Dave’s life has been a testament to resilience. Born into a large family with 12 siblings, he experienced early loss and separation that would shape his future in profound ways. His father’s older age meant some of his siblings were decades older, leading Dave to witness the heartbreaking reality of burying several of them. Despite the enduring strength of his family, a tragic incident during his childhood would change everything they knew.
Dave’s first memory is watching his mother being struck by an impaired driver. The trauma was so severe that it plunged his young life into darkness, erasing patches of his childhood from his memory. “I don’t remember much,” he says. “That’s the first thing I remember, and then nothing.” Following the accident, which claimed his mother’s life, three-year-old Dave and his siblings were placed in foster care, a bewildering transition for such a young child.
While sports like hockey offered some solace and structure, Dave struggled with self-destruction in his teenage years, turning to alcohol and drugs to numb his pain. Yet, even in these dark times, he remained committed to the children around him. This innate sense of care didn’t go unnoticed. A mentor in childcare saw potential in him and suggested he work at a group home.
- David
Skeptical but intrigued, Dave took the plunge and started working as a child worker at 17. This job was more than just employment; it was a calling that aligned with his innate capacity for empathy and understanding.
Life had its ups and downs for Dave. He married and had two sons, who are now grown. Though his marriage eventually ended, it led him to meet a woman who shared his passion for recovery and music. Together, they immersed themselves in the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), using their personal experiences to help others.
Dave and his partner Marcie are set apart by their remarkable shared resilience, a quality forged in the fires of personal adversity. Both having faced the deep pain of feeling abandoned, they transformed these difficult experiences into a profound commitment to never give up on any child who comes into their lives. Their personal histories have given them an extraordinary empathy for the challenges foster children face, and have reinforced their dedication to providing unwavering support. Dave embodies this spirit, sharing, “It takes tons of resilience to get through life’s struggles and get into fostering.” He acknowledges that this path isn’t easy but emphasizes that their journey has shaped them into stronger, more compassionate caregivers.
His goal is clear: to help each child progress and grow, so by the time they are ready to leave, they are better equipped and prepared to move forward independently. This vision speaks volumes about his dedication, not just to being a temporary guardian but a pivotal influence in setting up these young lives for future success. Dave’s hope is that every child they nurture departs with the tools and confidence needed to navigate the world on their own terms, fully benefiting from the foundation of care and support he and Marcie have provided.
- David
This relentless dedication to fostering has not only shaped Dave’s life but has also transformed the lives of the countless children he has supported. His story underscores the idea that resilience, when paired with compassion and dedication, can indeed change lives, creating ripples of positivity and hope that extend far beyond individual experiences.
