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Most of you are aware that I am a pretty private person when it comes to my personal life but felt that I had to share the following words with the community. I hope both admins are okay as I intend to cross post this between PCF and Chip Donkeys.
I have returned to work this morning and had some time to reflect on what transpired over the last six months. Some of you out there new that my wife Annette was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer back in October. My wife had kept it from me so that I could "enjoy the weekend" and Co-host the All in at the Alamo. Well we went through some ups and we went through some downs but in the end I am much stronger and my wife is finally at peace and not suffering anymore. Annette and I fought hard during this time. I lost my wife, best friend and Mother of my children but I still have my family and hers by my side. I have friends here and I have you folks here so life is Great!
I want to personally thank each and every member of the community. It was amazing to see the many posts and PM's that I received offering condolences and also letting me know that I could call if I needed to talk. Some of these were from folks that I have never met along with some of the people I have met in person, many of them I consider close friends. I also was quite amazed at the support that you have shown the Shriner's Children's Hospitals by donating in the memory of my wife. Thank you Bill, @Payback, for spearheading the Auction and the Raffle, thank you to all of the participants! This has been My and Annette's philanthropy for many years and it brought us much delight to see that we are helping kids at absolutely zero cost to the families. For those that may not know, Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to age 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment at no charge. Yes this is correct, the Hospitals do not even have an accounts receivable department! This mission is carried out without regard to race, color, creed, sex or sect, disability and national origin, regardless of the families' ability to pay. So please know that your memorial contribution is appreciated. If you know of a child that could use our help please do not hesitate to contact a Shriner or the closest Shrine Center to you and if you do not know one please contact me via PM. I would be honored to sponsor a child that needs our help.
All of the things that I have gone through has made me think about our community. Like my recent journey I realized that Families and/or communities will always have their differences. Much like our community has had but when something happens many times those piques and quarrels are put to the side. I think when each of us are dealt these things in our lives we all realize that chips are only 39 mm or 43mm round pieces of clay or ceramic. I would have destroyed each one of them to have had one more day with my wife. I hope and pray that we all continue to heal the community which has become an extended family for me.
Please know I am truly honored and very humbled by the support that the community showed me and my family. I cannot wait to see how I can pay this forward.
Keep on Chipping!
Sincerely,
David "David O" Olivares
For those who have asked, here is my wife obituary.
I have returned to work this morning and had some time to reflect on what transpired over the last six months. Some of you out there new that my wife Annette was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer back in October. My wife had kept it from me so that I could "enjoy the weekend" and Co-host the All in at the Alamo. Well we went through some ups and we went through some downs but in the end I am much stronger and my wife is finally at peace and not suffering anymore. Annette and I fought hard during this time. I lost my wife, best friend and Mother of my children but I still have my family and hers by my side. I have friends here and I have you folks here so life is Great!
I want to personally thank each and every member of the community. It was amazing to see the many posts and PM's that I received offering condolences and also letting me know that I could call if I needed to talk. Some of these were from folks that I have never met along with some of the people I have met in person, many of them I consider close friends. I also was quite amazed at the support that you have shown the Shriner's Children's Hospitals by donating in the memory of my wife. Thank you Bill, @Payback, for spearheading the Auction and the Raffle, thank you to all of the participants! This has been My and Annette's philanthropy for many years and it brought us much delight to see that we are helping kids at absolutely zero cost to the families. For those that may not know, Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to age 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment at no charge. Yes this is correct, the Hospitals do not even have an accounts receivable department! This mission is carried out without regard to race, color, creed, sex or sect, disability and national origin, regardless of the families' ability to pay. So please know that your memorial contribution is appreciated. If you know of a child that could use our help please do not hesitate to contact a Shriner or the closest Shrine Center to you and if you do not know one please contact me via PM. I would be honored to sponsor a child that needs our help.
All of the things that I have gone through has made me think about our community. Like my recent journey I realized that Families and/or communities will always have their differences. Much like our community has had but when something happens many times those piques and quarrels are put to the side. I think when each of us are dealt these things in our lives we all realize that chips are only 39 mm or 43mm round pieces of clay or ceramic. I would have destroyed each one of them to have had one more day with my wife. I hope and pray that we all continue to heal the community which has become an extended family for me.
Please know I am truly honored and very humbled by the support that the community showed me and my family. I cannot wait to see how I can pay this forward.
Keep on Chipping!
Sincerely,
David "David O" Olivares
For those who have asked, here is my wife obituary.
I wish you and your family well. 
