bebereader
djafan
voiceadmin
Loss and Redemption ~ David Archuleta
Posted by Lovefrommich on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Dear Friends,
Some of you know about what happened with my older son, but most of you do not. None of this was David related until he announced the mission. It was then that a cycle of pain and loss restarted in my heart, and now, after many weeks of processing it all, I felt compelled to share it, with the hope that it may help someone.
My oldest child, now age 12, was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two-and-a-half. He was a healthy baby and was developing normally until 16 months, when he received 4 vaccinations during a routine office visit. Within one week of that day he lost all his words, eye contact, and started to have severe bowel issues. I am not trying to start a debate about vaccines, I am just telling you what happened to my child. Thus began our journey into the pit of despair and heartache. Several doctors, tests, and hours of research later we began to understand what we could do to begin to try to heal his physical and sensory problems.
The first step was special education preschool. The district here that diagnosed him told us that he would never speak, dress himself, never be able to live alone or have a relationship. We were told to start looking into long-term care options. Words cannot describe the loss and devastation that we felt. I’ll never forget the first day of preschool. I had to take him there; I just couldn’t let him take the school bus; he just looked so tiny. I dropped him off, both of us sobbing. The teacher had to block the door to keep him from getting out. I went out to my car and cried and cried and cried. I didn’t want to take him there. He was supposed to be home with me. Did he know I was coming back for him? Did he understand what I told him about school and that it would help him? Would it even help him? I trusted no one. Who were they to tell me what my child’s future would be? I sat there in the parking lot in my car sobbing. When I finally went in to get him I was so relieved. He seemed fine. The thought of doing it again the next day was too much to think about.
His preschool day was two-and-a-half hours every morning. The longest two-and-a-half hours you could ever imagine. In the meantime we were working on special diets, vitamins, sensory therapy and lab tests to help with the bowel issues. I thanked God for credit cards and that we were able to get high credit limits. Everything we tried with him was very successful and immediate. We did everything outside of mainstream medicine with the help of a doctor who I know is an angel. We went through about 15 doctors before we found her. The preschool was awesome, and it truly was needed to help him catch up on things he had missed. But having him gone everyday, even though it was just the half day, was very depressing. It was a true loss. Then after preschool would come elementary school. I would never get those preschool years back.
I never did get those years back. But what I did get was something even greater. Our son began to speak again. He began to interact with us. He was able to handle sensory input. He has been in a regular classroom setting since Kindergarten. He continued with speech therapy through 3rd grade. He was able to stop the special diet after 5 years. He is now in 7th grade and has all A’s in school. He scored within his grade level on the MEAP test two years in a row now. He has friends, sleepovers, normal relationships and is an awesome big brother.
Over time I began to accept that this journey with my son was somehow meant to be. I ended up working at the sensory clinic that helped him so much. I was able to talk to and give hope to thousands of parents. I was able to work with the children and see them progress. I have been witness to the restoration of my son’s health and well-being. I have come from the depths of despair to the triumph of redemption.
When David announced his mission I was in shock. The next morning I cried for six hours. I had not cried like that since that morning at preschool. All the feelings of loss and fairness and right and wrong and why and how came rushing back. I was losing my baby again. I know he’s not a baby, and he’s not mine, but you all know and understand that is exactly what it feels like. Much like taking my son to that preschool, this was something that had to be done despite how I felt about it. It was going to happen, and all my tears and frustration were no match for it. I came to accept that just as I took my son and handed him over to strangers, I had to support David in his choice because what is best for me is not necessarily the best for him. I could have not sent my son to preschool and kept him home with me. But I had to do what was best for him, despite my own pain.
For those of you that have not experienced a loss, and even for those who have, David’s leaving is devastating. The routine and activities of the last 4 years will change. We will have to find a new normal. And we will. Nothing will stop what is meant to be for David. We must be strong and have faith that the future will bring nothing but the best of times for all of us. My journey with my son taught me that even though things seem impossible you can never give up hope.
We cannot get back the two years that he will be away. What we can do is be here to support one another, buy whatever music comes out, and take good care of the love we have in our hearts for him. One by one we were chosen to be on this journey, for reasons we may never know. His voice took root in our hearts. His spirit made our own start to blossom. Now we must tend to the garden while he is away.
Photo credit mzdinolatino
The Voice David Archuleta 
Bee Laugan said
I am so moved by your story that ended me in tears. However, I shall thank you for sharing this with all of the readers fan or non-fans it might help some suffering families.Just like me I am an orphan since I was four yrs old. My father died and then followed by my mom. I started working in the farm at 7 and it was a hard life. My childhood years was taken away from me. I literally escaped childhood fast. But Jesus Christ has healed me of pain and sufferings. He carried me thru my journey until now. We must keep our faith, make it even stronger. We must be brave and we must love God more than anything in this world. We may not all understand but He has all the reason to all these. Will pray for each other. God loves you so dearly.
Bee.
LikeLike
jans11 said
Funnygirl, that is a powerful story and I am so glad that your son is better. Thirty years ago I lost a daughter, so when David made his announcement, even though I was devastated, I knew he was still on this earth. I only got through the loss of my daughter because of faith in God and help from a lot of family and friends. So here we are needing people to help each other to get through David being gone for the next 2 yrs. You are right, we cannot get back the two years that he will be away. What we can do is be here to support one another, buy whatever music comes out, and take good care of the love we have in our hearts for him. One by one we were chosen to be on this journey, for reasons we may never know. His voice took root in our hearts. His spirit made our own start to blossom. Now we must tend to the garden while he is away. Beautiful words.♥
Bee, I am so glad you found God and he healed your soul for you to have a better life. You sound like an awesome person.♥
LikeLike
mspoohbear said
Funnygirl, I am moved by your story and at the same time brought back sadness and pain in my heart. I am crying as I write this. I have 2 nephews and 2 nieces with autism, so I can relate to what you had gone thru. It is already challenging enough to raise kids nowadays, so how much more if it is a “special” kid. One nephew and one niece of mine aren’t doing very well; however, the other two are just doing fine although they seem to have problem having normal relationships. You are very lucky for your son is doing really well and having a normal childhood. God is good! Bless your heart for helping and giving other parents hope.
And talking about loss…… When I found out that David was going on a two-year mission, I cried. I don’t know why and I can’t explain, but I felt like I’ve lost a son. For a moment, I was grieving. Yes, I am a new fan of David, but I do feel like I’ve known him all my life. I love him as if he is my own son. It may seem odd for I have not even met David nor watched any of his shows. I only knew him thru posted videos, interviews, news, magazine or internet articles and fan blogs. Getting to know a little bit about him makes me feel good inside. For those who are lucky to have met him, I can only imagine how much sadness and pain his mission announcement might have brought upon them. But God has a plan for each and everyone of us, including David. God has given David to us so that he can be an inspiration. There is a common denominator in all these……….LOVE…….and it is now up to us to chose what we do with it.
LikeLike
Abrra said
FG
Thank you for such an honest story about your son’s ability to overcome his struggles with Autism.
“My journey with my son taught me that even though things seem impossible you can never give up hope.”
Our children are sent as messengers to show us how to achieve success in areas we need help the most. You learned the lesson of determination. Things don’t always happen in the fastest way, but the end result is worth the journey.
Abrra 640 days
LikeLike
MT said
Funnygirl,
I am fortunate that I haven’t had to go through what you have, but I have a freind with an autistic daughter. She wasn’t as fortunate to have found the right school from the beginning. But luckily she finally did when her daughter was almost 14. (She is 18 now.) She is making wonderful progress but still has a long way to go.
I’m so glad to hear that your son has made such amazing progress. Your story is a lesson in hope and perseverence. We are stronger than we know. Bless you and your family. ♥ Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Maybe it’s David’s hope, and faith, and heart full of love that binds us to him. HIs belief that anything is possible.
LikeLike
Archugeezer said
Funny Girl,
Thank you for your incredibly moving story. Your journey of loss and redemption strikes a chord in all of us, regardless of our separate tribulations that cause pain and suffering. Yours is a story of amazing courage. It is also a story of hope; not a wishful hoping, but real hope, a spiritual hope, which somehow springs forth to sustain us during our darkest moments.
The impact of David’s absence has offered a variety of surprises for me, everything from an awful sense of loss to absolute joy that he is serving a mission. Thank you again for sharing your experience and for your strengthening perspective. Tend to the garden we will.
LikeLike
sunny said
FunnyGirl:
Thank you for sharing your beautiful moving story!! I was in the audience at the SLC MKOC show when David announced his
mission. I felt numb and was in shock for a few days and couldn’t quit crying. I couldn’t believe that someone I have never met could effect me that way.
I’m very happy for him now because he is doing something he wanted to do for awhile. He is one of the most beautiful and spiritual human beings and deserves to be right where he is!!
LikeLike
ray said
he is a true child of god,belive me ,i sugest when you first listen to begin. be close to medecial help,you,r going to need it
LikeLike
TOfan said
(((((FG)))) thank you so much for sharing your story, that can’t have been easy for you.
So happy to hear your son is now doing so well, such a wonderful example of how powerful love and faith can be.
David’s announcement hit us all pretty hard but I’m just glad to be able to have you all to tend that garden with, now and when he gets back! <333
LikeLike
jackryan4dajackryan4DA said
FG – I salute you and your family for your resilience and strength. Thank you for sharing. HUGS!
LikeLike
Angelica said
FG,
Hope you made it back safely yesterday from your “very wet” vacation in Florida. 🙂 Kind of the same condition my eyes have been in since reading and rereading your story. I am so happy that your son was restored to you and so amazed at your enormous love and faith to conquer all obstacles. This is so true:
‘We will have to find a new normal. And we will. Nothing will stop what is meant to be for David. We must be strong and have faith that the future will bring nothing but the best of times for all of us. My journey with my son taught me that even though things seem impossible you can never give up hope.
We cannot get back the two years that he will be away. What we can do is be here to support one another, buy whatever music comes out, and take good care of the love we have in our hearts for him. One by one we were chosen to be on this journey, for reasons we may never know. His voice took root in our hearts. His spirit made our own start to blossom. Now we must tend to the garden while he is away.”
It was late last night when I decided at the last minute, since this is your story, to incorporate into the lead image a pic that I know has special meaning for you. The pic you saw of David at rehearsal with the MOTAB and knew right then and there, you had to be there. I’m so glad you made it and I was able to share that out of body experience with you. Gonna include the link to that article of yours here because I love it and the memories and because it relates to this one. How is it possible to love someone who isn’t family as much as we love David? I don’t know but it is a real love and like you say, we need to “take good care of the love we have in our hearts for him.” It is a gift.
https://thevoicedavidarchuleta.com/2011/01/08/my-sons-graduation-a-motab-saga/
LikeLike
gladys1961 said
Funny girl,
I have lost two brothers, one older brother, his name was Cesar and a sister younger than meHer name was Edith.
I want to think that God had another plan for them. I was too young when I lost, I knew very little, but I still miss them.
Thanks for sharing your story, I’m grateful, I’m not alone.
I think it was my heart who realized the existence of david.
When I saw him for the first time I saw a beautiful boy, but when I hear your voice, my heart took the desicion to elect David. And gradually he began to take my soul, too.
I do not know David, and sometimes I think if I ever meet him. Every night before going to sleep, I pray for my family and everyone in general, but David has a special place.
Each night I ask my brothers, Edith and Cesar-please take care of David.
Each one of us know how David changed our lives. I wonder how it will be my future, it is impossible, I have only one desire, to have David with me for the rest of my life.
I love you David and I will always love you.
LikeLike
skydancer1x said
FunnyGirl,
Thank you for sharing the story of your beautiful son, and the incredible journey of “loss and redemption”you have taken. How far he has come! That is wonderful
That you have been able to “talk and give hope to thousands of parents” by sharing your own personal journey and what you learned along the way, as other parents are trying to find their way….well, its just awesome.You have a beautiful heart♥
this:
“When David announced his mission I was in shock. The next morning I cried for six hours. I had not cried like that since that morning at preschool. All the feelings of loss and fairness and right and wrong and why and how came rushing back.”
FG I remember feeling the same kind of “long ago, but familiar pain” at that moment too.I had felt it before.
I was surprised at how Davids announcement, actually was so emotionally and physically painful for me, for weeks,
You are right Angelica, it is real, the love we have in our hearts for David.It is different, and it is wonderful, and it is a gift to be treasured and cared for.♥I don’t think we ended up in this “Good Place” by mistake.
LikeLike
Heidijoy (@Heidijoy5) said
FG Thank you for sharing your story and experience. As many have stated I and my family have experienced some devastating losses. Many of us find ways through faith, support and each other to cope. Probably the biggest help is giving back and or honoring the ones lost in a meaningful way : ie; Scholarships, charitable causes etc. By supporting one another we gain strength.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised at all the gifts we have received from David and his fans to aid us during his absence. I promised David in a letter between SLC and BC that I would re-evaluate my own life and faith and also told him how much he had inspired me. I’m in that process and have joined the Optimist Club to help the Youth of our community etc. You now have inspired me even more.
I was dealing your story and example pretty well until Angelica posted the story again of “David’s Graduation” The tears started flowing again as I remembered that story. I am forever grateful to have been there myself and grateful to those that helped make it happen. I will treasure it for life and have worn out one GCT video reliving those memories.
I’m quite proud of David for following his heart and am tickled pink that the Fan Sites remain active and we have each other’s support while we too make our lives more meaningful.
LikeLike
bebereader said
Funnygirl,
Thanks for being so candid in sharing your story with us. I’m sure you helped many people today who were lucky enough to read about your journey when they clicked the link to this site. So happy your son is doing well now, thanks to your unfailing support and the resources you found for him.
I have a friend who has two sons, one born autistic. He’s also in middle school now and doing extremely well. It was a long haul though until he uttered a word. How did he begin to speak? He started singing the lyrics to songs his Mom played every day on their stereo. And it all went uphill from there. Music can be so therapeudic!
I see the parallel of the love we have for our children to our love for David. When he announced his mission I felt the hurt on a personal level as if he was a member of my family or a dear friend.
“One by one we were chosen to be on this journey, for reasons we may never know….”
One thing I do know is that David is a blessing my life.
LikeLike
bebereader said
http://www.livestream.com/saragirl
LikeLike
bebereader said
#1Bee Laugan
LikeLike
Estrella said
Funnygirl, thanks for sharing your son’s story.I too have a grandson that still can not talk. He is almost 7 years old now. You have mentioned about a doctor that has helped so much with restoring his health back. I wonder if you can share with me his name. I would love to take my son to him.. I live here in San Gabriel, California. If you don’t want to post it here for some reason, please email me at -ambber888@yahoo.com.
I have been a fan of David since day1 of his AI audition and I too believe that God has given David to us for a reason.
LikeLike
bebereader said
Come join us for Week 3 of Nandito Ako!
http://www.livestream.com/saragirl
LikeLike
Bychance said
Funny girl…….thank you for sharing your difficult, but wonderful story.
“one by one we were chosen to be on this journey”……….those words struck me because I have felt like that……as a new fan……that I was somehow blessed to be able to love and support David…….and have sometimes wondered how is it that I got lucky enough to be “chosen” (if you will) to feel what I felt and knew I wanted to know this young man and his music. I’m not expressing this well…….just known that your words ring so true to me. Thank you.
LikeLike
gladys1961 said
I found this on youtube, made me mourn. Credit supermom6kids
LikeLike
Angelica said
Just came from Tuesday night at the movies. Nandito Ako was playing (cause that’s his only movie). Not his last though, I predict. Just watching his range of expressions: hurt, surprise, love, anger, rage, joy, comic mimicry all play across his features is something to behold. With a few more lessons, the right roles and great direction, he could be one of the finest actors ever to grace the stage or big screen. The kind of actor that, if he wants you to cry, you WILL cry; if he wants you to laugh, you WILL laugh. The genius kind.
LikeLike
Angelica said
Gladys,
That was such a sweet video. I thought today while driving, what will it feel like to click on that first vlog he makes after he comes home? Can you even imagine what a sight for sore eyes and ears that will be? Miss him so much but isn’t it wonderful in a way too? Can’t explain it except to say I’m thankful for the burden of carrying him in my heart.
LikeLike
bebereader said
Thanks to those who attended the Nandito Ako chat tonight, posters and viewers-alike! Two more weeks left and we’ll be done.
It’s going so fast!
Great variety of videos posted here tonight!
Gladys,
Thanks for the one you posted – it’s a real tear-jerker!
(For Gladys – Definition of tear-jerker: a story, song, play, film, or video broadcast that moves or is intended to move its audience to tears.}
Angelica,
I’ve always loved “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”. Now I know what it means! LOL
And here’s another!
Note the footage at 26-30.
credit aldrienjon
LikeLike
mspoohbear said
Bebereader, the buzz is 26 to 30 footage must be the ones used for the next “Rainbow” music video. I hope so……getting excited!
LikeLike
MT said
24. Bebe,
:26-:30 If he’s looking THAT good … and DANCING!?! … I’m not even going to hear the song for the first three times I watch. haha Oh, yeah! Bring it on!
LikeLike
kaycee said
FG, thank you for your poignant heart-felt article. A beautiful reminder of how precious life is. Loved this:
“One by one we were chosen to be on this journey, for reasons we may never know. His voice took root in our hearts. His spirit made our own start to blossom. Now we must tend to the garden while he is away.
MT…”If he’s looking THAT good … and DANCING!?! … I’m not even going to hear the song for the first three times I watch.” So true!!
Ignorant question…could someone explain to me the opening words to ING. I could never quite understand what the lyrics of the first verse mean.
You always ask me
Those words I say
And tellin’ me what it means to me
Every single day
You always act this way
For how many times I told you
I love you for this is all I know
I have to confess, up until the music video came out, that was the track I listened to the least. It just seemed so sad, and I’ve needed all the positive, uplifting music I could get this past year. However, after the music video came out, I saw the song in a much different light and I’m really touched by it now.
LikeLike
djafan said
FG,
I didn’t know about your son, it must have been heart wrenching to go through what you went through. But I’m glad to see that he and you are one of the success stories. That you were able to get the information and help to help you help him is a miracle in itself. Go getter FG! The crying for your son and then the crying for David news two different events but brought out the same emotions. Most understand the tears for your son but there are some that may not understand the tears for David and it’s so hard to explain even to other fans. I did my own fare share of crying believe me, I sometimes still do. I’m happy that he’s following his heart and doing what he was called to do but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss him. But know that you are not alone and that we are all here to support and spazz as needed lol
I so bummed that missed Nandito Ako last night. It’s always such a good time 🙂
I also want to welcome the new posters to The Voice!!!
Gladys, Thank you for sharing.
There is so much more buzz still for I’ll Never Go with most mentioning BEGIN., even Perez Hilton joined in the fray, I’ll just share his headline haha. “David Archuleta Invites Us Into His Bedroom!”
LikeLike
xaris2014 said
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt story, FG. I’m so glad you found the help your son needed–you’re an amazing mom!
I noticed that BEGIN. is available as a pre-order at walmart.com. Good news I think.
http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=4104&ic=48_0&Find.x=0&Find.y=0&Find=Find&_ta=1&search_query=david%20archuleta&_tt=david%20archuleta
Have a good day everyone!
LikeLike
betsy said
FG, this is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing with everyone. I don’t think I told you this, but my nephew is autistic and is now in college, year 2. Just opened his own computer repair business as well. All due to parents who wouldn’t ever take no for an answer. 🙂 You are doing that same thing.
Remember we chatted a bit right after “the announcement”?
You asked me how I was doing, I said I was perfectly fine. That I had been through worse when my son was in Iraq twice and I could never talk to him even once, even when he was hurt?
Confession. That was my guilt talking and I wasn’t fine. I couldn’t admit to it. The reasons are too complex and long to get into, so I’ll leave it there. But I’ve felt bad about it ever since.
LikeLike
suzzyy said
Funnygirl….your story is wonderful…thanks so much for sharing it with all of us. I’m so happy to hear your son is doing so great in school and making progress through the years. I am a special needs aide who works with autistic and developmentally challenged kids at the elementary school level. I can’t tell you how much working with the kids has enriched my life every day! It really puts life and things into perspective and I love seeing the day to day progress…parent support & love, such as yours, makes the difference! ❤
David's mission announcement hit me kinda hard too…but I truly believe God is blessing his life through this experience and serving others. Also love your analogy above…"His voice took root in our hearts. His spirit made our own start to blossom. Now we must tend to the garden while he is away." I agree wholeheartedly! Can't wait to hear the songs from BEGIN. DA2014
LikeLike
veeg said
Hi FG
I cried reading your article . I cried watching David’s announcement . Some people thinks we are probably nuts for crying because of This DAVID leaving ??? For me it makes sense , as if my big boy is leaving , he is going away for two years , but you know what , i know he is coming back . 🙂
Virtual hugs to everyone .
Check out this video on YouTube:
Forevermore mv director PAOLO BERNALDO DEMO REEL 2012
0:43 ( forevermore MV) and 1:06 ( Rainbow mv ???????)
Love from vee of Sydney
P.S. SB , I got my bracelet . Maraming maraming salamat po !!!
I will start again
A= Aalis pero Babalik siya ( leaving but will surely come back )
Sent from my iPhone
LikeLike
Angelica said
Djafan,
Missed you at the Nandito Ako party last night. I thought about you for a while, but then I was distracted. 😉
Betsy, that must have been awful to not be able to talk to your son even when he was hurt in Iraq. (((hugs))) You don’t have to get into it here at all, but I am not OK with your feeling bad.
So don’t, K?
MT#26, pursuant to Bebe#24, I hate to admit how many times I’ve replayed seconds .26 – .30.
I just really don’t think I’ll survive all the pure preciousness of the Rainbow MV. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a David charity of your choice.
Kaycee #27
“could someone explain to me the opening words to ING. I could never quite understand what the lyrics of the first verse mean.”
You always ask me
Those words I say
And tellin’ me what it means to me
Every single day
You always act this way
For how many times I told you
I love you for this is all I know
Kaycee, I always transpose the words when I’m listening to
You always tell me
Those words I say
And asking me what it means to me.
Like throwing back to someone their words and asking them to explain themselves again and again. In poetry, and song writing is poetry, the sentence structure is sometimes changed up, not to confuse, but to inform and enlighten. You are made to take a second look or think about the meaning from another angle. So for me it seems to be a lament from someone who has to constantly deal with a loved one who analyzes and twists the meaning of what is said because they have trust issues. No matter how many times they are told they are loved, they find reasons to doubt and want more proof.
This is not a song written by David, not his words, but I think it relates to the way some fans react to things he says too. He said/tweeted this, so that means he loves others more than us, or that means he’s not going to do music anymore, etc, etc…Yet how many times he’s told us he loves us, that he will always do music, for this is all he knows.
LikeLike
djafan said
Betsy (hugs)
Angelica, so easily distracted haha Also thank you for posting the link to FG’s GCT article. Brought back so many wonderful memories. I sometimes can’t believe that I was actually there.
Thank you for answering Kaycee’s questions. I also hear what you’re hearing even if it’s not what he’s singing but couldn’t find how to put into words, I knew you could 🙂
I agree with this 1000%.
This is not a song written by David, not his words, but I think it relates to the way some fans react to things he says too. He said/tweeted this, so that means he loves others more than us, or that means he’s not going to do music anymore, etc, etc…Yet how many times he’s told us he loves us, that he will always do music, for this is all he knows.
LikeLike
skydancer1x said
wow vee ,and Bebe,
what WAS that, David bopping and singing…something! haha thanks for posting those. Whatever he was doing, he looked good doing it.:)) Have to rewatch that again.
MT you so funny! LOL
Estrella,Bee L., and Bychance, good to see new faces! Welcome!
29 Xaris, that is good news, if Walmart is carrying it, it’ll be available everywhere.
Dja, I love all the buzz about BEGIN.♥
Nandito Ako was fun last night.The more I watch the episodes, the more I appreciate what David accomplished with his first
real dip into the acting pool.He really did an amazing job. I hope he will remember when he gets back, how much fun he had and how much he enjoyed the acting experience. Selfishly, I would love to see that face on the big screen one day.~sigh~of course, If it ever happens, I will probably be removed from the movie theater for spazzing too much,
LikeLike
MT said
Angelica,
Well, I’m not gonna admit how many times I’ve replayed it either. (Lost count anyway.) haha
Sky,
If David’s ever on the big screen, you’re going to have to learn to spazz quietly so you don’t get tossed out. LOL You wouldn’t want to miss the ending. There might be a romantic scene. David, 30 ft. tall, giving “that look” and you’d miss it! Can you even imagine a close up of those eyes on the big screen?
Oh … and Estrella, Bee L., and Bychance, welcome! Join in anytime. And you might want to try chat on Saturdays. Get us all online at the same time and we get very chatty. haha Lots of fun. And as always, David entertains us non-stop! 😀
LikeLike
SandyBeaches said
#32…Vee, que son muy bienvenidos!
SB
LikeLike
PaulaFOD said
FG,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Our love for our children is so deep. I understood more about how God loves us as His children after the birth of my daughter. There is no way to describe it. I am so glad that your son is doing better and thriving!!! I, too, mourned when I heard David was leaving for 2 years. But, I do believe, that he, too, will thrive as your son did. This mission will be good for him. I’m happy to tend the garden in the meantime. Hugs to you…thank you for opening your heart to us.
LikeLike
Bychance said
Thank you for the welcome! I am happy to tend the garden till David returns.
LikeLike
betsy said
<33333333333333
Bee, are you the same Bee (maybe it was Bea) who delurked the same week as me on Snarkys in 09/08?
Isn't it funny the things we remember? 🙂
LikeLike
dakgal said
#33 Angelica —That is my take on the words to the song also—cept you said it better.
I thought the guy, who must have to travel a lot, always has to tell his lady that he loves her—every day–because she is insecure about it–always questioning his love—as you say a trust issue.— Good way to chase someone away!!
Pre-ordered my “Begin” CD’s from Walmart—-Hot Diggity
LikeLike
bebereader said
New pic found on Twitter!
Tonette @tonette913
@kariontour Hi Kari Is that Paolo Bernaldo in the background of this pic? Did he also direct the ING mv? http://pic.twitter.com/xveTDh5r
Kari Sellards @kariontour
@tonette913 yes, it is. He directed both Forevermore and I’ll Never Go. Great guy and his team. Here he is at work! http://pic.twitter.com/JglFzmtk
LikeLike
betsy said
#42 Bebe that picture is all kinds of wonderful. Paolo is handsome.
But David perfected that hand gesture years ago. 😉
LikeLike
ncgirlmarylee said
Good Morning everyone.
FG: Sorry to be late with my thoughts after reading your touching article about your son and your dedication to leaving no stone unturned until you found the answers that allowed him to become a little boy with a shining future. To say I commend you is an understatement my dear. It warmed my heart to read your story & I shared it with my daughter who has a friend who will benefit from it, as so many others can, because you found it in your heart to share with us. God Bless you & your family & please give your son a ((hug)) from me ♥
LikeLike
sweetonda said
FG, thank you for sharing your story about your son. I’m so glad things worked out for both of you and your family. There’s a lot to say about being persistent in finding answers to problems that arise in our lives. That’s one thing I love about David. He is persistent in following his heart, and the direction that he feels is right for him.
#4 – Abrra, I just love how serene he looks in that pose. That’s my new desktop pic. He’s just…gaaahhhhh!
#42 – Bebe, I’d love the know what Paolo is saying or coaching David on in that picture.
I love the ING video, but I sure would love to see more of what may await us in Rainbow!!! Love the little clips of him dancing. He just makes my days so much more enjoyable.
Welcome Bee, Estrella and Bychance. It’s wonderful to see new fans joining our ranks. 🙂
Have a great day everyone!
LikeLike
djafan said
Hello all!
I’ve added BEGIN. with a link to Walmart on the left sidebar!!! The purchases there get reported to mediabase for sales numbers! The rule is not to buy more than 5 at a time so they can count as separate units not as a 1 bulk unit.
Please vote for David here!
http://chartcentral.frihost.net/cc/
http://www.myxph.com/default.aspx
I can’t wait for this one!
LikeLike
Abrra said
Just when you think @nareejo can’t have any more great pics of David, she surprises us!
Abrra 638 days
LikeLike
MT said
47. Pic #2 – *sigh*
Nareejo … You’re hired.
LikeLike
Abrra said
MT
I just added more pics to #47.
/le sigh
Abrra 638 days
LikeLike
dakgal said
Thanks abs–more fuel for my fire!!!
LikeLike
PaulaFOD said
Thank you so much to all of you who supported The Singer and the Song Project! In total, Camp ASCCA received $1,820.00 from the amazing Archie family! Congratulations to Gwen Porea (@GwenPo) who won the portrait of David! The winner of Jennifer Barry’s calendar was Cheryl Nelson, and the winner of the picture that inspired the painting was Scott Talmadge (@Scott_NJ). Donors who contributed $50 or more will receive an 8×10 print of the painting. Everyone who supported the project, whether financially or in spirit,is a winner in the eyes of the campers!
8×10 prints of the painting are also available for $8.00 (includes shipping in the US). A mailing address can be provided for payment or payment may be made through PayPal. All net proceeds go to Camp ASCCA! Please contact me at thesingerandthesong@gmail.com if you would like a print.
Again, thank you! You have made some very special people very happy campers!
LikeLike
angelofdja said
Oh my Funnygirl! I am very happy for you, your son and your family! Your determination is a beautiful tribute of love to your son. I was brought to tears of sadness and then tears of joy as I read your story. Thank you for sharing your heart with us!
I too was shocked and couldn’t pick my jaw up of the floor for hours when David announced he was leaving for 2 years! I have since recovered and have so much to be thankful for. David was one multi-tasking guy before he left! He knew we would need all these goodies to ease the pain. God Bless him!
LikeLike
SandyBeaches said
Time to get up! Just kidding, you can see the time I had to get up!
But, I found a few treasures!
Pictures from Chili please!!!
SB
LikeLike
FG said
Thank you all so much for your heartfelt comments! A few of you asked about the doctor. I am in Michigan but there is a list of doctors that follow the protocol we used. You can find them here: http://www.autismtoday.com/clinician-list.html
Angelica – when I saw that motab rehearsal pic I was blown away! That was so sweet of you and the feelings came rushing back!
I found a few new pics of you-know-who….what is our policy about posting them? I forgot. I really did. LOL
LikeLike
FunnyGirl said
Thanks so much to everyone for the heartfelt comments! You are all amazing! A few asked about the doctor we go to. There is a list of docs that use the protocol we followed: http://www.autismtoday.com/clinician-list.html Another option is to visit Chicago or one of the travelling clinics of this amazing treatment center: http://www.hriptc.org/index.php Any questions just ask me!
Angelica! That picture of the Motab rehearsal! Still gets me to this day!! How sweet you are!
LikeLike
Abrra said
Found this link today.
Elder Cawley Meets David Archuleta: 6/20/2011
Hey family! (and friends)
Sooo the first week of the new transfer is over! It was a blast! Our new companion is SWEET! He looks and acts JUST like Brandon Crow. Like its kinda scary how they are the same. So his name is Elder Alex Thompson. He is from Eagle, Idaho (just outside Bosie). It is just like talking with bcrow when I talk to him, and he loves “The Goofy Movie”… just like bcrow. haha. Look him up on facebook, its awesome.
So we have been trying to find a family to baptize this past transfer and this transfer. We prayed for a date in the near future when we are going to baptize a family. So we decided that on July 9th we are gunna baptize a family… and I have no idea who it is (hahaha) but we got so much faith that its gunna happen 🙂
The Sounds game (minor league baseball) was awesome!! There were around 60 missionaries singing the national anthem and the owner (or whatever of the team/field – idk, some high up dude) told President Hutchings that the way we sang the anthem is how it should be sung every time. NEAT! Go Mormons!
While there I met David Archuleta. I went to go buy a Sounds baseball hat (which totally rocks btw) and I was like “wow that guys short… WOW thats David Archuleta!!” So I walked right up to him and was like “hey, can I get a pic with you?” He said sure, so we started talking and I got him laughing and we had a jolly good ol time of about 45 seconds.
http://eldercawley.blogspot.com/2011/06/elder-cawley-meets-david-archuleta.html
Reminder: this is an old blog, not current to David’s mission. 😉
Abrra 637 days
LikeLike
Abrra said
I have the video in #46 imported to my Movie Maker and have set the effects to slow motion. I need help thinking of a song or music that would be a good match. I plan to extend the video to about a minute and a half.
Any ideas? Leave a link 😉
I found this lovely poem at “Dang It! David Archuleta News Groupies in Training!”
http://pikepss.blogspot.com/2012/06/david-archuleta-is-some-people.html
Some People
By Flavia Weedn
Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same.
Some people come into our lives
and quickly go…Some stay for a while
and embrace our silent dreams.
They help us become aware
of the delicate winds of hope…
and we discover within every human spirit
there are wings yearning to fly.
They help our hearts to see that
the only stairway to the stars
is woven with dreams…
and we find ourselves
unafraid to reach high.
They celebrate the true essence
of who we are…
and have faith in all
that we may become.
Some people awaken us
to new and deeper realizations…
for we gain insight
from the passing whisper of their wisdom.
Throughout our lives we are sent
precious souls…
meant to share our journey
however brief or lasting their stay
they remind us why we are here.
To learn…to teach…to nurture…to love.
Some people come into our lives
to cast a steady light
upon our path and guide our every step
their shining belief in us
helps us to believe in ourselves.
Some people come into our
lives to teach us about love…
The love that rests within ourselves.
Let us reach out to others
and feel the bliss of giving
for love is far richer in action
than it ever is in words.
Some people come into our lives
and they move our souls to sing
and make our spirits dance.
They help us to see that everything on earth
is part of the incredibility of life…
and that it is always there
for us to take of its joy.
Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same.
Abrra 637 days
LikeLike
SandyBeaches said
Abrra, sorry about mentioning the pictures but I got excited after seeing the links on FOD and
the pictures on SD. Yes out of respect for David it is good to keep to the archives.
LikeLike
Dayzee said
Lots of ads for Stadium of Fire here. Scotty McCreery will be there. Sigh. But I must admit i cannot be depressed. Remembering the excitement and good times from last year gives me a great biiiiig smile. Remember Tawna?
LikeLike
bluesky said
Dear FunnyGirl,
“I never did get those years back. But what I did get was something even greater.”
Ah, yes! The “parting is such sweet sorrow”! We yearn for what we might have had, but had we received it, would we be wise enough to yearn for those “even greater” blessings in our lives? You capture the point beautifully! We only dream of what might have been or what our limited vision may paint as possibilities. But God knows no such boundaries and He paints with a canvass that stretches our hearts, spreads the colors of our souls and absorbs our efforts/fears/passions until the finished work amazes, its scope clearing the horizon of our minds with one blinding sweep of realization: We are not alone.
Not DA.
Not us.
Ever.
bluesky
LikeLike
bebereader said
Bluesky,
Your vision is something to behold!
Thank you for making me think, always.
I know it’s not Christmas but when has that ever stopped us? LOL I found this on YouTube and had to share.
credit Starchuleta19
LikeLike
bluesky said
Bebereader!!! ((((hugs))))
With DA, Christmas is every day. ^_^
LikeLike
kaycee said
61 Falala and Happy Holidays in June! LOVED the “Archie Holiday” video posted above!…such epic music for such an epic artist. What an incredible concert that was! If only it were promo for this Christmas…well, it will make Christmas 2014 all the more exciting! Yes, Bluesky, “With DA, Christmas is every day.”
33 Angelica, thank you for your very insightful answer to my question. I really liked your interpretation and particularly found the comparisons you made to some things in David’s life very interesting.
LikeLike
bluesky said
Kaycee, great to “see” you! Hope your summer is super!
LikeLike
MT said
56 & 57, Are you sure that’s the same guy? 😉
Just kidding. Always his adorable self, and sometimes just downright gorgeous. I like all the different sides of him. 🙂
Abrra, thanks for bringing the poem over for us. It’s beautiful.
Bebe,
Love the Christmas video/promo vid! (Movie trailer? haha) That was great. Very well done.
PS Got caught today with my earbuds in … singing with David (really loud) in the kitchen while cooking. LOL Hubby had a good chuckle, but was sweet and said he thought it was really cute. hahaha Sweet guy cuz I sing awful!
LikeLike
djafan said
BEGIN. at #33 at Walmart! Get your preorder in!!!
http://www.walmart.com/browse/music/4104/?catNavId=4104&depts=T&ic=96_0&path=0%3A4104&povid=cat4104-env205212-moduleC092911-lLinkRR1Seeall100BestSellingAlbums&ref_values=125873&search_sort=5&tc=100
LikeLike
Dayzee said
When I watch the I’ll Never Go video I love that short scene at around 2:54 where David juts out his chin and looks like he could conquer the world. Kind of like a man on a mission.
LikeLike
skydancer1x said
hey all! Is everyone as sweaty as I am ? haha The whole dang country is hot!
speaking of HOT those pics at 47. Abrra ,are not helping… nevermind, yes they are. Do not remove them under any circumstance.:)) They are gorgeous! le sigh is right.
60. Bluesky…when you write on this comment page, its as if you have a palette of beautiful colors in one hand and your pen in the other.You create colorful, wonderful images with the stroke of your pen as you write your comments, I love what you wrote. I love the thoughts you share.
Bebe, that video is a great find. I love it.
67.Dayzee, he does! :))
MT.:)) hair on forehead,younger?, hair off forehead,more his real age.? ( off forehead,my fav hair)
LikeLike
bluesky said
Skydancer1x—– Hi, love!
I like “off forehead” as well. Always my favorite. ^_^
Dayzee. He does indeed – conquer that is. ‘Stadium’ should be good, though. I am glad for McCreery. He will do a good job.
LikeLike
MT said
Sky,
I never thought about the hair issue like that, but by golly I think you have something there!
Yes, “off forehead” gets my vote, too. 🙂
LikeLike
Abrra said
New article ——————————————>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LikeLike