In my last post I talked about the basketball team I played on. David Chau was not on the team, but he practised with us a lot.
Last Saturday night most of the team was together playing basketball (I wasn’t there), when David suddenly fell down unconscious. He died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.
David wore a pacemaker, so I’m guessing the problem was heart related. However, his doctor had given him permission to play ball, so I’m not sure what happened.
It’s a little unsettling when something like this happens; someone apparently in good health is suddenly gone, with no warning. Is this easier than hanging on for years, slowly fading away as Dad did? One way is a shock; you are unprepared. The other way people have already come to terms with the end when it happens, but the years of decline are hard on everyone.
For the individual there is a lot to be said for knowing death is coming so you can get your affairs in order, and make sure your family can survive, but you’ve got to stand there and face your death.
I think when I go I want a compromise: Not several years slowly losing my mind and body, but not instantly either. Give me a few days or weeks of alertness and health to get everything in order and say goodbye to my friends and family.
OK?
10 responses so far ↓
1 Heather // Nov 13, 2007 at 5:10 pm
That is really shocking! I am very sorry to hear about David. I keep thinking I have plenty of time. But like you said, you just never know! That is why it is so important to make sure your loved ones know how much you love them!
2 Heather // Nov 13, 2007 at 5:11 pm
One more thought…I would like to go in my sleep when I am in my 90s!
3 Grandma // Nov 14, 2007 at 11:45 am
How old was David, and did he have small children? What was his work, and did he leave a wife to bring up children alone, or does he have extended family in this area? The Chinese population here seem to be close knit; hopefully they will help.
Without a doubt, I’m closer to the end of this life than most of you. I’m so thankful that I could take care of your dad, and know that all of you are able to take care of your family.
My affairs are pretty well in order–but I do want to finish the one piece of embroidery that I’m working on, silly as that may sound. Then, I just want to go to sleep and wake up in Paradise. But I’m not in any hurry to leave this world; I’m enjoying every day.
4 Daryl // Nov 14, 2007 at 2:46 pm
David was just 40, and had (at least) twin boys about 9 years old. They used to come to basketball with him on Saturday nights to watch and shoot around at the other basket. I don’t know if they were there that night.
David was an engineer at Intel. He does have some extended family in the area and lots of friends. I’m not sure what will happen to the kids.
5 Betty // Nov 15, 2007 at 5:52 pm
I’m so sorry to hear that. I know God takes us when he wants us and I’m ready at anytime. Sending hugs to you.
6 Donna // Nov 15, 2007 at 6:15 pm
So sorry about your friend, Daryl. I don’t recognize his name from my Intel years.
I’ve been pondering your question ever since you posted it. I think, like you, I’d like a few months … just to get things in order, tell everyone how much I love them, soak up some love and sympathy, spend all my money (just kidding), and show the love of Jesus just a little bit more.
7 jocelyn // Nov 16, 2007 at 7:43 am
That’s very sad. I’ve though about that probably more then most people my age. I just keep having this fear that I won’t be able to watch my son grow up. That’s part of the reason I’m making videos and a book for him. I’m hoping to pass away in my sleep at 90, completely aware of what was going on in my life.
8 Grandma // Nov 16, 2007 at 9:40 am
Joc–I’ll guarantee that when you reach 90, you will look forward to 95. There is so much living to do and never enough time for it all. Enjoy each day.
9 Dianna // Nov 18, 2007 at 8:30 am
I feel worse for the family left behind when things like this happen. In our fast paced world it seems like too often the remaining spouse wished he or she had not said or done what they did the last time they were together. I pray they had not quarreled before Davd left and that their extended family will be a source of strength for his wife and children.
10 Anand Bhattacharya // Nov 18, 2007 at 10:13 pm
when I first heard about David’s death, I was shocked. David and i worked very closely in the same group at Intel in 2002-03 before I came back to India. after that, we kept in touch and I last met him in Jan 2006 when I went to AZ. He was a jolly and jovial person and his presence will be missed by all of us.
P.S. He had his BS MS and PH.D., all from ASU. He was brilliant at his work and was an excellent experimentalist.