring fans together, and now you have turned that enterprise into something even greater as a gift to one of David’s friends. Applause!!
So nice of Lynne Woodward to acknowledge our interest in Marius. Our small efforts are minimal compared to her dedication. Another hero welcomed into our David family.
I expect to hear more from Marius as time goes on. His light shines for everyone.
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VJ said
Hello. I’m not a regular here, but wow…that speech from Marius, and the post from his mom…it really makes it hit home just how easy we have it in life. It seems like some people like Marius, who’ve been through so much, are among the strongest and most resilient people who exist. And I’m grateful for people like Lynn, who’ve given and dedicated so much in order to help others have a better life. I’m not gifted in that way, so I appreciate those who are.
Also, I’m thinking of possibly trying to get a card/letter to David, but am not going to any concerts this year. If anyone is going to a concert/VIP in December and would be willing to give David a card/letter from me (along with your own), I can be reached by sending a pm to my Idol Forums account (IDF), which is dolls17. I don’t have Twitter & prefer not to post my email addy, so I’m not sure how else to get in touch with anyone. lol.
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SandyBeaches said
VJ…I have an email address at the top right with the bracelet picture. Just email me and I will gladly take it to him for you at the first VIP in Westbury. thevoiceschat@yahoo.ca
SB
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SandyBeaches said
Place picture from #41 as your background picture…absolutely awesome…
SB…
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dakgal said
Ran across this while trying to find my way out of the Archuforest or Archumaze ( never can find the exit).
This still means a lot to me -cause it was on my own home turf.
Also fits in very well with Marius’s story and the wonderful people that came into his life–and him into theirs—So this is dedicated to Marius and everyone who has helped him –in a big way or in a little way.
starrynites01
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Blueberry Ice said
Marius; In reading your story, I am touched by what you’ve endured. You have so much courage, an amazing attitude and love for life that is beyond inspiring. Thank you for your beautiful heart and may all that you hope and dream for become a reality.
Lynne; It is truly something special when you give the gift of love and family as you did for Marius. May blessings from above continue abundantly and provide for all that you need and more. If there is a will, then there will be a way for Marius and his brother to make it to his sister’s wedding.
I have seen those who are embittered by ailments that are far less than what Marius has suffered. They wallow in self pity, blame others and have a sense of entitlement that is very sad to see, so it is extraordinary for a child like Marius to display such maturity, insight, positivity and geniune gratitude despite what challenges he has been through. He is quite remarkable indeed.
I love to see how David continues to stimulate an outreach to help others whether it is through his music, his support of charities, interacting with the community or whatever event he is invited to. I can’t help but think that wherever he goes, he touches a life in some positive way, “an ambassador of goodwill” as appropriately said before by Angelica.
Finally, enough can’t be said for this site, bringing stories like Marius, keeping the creative energy, humor, and thought provoking posts on a ongoing basis. A remarkable achievement when having to juggle other responsibilities. Though I don’t comment as often, please know that every post, artwork, photos, video, tidbits, and commenters are very much appreciated and that coming here helps lift the spirit like no other medicine can.
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emmegirl said
blueberry ice, you have such a beautiful way of expression.♥
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VJ said
Thank you, SB. You might get an email from me. 🙂
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Abrra said
Another ATM from the Fox office. David talks about his time in Hong Kong at the beginning. It goes sideways at the half way mark, I can’t flip it unless
the whole thing is sideways.
credit mandyxtang
Abrra
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SandyBeaches said
Our good friend Silverfox is in hospital in Alberqueque with a surgery set for Tuesday..Stay tuned!
SF, if you are checking the site by your phone, take care and work hard at everything you need to do to get you home and healthy…
Picture from comment #41, should help with the healing!
SB
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TXNancy said
Silverfox’s exquisitely beautiful, very meaningful prayer for David has touched all of us. May we all now pray for her….and continue prayers for her sister and family. It must be frightful to have surgery when you aren’t home. We love you, SF!
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SandyBeaches said
I am checking right now with SF to see if she can get the site on her phone. If not I will copy and paste the messages to her and place them in an email…
SB
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Angelica said
VJ,
I’ll keep SF in my prayers. Hope all goes well!
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Heidijoy said
Will definitely keep Silverfox in my thoughts and prayers that all goes well with surgery. Thinking of her sister and family as well. My heart goes all to all of them. Thanks for being a good friend SB and keeping us posted.
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jans11 said
More prayers are being sent your way, SF. Been thinking of your sister and you all week. Seems like when it rains it pours sometimes. God bless you and all your family.
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Tawna21 said
My most sincere thoughts and prayers for Silverfox. Please take strength and courage from those of us here as you go through this next trial. God bless you.
Thank you, Lynne Woodward, for your answer concerning the funds. And, thank you for loving Marius and making a good life possible for him.
Tawna
ps–sad that I missed chat last night, but had a most wonderful time with my children and their families!
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archiesfan4life said
SF – sending lots of prayers and good thoughts to you – and {{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}} too.
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djafan said
SF, So sorry to hear you took ill! Praying for an uneventful procedure and a quick a speedy recovery.
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skydancer1x said
thinking of you,and sending special thoughts and prayers your way SF!!♥♥♥
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stenocruiser said
SF, sending special thoughts your way and prayers for a return to good health.
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sweetonDA said
Sending my love Silverfox and praying all will be well and you will be home soon.
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MT said
Silverfox, sending thoughts and prayers that all goes well for your surgery and for a smooth recovery.
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betsy said
Hugs and prayers to you SF. Hope you can feel the love – there is a lot coming your way. ♥
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kaycee said
Life has kept me very busy and away from this wonderful place the past few weeks, but I just had to take a quick peak tonight. What a moving and inspiring story about Marius…sure puts things into perspective. And SF, just wanted to join with the others in wishing you and your sister the best. Sending hugs and prayers your way.
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bebereader said
Sending prayers and hugs and love to you, Silverfox, for an easy time and a speedy recovery. Also prayers to your sister and family.
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bluebar said
Hello Silverfox,
You are in my prayers… especially for today and tomorrow as the time for your surgery nears.
You often express concern for others in your writings here at The Voice. Now is the time for all of us to extend our caring thoughts to you.
Keep a song in your heart, and… I believe, you will have the strength to get through this stormy time… and be well on your way to recovery.
“For every drop of rain that falls
A flower grows
Sending a “bouquet” of good wishes to you!
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Marylee_DAangel said
Bluebar ~”for every drop of rain that falls ~ a flower grows” is from one of my very favorite songs of all time dating way back ~one of those timeless songs. What wouldn’t I give to hear David cover that one! I’d like to share in your sentiments & thoughts & send Silverfox my very best wishes along with my prayers for a speedy recovery from her upcoming surgery ♥
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