Friday, November 16, 2007
I just want to express my deepest appreciation for everyone's thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Dave loved you all so very much and even though he was quiet and soft spoken, I want you to know that he talked of everyone he met thru his life to me and you were very special to him. I'm excited to hear about many of the stories and words that you have to honor Dave in his life and in his death. Thank you!
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15 comments:
Rachael,
Dave was a true friend to myself and many. It was a blessing and honor of knowing Nino and sharing our military's endeavors. Susan and I extend our deepest condolences to both your family and friends of Dave. May Nino rest in peace and watch over us all.
Sincerely,
Nolan & Susan "Al"cantara
Rachael thank you so much for sharing Dave's accomplishments and life. Just when I thought we couldn't be more proud of him, we find out more. We cherish the time we spent with Dave, and all the stories and pictures he shared with us. I couldn't be more sorry to see the end of such a wonderful man's life. Justin and I will forever be proud of him, and will share his stories with our sons. Allthough all of this still so hard for me to comprehend, I take comfort in the fact that he left this Earth doing what he loved. May you be comforted by the memories you have of your special times, and all the lives Dave changed for the better.
Love,
Sarah
I have 3 memories that stick out in my mind when I think of Dave...First, earlier this year in church after Dave and Rachael had returned from visiting the foster families in Croatia, Dave "took the microphone" and we couldn't get him to stop! It was awesome. We could just really tell that his heart had been so touched by sharing gifts and love to these needy children. His testimony was an inspiration to all who heard it that Sunday.
Secondly, about a month ago I was with Rachael as we drove a couple hours up to a women's retreat in Northern Italy. Rachael was missing her husband, who had been deployed in Romania for several months, and she mentioned one story about Dave that really made me laugh. She said whenever one of their dogs "emitted" a peculiar odor around them (which one of the dogs in particular apparently did very often)--Dave would say, "Wo! Sumpin' funky!" I just laughed and laughed.
Lastly, Dave got back from Romania late on a Saturday night just 10 days before his death. Where did we find him the following Sunday morning? Helping his wife teach 3-5 year olds about the Bible. I thought that was so sweet. First Sunday back and he was serving others! Thanks Dave! We miss you. Rachael, we love you so much and you remain in our prayers! --Sandy Krause
Rachael,
When I think of Dave, I think of how he came to church each Sunday with you before he was saved. I bet he was an expert on Pastor Rob's messages! I thank the Lord that he gave his life to Him! He was an example of a servant to the other men in our church. We are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.
Leila and Aaron
Rachael what a great rememberance of Dave. He had more accomplishments than he ever talked about. As he became an adult and entered the Army he truly changed. He became much more outgoing. When he would come home on leave for visits he always had great stories for us all, and both of my children looked up to him so much. This has truly been very hard on everyone because we are never ready to let go of the ones we love. Even though he was so far away I thought of him often. Hoping and praying for safety. I know that Dave is in a better place and one day we will all meet up again. I send my deepest sympathy to you Rachael because this has to be the hardest experience that you will ever go through in this life. Thank you Dave for being the man that you were and affecting so many lives in such a positive way. Rest in peace.
Love Sue
Dear Rachel,
Adele and I were privileged to have met you and Dave, even if it was for such a short time. We will always have the memories of Dave humbly and quietly coming to church,always greeting with a smile.The greatest joy was when he gave his life to the Lord. I managed to come to the memorial service and I was deeply touched by the testimonies of the impact Dave and Christian had on their fellow workers. I think that there can be no greater legacy when we leave this earth than for people to testify the impact we had as Christians. To God be the glory that hundreds of folks could hear that about Dave. The most touching part was the First Shirts call. It still brings tears to my eyes. But, on the way back the Lord reminded me of that great hymn we used to sing :When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there" Praise the Lord for Dave, he may have missed the First Shirt's call, but he will never miss the King of King's Call because his name is forever written in the Lamb'd book of life.
Adele and I mourn with you dear sister, but may the Lord continue to comfort and strengthen you.
Grace and shalom.
Hi Racheal,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know that you love Dave so much. My profound condolences and deepest sympathy to you and Dave's family. My family and I are going to Washington DC for Thanksgiving and we are planning to visit Arlington National Cemetery. Although we will be there before Dave's services, we are going to say our prayers for him and for you. Take care and God bless you!
Ning Spicak and Family
Rachael,
I have been struggling with words since I received the news last week. I never seem to have the right words in times like these.
Nicole and I wish to convey our deepest sympathy to you upon the death of your great Husband and our friend, David.
Since leaving the military our friendship had started to become somewhat distant. Even with the less frequent contact I still had thoughts of you two often wondering where you two were sightseeing next. Nino was a valued friend of mine, and nothing can replace the memories he and I share. He is remembered with respect and admiration and he will be missed by all.
We extend our condolences to you and your family. I hope that time and memories will help lessen the burden of your sorrow, and that you may draw some measure of comfort knowing that others care and share in your loss.
NSDQ!
Sincerely,
Ryan & Nicole Johnson
Rachael
Dave is my cousin my mom is Nancys sister I only new dave a short time before we moved away, I would like to extend my familys condolences to you and the rest of our Family for our loss. God Bless.
Sincerely John Mafort & Family
My sweet Rachael,
As you know me, I tend to have a hard time finding my words. Let alone them making any kind of sense. I have struggled to find the words to write here.
You and David are dear friends. Shawn used to make fun of me because all my friends were officers wives. So of course that meant he hung out with the officers. We both loved our get togethers. Whether it be a picnic, bbq, or standing by the fire it was great. I will always have those memories of the guys outside while we play our dutch blitz. Then we would go out and talk with them. The laughs and stories we all enjoyed. David was always there to help me if Shawn was gone. It was always great to see him with Dillon knowing he was beating up on Leah. I know I am probably rambling. But it all comes down to we will miss David so much. Seeing that cheesy smug smile of his with his sunglasses on always made me smile.
I have to say being able to come down to see you and go to the memorial service was one of the best things we have ever done. I know he is watching down on us all and proud of the life he lead. He was a one of a kind.
Love you
Shawn and Kendra Kirk
Rachel,
Dave always brought smiles to my face. He would walk in say, "Los, what's up?". I would get to work in the morning and see the Army guys running and he had a really clumsy looking run. I always teased him about it and he would laugh as well. Rachel, I remember you being so excited when you came and told us that he was actually starting to sing at church. I remember him working with us during a Church work day and he was just always fun to be around. The Father reminds us the importance of witnessing to the unsaved and praying for them. We were in tears when we heard about his death, but we found peace knowing that he is with our Father. We left Italy before we were able to see Dave blossom in the faith, but the posted stories testify to his faith. Dave is a hero. We will never forget Dave Alvarez. And when I see him again, I will remind him of his clumsy looking run.
With much love,
Carlos and Fe
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Rachael,
I have been contemplating what to write since I received this link. I want to say the right words but I know there aren't any. I wish I could take your pain away and bring Dave back....only if!
Instead I will keep the memories of Dave alive and close to my heart. Erik and I were truly blessed to have Dave in our lives. I like to think back to Dave's laugh, the silly way he talked to the dogs and of course, the prosciutto fest and the guys in those glasses!! All those get togethers.
Rachael, you are a forever friend and I will always be here for you, anytime you ever need me!
Love you,
The other Rachel
"Ad"
For the time I had to know Uncle David, he was a valiant soldier and one of the best Uncle's I could have. If you didn't know, he was a Boy Scout like me and he gave me the Scout knife that he used when he was in Scouting. I will cherish it always.
Nicholas Sterling
Age 11
Rachel,
I so hope you get this. I am so sorry for your loss. I can remember our times in Savannah when you would talk about Dave. How your face lit up!!! You were so happy to be marrying him. Remember when we were checking out the bridal locations all over Las Vegas.
I've just read my email tonight. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love....Brette
Rachel,
My heart aches for you and your loss. Words cannot express how sorry I am and my prayers are with you and your family. Although I had not met David I was thrilled to see your eyes sparkle when you spoke of him. I know the fond memories will help ease the sorrow and pain. You are missed at MHUMC in Savannah and you will always be in our prayers. God bless you. Love, Gina Hazel
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