Davis Todd Seefeldt

Welcome and thank you for coming to share my Celebration of Life! All of you are here because you love me or my family and most of you know me well, but may not know all about me, so let me tell you about myself from my perspective.

I was born on May 16, 1998 in Lewisville, Texas to Byron and Angela (Dobson) Seefeldt and my entrance to the world was exciting and all seemed right within our family. I had a big sister, Olivia, who loved me at first sight, and we developed a bond that will last forever. But when I was about 4 months old, I had my first seizure and was later diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Hypomelanosis of Ito (HIE). This disorder caused me to have uncontrolled seizures, respiratory issues and profound developmental issues. Because of my health issues, my parents decided to move our family back to the OKC area where all my grandparents and aunts and uncles lived. Being close to family has been amazing and they always made it so I could be included in every family function. God opened the door for me go to Special Care for daycare and it was perfect for me as well as my sister and brother and my parents. Special Care taught us how we can still be and do things like other families, just with some tweaks here and there. I also was in the severe to profound program at Washington Irving Elementary and for a year at Santa Fe High school in Edmond, OK.

Growing up, I never was able to speak, but when I was little, I could laugh with the biggest belly laugh ever! I loved my sister and my family – and I have a big family who all loved and cared for me. When I was 5, God sent me a little brother, Blake, that I bonded with in a way that I just revealed to everyone on last Sunday, right before I went to meet Jesus. Even though I couldn’t talk, I was able to communicate pretty effectively. I had the best eye roll ever that spoke volumes when I wanted something to be done! But I also had the ability to connect with other kids and people in ways that adults didn’t always understand – whenever we were at the grocery store or the mall with my family being pushed around in my orange OSU wheelchair, children from my school would run up and talk to me. I loved balloons and little toys that danced and sang. I also loved going into the low-stim room where the lights were off and there were lots of glow in the dark things. I have been so blessed throughout my life – God has always put the most wonderful people, teachers, doctors, nurses and care givers in my life to help me.

As I got older, my seizures and other health issues got worse. I had to have surgery to fix my hips because I couldn’t stand and I was in a full body cast for a month, which was of course orange. After that my parents heard about the Children’s Center and I got to go there for a month in the summers for respite care. We called it Davis Camp. Then I had to have spinal fusion surgery and I went to the PMRU (Pediatric Medical Rehabilitation Unit) at The Children’s Center where they helped me recover. Finally, when I was 14, my parents were struggling to keep me healthy and God provided a place for me at The Children’s Center to live long-term. This was a blessing for me and my whole family. I lived there, now called the Bethany Children’s Health Center, for the past 12 years and it has been amazing. They have cared for me and helped me do lots of exciting things that I never thought I would get to do, like go to the prom!! One year, with my beautiful sister as my date, I was crowned prom king! Christmas’ were wonderful… we got to meet Santa and my parents and grandparents always came to help me open presents. I also got to finish high school there and received my diploma from Bethany Schools.

Last Sunday on March 5th, God and I decided it was time for me to go to heaven, where I was welcomed by my G-mi, Sandy Dobson and my G-Pop, Jim Dobson along with my great grandparents, some who I had never met! I left behind so many of my family that I know are missing me, but I also know they are celebrating my freedom from the struggles of this world. I got to say goodbye to them on Sunday, my Pop and Gram, Roger and Mary Ann Seefeldt, my Aunt Lisa Dobson, my Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Bryan Wade, my cousins Drew and Casey, my Uncle Mark and Aunt Karen Seefeldt, my cousins Scott, John and Henry, my uncles Stephen & Gabe Seefeldt-Tavares and my cousins Patrick and Alexander.

My mom and dad have been praying for me for years – for God to put me in the best place for me and now I am… now I have a new body and I can walk, talk, play and run…. And live with Jesus forever. I will be here to welcome you, Mom and Dad, and Olivia and Blake and all my family and friends. It’s wonderful here!

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Davis' memory may be made to Bethany Children's Center, 6800 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, Oklahoma, https://www.bethanychildrens.org/ways-to-give/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.billmerrittfuneralservice.com for the Seefeldt family.