Sunrise: August 21, 1972 Sunset: December 3, 2016
Houston, TX
If Love could have kept you with us, you never would have gone...
His Christian name was David Joseph Guidry, named for the biblical King David. It was appropriate because he ruled our world; but we would not have wanted it any other way. His nickname "Baby Davey" says the rest...the baby of the family for 44 years who never grew up mentally, nor ever spoke. We were told that our Davey had severe Autism. It was recommended to us we take our baby to the Richmond State School where the State of Texas would care for him for the rest of his, probably short, life. We said we would not send him away. "David is ours, and we are keeping him with us."
We were a new generation that did not hide our special children and shun our parental responsibilities. We advocated for them, and demanded research into the causes of Autism, and developed activities for them like the Special Olympics. Diagnosed at 18 months old, David was a pioneer patient in the 1970's, since the diagnosis of Autism was so new. He participated in trials of new medications and emerging training methods to help build the foundation of programs which continue to help others diagnosed with Autism, still today.
David was one of the original children who participated in the MHMRA & Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services HCS program with All the Little Things Count, and then Edsue and Diversity Dayhab, and finally Glo's Hope. We salute David's numerous providers, caseworkers, caregivers, teachers, nurses, and doctors for all their kindness and loving care. They were always there with our family, rubbing David's head, holding his hand and encouraging him by saying "You can do it David." They are our heroes. His brother-in-law Jason Dancy and sister, Ursula Guidry-Dancy, stood by his side during his prolonged illness, after his dad, Clarence Guidry passed away in 2009. His mother Elvina Guidry was no longer healthy enough to provide daily care for him. His sister's Sonya & Kim and in-laws Jerome Williams, Marlene & Lauren Jones and niece Sterling Girtman provided support whenever needed. Thank you also, to all our friends and family who kept David lifted up in their prayers.
We are a family of faith and we are happy for David because his body is no longer his burden. David had become weary but he's now free. On the morning of December 3rd, Jesus said to come with Him and find rest. His life here ends, but a new life begins without any limitations. He is received by God, His Angels, and numerous family who loved him and went ahead to prepare a place for him.
Your Family: Mom & Dad, Sonya, Wendell, Kim, & Ursula along with your aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew, cousins and in-laws will continue to love you David. We will always miss you. You inspired each of us with your bravery, strength, and sweetness. Without words, you made yourself heard. Your strong spirit, contagious laughter and beautiful smile will be with us all forever.
All of Our Love Always...
Services held at 12 pm November 12, 2016 at Brookside Funeral Home- Champions 3410 FM 1960 Rd.West Houston, TX 77068 and officiated by Father Lauro of St. Monica Catholic Church. Viewing to begin at 10 am.
Burial to follow at 2 pm at Houston National Cemetery 10410 Veteran Memorial Rd. Houston, TX 77038
DAVID: HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD
A meeting was held quite far from Earth
It was time again for another birth.
Said the Angels to the LORD above,
This Special Child will need much love.
His progress may be very slow,
Accomplishments he may not show.
And he'll require extra care
From the folks he meets down there.
He may not have anything to say and
His thoughts may seem quite far away,
In many ways he won't adapt,
And he'll be labeled mentally handicapped.
So let's be careful where he's sent,
We want his life to be content.
Please LORD, find the family who
Will do this special job for you.
They did not realize right away
The leading role they were asked to play.
But with this child sent from above
Came stronger faith and richer love.
Every creation of God has worth, so it's
Right that David return to Him in the season
of Jesus' birth.
And now they know the privilege given
In caring for their gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
was HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD.
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