David as a child
Sheryl and David
David ready for High School graduation
David after dinner
Steve, Daryl Angie and David
Ladson and David
Billie, Steve (front) Ladson, David (holding Daryl) and Sheryl in back
(seated) Ladson, Billie,(standing) Daryl, Steve, (middle) Sheryl and David
Daryl, Sheryl, David, Steve, Billie, Ladson
Steve, Sheryl, David (standing) Ladson, Billie, Daryl
My oldest brother passed away today. To say that I am
saddened is not completely accurate. You see I know he is in the loving arms of
Jesus and I rejoice to think that he is with my mother and father once
again. I will truly miss him, but I know
I will see him again someday.
David was very special to me. We were both left handed and
disliked many of the same foods. In fact the only food I can think of that I would eat and he didn't was sour cream. I looked up to him and admired his sense of humor and love for life.
I guess I never paid attention all these years, but I found out he was the one that grew all of the roses around their house. I too have always loved roses and we always have had several rose bushes growing wherever we have lived.
David was always there if I had a question about anything. Since my Dad passed away I was able to call David for advice on just about anything, but particularly mechanical things. Lately, he was offering his advice on a new car. Just like me he loved getting a new toy, whether it be a computer or an automobile. He had gotten a Toyota Prius and he absolutely loved it. He commuted from Conway to Little Rock for work and he extolled the virtues of the gas savings paying the car payment. I am getting a new car and had decided on the Honda Civic after observing him in his Civic. He liked the Civic ok, but had decided the Prius was better. It actually was David that got me to buy my first Honda. This was a decision that would change the course of my life as far as automobiles are concerned.
David was 14 years older than me, so growing up I don't remember a whole lot of interaction. By the time I was old enough to remember much he had graduated from high school and gone off to college. It was later in life that i really established a great relationship with him. He loved to talk on the phone and would call on his way home from work. Many times these calls would include our sister Sheryl. Steve our other brother would be involved sometimes, but he didn't get the "phone" gene and didn't like to talk as long as the rest of us.
The last text I got from David was about two weeks before he died and he had been to Galveston and purchased a new driving hat. He suggested we all have a hat competition. He knew his hat would be best. To really understand the significance of this competition you have to know the background. Last summer we all planned to meet for the Worley reunion at Sheryl's house (she has a pool) and we were to lose weight and the person that didn't lose as much weight had to wear a Speedo to the pool and model it for everyone. David was quick thinking and knew he had an out immediately, but he didn't tell anyone.
We had stopped in to visit on our way to Asheville and he was telling me about the Speedo that he had with a matching shirt. I quickly realized what he was saying so I got on the internet as soon as we left and ordered my own Speedo since the reunion was going to be the next day after we got home from North Carolina. The reunion came and we laughed and cut up about the Speedo contest. Sheryl really insisted that we wear them since she had lost the most weight. The three brothers were consistent and had not lost much at all. I readily agreed that we should fulfill the commitment to the contest. Steve was rather shocked he had banked on the fact that I would never do it. He bowed to pressure from Carol and finally agreed. Sheryl got really excited and sewed Steve his own special Speedo for the unveiling. All three brothers were to model their swimwear together. We all came out in robes that covered us so no one knew what we were wearing. David and I acted shy and didn't want to reveal our suits, but Steve decided to make it funny and started flashing the audience revealing the couture swimsuit Sheryl had crafted for him. Finally the time came for us to reveal. On the count of three we all opened our robes. Steve had his special Speedo and David and I wore Speedo trunks with a matching shirt that covered most of our bodies. The trunks went all the way to our knees. Steve was the one showing his legs, not David and me! You see they had miscalculated what a Speedo was. It is not just a skimpy form fitting swimsuit, but it is a brand of swimwear.
This was a special time for me since Steve had delivered many a joke and prank throughout the years, but David and I managed to pull one over on him. Steve was not happy with us, but I think he might have forgiven us by now.
David had a sarcastic dry wit that is unmatched by the rest of us. I will miss his sayings and live commentary of events. Steve promised us payback that day, but David I think you had the last laugh since you headed home before the rest of us!
David loved motorcycles and couldn't resist riding Steve's when we were all in Tulsa for Easter a few years ago. I love this photo because it captures David's spirit for life. He enjoyed every minute of it and enjoyed the people around him.
David I will miss you for now, but I know we will be together again!
Your little brother.
Daryl
