Love Ya, Mom: An Inspirational Salute to My Mother, Madeline Chinn Naas, 1929–2001

By David W. Brower

Madeline Chinn Naas was born with a zest for life and for a love of adventure, but at the end of the day it was family that was really the most important part of her life.

In late 1928, her family lost their sheep ranch in Utah while The Great Depression was in full swing. Knowing there were opportunities to survive elsewhere, her Dad and her 6 brothers piled into the car and moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho. Left behind was her Mother and her 4 sisters. Her Mom drove a horse drawn wagon the 500 miles, with the girls, to join the family. Madeline was still in still in her mother’s belly during this journey. She’d be born January 11, 1929.

David W. Brower pays tribute to his mom in this book, tracing her upbringing as well as her inspiring battle with esophageal cancer and leukemia. He also looks back his mom’s family, her husband’s, and her 6 brothers and 5 sisters, specifically her sister Leda. David also shares his vulnerability when talking about his relationships with his wives, his children, his friends, and even his employers.

In sharing his story, he explores his thoughts about prayer and faith, specifically by giving examples of how God “works all things for good.”(Romans 8-28) As a longtime cancer survivor, he also talks about how health issues affect someone’s loved ones.

Join the author as he celebrates the unconditional love between a mom and her son and reveals how he helped his mom pass with grace, love, and dignity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Apr 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781665700689

David W. Brower

David W. Brower was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Lenis and Madeline Brower. An only child, he grew up an introvert with not many interests and very few friends. In high school, he excelled in typing and music and not much else. In his junior year, his English teacher turned on his creative juices by assigning him to write a paper with the title “Why Is a Mouse When It Spins?” He got a B+ and was forever on a creative bent from that moment on. He had a 28-year radio career writing thousands of commercials. He spent over 6 years in the corporate world running the branch office of an ad agency for the 8th largest automotive group in the country. Currently he has been a full-time voice actor since 2008. He has over 500 clients in 85+ countries and has recorded several audiobooks. He is single and lives with his dog, Maddie, in Palm Bay, FL

Book preview

AUTHOR’S NOTE

The chapters are listed in reverse order because my life, as I know it, basically ends at the start of the book. Working your way down through the chapters will lead you to my new beginning.

DEDICATED TO:

My mother, of course, Madeline Chinn Naas 1929-2001

My late father. Lenis LeFoy Brower 1923-1988

My Stepdad, Cecil Naas, who gave my Mom the joy in life that she deserved. They were happily married for 33 years

My Aunt Leda and Aunt Birdie two of Mom’s 11 siblings who were always there for us, no matter what

My 1st wife Pat Saavedra, our children, grandchildren, and great grandson. In particular our children: Darold, Tami, Heather, and Justin

My 2nd wife Betty Brower, her children, and grandchildren. In particular her children: Kim, Kelly, and Brad

My 3rd wife Karen Yost, her parents, her children, and our grandchildren came into my life 2 years after my Mom had passed. In particular: Roger and Jean, Tyler, and Jill, Lorra, Molly, Ben and Lynsie, Luke and Michelle, Audrey, Ayla, Bridger, Booker, Justin Roger, and Nash Morgan

My best friend, the late Molly Terrano and her children Jackie, Dillon, and Ben

My Bored Buddies Kathy Chance, Sarah Dahl, and Billie Redemeyer

The late Mrs. Gloria Ross, one of my dearest friends

My longtime friends Bill, Connie, Bill Jr., and Kim Weiss

Janice Williams, a dear friend, and creator of The Harp Circle for my Mom

Patricia Carey is one of only two women in my life that my Mom said, She’s one of my favorites. Jeri Dean Marks was the other one, 34 years earlier.

My buddy Bob…Bob Striplin, a dear friend longer than anybody else on the planet. I could probably write another book about our history together.

You have all been a most special part of my life! You have all helped me to grow my life for the better! A life that made my mom proud then and, I believe, makes my mom proud now.

She told me to tell you all THANK YOU

PS Honestly, there could be literally hundreds more people. But if Mom were around today, I believe that these are the ones she would say had a personal and positive impact on me that would last a lifetime.

And being totally objective, she would be correct.

SERIES TITLE PAGE

This is the first book that I’ve been blessed to write and there is an accompanying audiobook available as well.

Previous audiobooks that I have had the pleasure of voicing:

Maxims, Morals, and Metaphors: A Primer on

Venture Capital

by Scott Chou

A Concise History of the Christian Religion: From a Historic Perspective Audible

By Dr. Henry Harrison Epps

Sharing the Wealth: My Story

by Alex Spanos, Mark Seal, Natalia Kasparian

The Gospel According to Jonah – A Call to Obedience – 121 Days of Devotions

By Kevin Foster

Pain Is the Pits

By Dr. Peter A. Kechejian

Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0: How to Watch Football by Knowing Where to Look

by Pat Kirwan and David Seigerman

Go Deeper: Quarterback: The Toughest Job in Pro Sports

by Pat Kirwan and David Seigerman

CONTENTS

Preface

Forward

Chapter 46

Chapter 45

Chapter 44

Chapter 43

Chapter 42

Chapter 41

Chapter 40

Chapter 39

Chapter 38

Chapter 37

Chapter 36

Chapter 35

Chapter 34

Chapter 33

Chapter 32

Chapter 31

Chapter 30

Chapter 29

Chapter 28

Chapter 27

Chapter 26

Chapter 25

Chapter 24

Chapter 23

Chapter 22

Chapter 21

Chapter 20

Chapter 19

Chapter 18

Chapter 17

Chapter 16

Chapter 15

Chapter 14

Chapter 13

Chapter 12

Chapter 11

Chapter 10

Chapter 9

Chapter 8

Chapter 7

Chapter 6

Chapter 5

Chapter 4

Chapter 3

Chapter 2

Chapter 1

THE BEGINNING

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Part 14

Acknowledgment

About the Author

PREFACE

At the end of the day, this book is a labor of love and it is written for and about my mother.

No matter what the rollercoaster might be for you, in reading this book, I hope you end up in the same place as I did, knowing that there is nothing, absolutely nothing more important in in life, than love!

With gratitude,

David Brower

FORWARD

You can’t blend in when you’re born to stand out!

-RYAN BUCHANAN

It was in a crowded room of people where I first met David Brower. Wow, did he STAND OUT! It was in a church lobby where people were mingling about and sharing small talk. When I first saw David across the room, I was sure he was in the wrong place.

His physical presence alone makes him STAND OUT. He towers over everyone. When he laughs, it is a booming thunderous sound that captures your attention. My head turned to see this intimidating man, an infectious big smile, a circle of people around him, and he was dressed in all leathers, like he was in the middle of Sturgis Bike Rally! Why is this man at church, looking like that, garnering the attention of so many people? I had to find out.

That day my friendship with David Brower began. It has been a beautiful relationship that is over a decade long and still going strong. Someone told me that you can tell if a relationship is authentic by time – if it’s real, the longer the relationship, the BETTER it gets. I’m blessed to have a real, honest, lasting friendship – with a very real, dynamic, powerful man.

When one meets David, they soon realize that his big, intimidating physical presence is dwarfed by the size of his heart and his compassion for others. He has a zest and a curiosity for life. His interests are eclectic – music, sports, outdoors, great food, motorcycles, spirituality, humor, a deep care for all kinds of people, great stories, and so much more. In fact, to quote Melanie Shawn: He never met a stranger. To him every person was just a friend he hadn’t met yet.

Most of my time with David is spent in coffee shops or sharing a meal. Our time is NEVER boring – our conversations STAND OUT in my mind. Safe places these days are hard to find. So many people are quick to share their opinions and judgments. Unfortunately, that makes free flowing conversations virtually impossible. David is one of the best non-judgmental, curious, open minded listeners I have ever met. His compassionate, empathetic heart, combined with his great listening, has created a safety in our relationship that has allowed me to open up, investigate, and probe my inner life in ways I rarely do. I’m a better man in so many ways because of my friendship with David Brower.

David is also a man of deep wisdom. When he shares, he is always real, vulnerable, honest, powerful, and life-giving. He offers a unique perspective. A perspective I have learned that you don’t get from a prestigious university, from conventional wisdom, from running a lucrative, successful business – no, David’s wisdom comes from NOT blending in, but STANDING OUT!

This book you are about to read will give you insight on how you can STAND OUT! It is David at his best. You will laugh, you will cry, you will be encouraged, and your heart will be touched and softened. You will see how the ironies of life are often the best teachers. And you will find hope. Goodness knows we need more of that these days!!

So, find a relaxing place. David and I would recommend you find a place that serves great tasting pancakes (he’s on a quest to find the best pancakes in America) – and let the adventure begin! The journey to a huge compassionate heart, a deep transforming wisdom, a tenacity that overcomes the most vicious blows that life can throw our way, and a life that proves that enduring hope can be yours.

You will be moved by what David shares in his story. It all begins with the simplest, and yet the most profound relationship that exists on planet earth – the relationship a man has with his mother!!

My wish for all you who read this book – is that the wisdom that comes from these pages will inspire you to NEVER blend in, but to know you were born to STAND OUT!

Carl Sutter

Lead Pastor, Foundations Church

Loveland, Colorado

CHAPTER 46

It is a beautiful day in Canon City, Colorado, and I am headed to Dairy Queen to get a strawberry shake, Mom’s favorite. She has been ill with cancer, so she has been on my mind 24/7. As I reach the car, shake in hand, my cell phone rings.

Aunt Leda is on the line. She is at my mom’s bedside at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, Oregon.