Life stories are the hardest to tell. To convey the essence of a person in 800 words is impossible. The definition lies in a million fleeting glimpses; a tone, a gesture, a laugh. These things can’t be captured.

On paper most outsiders would immediately consider David Eden a hero. He was a man of many accomplishments as a firefighter, a mentor and a community activist. His family will probably not remember these things first. David’s wife Lorie will remember their first date–the movie Beetlejuice–over 21 years ago. His kids will remember the big smile on his face whenever they did anything outdoors. They will remember his soft words when mending bumps and bruises. They will remember the ineffable him.

David and Lorie Eden were both raised in Lompoc. They met at work and started dating two weeks later. Love and marriage soon followed. They had two children, Tricia and Alex, to whom David was a doting father. David gave daughter Tricia her first bottle, and was just as attentive when son Alex was born. David loved his job as a supervisor for the Santa Barbara “Hot Shots” crew – a group of firefighters specially trained in the handling of wildfires. During his free time he loved camping with his family and mapping rural areas. He created an address system for the Cuyama and Sisquoc areas which helped the fire department during wildfires. The family lived the closest thing to a real life fairytale until 2005 when David was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

He suffered a grand mal seizure during a morning jog that led to its discovery. Before the incident he had no other symptoms. And yet many more would come. He endured chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Eventually his condition deteriorated to the point that it was unsafe for him to be cared for at home. With a terminal diagnosis David faced the unthinkable. He had to leave his wife, two teenage children, and his hometown to live in a board & care facility in Montecito. David’s diagnosis and the uncharted territory to follow was, as Lorie described it, “the hardest experience I have ever had.”

David and Lorie’s long journey would eventually lead them to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care. After living at the board and care for several years, David began to require 24 hour nursing assistance that they could not provide. The family was referred to Serenity House, a fully licensed inpatient hospice facility operated by VNHC.

Upon arrival, Lorie said she was struck by the “overwhelming graciousness of the staff, how attentive and kind they were.” They set up David’s room in a way that Lorie said was like “your own bedroom – homey, clean & pleasing.” By encouraging patients to bring in mementos, families to stay overnight, and visitors to discard the idea of special “visiting” hours Serenity House hopes to give patients and families the anchored feeling of personal freedom that can really only be experienced from being at home.

For David, home was filled with activity. Even after having to leave his 27 year career as a firefighter due to his diagnosis, proof of David’s heroism was brought forth daily. It came streaming through the front door of Serenity House—the consistent flow of friends, family, and fellow firefighters were living evidence that this man had touched so many. They ushered into his room, all decked out in firefighter posters and family photos, to support a man who had supported them all at one time or another.

Many told stories of his bravery, some told anecdotes, but surprisingly few held a somber note. David was amidst all else, a funny man and an avid practical joker. One morning his friend visited while David was sleeping and saw an opportunity. “His mouth is open! I wish I had some shaving cream. I would put it right in his mouth. It would be so funny, because I know he would do the same to me!” For Lorie these visitors, with their fond memories and love, were an important source of support. They helped her find a “strength she didn’t even know she had” and kept her going for her kids.

In addition to the strength found in friends and family, Lorie was greatly helped by the gentle guidance of the staff at Serenity House. “It was wonderful, they explained everything to me. They kept me informed and prepared us for what was going to happen. Initially I was afraid of the word ‘hospice’ but it’s not scary. They are like angels that come in and help you,” Lorie said.

David Eden died on August 21, 2010 at 51 years old. In death he was given a hero’s honor, as his body was escorted by fire trucks on its journey back to Lompoc. He was met along the way by other fire brigades, some who knew him personally and others who knew of his reputation. Their sirens rang out as he passed by, recognizing his many contributions to the force during his lifetime. As he drove up the 101 he took the Lompoc exit, the road he had followed so many times before. The road he had missed for so long. The road home.

Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care provides licensed hospice throughout Santa Barbara County including Santa Ynez and Lompoc Valleys. If you would like to learn more about Serenity House or our home hospice program, please contact Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care at (805) 965-5555 or visit us online at www.vnhcsb.org.