January 8th, 2011 by Conor

I honestly can’t remember the first time I met Danny, it was so long ago, and I have awful memory. It is so hard to put into words what I want to say, especially when I am not very good with words in the first place. I apologize if this is kind of long and all over the place. I know when he reads this he will most likely bust my balls about it. He is always quick like that.

I can however, remember so many of the times we have spent together. The summers home from college, our trip to Old Orchard Beach, the parties, hanging out and just watching ski and snowboard movies, and all the times he came down to San Diego to visit. He also spent some time with me down at Drummonds house in Baja. He was there the time when we accidentally locked ourselves out on the roof and we had to have the security guard climb through the second floor window to unlock the door. He may or may not have told you the snorkeling with the sharks story, or me teaching him how to surf. He got up on his first wave and so I just assumed he was fine after that. He also accused me of stealing his waves that day, to which I still deny ever happened. Every time I see him he ALWAYS brings it up, and it is still as funny as the first time he tells it. He definitely knows how to tell a story! I remember the summer we almost traded cars, my VW Golf for his Blazer. We decided it was a bad idea and about a month later my car broke down and needed major work to it. He is also quick with the nicknames, and I have had a few throughout the years. My most recent one is Addington, I remember the first time he called me that and I had no idea what he was talking about. I had called him and answered the phone with AAAADDDIIINGTOOON! I feel like I could go on forever, but I am not, I just wanted to mention some quick memories.

Danny was one of the people in a small group that really helped me get out of an unhappy state of mind I was in about a year and a half ago. Living in San Diego, I was just burnt out from everything including my job. I felt stuck. He was always there to listen and encourage me to make a change. I can’t even count the number of times he had to listen to my “I’m quitting my job this week” conversation. Pretty sure Conor got a lot of it too. He definitely gave me some tough love and he would get on my case about it. I would sometimes get annoyed, but he knew that’s what it would take to get me motivated. Like Rogers said he had the “don’t talk about it, be about it” mentality. I eventually took the leap and quit my job and started over, and I am so much happier now. I just want to thank him for being apart of that.

I have one more story. Every Xmas I make my routine trip back to The Valley to spend that time with my family and friends. This is also one of the times of the year Danny and I meet up to hang out. On Xmas Eve Danny and his family all get together every year and sing Xmas Carols. A few years ago I was fortunate enough to get a live listen on my way over to pick him and Conor up to go to the Quinn’s Xmas Eve party. I pulled up to what I think was their grandmothers house? I called Danny to let him know I was out front. The phone answers to him singing Silent Night with his entire family singing in the background. The song ends and he says “dude, one more song, you wanna come in and sing with us?” I said “no thanks” It was unbelievably funny, and probably one of those things you had to hear to think it was funny. Fortunately this year, I get a message from Danny on Xmas eve. It was him singing the Xmas Carols with his family. Luckily all of my voicemails get forwarded to my emails. I have forwarded the voicemail to Conor in hopes he can embed it on this post.

Danny I just want to say you are great friend I can’t wait to get off this boat and hang out with you again, I can’t wait to hear what my new nickname will be, and I cant wait to hear you sing some more Xmas Carols next year.

Oh and Danny, I really really hope they didn’t take your nose ring out. I know what you had to go through to get that thing put in.

Love you man,

Dave “Addington”

Silent Night with the Sheas. Decebmer 25th, 2010

January 8th, 2011 by Conor

My encounters with Danny have been few and far between. Unfortunately we never seem to be in the same place at the same time as of late. But I can say that we have had a pretty decent phone/text/email relationship off and on for a couple of years now. I always found his appreciation for the little things in life to be so refreshing, I felt as though he never took anything for granted and that was inspiring to me. I’ve recently moved to Maui where everyone has a strong belief that if you manifest good things they will surely happen. My spirituality and belief in manifestations and positive thoughts and energy has really grown in my two short months of living here. The locals here say that if you go to the beach and stare at the ocean long enough with patience and sincerity you can manifest anything. Since I heard about Danny’s accident I’ve made sure to do just that. I will sit on that beach and stare at those waves manifesting his full recovery and asking whatever ocean gods that are out there for their help in speeding up the process. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be shredding again in no time and when this happens I’ll be sure to come visit because life’s too short to only have texting and email memories with Danny.

January 8th, 2011 by Conor

Daniel Son, what can I say but amazing things about him.. There are only a few people I can honestly say I have never had a bad time with and he is one of them. From smothering everything in Franks Red Hot at the Island to me following him down a trail trying to do everything he does (never succeeding).. to watching a sunrise on top of Kearsarge after a night of endless laughter with the butcher from Hannifords…

He has a way of always finding the most fun activities despite the weather the location or the people he is with..Hanging out with him and Conor has changed the way I attack each day.. ALWAYS CHARGING!! He always told to me I needed to get out of Conway and do big things and getting a call from him when I did was one of the best calls I’ve ever got.. He is so unselfish and generous it was humorous at times.. Every time we were at the island u knew when he was feeling good cause he would bring out all his new gear and toss it out to everyone saying “I prolly won’t wear that”…haha

Danny is a kid who could do anything. He is such a natural at anything he does it is a pleasure to watch. But at the same time so humble. I remember being at the Red Jacket at the water park with him and shooting hoops in the pool playing a game of horse. I think he made 15 shots in a row the last one being from half way across the park following by his one of a kind laugh..

Danny has more drive in life than anyone I have met (Conor you’re a close second) he sees and conquers. His strength with carry him through this and I can’t wait to be floating down the Saco sharing a cold one with him when I get home to the states!! Ellen, Conor and the rest of the Fam, stay strong, my thoughts are with you all!! I’m half way around the world but anything you need I’m here for you! Love you Daniel Son! See you soon

January 8th, 2011 by Conor

When I sat down to write this, I wasn’t sure what I would write about. Do I tell a story, share memories, something personal…I don’t know. What I do know is that this is one hell of an experience and while I am going through this, the most helpful thing for me is reading or hearing from other people who have gone through similar situations. So here is my side of things and if not now, maybe later it well help you too.

There are no words to describe the feeling that I have right now. Since I got the phone call from Conor about Danny, the hours have passed like days, evenings blend with mornings, and time stands still. My first day here in Great Falls, Montana Ellen, David, (Danny’s parents) and I visited his doctor for forty-five minutes while Danny was getting a pick line IV put in. In that forty-five minutes, we were updated on his condition and everything that had taken place since the accident. It was an incredibly dreamlike moment for myself, as this whole occurrence has been. Reality really set in as we walked through the open glass door to his room and saw him for the first time. There is no way to prepare yourself to see a loved one in these conditions. My heart stopped and I didn’t know how to react or what to say/do. I asked the nurse if it was ok to touch him and when she said yes I went for his hand.

The nurses would check on his responses by periodically doing tests such as getting him to give a thumbs up or trying to get him to open his eyes. Before these tests they would lower the sedation levels and he was doing logical things like reaching for the tubes in his mouth. The fact that his movements had purpose was a good thing. On this day, there were times that I would talk to Danny and he would give me a good hand squeeze or even rub my hand with his thumb. Conor even got him to mimic a thumb war. However faintly his attempt was, he was trying and that brought a smile to my face.

I stayed up with him until late that night. I didn’t feel tired as all my energy was going to Danny, staying positive, and keeping him company. Despite knowing that I need to rest, one of the hardest things for me to do is leave his bedside. When my eyes glazed over and my vision got blurry, that’s when I called it for the night. I said goodnight to Danny and walked out of the room looking back before I left the ICU. With some blankets and pillows from the hotel next door, I made my bed out of the blocky wooden furniture in the waiting area next to Conor.

I woke up to the sound of the trash can being emptied at my feet. I thought to myself that we must look like a couple of bums, but this was the closest we could be to Danny while we slept. My eyes felt dry as I folded up my makeshift bed. Gathering up my belongings and preparing myself to walk through the ICU doors once again felt like a dream. Wednesday was more or less the same as Tuesday. The time went by slowly.

Looking back on Wednesday, it seemed to be a relatively mellow day. I slowly started to familiarize myself with ICU room number 5109. There’s a lot of machinery, tubes, beeps, numbers, and lights. I want to understand what they all mean so that I can monitor Danny, but that is not to say that I don’t fully trust and respect the care that he is under. It just seems that the more I can understand, the better I can assess Danny’s condition. I suppose I don’t have much to say about Wednesday because Thursday was a roller coaster.

I managed to sleep in a little bit, but the second my eyes open I fought to keep them open. From that moment on I rushed to gather my stuff so that I can see Danny. Danny’s dad gave me an update as soon as I reached his room and I sat down in my usually position, next to him, holding his hand. Leah, the nurse on Thursday, was doing the routine response checks (thumbs up, eyes open, etc.), but things didn’t really seem right to me. He wasn’t as clear with her commands. At some point in the afternoon, she decided to give Doctor Gorsuch a call in regards to the tests. It was a whirlwind after that. We did more tests with the same results. She asked me to try and get him to give the thumbs up in case a familiar voice could have a better effect. I raised my voice and tried my hardest to get Danny to give me a thumbs up. I tried to get him to squeeze my hand, to open his eyes, anything, but he simply wasn’t responding. My heart sunk. I looked up as Doctor Gorsuch was walking through the doors to Danny’s room. There was no time for an introduction. He walked quickly to Danny and tried to get a better result with the tests. It’s not the most pleasant thing to watch. The Doc pounded on his chest and yelled at him to open his eyes. He then held Danny’s eyes open and tried to get Danny to look at me. His eyes were glazed over and not moving a bit.

I told myself from day one that I wouldn’t break down in Danny’s room. I couldn’t let him get that energy of me being sad. When Doctor Gorsuch looked up at me and asked me where Danny’s parents were I knew we weren’t moving in the right direction. When we gathered together around Danny to hear that Gorsuch would be taking Danny into his next surgery, the craniotomy, my heart was racing. I couldn’t speak. My throat was choked. My stomach was flipping.

Once Danny was wheeled out of his room, I walked through the doors to the waiting area and felt the tears well up. I had left my imaginary “no cry” zone (the ICU) and it had to come out. Conor gave me a big hug and I muffled my tears in Danny’s sweatshirt that Conor was wearing. Still speechless. We waited.

A few hours later, the Doctor came out and let us know that the surgery went well. He let us back in Danny’s room. I can’t really explain why, but for some reason this surgery felt right. Standing next to him and sending him love and encouragement from his bedside, for the first time since the accident, I felt relief. Relief that the surgery went well, but also relief that we gave his brain room to swell.

Today is Friday. I woke up well rested for the first time since the accident. When I walked into Danny’s room this morning there was news of the tracheostomy being put in. Once the general surgeon finished up some surgeries, he performed the tracheostomy in Danny’s room. The procedure went well. Danny looks amazing without a bunch of tubes coming out of his mouth. You can finally see his handsome face. He looks like he’s under less stress. There’s no tape running across his mouth and squishing his cheeks together against the ventilator tube. I feel like Danny is more himself now. It’s easier on the eyes minus the large scar on the left side from the initial surgery on Monday.

Watching videos and looking at pictures of Danny makes me smile. It makes me tear up, but it makes me smile. I know Danny will make it through this. Until then, I will wait and encourage him. I will wait and love him. I will wait and see him open his eyes.

January 8th, 2011 by Conor

For some reason the main story I can think of about Danny involves him shouting
“beerstein!” the story is way to stupid to try to explain but it brings a smile
to my face. I first met Danny when I started at SNHU. I was starting school and
moving in with 5 strangers who were all sophomores. Danny was the one to call me
over the summer even though he wasn’t my direct roommate. Danny was also the one
who made me feel welcome right away and always tried to make me feel included
and part of the group. The cynic in me wondered at the time if he was being so
nice because I was the only roommate over 21 so he wanted to keep me happy to
keep the booze flowing but anyone who knows Danny knows that’s not the case. I
ended up spending almost all of my time in college with that group and had so
many great times. Danny (and Tommy) also made me feel like North Conway was a
second home. There are so many great memories of hanging out with DCT. From
Renz/Jock Jams, to Beer Wars, Cabrewing, Halloweens in NoCo, him trying to
explain “touche” to his ex, minty fresh and cloudy days and so many more. Also, I
want to praise Conor for all that he is doing to make us feel part of the
recovery and the family. I know it can’t always be easy but I really appreciate
this site and the other things you have done to keep us informed and involved

Rob Renzelman

January 7th, 2011 by Conor

I met Danny maybe only a few weeks ago, and because of that I don’t have too much to say. All I know
is that he is loved by many of my good friends and I hope to one day get to know Danny like my friends do. I can
tell right from the start that he is a really great person and you don’t meet someone like him everyday. We are all here for ya Danny!

-Jackie

January 7th, 2011 by Conor

Three words that come to mind when I think of my boy Danny Toumarkine…

1. Admiration
2. Jock Jams
3. Cold Duck

Danny is the type of person you come across once in a lifetime. I was
fortunate enough to have become friends with Danny during my 4 years
at SNHU. I look up to Danny. No matter where you were, if you were
with Danny, you were going to have a blast. The amount of support you
have seen over the past couple of days just goes to show what type of
person Danny is. I will give you one quick story – I went over to
Danny’s place one day after class – I had no idea that he was one of
the most talented snowboarders out there. I asked him why he didn’t
watch sports – his answer – I don’t watch sports – I just watch
snowboard videos really (something along those lines)…. I couldn’t
believe it. He never once talked about how amazing he was. Either
way, as I got to know Danny more and more I realized what a talented
and humble person he really was (in all aspects). Conor and Danny- I
truly look up to you both and respect the relationship that you have.
Conor you have continued to hold strong through this situation and I
know that everyone out there really appreciates that…I certainly
know one thing, Danny will not forget all of this when he pulls
through. Stay strong, there are so many of us thinking about you and
your family.

Best,
Ryan

January 7th, 2011 by Conor

Danny,

I can’t tell you enough how much fun I had the first winter I spent with you and Conor in Tahoe…night riding at Squaw, powder days at Northstar, drinking Keystone lights in the trailer, “In-N-Out now serving beer!!?” random casino nights and spaghetti dinners. I always looked forward to hanging out with you because everyday was like a new adventure, being able to tag-along with you snowboarding (even though I couldn’t keep up) was some of the most fun times I have ever had snowboarding. I look back on that winter and laugh at how much fun we had…even if you gave me a hard time as if I was one of the guys! You are the reason that winter was so amazing. I know in my heart this is just a bump in the road, I have seen your passion for snowboarding and with that same determination I have faith you will recover and be back on the slopes before we know it!

P.S. You still owe me a handmade hat!

Lots of love,
Eliza

January 7th, 2011 by Conor

Dear Danny,
I have been so lucky to get to know you over the last few years. This summer was one of the funnest summers I’ve ever had in large part because of how much time I got to spend with you. Whether it was showing me new ways to have fun around the volcano, or just hanging by the lake at the ark, there was always a good time to be had. Been thinking about you a lot man and I really hope all our positive vibes make it to you. I know you have sooo much positivity to give to this world and I hope I can follow your example and put some of that out there myself. You make all of us better people Danny, and I am trying to be a better person for you! Much Love Dood!
Zahlinski

January 7th, 2011 by Conor

Danny and I have only been friends for a few years but at this point i feel like it has been a whole lot longer than that..I don’t really know where to start the kid has shown me so many amazing, crazy times in such a short period of time..So open to doing anything whether it be playing 18 holes in the pouring rain or doing laps at Cranmore during vacation week with joeys everywhere and riding the same trail over and over bc this wonderful vally has a negative amount of snow…He welcomed all of us into his house whether it was on the east coast or west it didn’t matter he just loved being around all his friends and sharing a good laugh…Danny’s laugh…well everyone knows where i am going with that one, his laugh is one of a kind just like him, a special individual that could do anything from crocheting you a hat to doing a 1260 on a snowboard which i still don’t understand how it is even possible..Here’s to Conor i have so much respect for you as well you are so devoted to everything you put your hands on that’s why you two are where you guys are today total dedication…

As much as i don’t want to say it i cant wait till Danny woops my ass all over the Wentworth golf course again and of course to just stand around that island and enjoy a good laugh and of course some old school Nelly..

To the entire Toumarkine family my thoughts and prayers are with all of you and Danny I know all of you are strong and will make it through this tough time…Danny until we meet again Goody Twos Soooooooooooooooonnnnn!!!!!