David went to be with his Savior around 3:30 AM on 10/22/09. It is well with his soul and ours.
2 Corinthians 5:1-5 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
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David walks the streets of gold with no cane and no pain. Looking into the face of his Saviour! He is "well" now with his Lord. Our prayers are with you all. Love, deb, melanie and Jonathan
ReplyDeleteI woke up at 3:00 and felt led to pray for your family and though we will all greatly miss him, what a joy for him to rest in the loving arms of His Savior with a new glorifed body.
ReplyDeleteWe are all sad about the loss of your son. But we are also praising God that he has taken him home. Now David who was blind can now see. Where David who could not run has run into the arms of his Savior. Where David was in pain now the pain is gone. We are praying for you and will be with you as you celebrate his life. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. we are sending Teddie bear Love.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Anne,Ed,Megan and Jp Miller
Dear Warren Brenda.Chris and Daniel,
ReplyDeleteDavid once again sees all the colors, walks, runs and is no longer in pain.
Our love and prayers are with you now and forever,
God Bless you
Mary B
May the "Man of Sorrow" provide Brenda, Chris, Dan and you with HIS comfort during this time of grief and loss!! Praying HE provides HIS limitless, strength to your family!! Thank for sharing your journey
ReplyDeleteAs a mother & parent I grieve with you BUT also rejoice that David is no longer suffering but free of his broken body & this broken world. He now can see & run & laugh & ... Still lifting you all up in prayer
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are with you so much........the joy, the sorrow, the pain, the freedom. Words cannot express. We will miss that wonderful David, but we rejoice in his freedom. He will always have a special place in our hearts forever. God be with you all at this time.
ReplyDeletePrecious ones,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is overwhelmed with joy for the peace that David is now experiencing but also overwhelmed with sorrow for your loss. It's so bittersweet to rejoice for a loved one's meeting of his savior but grieve for the time we miss them here and long for them again. I pray as you await your own homecoming you will find comfort in knowing that David is no longer in pain and rejoice in the wonderful years you had with him.
Our hearts are with you all at this time and always.
Love and peace,
Julie Jensen
We have followed your blog and our hearts were heavy this morning but your son has gone to glory and that is what parents all want for the children given to us by God.
ReplyDeleteYou don't know us but we have been praying for your family for months now and our prayer is now that your family relies on the infinite grace and care of Jesus and knowing David has been made whole again gives you strength and peace. Your saga was a testimony to all parents everywhere.
Dina and I are saddened at the news, but find we are comforted by David's joy in being fully restored. We will miss his smile and laughter, and more so his incredible strength and faith. You are all in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteLife without David down here is going to be hard, but up there, I'm sure they're celebrating the return of God's biggest fan. He's where he belongs, and he managed to leave parts of his soul scattered everywhere for us to love and remember. David could always see the beauty in things no one with vision could, and now he gets to see the most beautiful thing of all.
ReplyDeleteO that day when free from sinning
ReplyDeleteI shall see Thy lovely face.
Clothed then in bloodwashed linens
How I'll sing they sovereign grace.
Come my Lord no longer tarry
Take my randsomed soul away.
Send Thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.
I've very rarely heard the fourth verse of "Come Thou Fount" sung but yesterday evening as I drove home from work I had to sing it twice, once for myself and a second time for David.
I pray that your memories of David and the love you have for him will be enough until you see him again.
Amen.
Dear Warren, Brenda, Chris and Dan,
ReplyDeleteWe are very sorry to hear of David's passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. I know the other Batten Angels are already including him in their fun and games. If there's anything we can do, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Amy & all the BDSRA staff
As a mother who has also lost a child, I share your deep grief and morn with you. As a child of the best father in this universe I praise Him for answered prayer in welcoming beautiful David home. I am comforted by His mercy and the knowledge that David, who shined so brightly while here with us, is whole and not suffering. In fact, he is now experiencing what we as believers look forward to experience soon. I pray that God comforts your family and provides that peace that only He can give until you see David again.
ReplyDeleteIn my prayers and thoughts,
Ivette Passiglia
The Armstrong Family,
ReplyDeletePeace I leave with you;
My peace I give you.
I do not give to you
as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled
and do not be afraid. John 14:27-28
We will continue to pray that you will
strongly feel the Lords presence and peace
until you reunite with David again.
In His Love, Mark,Christine,Brandon,Ashleigh,Aryanna
It is heartbreaking, we will miss David very much. Thank you for sharing your son with us. He was a special part of Hilary's life, and together they were a joy to watch. I wish you peace and will be praying for your family.
ReplyDeleteHi Uncle Warren, Aunt Brenda, Chris and Daniel,
ReplyDeleteI've been praying for you all and David a lot lately and just heard about David passing just this morning. I know this will be tough for our family, but God is in control and has a plan, we just have to put our trust in HIM. David is probably singing,dancing, and seeing and exploring all the wonders of heaven with his new eyes and body,and probably playing baseball and hitting some homeruns that could go on for miles. I love your all and your in my prayers, Lots of Love, Amy Keppeler (cousin)
What David could only imagine is now a reality-he is home with his lord who has always been with him-- We will all miss his smile and humor- our thoughts and prayers are with the Pfohls Grace and peace-- Greg and staff
ReplyDeleteWarren,Brenda,Chris and Dan, As sad as I am for you all I am so glad David's suffering is over and he is now whole and in the loving arms of the Jesus he loved so much. As I sat here crying this morning I thought of all the special memories I had of David when I helped with the youth group. What a special young man he was. Love to you all, Judy Ruch
ReplyDeleteThough we are saddened here on earth to have lost our earthly angel, we know the angels in heaven are rejoicing at David's homecoming. David has been restored to the glory that our precious Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, always intended for us to have. Warren, Brenda, Chris and Dan - you are in our constant thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThe Hadleys
God bless you all. Thank you for sharing your precious David with us...his work was joyfully and faithfully done and we are all the better for having been a part of his and your journey. Well done good and faithful servants...I am grieving with you. I am smiling through tears thinking of all the joy David is experiencing and even more so, the joy of those he has joined at his homecoming. Lyz W.
ReplyDeleteDear Pfohl family,
ReplyDeletePhil and I are praying for you. We are encouraged by your faith and strength. We are sad for your loss but grateful you have peace knowing he is with Jesus.
We fondly remember David coming up to talk to us whenever we visited EHBC. He didn't know a stranger, did he?
We care and will continue to pray for your family and the church family. May David's life be a testimony to the love of our heavenly Father.
Kathy & Phil Troyer
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Focused on the thread of David's passing it hangs a heavy weight on our hearts and minds. Slowly we will see again more of the tapestry that was woven during David's life and that weight will not seem so heavy as it will be held by many, many memories.
ReplyDeleteDear Warren, Brenda, Chris, and Daniel,
ReplyDeleteMay the good Lord surround you with his everlasting love and comfort you!!! You all have been such an amazing testimony to everyone of your faith and persevering through the worst kind of trial!!! I stand amzed at God's grace that He has shown through all of you!!! Thanks for being so real and sharing your heart and walk with us!!! David's work here on earth is finished and because of him, we all will be more compassionate people toward others with dissabilities and their families. When we think of him, it will encourage us to have a good attitude and be thankful and joyful like David was! Because of him we can focus more on our real and forever home which God has made us for! I look forward to greeting him in heaven and enjoying what he's enjoying right now!!!! We all will miss him very much!!! We love you guys and will see you Saturday sometime!!!
love,
Betsy and Paul
Dear Warren, Brenda, Chris and Daniel,
ReplyDeleteI am saddened by the loss of your son and brother, however it is wonderful to know that your family is strong, loving and sure of the fact that David is with Jesus and no longer in pain. You will be in my prayers and thoughts in the days to come. May you be lifted up by the prayers and thoughts of so many people who care for all of you.
Barb D.
I will always remember David when I hear the Sound of Music, watch baseball, or see a Cheesehead. His smiling face will be greatly missed. Praise God that he is forever smiling now. It is well with my soul. You are in our prayers now and always.
ReplyDeleteDear Pfohl Family,
ReplyDeleteIt saddens me to hear the news of David's death. I went to school with David but after graduating this past year haven't heard much of how he was doing. He was always in good spirit and was always very friendly to everyone. My prayers will be with you and your family.
Warren, Brenda, Chris and Dan...we stand with each of you in faith and prayer, knowing this long journey is now different. The feeling of heart wrenching loss for the companionship of your son..., your brother...our friend, is only mitigated by the truth that David is finally free of the chains of this world and in the hands of our Father - happy to be home. With all our heart in Him, Jim and Jackie W
ReplyDeleteDear Pfohl Family,
ReplyDeleteI went to school with David. We spent a lot of time together in Mrs. Peters room talking about all sorts of things most of the time it was joke after joke and he would make me laugh till my stomach hurt.
He's truly the nicest most kind hearted guy I have EVER met. I miss him dearly, and my prayers are going out to your family. I would like to tell you a very fond memory of david that I have.
When I went to FM I was a "Techie". I worked in the auditorium and did sound. And for Show Boat one year I believe David and Mike wanted to sing "You've got a Friend in Me." I can't remember if it actually happened but I remember the rehersals in the Auditorium and in Mrs. Peters room. Memories that will never leave me. I helped out, and it was a lot of fun.
The song has been playing all day in my head so far. He loved that song. And it suited him real well because if anyone ever needed anything, David would have gladly opened his arms. If he had never met someone before he'd still greet you with the most heart warming "Hello! How are you?" that you've ever heard. I can still hear it. He always gave to everyone and anyone and never expected anything back. True testimate to Paying it Forward. He was everyone's friend.
If there's anything I can do for you guys. I would love to help.
-You got a Friend in Me-
Sincerly
Nikki Eddy (EddyBearWolf@gmail.com)
The world is a little less bright today, David was the true light of Christ. I will miss my buddy David very much. I woke up last night at 3:54 am and thought about David, I said to myself, maybe the Lord has called him home, and when I got up this morning to find out that he went to be with the Lord at 3:30 am, I was very sad but rejoiced that he was in the arms of our Lord Jesus. I will never forget David he will be forever etched into my heart. I know that he and my son Matthew will become great friends in paradise. I am very sorry Warren, Brenda, Daniel and Chris, my heart aches for you all. I do know that with God's grace you can make it through this and He will never leave or forsake you. May God Bless your family, and thank-you for letting me be a part of it with David. Love, Margaret
ReplyDeleteThrough David many came to know the Lord! Your precious gift from God is now in our Savior's loving arms. We are praying for you. Love, Judy, John and Briana Winslow
ReplyDeleteDavid is a person I will never forget. Ever since the first occasions of meeting David years ago in school, he had always known from then on who I was from a touch of my hand and the sound of my voice. He was such a pleasure to talk to, he was genuine and kind, and not to mention a lot of fun and of good spirit. The last time I saw David I was student observing at Fay-el about a year ago. I had to remind him who I was, but he soon after starting talking to me again. That last time I saw him, I knew nothing of how this illness would evolve. I give credit to him for not even showing the pain he was facing. David loved others, he loved those kids at Fay-el, he loved his friends, and he was so strong to not even show his pain that last day I saw him. He has inspired me to never forget the important things in life. He blessed all of us with his incredible life and personality, and that is something I will never forget. David has inspired me to take nothing for granted, to love others as he did, and to always hold an open heart. I will miss him, but I know he will always be with me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this blog, and David and your family's journey. David was a wonderful friend.
Kaity Best (bestke@stu.lemoyne.edu)
God Bless
ReplyDeleteDear Brenda and Warren, Chris and Dan,
ReplyDelete"My flesh and my heart may fail, but is my strength and my portion forever." Ps. 73:26
My heart aches for you. May God in His mercy give you a measure of rest and peace after such a long, painful journey. Michelle S.
To The Pfohl Family,
ReplyDeleteThrough my daughter, Kaity Best, I had the great privilege of meeting David. He was very kind, open to meeting new people and participating in things he loved to do. Kait was very involved in music and I know this was always the place that she ran into David, a place of insipration and joy. David was one of the reasons Kait has decided to become a special education teacher, a calling she has had for several years. Please know that our family holds your family in our hearts and in our prayers. David was a good friend to my daughter, she was lucky to have had him in her life.
Thank you so very much for your son. He was a gift to everyone who met him. He will look down upon us all to help protect and guide us through whatever we will encounter in life.
Janet Best
Brenda, Warren, Chris, and Dan - Our hearts are with you, knowing that David's heart is full of joy. David touched so many lives, including ours, and will continue to do so in memory. Our prayers are for your comfort and peace. We will all miss David's giggle, but cherish the memory of it.
ReplyDeleteChris Young
Minutes after I heard the news, I came home and saw my Japanese Maple tree flaming with color. It suddenly struck me -- David can see this beautiful color and is seeing colors that no one here on earth has yet experienced. I grieve that I will not see that amazing smile and experience his exuberant spirit again in this life, but I rejoice in David's homecoming to his heavenly Father.
ReplyDeleteMr. David, Louella from BJ's misses you, but she's so glad that you're happier than you've ever been. And for you, that's really saying something!
Warren, Brenda, Chris and Daniel -- for years we've been like family. We love you guys. You're in our prayers.
Love, Sue Case (and Steve, Abby and Mike)
Randy and I grieve and celebrate with you all. What a paradox this Christian life is. David is with his Jesus and we all are at a loss. We love you and are praying for The Mighty One to comfort you all.
ReplyDeletelove,
Colleen
We are grieving with you but know that now David has been released from his cocoon of illness and is like a brand new butterfly, full of life ready for this everlasting life that God has promised. We will so miss David's smile but know he is lighting up his spot in heaven! We love you...Deb & Ted
ReplyDeleteIm so sorry for your loss, I remember bumping into David in the halls of FM and helping him find his way during one crazy fire drill, he seemed like the sweetest guy and Im sure he's got nothing but the best waiting for him.
ReplyDeleteDear Warren, Brenda, Chris, and Daniel,
ReplyDeleteI just want you to know even 2,000 miles away people are mourning with you, tempered by the incredible sweet and funny memories I have of your wonderful son. He is truly a special soul and any of us would be blessed to ever be missed so deeply and by so many around the world. David is one of those incredible people that is forever etched on our hearts and minds and we are all richer having known him.
Jonny B
Dear the Pfohl Family,
ReplyDeleteI spent all of my schooling in the FM District seeing David around, especially in Freshman and Sophomore year. I got to spend a period a day with him all year in a small classroom environment where his love of music, and capability of understanding the world were always expressed in a beautiful, and happy manner. Sitting next to him in those classes showed me how more polite, kind-hearted, and happy any person should be.
He never seem to give up and always seemed to put his best foot forward and I know universally he blessed us with his presence.
To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.
-Thomas Campbell
David will forever be in the FM communities heart.
Thank you for allowing us to learn from him
John Furlong Jr.
Dear Brenda, Warren, Daniel and Chris--We join you in celebrating the amazing soul that was and is David, and the blessing he was to every one of us who was graced with the chance to spend time with him in his way too short life. We rejoice that he is with Jesus and has left his poor battered earthly body, and we offer our prayers, thoughts and love to you all. Love and blessings from Glenn, Kim, Jordan and Graham Ritchie
ReplyDeleteWarren, Brenda, Christopher, Daniel,
ReplyDelete"Even now you are happy with the inexpressible joy that comes from heaven itself." I Peter 1:8
Warren, Brenda, Chris and Daniel, I will miss seeing David on Sunday mornings and having an opportunity to spend a little time with him. I thank you for letting me share a little of his wonderful life. Though few in number, I enjoyed the opportunity to take David for rides on my motorcycle. As he got older, and larger, I was somewhat concerned that it might be a little more challenging if he did not lean with me when we would go down route 13 from Caz to Chitt, however, he is one of the best passengers I ever had. I would just remind him to keep his back against the sissy bar and lean with me and he would do exactly that. David helped me to learn a great lesson - dependence. We live in a totally self-reliant society that looks down on anyone who can't do everything for themselves. That is not the way God designed us. Jesus accomplished what He did because He completely relied on His Father. David had to rely on others for his daily needs. We may not have to rely on others or God, but we should. We are the more disadvantaged because we do not recognize our need to rely on God and others. The Psalmist tells us that we are designed by God while in our mother's womb. David was fearfully and wonderfully made! He was a true witness of God's love and faithfulness. Again, I thank you and our Lord for being touched by a life well lived.
ReplyDeleteMay God bestow His Comforting Love and Peace on your family beyond measure. Our prayers are with you as you mourn your loss and look to God for direction in the days ahead.
ReplyDeleteJoAnne B
We are truely saddened by your loss...our thoughts and prayers are with you! David was one of a kind and he will be sincerely missed by all he left behind!
ReplyDeleteDavid is, and always will be wonderful, as are you and your family. Your loss is ours also, And is once again, Heavens gain.
ReplyDeletePete and Debbie redmond
Dear Chris and Family,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your loss, yet I am glad to hear that David is now free from pain and in the presence of our Savior. I pray that God gives you peace, strength, and an awareness of his presence as He walks with you through the pain and brings healing to your hearts.
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Megan Footit
This kind of pain in David's death but joy in the faith that he is complete is really hard. There are so many memories that we shared, so many songs and sayings that Amanda and I will never be able to hear without feeling that pain/happiness. It struck me this morning as I sat rocking my baby girl to sleep, still trying to absorb David's passing. The World Series is here, Halloween, and David's birthday...not so long ago we joked about that one beer for his 21st! Today was a hard day. I went out to finish some fall chores and try to take my mind off of it...and there was the distant train whistle that will always remind me of all the times he and I went to the train yard to just listen to them and talk. We would often sing "I hear a train a coming...coming round the bend..." (I only sing in front of my wife, daughter, and David!) It struck me that I should look up the rest of the words to that old Cash song:
ReplyDeleteI hear the train a comin'
It's rollin' 'round the bend,
And I ain't seen the sunshine,
Since, I don't know when,
I'm stuck in Folsom Prison,
And Time keeps draggin' on,
But that train keeps a-rollin',
On down to San Antone.
David, you kept rolling as long as you could and time must have been dragging for you near the end. My friend your prison bars have been broken...you see the sunshine and the Son shine now, but I really miss you brother.
Jeremy
Warren, Brenda, Chris and Daniel,
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you all.
Dear Warren & Brenda,
ReplyDeleteDavid's journey has reached its final destination. Yours has taken a new turn. May God walk with you through this part of your lives and support you as your new life takes shape.
Best wishes, Lance
There is such peace in knowing David's burdens are gone and he's now clothed with our heavenly dwelling- free of pain, disease and our world's brokenness. David touched so many lives, kept on persevering to the best of his ability, and fulfilled God's purpose for him. It's so wonderful to know he's now in heaven and receiving his heavenly reward. I am so sorry for your loss and the time that you've have been robbed of having David here on Earth. Your family is an inspiration to many and I pray that you'll receive peace, love and strength from the many who are praying for you.
ReplyDeleteWith love in Christ, Michele
As I was reading this morning, I came upon this passage in Romans chapter 5:
ReplyDelete"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
God in His infinite wisdom has asked your family to take up a burden that few of us can even imagine. You did so with grace, courage, and dignity. Someday I know you will understand just how many lives have been and will be changed forever by the hope others see in your journey. Praying for comfort!
Mary Grajko
For the past year, I have had the privilege of being David's Music Therapist and to enjoy his contagious spirit and gift of music. I have no doubt that right now he is in heaven praising his Lord and Savior with his beautiful tenor voice. Warren and Brenda, thank you for being so open to share David and your family's journey. You have touched us deeply. David will be missed and his mark on our lives not forgotten. Love and Peace in Christ.
ReplyDeleteGail
David would often say to me, "Remember? Do you remember?", referring to some funny incidents we shared. David had a great sense of humor, and his smile and laugh were contagious. He taught us all how important a sense of humor is in this world.
ReplyDeleteHe also taught us a lot about courage. The way he lived, and how he and the entire Pfohl family handled this incredibly difficult and agonizing disease has inspired us all to be more brave. If David can face Batten's disease, then we can be more courageous and bold, knowing, as David did, that God is with us and we can trust Him. And if we truly believe our God is a God of hope through Christ, then we know where David is now, and where we will be some day!
"Do you remember?" - Yes, David, I will ALWAYS remember you.
Thanks, my friend!