Short for "Dagwood" (Durwood really), as he is mostly known, is in the hospital. He is 6 years my senior (makes him 77) and already a survivor of a smashed heel from a ladder fall, Esophagial Cancer, (and a number of other things) over the years - so he is no stranger to "fighting the good fight". Pictured here at a 1999 family reunion, and already past the ailments above, you can see he is a bigger, healthier speciman than puny ol' yours truly:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/dag99.jpg)
In the last 4 or 5 years, Dag has had Sleep Apthia (spelling), Breathing problems, and lost much of his sight, to the point that he's taken himself off the highways, voluntarily. He still maintains (as he always has) a good attitude about what he is dealt to play with and how to go about doing what must be done. He has had worse problems with his breathing of late and now they have found a large, dark, mass behind his lung. With a non-invasive surgery, they were able to remove a piece of the mass yesterday to send off for a biopsy. As I said, my brother (by my Sister's report - I will call him today or tomorrow) is still saying he feels much better (on meds) and is ready to fight whatever he must, and that the Good Lord will let him, to deal with this latest problem. He's a tough competitor and a nice guy. I think a few prayers from some of my fine friends here could certainly help him in his ability to handle whatever is in store for him. God Bless him, bless you all, bless us all.
Prayer sent.
Prayers Sent.
God Bless
Prayers for continued strength and God's continued grace through Jesus.
Prayers sent.
Mini-grunt...
You got the prayers for your fine brother of several names...Now we invoke the Name of Jesus to heal him according to His plan for us all.
May our prayers be heard on his behalf for healing so that Dag can continue to witness to that power greater than all things- Jesus Christ!
Prayers for your brothers health have been deliverd!
Thanks all. I tried to call Dag today but no answer in his room. Called my Sister and she had talked to him around noon and he said they might send him home to await the Biopsy results, since he was breathing better now. I'll try there tomorrow.
He sounds like a tough bird, I'll pray for him, and for you. Take care and give him our best.
VB
He is, vb (and yet a sentimental softie inside like me too - LOL). Praise the Lord I just got off the phone with Dag and the mass is not cancerous and should be able to be removed wit more non-invasive type surgery - a pluse at his age. He really sounds good and is in good spirits. Still some stuff ahead but with prayers and hope, all will come out OK. Thanks again guys.
With God all thing are possible. Never stop praying. Bernie tell your brother to keep the Faith and trust Christ.... with Christ you can never go wrong.><>
Praises to He who Heals! Thanks for sharing the Good News, Bernie! Yahoo! Prayers continue for the less invasive procedures to be successful and all goes well and get that bird home to roost soon with his family! :)
Prayers continue.
God Bless
Healing prayers for "Dag" from down Louisiana way marco#78
Almighty Father, we lift up Brother Dagwood before you in the hope of his healing. We pray healing throughout his body, and restoration of his sight in the light of Christ, we pray a miraculous turnaround of his condition such that the medical community is amazed and must glorify you. We pray the love of God throughout his family and the peace that passes all understanding. Anointing love and healing throughout, let it flow , let it flow, let it flow, amen.
In His Love and Service,
peace
Bless you all and a special blessing for your prayer DMaster.
Bad news: Just in from my Sister, It seems that when the report was given to Dag and his Doctors, all results were not in from all pieces of the biopsy and all the rest were cancerous. Though it is heart breaking, Viv says he is taking it very well and ready for whatever. Your continued and renewed rayers for the best possible end result - and strength for all - will be appreciated. He did real well with chemo the first time (didn't even loose much if any hair) but het was around 20 years younger then. This is not good. Lord's will for as little pain as possible but whatever is best.
ttt
prayers for Dag...from mark#78...Lord hear our prayers...on my prayer list...
Prayers for Dag - God Bless
Thanks, guys. All I ask is that God watch over him and let all happen for the best results - in his wisdom.
Darn, Bernie...sorry to hear the news took a turn. Yet, as you write, God's will, not ours. Dag sounds like a man that we could all model in our dealings with life's challenges.
Lord, continue to strengthen you child, Dag and all that love him. If it be your will, Lord, release him once again from this horrible malise, Cancer, and allow him to continue to testify to your Glory and Power. If it not be your will, then cover up Dag and all who love him in your peace and power. Amen.
Still praying, for God's will to be done, be that a recovery or coming home to God's open arms. Take care and recieve Gods comfort during these times. May our Father be with Dag.
VB
Our family's prayers are with you and yours tonight.
Terry
It pains me to report that the Curssed cancer is also in Dag's stomache. He is at home (but taking it with good grace and no "Why me?" attitude) untill they decide what/how to proceed. I hope when it is my day in the barrel, I can follow his example.
Prayers continue.
God Bless
WE've seen harder circumstances for our friend Bill, Bernie. Let's not give up faith and hope, but resign only to God's will.
Blessings to DAg, the whole family and you to find strength to minister to your brother in His own fashion.
shalom
more prayers from the bayou...marco#78
Prayers from NM.... John
Prayers sent and God Bless
Haven't done much on updates here as Dag's wife got a little misinformation out to us - but, even so, things are not looking good. The misinformation was that there was no suspicion of cancer in the stomache, but in the colin instead, and thankfully that turned out to be negative. However the cancer behind the lung is next to impossible to operate on, and he can't take radiation, again. So it is Chemo. Without the Chemo they give Dag only about 3 months (and still his attitude is great! Bless his heart). With the Chemo? Who knows, if it works? So far he has wound up back in the hospital from heart failure due to excessive fluids in body. At this point they do not know if that is a result of the chemo or not. We expect more info on Monday (tomorrow). Dag takes it better than anyone up there. His wife, poor soul is rather disoriented, scared, and even though she has an abiding faith seems to have little confidence. She does however, (out of Dag's mouth) truly appreciate the extra prayer thread from our great and wide flung forum (added to thier own). Ours was an unexpected quarter to them. I, of course, am well aware of it's strength and thank you all, including those that I know do not post but yet add their prayers quietly. Bless you all, bless us all.
more prayers for Dag , and family and Bernie...mark#78
Bern, prayers for your brother and the whole family....Mac~
Thank you guys. Just got another message from my Sister, Viv. One lung has colapsed and cancer has spread to other lung since Fri. Breathing shallow and talking very difficult. Viv and her husband, Larry (who was Dag's best friend throughout high school and Navy boot camp - and himself is the victim of a bad stroke)will go to Maine (from NH) tomorrow AM. May God spare my brave Brother excessive pain.
Prayers for strength
God Bless.
More prayers sent Bernie, let us know if there's anything else we can do.
Thanks, TexMex and JC. Not to be (only) a fatalist, as I know the Lord can work in strange ways (and has before for Dag and others in our family), but I think it is pretty much in the Lord's hands now, JC.
Li'l Bud...
been off here a while and it seems things haven't gotten better in the news department. I see what you type and know what is in your heart... asking for little pain and suffering for your dear loved brother.
I've quoted here my Uncle's words while dying of bone cancer many years go. It was oddly comforting as I've grown in my own walk in faith.
Uncle Bob told me that his cancer had returned but that He would heal him... " I asked "and if not?" and Bob embraced me and said, "Son, even Death is God's perfect healing I'm ready to go home and be cured if not cured here on earth."
He was. And he did. I miss him and his wisdom yet today.
Prayers for God's will with Dag and that the Holy Spirit continue to comfort him and uplift him and his wife and all of you who love him so dearly.
prayers sent bernie :pray:
Yes, Doc, that pretty well sums up Dags outlook too, I believe. He said very close to that during our most recent conversation - Bless his heart.
Bernie,
So sorry to hear of your brother's suffering and that of your family as well. I'm sure he finds peace and strength in your prayers and admiration for him as your brother. May God watch over him and comfort him along with the other members of your family and close friends. We offer our prayers for all.
Terry
Thank you, Terry. From the reports of those there, Dag now has Pnumonia and some contagious Virus (VRE). It is a bacteria that causes infections and is very hard to treat. He has to be quarantined now and folks must wash/sterilze before and after touching him to protect him, themselves, and others. I know that must really weigh on him. He only weighs 127 now and that was what I weighed when I joined the MC in '52 - and it was very close to the lower acceptable limit. Unreal weight for someone who has always been so much bigger than I. We don't mean to seem like we've given up (we haven't) but we still all pretty collectivly feel that Dag is preparing now for his last journey home. God bless him and all of you for your prayers and concerne.
Prayers continue for all
God Bless
So sad to hear that the one thing Dag's positive perspective might relish, human contact, has to be now limited.
God is good, all the time, so He knows what is needed most. Prayers continue that the Holy Spirit minister to Dag in ways we cannot. And that the rest of you know that peace of Trusting the Lord in all things.
Yes, Dave, he has always relished his human contact. Lack of that and fear of "Passing On" something has got to worry him no end, i just imagine. I received a message today that his oldest Daughter (in CA) sent out to all her contacts that she was leaving for the East today, as her father had been diagnosed with Stage Four cancer. So sad to read when I know she was planning on not going back untill Dec. She works in the Movie industry (highly competative - as a "Dresser and Designer"), and I know she really needed to "stay with" the project she's on now. It's plain to me she is now worried big time and she, at about 55 - Bless her heart, doesn't scare easily. Really brings it home.
I'm kinda at a loss as to what more to say, Bernie. We all need to reach closure in different ways.
Lets just pray that with each new challenge Dag faces, his FAith grows and Dag's reliance on the Lord to get through grows so that God's blessings of peace wrap Dag like a warm blanket and keep him from anguish.
prayers for peace for Dag and acceptance and joy in Dag's trust in the Lord for all the rest of you who love Dag so.
Shalom, brother, shalom.
More prayers sent for you, Dag, and all of the family. May you all know and understand His will. God bless you all.
Thank you, Dave and el cazador. No new news today.
More Prayers for Dag and the Family...
Been a while, Bernie.
Prayers continue as we enter this time of annual Thanksgiving for all the Lord's blessings.
Peace be with you, your family and Brother.
Amen
more prayers ....Marco#78..
They had to stop medication/treatment for the Cancer untill Dag is stronger. They transferred him to a Rehab/Health Center. He has a good day or two then a bad day or two. All four of his children are there now. Sounds very weak in phone calls but is keeping his head in the game - bless his heart - and bless all of you.
Thanks for the update. Not what we all might wish to hear on your family's and Dag's behalf, but then we pray for God's will, not ours.
May He keep you strong and centered, one and all, through these difficult times.
Peace to all and especially to Dag.
Keep the Son in all your eyes
more prayers bernie. :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray:
more prayers from Marco ,for Dag and family and our buddy Bernie....God Bless...
Thanks again, guys. My Sister called today - she and Larry visited Dag again yesterday and said he was 75% better than when they went last week. Better color, better swallowing and breathing, etc. He may make a turn-around and fool everyone yet. I'm sure that, at the least, your prayers are making things easier on him. God bless our friends.
Great to hear. More prayers sent.
Keep the Faith Bernie we all are praying. ><>
Prayers Continue
God Bless
God's will, Bernie. Such good news to see him rebounding at least for the holidays. May that continue according to His Plan.
Prayers for everyone involved. Strength. Peace. Healing and hope.
Good news Bernie. Still keeping the prayers going.
Graham
I thought this message from my sister might sit well with you who have offered up prayers for Dag. His Step-Daughter, who was with him for the meal, also messaged me much the same opinions and with the additional comment that he appeared the best she's seen him since this started.
QuoteJUST TALKED TO DURWOOD---HE HAS MADE ANOTHER IMPROVEMENT IN STRENGTH SINCE YESTERDAY---ALSO TOLD US HOW LOVELY THE THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON WITH HIS FAMILY WAS, AND THE MEAL WAS GREAT AND EVEN TASTED LIKE REAL FOOD TO HIM---AND HE ATE VERY WELL. WE ARE EVER-SO-THANKFUL THIS THANKSGIVING TO HAVE THIS IMPROVEMENT!!!
LOVE TO ALL
VIV
:pray:
Bernie,
Just got back from a day with my own aged Dad and a grand time we had! It's so heartwarming to pop open your thread.. and see good news.
God does indeed answer prayers and whether for a reason or a season... May the blessings on the family and your much loved brother Dag continue.
All the Glory and Thanks this day go to Him!
I called and talked to Dag myself today. Not much change. at least things seem to be continuing to be reasonably easy on him. However they still have not been able to make any plans re the cancer and he stated that the Dr. has told him he is dying. His spirits do seem to be good and i still feel God is answering our prayers to ease his journey.
I checked my e-mail as I hung the phone up and had a message from a lady friend that i used to work for (at the Hardware) that the man she married this Spring (I used to work with him and counted him a friend) was diagnosed with cancer this weekend and given 3-6 months without chemo, 6-12 months with chemo. His spirits are good also and he's playing pranks on the nurses - LOL. Sounds just like him. His wife is a mess though, by her own admission, so he has opted for chemo - for her sake.
It's all around me, as my part-time neighbors across the street (from WV) are dealing with newly discovered cancer in the disabled wife (throat). They also are handling it well, with God's help. as Dag found out the first time he got (and beat) cancer, attitude is so important in dealing with cancer. That, and prayers. I pray for gods strength and peace for all of these dear people and any other victims of the insideous disease.
more prayers from... marco#78...hang in there Bernie..
Insidious indeed, Bernie...and I have to wonder if we've fouled our own nest so on planet earth that causes much of it... :(
Keep strong for those around you, Bernie... and we'll pray for them all- and you!
Keeping you all in the prayers Bernie, Keenan
Thanks, guys.
Prayers being sent up for you and your family. Jason
More prayers on the way. It sounds like Dag is handling it well, or as well as a mere mortal can be expected too. Keep the faith.
He is, El caz, though my Sister says he is on the downhill side of the roller coaster agin now, physically, after early week visit. Help keep his spirits high, Lord, please.
Prayers continue.
God Bless
Bernie,
Are we reading you right that you're saying his health has started a downhill slide after that bit of upturn through Thanksgiving?
One of the many "mixed blessings" in that he got time to spend w/ family but that now the disease sounds like its doing its gnarly business again.
Seems to be a lot of those going around. You and I know what the power of prayer did for our brother, Bill. We can still hold out prayer for perfect healing for Dag.
I hear you consistently ask for his time be without undue suffering. I echo that prayer for/with you as well, li'l Brother.
Thank you, Doc. Yep, it is a Roller Coaster of ups and downs, for Dag (but not his spirit) as it is for so many who have it.
Prayers continue for Dear Dag. And all who love him near and far. Blessings to you all for peace and comfort during this tough time. Most of all, prayers for peace and strength for Dag.
Dag finally went home this AM between 2 and 3. He had been in a coma and on Morphine for two days.
Thank all of you so much for your prayers, concernes, and thoughts - they ment a great deal to us all. Since before Christmas, Dag would have a day when the Doctors would say he'd never make another day, and then a couple days later he would be up on the side of his bed, drinking coffee, eating breakfast, and talking, with his sense of humor and attitude intact - bless his heart. Then back down the next day, etc. At least his children and wife were all around him and spending much time with him and each other - a whole lot of bonding went on I'm told - and he would love that, I know. Finally they all had to tell him (individually) that it was, "OK to let go," during this last time down. Then they asked my Sister to call him last night, and they put the phone close to his ear so she could tell him too. That was hard for her, I know, but she handled it well. We all know that he is at peace now and with the others we love who have gone home before us. Have a great trip, Dag, and God Bless you.
Thank you all once more, and bless you all, bless us all.
I guess we knew it was coming, Bernie, but I still shed a tear reading your well-worded final testement to one you obviously held in high regard and loved so much. Might that we all have his strength, faith and dignity unto our own end.
Dag is now made perfect, standing before his Lord and saviour, knowing all and in perfect form.
Prayers continue for all who remain behind to mourn his loss. May the Holy spirit envelope each of you in that warm cloak of peace that passes all understanding through your time of grief. May that time be brief and your mind filled with the memories of one who was so loved for his amazing attitude toward life...and toward his own death.
Peace, Brother, Bernie... and brother Dag.
Bless you, Dave.
Prayers for you and yours.
Bernie, you and family in my thoughts and prayers ...God bless you all...Marco#78
My sincere condolences for your loss but he rests in peace now in a better place and without pain. Sounds like a close family with strong support and love for one another. I'm sure that gave him a feeling of great inner peace before he he joined the Lord. Your sharing of the memories and admirable qualities of your brother touched my heart. You were a fine brother to Dag, no doubt. God bless you Bernie. Our family will say a pray for you and yours tonight.
Terry
Bless you, guys.
I got to thinking about it and, while I've not seen it done before, I decided that, since so many of you prayed so hard and well for Dag, and since this particular obit was done so well by his kids - and in the right frame, (IMO) that some of you might like to read this. It certainly points up the power of positive thinking, living, and faith. It also lets you know a little more about the man and family in your recent prayers. Thank you again. It is not to prolong sadness but to encourage positive attitudes and trust. I hope it may help someone else - Dag would too.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Durwood "Dag" Dunn
Durwood A. "Dag" Dunn
OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine — Durwood A. "Dag" Dunn, 77, of Ryefield Drive, died Jan. 5, 2007, in Scarborough.
He was born in Laconia, N.H., a son of Vernard Everett and Lois Climenia Bradley Dunn. He was educated in the Laconia schools and graduated from Laconia High School in 1947. He also graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1957.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a mechanical engineer, retiring in 1990.
He was a member of the American Legion in Laconia and the West Methodist church in Scarborough.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Lorraine A. Dunn, in 1990.
Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Ethel Julia Beauchemin Dunn, of Scarborough; four children, Eileen A. Dunn, of Los Angeles, Gary A. Dunn and his wife, Denise, of Merrimack, N.H., Stuart A. Dunn and his wife, Sandy, of East Waterboro, and Lisa A. Wormell and her husband, Steve, of Comer, Ga.; two brothers, Bernard Dunn and his wife, Rose, of Swansboro, N.C. and Everett Delworth and his wife, Sybil, of New Hampshire; a sister, Vivian E. Horne and husband, Larry, of Milford, N.H.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three stepchildren, Valarie L. Hoyt, of Saco, Vickie L. Kelley, of Wells, and William A. Bunnell, of North Carolina; two step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed bowling, table tennis, darts, bicycling, woodworking, fly fishing and playing the harmonica. He eventually excelled at any hobby or sport he attempted. He was so pleased to return home to New England from Florida several years ago so he could spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He accomplished so much and made life better for so many people. He deserves to be honored as a real-life hero. Let's do all we can to celebrate his life and his unwavering strength of character and courage.
————
Contributions may be made in his memory to First West Scarborough Methodist Church, 2 Church St., Scarborough, or Pine Point Nursing Care Center, Resident's Fund, 67 Pine Point Road, Scarborough.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the West Scarborough Methodist Church, at the corner of Route 1 and 2 Church St., Scarborough. A funeral will follow at 10 a.m. The interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery in Dover, N.H.
Thanks Bernie, love to hear someone described in positive terms. Seems like all we hear on the news is the negative junk and men described as if they were worthless animals.
Prayers for Godly comfort.
Thank you, Benbow, I agree.
Thanks for sharing that with us all, Bernie. It does help to know more about that man..as seen through eyes of love and admiration.
Peace to all who mourn his loss.
we're with ya Dag, Keep fightin the good fight.We know God is for us....who can be against us!!!! In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus ,amen. Thanx for the opportunity,Redeemed
God Bless you Bernie...
Peace be with you,my brother!