Even with the world falling down around him, or on top of him, David Salah has remained focused on his family. When Colleen Fox-Salah first met her husband, in 1987, she was struck by his compassion. However, it has been David’s tenacity that has made him a hero in the eyes of his wife. The couple, who now live in Brockport, first met about 20 years ago while working as aides at St. Joseph’s Villa. David was a student at Fordham University, and an aspiring comic whose star was rising at least locally. Colleen was unusually mature, as she had been self-supporting since the age of 16. The initial romance lasted for a year before the couple parted ways. Four years later, David sent a letter that reunited them. David was getting ready to dive into graduate school. Colleen was a single mother working in a law firm and finishing up her bachelor’s degree. “I thought we should just be friends,” Colleen said. “I was too tired to be much more.” David felt differently. In 1995 they were married. David worked two jobs while Colleen earned her master’s degree in English. Most weeks he was working more than 60 hours. The couple was trapped between mounting credit card debt and the desire to have one stay-at-home parent. The birth of their second child, Jack (Kelan is the older son), cemented their decision to have Colleen stay home. Unhappy with his work situation, and in need of a decent income, David got a job framing houses. In August 2002 David’s dream of supporting his family this way came crashing down in the form of 3,000 pounds of building materials. Among his many injuries, his femur was broken in three places. The injuries from the accident spurred other medical complications. David was alone in the apartment when he knew something was going terribly wrong. He had a pulmonary embolism, which sent him rushing back to the hospital. “I remember calling where Colleen was and I told them, ‘Tell my wife I’m going to the hospital. I think I’m having a heart attack, ’ ” David said. Thus began a long road to recovery with no hopes of going back into construction and few options visible on the horizon. “I knew when he was in the hospital we were going to have to make choices,” Colleen said. Many onlookers suggested that the choice was obvious. Colleen should go to work. However, the couple remained firm in their commitment to focus on their boys. Again, David chose to be the sole provider for his family so Colleen could continue as a stay-at-home mother. This time he went to work at Dominoes. Previously he had worked there part-time. “Sometimes we didn’t know how the rent would be paid,” said Colleen. “It was just amazing how it has all worked out.” The Salahs were able to use the insurance settlement from David’s accident to pay off their debts and a foundation within the Dominoes organization helped them turn their financial situation around. David continues to work at Dominoes and now also attends culinary school. He can see himself working as a pastry chef someday. For now, his goals still focus on his family. They are planning to move from their apartment into a home soon. “I learned from my father the keys to raising a strong, healthy family,” said David. “That’s what I want to do for my family.” Colleen views her husband’s efforts as heroic and the results as an affirmation of their shared core beliefs. “It is amazing that if you stay firm with your beliefs and values it all works out,” Colleen said. “What’s the point of faith if you can’t lean on it?” |
