This is their story.

David was a police officer in the city of Fitchburg and a friend to many. As a little boy he always wanted to be a "cop". He was a dedicated, honest, hard working police officer for twenty-five years. He worked all three shifts, walked the beat, drove a cruiser route, and was the dispatcher. After his retirement in 2001, he spent time with his friends and family. He was a fun loving man who liked a good joke, playing the lottery, a boat ride on the lake, home cooking, television (specifically, The Price is Right and Law and Order), and vacations at Hampton Beach. That's all it took to make him happy!

As David faced his illness, there were many issues and complications. His treatment took many twists and turns and he never complained. As his condition became more serious, he was admitted to MGH for the final two months of his life.

The amazing part is how we all fell in to life at MGH. We are not sure how he did it, but David won the hearts of many nurses, doctors and staff members on White 9. Maybe it was his lack of complaints and his quiet acceptance or even that smile on his face, but everyone was his friend. A cup of ice cream and some ice water made him happy - that, and most of all, seeing us walk through the door every day.

Christen, her husband Steve and I would arrive as soon as our workday ended and stay until we had finished watching the 11:00 news. The whole staff became familiar with all of us as we trekked in every day through hail and sleet and ice and snow. We'd haul in our laptops, eat dinner, watch TV - just like we lived there! They were sensitive to all of our needs and treated us as a family unit as they took care of David. It was that quality time with David that we cherish. It is that quality time with him and the staff of White 9 that allows us to have peace in our hearts and gentle memories of his final days with us. We are greatly indebted to all of the doctors, nurses and staff members at MGH who made David happy and comfortable and preserved every minute they could so we were able to have one more good day, one more kiss, and one more "I love you."

In our time of loss we reflected on how it took such "little things" to make David comfortable and happy. Christen and I both teach first grade so Angels Above was a perfect choice for us to have donations made in David's name. We learned that Angels Above provided very many "little things" to make so many children happy as they fight their disease. What better way than to extend our hand to help children at Massachusetts General Hospital. Thank you for all your efforts in that endeavor.

Sincerely,
Paula Barnicle
Christen and Steve Schiavo