As you already know from my last post, I didn’t like Dean Damon’s agenda and direction he took the Boulder Valley School District in as superintendant after taking the post in 1990. Despite that, however, I read his entire blog he started on Jan. 8, 2009, for his family and friends to read about his lung transplant surgery and recuperation. The link was provided in his obituary.

This intimate story of Damon’s family working together in love touched my heart. And, when Frazier, Damon’s son, announced on May 4 that his father had died, I cried. They all had hoped for so much, struggled through the downturns and rejoiced with good news. To have it end with disappointment was terribly sad.

The story began with Damon’s surprise and excitement after getting a call his new lung was available after being on a waiting list for just over a month. He and his life partner, Bill Mossburg, raced around getting ready. By midnight, Damon was in surgery.

The approximately 5-hour surgery went well. By Jan. 14, Damon had been moved from the ICU to a regular room. He walked up and down halls and to pulmonary rehabilitation four times a day. Mossburg prepared to take a class on Damon’s home care.

Then, with the ups and downs of complications over four months, Damon was put on and taken off a ventilator and dialysis, received a tracheotomy, a pace maker, a colostomy, and nearly regular bronchoscopes. Strong antibiotics to fight his infections were hard on his body, and Damon just couldn’t overcome.

To the credit of all involved, however, their story showed many positive human relationships. They showed regard and kindness for Damon and each other. It was amazing Mossburg and Linda, Damon’s ex-wife, supported Damon and each other so well. Daughter Haverly left school and work in Chicago to attend to her father. Frazier spent hours and hours there from Ft. Collins. Grandchildren drew pictures and talked to their grandfather over the phone. And, it should be noted the hospital gave his partner complete access to Damon’s care.

In the blog, the family asked for our prayers. I’ll do that though the need has changed. May they find peace and hope. I have hope that they will see him again in the resurrection.

Links to see:

My editorial on a same-sex partner being denied access in a hospital: http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2009/feb/24/against-gay-marriage-isnt-hate/

Damon’s blog: http://deandamon.blogspot.com

Our Random Articles

More Links