“ The Vigilant Neighbor: A Tribute to David” Chapter 163

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In 2012, when I first pulled up to a house in Germany, I didn’t realize I was being "vetted" by the neighborhood’s unofficial head of security. There stood David. With his sharp gaze peaking at me through his glasses and a barrage of precise questions, he looked less like a neighbor and more like an undercover FBI agent conducting a high-stakes interrogation.

I remember thinking, “I hope I pass this test.”

I did pass. And what started as a cautious introduction turned into a bond that defines what it means to be family.

Our family quickly learned that David’s "vigilance" wasn't just about curiosity—it was about care. David is the kind of man who defines "showing up." Whether we needed a very long ladder when Andrei decided to repaint the exterior of our home or,more significantly, a vehicle to navigate the chaos of an overseas relocation, David was the first one there. His heart for service extended far beyond his own front porch. Through numerous organizations and projects, David has spent years giving back to the veteran community, always looking for ways to lift others up.

Over the last decade, the lines between "friends" and "family" blurred until they disappeared entirely. David and his wife, Laura, have been the pillars we leaned on. There has never been a request too big or a favor too small; there was simply nothing we asked of them that they didn't meet with an open heart.

They have stood by us through the milestones that matter most: Graduations; Significant family or life events; The ups and downs of living abroad (or back stateside for that matter); life through Covid…

Today, David is living with ALS. It is a relentless disease, but it met its match in David’s spirit. The same man who "interrogated" me in 2012 is still there: sharp, observant, kind, and incredibly brave.

Watching him navigate this journey with Laura by his side has been a masterclass in resilience. ALS can take mobility, but it cannot take the legacy of the lives he has touched or the community he helped build.

David, thank you for "interrogating" me back in 2012. It was the best entrance exam I ever took. As I often say, you and Laura aren't just friends; you are our family, and we are honored to stand by you just as you have always stood by us.

Much love,

Andreea

Love and Blessings

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