Tag: #JamesBaldini

Heroes come in many sizes and shapes.  

Over the last winter, we had the experience, as many of you did, of losing power for almost two weeks.  In that time we had our neighbor who let us borrow his generator for the first night.  This helped us to make it through that night.  

By the third day we were barely making it.  But still – we managed.

Our plumber, who isn’t JUST our plumber, but was my best man at my wedding. Was also the man who we had gotten to put our new heating system in.  He was also helping us get our generator that was sitting outside waiting to get the final hook up.  

In the middle of the winter, Dom made two trips up to our house.  One trip to get some more heat out of a second portable generator.  And the second trip with his crew to get our system online.  He did this under the herculean task of re-arranging his schedule, his electrician’s schedule, the gas company’s schedule and the town inspector’s schedule.  He would say – and did say, that it was no big deal.

Danger from the Cold!

I want to make it clear.  It was a big deal. It probably, and I don’t think I’m overdramatizing this.  Dom saved Derya’s life.  Lord knows I have plenty of built-in insulation to survive and both Deniz and Samime are healthy enough to withstand a small cold.  However, this isn’t the case for Derya. Her condition, as you know, is pretty perilous.  Even without the horrors and humbling attacks of this disease.  Medically, she’s fragile enough for me – who NEVER has gotten a flu shot, to get a flu shot.  I did this in the hope that it would protect her by keeping me from getting sick.  Remember, I work in a school – a.k.a. – A germ factory.  In almost five decades I never got a flu shot. 

So, I offer to you, my friend and hero, thank you for coming to the rescue that cold dark March morning.  

And for the record, I’d give him a call for any work for plumbing or heat before I’d call anyone else.  He came through, knows his stuff and did an excellent job with the system. We have great heat, great hot water and because of him, we’re going into this winter without the fear of the last one. And all at a reasonable price!

Dom’s company, Diamond Bianco Plumbing can be reached at  973-584-8485 or on the web at http://bdpplumbing.com + Excelsior!!

About US!

James Baldini blogs about his daughter’s care and the tragedy that has surrounded the entire family of Derya Demirtas.  Derya has had Autoimmune Encephalitis for nearly four years now.  The young advancing, brave and stalwart young woman Derya Demirtas, has suffered much throughout that time.  As has her family and friends.  In someway we hope to see a change within the medical community so that it may better adapt to this disease and prevent future generations of victims.

You can read more from James Baldini @  www.JamesBaldini.com

#FreeDerya #JamesBaldini

Often times I wonder, what does “GRACE UNDER PRESSURE” mean.  Of course, the uniqueness of life doesn’t always include tragedy.  The uniqueness of life doesn’t mean that we are immune to the damage of others, nor does it mean that we can be so self-centered as to think that our pain is the only one that matters.  I know this, as I look back at the person I was “before”.

As many of you realize, when you say “before” you mean before your world was turned upside down and wrapped in pain.  And the platitudes of time heals all wounds, love conquers all and tomorrow’s another day are fine but never really create the feeling you need.   These platitudes then turn into a prison as tomorrow is another day – but one of pain in which you watch your loved one suffer. Hope becomes a burden that you try to use as a shield.  However, every shield becomes heavy after fighting and fighting, the most ardent warrior tires, weakens and prays for it to stop.

Sometimes, all you hold onto is with fingernails – as the famous image of the cat holding on with its claws. As it holds onto the edge of a ledge, ready to fall, but not willing to give up.  

And yes, we hold on and don’t give up.  And we find something to rebuild on.

Grace Under Pressure!

This week’s rebuild was done on the foundation of the song: GRACE by Rachel Platten.   I had it on in the background as I was helping Derya. I’m not ashamed of the emotion it evoked in me, as no one should be.  This song touched me as I am sure it will touch you.  Tears, sobs of pain and suffering wracking me as I held my beautiful daughter.  Throughout it all, her confused face of concern and worry.  “What’s wrong with dad?” her look suggested. 

Sometimes we need Grace, to be a better version of yourself.  The screaming going on in all of us because of the pain we suffer.  Sometimes, it cuts too deep. And the pain we suffer can only be shown through the tears that stream down our cheeks.  And when our faith wanes, our hope is feeling crushed and we know we can’t give up. We know we have no choice. We stand again, hoping we have the GRACE to be a better person tomorrow than we are today.  

Again, tragedy is not the monopoly of the one, but the experience of us all!

About US!

James Baldini blogs about his daughter’s care and the tragedy that has surrounded the entire family of Derya Demirtas.  Derya has had Autoimmune Encephalitis for nearly four years now.  The young advancing, brave and stalwart young woman Derya Demirtas, has suffered much throughout that time.  As has her family and friends.  In someway we hope to see a change within the medical community so that it may better adapt to this disease and prevent future generations of victims.

You can read more from James Baldini @  www.JamesBaldini.com

#FreeDerya #JamesBaldini