Winterr's words

Im going to be visiting my Fiance
in the USA, and will be posting more from there, but wont have any new posts for a few days.
Don't forget to come back and visit!

I was saddened to hear that Terri Schindler-Schiavo passed away, although I am glad she is not suffering anymore.
This is a very dark day for America. Terri's parents were not permitted to be at her bedside when she passed.
My deepest sympathy go out to the Schindler family who fought for what they believed was right for their daughter, they put up a great fight that any loving parent would have done, I commend them and hope that they know that they did all they could.
Terri's brother Bobby Schindler and sister Suzanne Vitadamo, were always there standing by their parents, which is commendable also.
Rest in peace Teresa Schindler-Schiavo

Ok, there is a photo of Terri Schiavo that has been published everywhere. And I even linked to it but have since deleted the post, I didnt verify the authenticity of it or anything, I just found it on some blogsites I read.
I was quick to link to it thinking the world needed to see and was emotionally drawn into it.
I was wrong and think it's invasion of privacy, if it's real.
There you go

I should be in bed right now, but can't sleep, I have to wind down from a long and very busy day I guess, also im excited about seeing my fiance in the USA soon.
So while trying to wind down I looked in my prayer book and saw such a beautiful prayer, it's only short but it's really nice. So here it is:

When I look at Your heavens,
according to my own lights,
with those weak eyes of mine,
I am certain that they are Your heavens
without any qualification whatever.

I note that the stars circle about them
and reappear year after year....
each with a different function and service
to fulfill.
And though I do not understand them.
I come to the realization that You, O God
are in them.
St.Hilary of Poiters
(bishop and doctor)

I like what many people come up with for the Terri Schiavo case. It's been a great support system for her family too.
My favorite post for the day is at
Life Matters

I am a bit of Bill O'reilly fan I admit. I am often interested in what he has to say about certain topics and I like his outlook on most things.
I found his view on this Terri Schiavo situation rather interesting.
You can read the article or watch the video
HERE

Thanks again to
Glen Beck for this interview with Bobby Schindler. To listen to the audio click HERE

I find a lot of things regarding the Terri Schiavo case disturbing. Things just keep getting more unbelievable.
First off it was the allegations against Michael Schiavo that have never been investigated, the nurses who witnessed Michael Schiavo saying "when is this b--ch going to die" and giving her shots of insulin.
Abuse was reported to the police and they never got called to the courtroom. Also the fact that Terri is not on life support but lives by her beating heart and breathes on her own, at meal times she needs to be fed via the tube and thats about it.
Numerous doctors have said "she is not in a PVS state" well the story goes on.
The newest thing that is disturbing is that Terri Schiavo's Obituary appeared on the CNN news website on the 28th of March. Titled "The Short, Sad Life of Terri Schiavo"
Thanks to
Glen Beck for the story.
You can read the obituary HERE

As we have been reading the headlines "Pope fed by feeding tube" it makes us wonder just how unwell he is.
Although, he is being fed by the feeding tube just to get his calorie intake in and to get him strengthened up.
I pray he recover soon

I think it's great that Jesse Jackson visited with Terri Schiavo. Although Michael Schiavo didnt want him to.
I hope that things start looking up for Terri and quickly!

While George Felos continues to say that Terri Schindler-Schiavo's death by dehydration and starvation is peaceful (are you kidding??)
Dr. David Stevens says about the myth that this process is peaceful:
"Contrary to those who try to paint a picture of a gentle process, death by dehydration is a cruel, inhumane and often agonizing death" He says that most so called experts have not seen someone die under such circumstances.
But Felos continues to paint a pretty picture of Terri looking peaceful with music playing in the room and flowers, how lovely for him

Now marks the 11th day without food or water for Terri Schindler-Schiavo and she is fighting all the way.
Terri's sister Suzanne Vitadamo said "the look on her face is , please help me"
Terri's father says that she is now "failing" but said that she has shown extrodinary determination and is still cognizant and is still aware.
He also emphasized that "she has been through hell this week".
The Schindler family spokesperson says that the Schindlers believe that Governor Jeb Bush or President George Bush can use their executive powers to intervene and save her.
Governor Bush says that although his "heart is broken" about the situation, he must respect federal and state court rulings against re-inserting the feeding tube.

Thanks to Cao's Blog I ended up HERE to read about Michael Schiavo and it seems a possible book deal he may have made to publish a book called "HER BODY - MY LIFE" which will make him more wealthy.

Scripture Matt 11:20-39

COME TO ME

Come to Me, all who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you.
Take My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of Heart. Your souls will find rest, for My yoke is easy and My burden light.

300 are dead after an earthquake in Indonesia, these people have been through so much, only last Christmas they experienced the Tsunami and there may be another one on it's way.
My heart goes out to all the families of the dead.

Wow...Terri is still battling on, it's been almost 2 weeks now, she is certainly a strong woman.
Her parents have been amazing, fighting all the way through, I hope they know that they have done all they could and fought like loving parents do, although they look so worn out and it's really showing.
It's so insane that a disabled woman can be ordered to die by a court because she simply can't speak.
Terri Schiavo was not in any life support machines, Terri's feeding tube was only connected at meal times, so it's just mind baffling how she was allowed to die under such circumstances, many of us will never understand this, while others agree with her death.
The Schindlers won one victory.....that Terri received communion, she drank the blood of Jesus, even if she was denied all her other Catholic rights, she received Christ, I think that's a miracle in itself.

Felos is once again at the table of lies. He says that Terri is too brain damaged to feel pain, and says she is looking beautiful....how lovely if you believe it.
If she is too brain damaged to feel pain, why are they now administering morphine?
Read what Cheryl Ford has to say at
Life Matters

Terri and Michael's marriage was over a long time ago, as soon as Michael gave up and found himself another woman and came into adultery.
He obviously chose to end his married life with Terri, so therefore, why couldnt the guardianship go to the Schindler's? He didn't want his wife, but wanted to own her rights.
What a mixed up world

As I read on
World Net Daily
The 1 million dollars awarded to Terri Schindler-Schiavo was supposed to be used for Terri's treatment and medical care.
She was awarded this money from a malpractice suit against her 2 physicians in 1992.
But as claimed in THIS article, the money has been used by Michael Schiavo to arrange for his wifes death.
Read more HERE

Now as we hear Terri's breathing has become laboured, lets not give up on our prayers for her, because God listens.
She was denied basic care...food and water, I have seen the sick, I have seen my own family members need to be bathed and cared for, I helped care for my father in his last days, and it is true love that keeps you wanting to care for your loved one just the way they are, which is what the Schindler family have, true love for their daughter.

A prayer for Justice:

Grant us, Lord God, a vision of your world as your love would have it:

- a world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor;

- a world where the riches of creation are shared, and everyone can enjoy them;

- a world where different races and cultures live in harmony and mutual respect;

- a world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love.

For Victims of injustice


For all those who have fallen victim to hatred and inhumanity, for those loved ones who are left behind to mourn, for the souls of those whose hearts are cold, Lord, hear our prayer.
For the children who are being born into this world of conflict and violence, for women and mothers who suffer needlessly, Lord, hear our prayer.

For the children who cry in their beds at night and wonder 'what have I done?', for the mothers and fathers who must try to explain the unexplainable, Lord, hear our prayer.

For the redemption of souls of both victim and perpetrator, for those who commit themselves to the forgiveness of sins, Lord, hear our prayer.

O God,Open our eyes that we may see the needs of others; Open our ears that we may hear their cries;
Open our hearts that we may feel their anguish and their joy.Let us not be afraid to defend the oppressed, the poor, the powerless, because of the anger and might of the powerful.
Show us where love and hope and faith are needed, and use us to bring them to those places. Open our ears and eyes, our hearts and lives, that we may in these coming days be able to do some work of justice and peace for you. Amen.

He is risen!! The Catholic masses for Holy Week have been brilliant, our Preist has done great and we all have been busy preparing and then finally going through it.
The service of the light was so wonderful and I watched Shane (a parish member) get baptized.
It was great and I love the smell of incense...mmmmm.
I think of the Schindler family at this time and my heart breaks.
Today is a feast day and I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed time with their loved ones.
Take care all and God bless you!
Carmel xxxx

This is disgraceful, denying a woman nourisment, it's just so wrong.
God made water, for everyone, even animals are born with the right to drink water, even my plant gets it, and yet a Judge and ex husband think they have the right (well it's working) to deny Terri.
Poor Terri Schindler, being treated less than an animal, and less than our plants.
And her family get to watch....

Does this man look well nourished to you?



Michael Schiavo......while his wife bleeds and dies, Michael eats and drinks.
It angers me that George Felos has the nerve to lie to the public and tell us that Terri is peaceful, you would have to be very nieve to believe that.
The natural symptoms are bleeding, flaky skin and sunken eyes, look it up George

Brother Paul O'donnell, a Schindler family spokesperson said -
"Gov. Bush, you do have the authority to stop the killing of Terri Schiavo," said Brother Paul O'Donnell, a Schindler family spokesman. "... We beg you to have courage and take action."
Now the 9th day without food or water, Terri's hopes of life seem to be fading.
This poor family cannot believe this is happening. The looks on their faces says it all.
Whilst Michael Schiavo looks healthy, glowing and bright, Terri's parents, brother and sister look thin, stressed and in such emotional pain.
One would wonder why Michael is looking so good these days.
It seems that Govenor Bush will not do a thing, he is acting as though his hands are tied when indeed they are not.
My heart goes out to the Schindler family, and the pain and suffering that Terri Schiavo is going through right now.

The prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel is a powerful one I believe. Lets pray this for Terri Schiavo and her family, that Saint Michael intercede for them in their tough battle.


Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel for the Schindlers :

Saint Michael the Archangel

Saint Michael the Archangel defend the Schindlers in battle.
Be their protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince
of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast
into hell Satan and all the vil spirits who wander through the world
seeking the r uin of souls.
Amen

People have been ligthing candles for Terri Schindler-Schiavo
HERE it is also for other prayer requests too.

The Governer needs to stand up and save a woman who's life is about to end unjustly.
Governor Jeb Bush is not doing enough, he has the power to act and cannot just sit down and tell the public "I have no superpowers" , what Gov.Jeb Bush has, is "Power" and and "oath" to protect.
Jonathan wrote a great article about this HERE

Terri is being denied the Florida Constitution. Terri Schiavo is a natural human being, therefore Governor Jeb Bush cannot make excuses now, he has an obligation by the "oath" he took to protect her, so where is he?
Former presidential candidate Alan Keyes was asked by Joe Scarborough whether he thinks that Governor Jeb Bush has done enough, in which Alan Keyes responded
"Of course not. He hasnt done anything, she is being starved to death!"

He argues that if a Judge and Jucicary system makes a decision which is contrary to the constitution, in the view of Governor Bush, he has to abide by the constitution, the higher law and not by the dictate of the judge.

There fore lets hope and pray, call, email and fax Governor Jeb Bush and put the pressure on NOW, or it will be too late, Terri is very weak, her eyes and mouth are bleeding and her skin is flaking off.

Terri Schiavo is wrongly being denied the Florida Constition and Gov. Bush can save her, I believe this, do you?

Take a look at the death squad:

There are 3 witnesses that claim Terri tried to say that she want's to live.
Where witnesses are involved, a judge should think twice. But do you think George Greer will?
Who knows.
Say a prayer for this, since now we have harldy no time left,
To read the article click
HERE

I came to think of the 10 commandments,

3 of these commandments I dedicate to Michael Schiavo, Judge Greer and George Felos

Commandment No.5 = You shall not kill
Commandment No.6 = You shall not commit adultery
Commandment No.8 = You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour

Michael Schiavo must feel pretty good right about now, unless something happens fast (very fast) he can wear his victory smile, along with his lawyer and Judge George Greer and Judge Whittemore.
This is such a heart breaking way to die, Michaels brother tried to say that Terri feels no pain, so what does he know? They reall don't care, Michael does not care. He broke the vows of his marriage to Terri by commiting adultery, does that matter to anyone?
I'm confused as to what matters in this system actually, certainly not Terri Schiavo.

A comment made my a lawyer of Michael Schiavo is this : “We believe it’s time for that to stop as we approach this Easter weekend and that Mrs. Schiavo be able to die in peace,” (George Felos)
How can George Felos stand up for an un-Christian act and then quote Easter and peace? Don't you find this contradicting?
First he helps violate Terri Schindler-Schiavo's Catholic beliefs and then he has the nerve to let Terri die while Easter is all about life?
Who is this man anyway? I find this to be yet another twist in the plot to kill Terri Schiavo and reap the money.

I think that the bone scan showing Terri's broken bones, video's of Terri's alertness, witness allegations (ie nurses) and Dr. Hammesfahrs brain scan need to be seen by "everyone"
There are too many people out there thinking that "this is really what Terri wanted" but they need to be shown, it's different when you can actually see a document before your eyes.
The media need to expose Michael Schiavo and Judge George Greer's death choice for Terri Schiavo.
Even though time has almost run out, everyones eyes need to be open.
If I lived in the USA I would be contacting the New York Times and every top newspaper I knew of, and I would be calling up the news programs.
Lets do all we can while we have this small amount of time left, send any tips to Terri's family website which is listed here on my blog and all over the net.
They are running out of options and ideas and maybe you know of something that could help save Terri.
Even a small idea could end up making a difference

Listen to Glenn Beck's interview with Terris sister Suzanne
HERE

Here is an article that was sent to my sister called "Why we don't starve humans"....by Tim Drake
I urge you all to read it by clicking


HERE

The Vatican has been fighting, criticizing the decision made my the courts. Here is a copy of the article from ninemsn news:

- The Vatican pressed its campaign to keep Terri Schiavo alive, saying removing the brain-damaged American woman's feeding tube amounted to capital punishment for someone who has committed no crimes.
In a front-page editorial, the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano criticised a United States federal judge's refusal to order the reinsertion of Schiavo's feeding tube.
"She has no possibility of being 'restored' to a 'normal' life. Therefore Terri Schiavo must die," the editorial began. "This is ... the absurd and terrifying reason" for the judge's decision, it added.
The decision by US District Judge James Whittemore came after feverish action by US President George W Bush and Congress on legislation allowing the brain-damaged woman's contentious case to be reviewed by federal courts.
The tube was disconnected Friday on the orders of a state judge, prompting an extraordinary weekend effort by congressional Republicans to push through unprecedented emergency legislation aimed at keeping her alive.
A top Vatican official, Monsignor Elio Sgreccia, also criticised the ruling, saying it legitimised a "cruel" death by hunger and thirst for Schiavo. Sgreccia, who heads the Pontifical Academy for Life, told Vatican Radio he hoped the ruling wouldn't be repeated in other cases.

"It's not euthanasia in the literal sense of the word," Sgreccia said. "It's not a good death, it's a death provoked by a cruel act. It's not a medical act," Sgreccia said.
"I confirm the moral judgment doesn't change, because it remains an illicit and serious act - even more serious since it appears the decision over who lives and who dies has become a question for a court," Sgreccia said.
In its editorial, L'Osservatore Romano said Whittemore had condemned Schiavo to an "atrocious death: death from hunger and thirst."
"After all, Terri's destiny appears not unlike that of many men and women who in the United States get capital punishment for their crimes," said the paper.
The Holy See is opposed to the death penalty.
Schiavo suffered severe brain damage 15 years ago. Her husband says Schiavo told him she wouldn't want to be kept alive in a vegetative state. Her parents say she needs treatment and another opportunity for life.
The Vatican paper's remarks reflected earlier comments from several Vatican prelates over the case. For the Catholic Church, euthanasia can never be allowed as only God has the power to decide over the life and death of a human being.
Pope John Paul II has strongly condemned euthanasia throughout his 26-year pontificate.

I am appalled at Judge George Greer, this man is supposed to stand for justice but along with Michael Schiavo he wants an alert disabled woman to die.
Ignoring all the evidence out there against Michael Schiavo is a disgrace! Ignoring doctors reports, it's not justice being served, it's a possible murder being served.
All persons are equal before the law, and no person shall be deprived of any right, because of race, religion, national origin or physical dissability, this is what the florida constitution article 1 Section 2 states, and Judge George Greer doesn't care.
It doesn't matter to him obviously, nothing mentioned above matters to him, not possible murder, not legal evidence, not doctors opinions, nothing matters to him but death!
Judge George Greer, I would not want my life in your hands, thank God I don't live in Florida and never want to while you are Judge!

It's great that we have been calling Governer Jeb Bush and left him messages, I left one for him but by the time my mother tried to get through his mailbox was full.
BUT!! His fax number would be a great way to send mail through, fax him and ask him to take protective custody of Terri Schindler Schiavo, and that he does not need to first explain himself in court (especially to the closed minded Judge George Greer).

Judge George Greer won't agree to let Terri live, we have seen her parents get denied, over and over again. So now her hope lays in the hands of Gov. Jeb Bush, let him know!
His fax number is 850 487 0801

Governer Jeb Bush's request to take Terry Shindler-Schiavo into protective custody has been denied.
Judge George Greer does not seem to want to change his mind, but I am glad that Terri's parents are not giving up.
My heart goes out to them today as it is holy thursday, a day we remember Jesus' agony in the garden, when he knew he would be put to death the next day.

Neurologist William Polk Cheshire is a neurologist in florida. He observed Terri this month and wrote this:

Having now reviewed the relevant facts
having met and observed Ms. Schiavo
in person, and having reflected deeply on
the moral and ethical issues, I would like to
explain why I have changed my mind in regard
to this particular case.

read more
HERE

I found a lovely website, where you can light a candle for any prayer intention you like.
I think we can light a candle for Terri Schiavo and her family and leave a prayer request for her, I left my own one and think it's a wonderful way to express our trust in our Lord as our only hope.
Click
HERE and light a candle for Terri

Image from freefoto.com

Thanks to treyjackson.typepad.com for this video footage of Terri's nurse being interviewed by Fox news.
to watch it click HERE
and make your own decision

We'll nothing Michael wants comes to us as a surprise anymore. Including the fact that Michael wanted Terri Cremated as soon as she died.
He said that it's bc Terri doesnt like bugs, well how caring and considerate!!..NOT
In all this
So what could have happened on the day that Terri collapsed? We can never truly know, but it strikes me as strange that Michael who was trained in CPR did not administer CPR to his wife...odd?
Dr. Carole Leiberman says this "If Terri were to be allowed to die, as Michael has been desperately trying to acchieve for years, it could help him escape detection. This would be a grave miscarriage of justice"
The main evidence against Michael comes from the bone scan taken on March 5th 1991 . As Terri's guardian Michael denied her family access to Terri's records. I wonder why?
The scan indicated numerous broken bones in various stages of healing, including compressions fractures, a broken back, pelvis, ankle, bone bruises and ossifications.
Michael Schiavo insists that Terri stated early in their marriage that she would not want to be left on life support, ok so even if this were true, Terri Schiavo is not on life support, she breathes on her own, no machine keeps her alive, she just needs food and water like we all do, she just eats it differently than the normal healthy person.
Remember also, Terri has no written will, if she were so strong in favour of death, knowing her loving family, she perhaps would have wanted a will.
I have myself said in the past, but this doesnt mean a thing because Terri is not on life support. Michael has denied his wife basic medical care in the past too.
There is more evidence out there, more questions, no one is sure of anything, so while no one is sure Terri should be put into protective custody and an investigation be opened, is this so hard??

Read this story:

LINK

I am so dissapointed about this new refusal for Terri's case. Barbara Wellers visited with her and said that by late tuesday Terri's eyes were sunken in and her skin, her lips and tongue were parched.
This is happening because she is thirsting to death, she is suffering. And yet, Michael Schiavo stands firm in his decision.
I pray that someone investigate his motive here.
What we can do is contact Governer Jeb Bush on 850-488-4441 and urge him to take Terri into protective custody.
Also Judge Whitmore had the nerve to wait one day (and time is of the essence) to make a "NO" choice, what a guy!

I have been using all my energy on investigating Terri Schindler (Schiavo)'s history.
I have read and blogged about Michael Schiavo and looked up evidence that should have had him investigated, and heard doctor's reports and nurses claiming Michael is a malicious man.
Yes the court ruled in Michaels favor once again, and this is what I just cannot understand.
I know that Terri is not in a PVS state, everyone who has seen video footage can see.
The audio of Terri with her father (after the tube was taken out) was so sad, I could hear her pain, I could hear her sadness and fear....we all could, yet Michael Schiavo, who was married to her, cannot hear this? After 15 years of being unwell he is still 100% sure he knows what this woman is thinking? It's impossible!!
He has no relationship with her and hasnt held a deep conversation with her in years, what makes him so sure she wants to die? and why isnt it as obvious to him as it is to us that Terri wants to live after watching the video footage?
There are secrets behind Michael Schiavo's story, why can't the judges see this?
Terri could die at any moment now, it was heartbreaking to hear her mother Mary Schindler beg for her daughters life, saying "Please don't let my daughter thirst"
Remind you of Mary mother of Jesus?
I want to know what is wrong with these judges, but fortunately my mind doesnt work like theirs, I think if Terri were one of the Judges daughters the feeding tube would never have been removed.

Right now I can't even write the sadness I feel about this story.
A judge allowed a Texas children's hospital to discontinue care to baby Sun Hudson, despite his mother wanting to keep him alive.
It's her baby right? She loved him and gave birth to him, should there be someone above a loving mother to decide the fate of a baby? at that "her" baby???
This baby was born very sick indeed, but after 6 moths of his life it was decided he die.
Read this story
Here

Listen to what Dr. William Hammesfahr had to say about Terri's condition and Michael Schiavo

AUDIO

Here are some factors that I found that can point to Michael Schiavo abusing Terri Schindler-Schiavo
Testimony of nurses who looked after Terri indicated that Michael was verbally abusive to Terri and may have attempted to kill her by insulin injection and attempts to induce pneumonia by turning the thermostat in her room to 64 degrees.
- Michael Baden, one of the most acclaimed forensic experts in North America, in an interview on Fox News National Television broadcast Saturday said Terri's bone scan indicates that Terri's injuries are not consistent with the suggested explanation of a heart attack or potassium imbalance. He said they are consistent with severe trauma possibly caused by a beating and would warrant an immediate investigation.
- Dr. William Hammesfahr, Nobel prize nominee and neurologist, testified that Terri's neck injuries are consistent with only one type of injury: that of strangulation.Commenting on the case, Alex Schadenberg of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition said, "It would come as no surprise to me that she had been abused previous to her disability, knowing that since1993 she has received continuous abuse by being denied basic medical care, visitation of loved ones, religious visits, and any form of rehabilitation."Schadenberg warned however that the practice of euthanasia by withdrawal of nutrition and hydration from people who are not otherwise dying is common both in the United States and Canada. He pointed out that the argumentation around the case is not addressing the central point that nutrition and hydration should not be considered medical treatment. He noted that a 1990 U.S. Supreme Court decision wrongly allowed nutrition and hydration to be considered medical treatment.In response to the six-day denial of food and fluids to Terri Schindler-Schiavo, the National Right to Life Committee is calling on state legislatures throughout the nation to move to protect people with disabilities from being denied food and fluids. The organization has issued a "Model Starvation and Dehydration of Persons with Disabilities Prevention Act."
Terri's supporters have also asked pro-lifers to encourage AARP to intervene to save Terri's life and not against it: flaarp@aarp.org

I think this examination of Terri by Dr.William Hammesfahr says it all.
September 12, 2002

Re: Terri Schiavo

I was asked to examine Terri Schiavo per the request of the Second District Court of Appeal. They requested that current information about her present medical condition be obtained. They also requested that an evaluation be performed to ascertain treatment options.

HPI:

Ms Schiavo was in her usual state of good health until 2/25/90, when her husband reported that he was awakened from sleep approximately 6 Am by her falling. He reports that she was unresponsive.

Paramedics were called, and aggressive resuscitation was performed with 7 defibrillations en route.

In the Emergency Room, a possible diagnosis of heart attack was briefly entertained, but then dismissed after blood chemistries and serial EKG's did not show evidence of a heart attack.

Similarly, a pulmonary or lung cause of the disorder was ruled out in the Emergency Room after normal blood gases and Chest X-Rays were obtained. The possibility of toxic shock syndrome was also entertained. The diagnosis of the cause of her condition was unknown. Her admission laboratory studies showed low potassium level, markedly elevated glucose level, and a normal toxic screen without evidence of diet pills or amphetamines.

The abnormal potassium level and sugar level were found on admission to the Emergency Room and were successfully corrected by the hospital staff over the next several days. The patient had a difficult hospital course with the development of poorly controlled seizures and prolonged coma state requiring, for a time, ventilator support. However, the staff noted improvement, and it was recommended by several physicians that she be discharged to an intensive rehabilitation center.

She was eventually transferred to Mediplex in Bradenton for intensive rehabilitation. She was poorly responsive. However, after a brain stimulator was placed in 11/90, the staff started to report greater interactions of the patient with her environment, including intermittently apparently following commands, turning her head to voice, tracking visually, etc.

READ MORE

I think everyone needs to see the affidavit of Dr.William Hammesfahr.
Click Here

I have my personal doubts about Michael Schiavo, as many of us do. Have you seen the bone scan for Terri Schindler-Schiavo? For goodness sakes, this should have been investigated a long time ago, and should be investigated before any court decides what to do with Terri, what kind of judge would dismiss these allegations? Is this the way law works, without total investigation of evidence brought before them?
Click HERE to see the bone scan report for Terri. Thanks to Crystal Clear for the link.

The Schiavo's attorney claims that Terri cried and yelled that she wants to live when she heard the courts decision that she will have her feeding tube removed.
Barbara Weller was in Terri's room at the Woodside Hospice in Pinellas park florida.

READ MORE

According to the
The Empire Journal A nurse who worked at the Florida hospice Where Terri Schindler-Schiavo is being dehydrated and starved, has been fired for not supporting the efforts to kill her.
This text below is from the Empire Journal :
*Take notice in this story that nurses have reportedly heard Michael Schiavo say "When is that bitch going to die?"

Hospice Nurse Fired for Supporting Terri Schiavo

By The Empire Journal

A registered nurse who was employed at the Florida hospice where Terri Schindler-Schiavo is being dehydrated and starved to death has been fired for not supporting the efforts to kill the disabled woman..

Nora Lynn Wagner says she that the administration of Woodside Hospice in Pinellas Park notified her employment agency Monday afternoon that they did not want her back working at the facility.

Terri, 41, is now in her fifth day without food and water after her gastric feeding tube was removed Friday by order of Sixth Circuit Court Judge George Greer. Her estranged husband and guardian, Michael Schiavo, says that she would not want to be kept alive by “artificial” life support and that she has no chance for recovery. Because she left no living will when she sustained serious brain injuries in 1990 amidst mysterious circumstances, her husband-by-title only says that she would want to die. Her parents, Mary and Robert Schindler Sr. dispute that and are supported by numerous physicians and neurologists that she could recover with therapy. Michael Schiavo has denied her rehabilitation and therapy for the past 10 years.

Wagner said that her firing came after she had refused to sign a petition being circulated among the hospice staff that said Congress had acted improperly in passing legislation designed to keep Terri alive.

The RN said that anyone at the hospice who speaks out against Michael Schiavo is reprimanded

The facility is operated by the non-profit Hospice of Florida Suncoast. George Felos, attorney for Michael Schiavo, the estranged husband and guardian who is trying to kill his wife by court order, is a former chairman of the hospice board of directors and a nine-year member of the board.

Felos was a member of the hospice board in April, 2001, when Terri was moved from Palm Gardens Nursing Home to the hospice although she did not meet the eligibility requirements as she was not terminal. He resigned from the board in early 2002.

Wagner, who was employed at the hospice for two years, says that Terri Schiavo is cognizant and communicative. She said she would often joke with Terri who would respond with laughter.

Michael Schiavo and Sixth Circuit Court Judge George Greer who issued the death order say that she is in a persistent vegetative state and claim she does communicate and is not alert. Wagner says that is untrue. http://www.theempirejournal.com/greer_schiavo_articles.htm

The hospital admittance records from 1990 when Terri Schiavo “collapsed” show evidence of trauma to Terri Schiavo’s neck. Her friends have testified during court proceedings that she was unhappy in her marriage to Schiavo and was allegedly contemplating a divorce from Michael Schiavo who was allegedly possessive and jealous.

Dr. William Hammesfahr, a world renowned neurologist wrote a complete report concerning the Schiavo case in September, 2002, revealing that medical tests conducted after her collapse did not show evidence of a heart attack. In the emergency room, a possible diagnosis of heart attack was briefly entertained but then dismissed after blood chemistries and serial EKG’s did not show evidence of a heart attack. ( Complete Report of Dr. William Hammesfahr) Dr. Hammesfahr testified that she had sustained injuries consistent with abuse.

Dr. Hammesfahr, a Nobel prize nominee, had filed an affidavit with the court saying that in his opinion CAT scan readings or MRI readings were misrepresented to the court during the January, 2000 trial. He says there is significant brain tissue and it is not true that Terri’s cerebellum has been replaced by spinal fluid. He said in his sworn affidavit that it is his medical opinion that she is not in any sort of coma, whether PVS or otherwise. http://www.terrisfight.net/documents/Hammesfahr%20Aff%20060101.pdf

Other former nurses and caregivers of Terri Schiavo have come forward, including Carla Sauer Iyer, a registered nurse who cared for Terri from about April, 1995 until August, 1996.

Iyer says that Terri’s blood sugar levels were normally “very stable due to the uniformity of her diet”. However, while she suspects Michael Schiavo of injecting Terri with regular insulin to drive her into hypoglycemic shock, she acknowledged she has no proof. She says that after one of his visits to Terri, she saw needle marks on Terri after Michael Schiavo had been left in the closed room with her. She says she also found a used syringe hidden in the trash.

In an interview with Fox News Tuesday, Iyer accused Michael Schiavo of the attempted murder of Terri Schiavo. “Michael wants her to die, he doesn’t want the truth to be known”, Iyer said.

She said that one day after Schiavo had been alone with Terri in her room for about 20 minutes with the door shut, she went in. She found Terri “sweating profusely, lethargic, crying”. She said she checked her numbers on the glucometer and got virtually no reading. After finding a regular vial of insulin concealed in the trash and needle marks under her breasts and groin, she went to the hospice administration and police.

She says the administration told her they would call the state’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) which handles allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults. She says the administration was upset she had gone to the police and she was terminated the following day.

“Michael made sure she had no rehab, no speech therapy, no physical therapy. I put a washcloth in her hand, he said that’s therapy and made me take it out”. She said that another nurse fed her with a baby bottle thickened with liquids, pudding, jello and was not aspirating and Terri enjoyed it. She says that when Michael Schiavo found out, he said he would them fired.

When asked if this was taken into consideration in the court cases, Iyer said no, “I think a gag order was put on all confidence things that Terri had done”.

She said she wanted to let the truth be known that she had heard Terri talk. ‘We had her sit at the nurses’ station, she would interact with all the visitors”, Iyer said.

Nurses have reported hearing Michael Schiavo make such comments as “When is that bitch going to die?”

Iyer says that she recalls Michael Schiavo making statements such as “Can’t anything be done to accelerate her death, won’t she ever die?” “Michael would be visibly excited, thrilled even, hoping that she would die”, Iyer recalled. “He would blurt out, ‘I’m going to be rich’ and would talk about all the things he would buy when Terri which included a new car, a new boat and going to Europe.
Iyer's affidavit

Terri Schiavo's brother Bobby Schindler told WorldNetDaily.com that Michael Schiavo is distorting the conversation that triggered the rift between the Schindler's and the Schiavo's.
"My father was seeking money for Terri's rehabilitation, which Michael Schiavo was refusing to give her," he said, calling Schiavo's accusation "ironic."

"In June of 1993, eight months after he got the malpractice money, he tried to kill Terri by withholding antibiotics needed to treat an infection. There was $800,000 in the fund at the time," Bobby Schindler said.

According to court records, the caregivers at the nursing home overruled Schiavo's order and treated Terri for her infection.

As additional "proof" that he's not in the legal battle for the money, Schiavo told King he offered three times to donate the money to charity two years ago.

But Bobby Schindler called it a "hollow offer."

"The offer came with the stipulation that my parents agree to let my sister starve to death. Why would we let her starve to death?," Schindler told WorldNetDaily. "This is documented. We have the letter from Felos. We even faxed it to Larry King's producers and warned them he would make this claim. I wish Larry King would have the gumption to ask follow-up questions."

Allegations of neglect

"She's never had a bed sore," Schiavo offered as evidence of his contention he has provided Terri with "perfect care" in the two nursing homes and hospice where she has resided over the past decade.

"Nursing homes are obligated by law to provide a minimum of care," Schindler countered. "We don't dispute the care she's been given. We've been asking for therapy, which he hasn't given her in 10 years."

According to medical records provided to the family's attorney, Terri has not received rehabilitative therapy since 1993. In an interview with WorldNetDaily last year, Schiavo insisted he had provided therapy in recent years but would not give details or associated dates.

When asked about this by King, Schiavo similarly asserted Terri had received therapy in the last 10 years and then described the therapy she received in 1991 at a facility in St. Petersburg, Fla., and in Los Angeles, when King asked for details.

"If anyone abandoned her, it's [the Schindlers]," Schiavo said, adding later "My girlfriend has done more for Terri than her own mother has." Schiavo also claimed he "could count on one hand" the number of times Bobby had visited his sister "before the media started covering the story."

Asked about swallow tests the Schindlers sought before the removal of Terri's feeding tube earlier this month to determine if she would be able to eat on her own, Schiavo said Terri was given three swallow tests. Felos added that when the last one was administered it was recommended she didn't need further testing.

"The swallow tests were all done prior to 1993," said Schindler. "I don't understand how he gets away with saying these things and nobody calls him on anything. He has the luxury of fooling the American public."

Schindler said Schiavo was further twisting the truth in accusing him of not visiting his sister, when in fact, he was barred by Schiavo for six months from visiting her.

"He doesn't allow us to do anything for Terri. He's restricted our visits. We can't give her therapy. He won't even let us take her out of her room," he said.




Schindler pointed to another example of distortion on the part of Schiavo. While only four judges have been involved in adjudicating the case over the past decade – Pinellas County Circuit Court Judge George Greer and three appellate court judges – Schiavo claimed 19 judges had "concluded this is Terri's wish" and Felos said 20 judges "found Michael Schiavo to be a loving, caring husband."

"They're adding up all the judges on the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court even though those courts refused to hear our case," said Schindler.
"My father was seeking money for Terri's rehabilitation, which Michael Schiavo was refusing to give her," he said, calling Schiavo's accusation "ironic."

"In June of 1993, eight months after he got the malpractice money, he tried to kill Terri by withholding antibiotics needed to treat an infection. There was $800,000 in the fund at the time," Bobby Schindler said.

According to court records, the caregivers at the nursing home overruled Schiavo's order and treated Terri for her infection.

As additional "proof" that he's not in the legal battle for the money, Schiavo told King he offered three times to donate the money to charity two years ago.

But Bobby Schindler called it a "hollow offer."

"The offer came with the stipulation that my parents agree to let my sister starve to death. Why would we let her starve to death?," Schindler told WorldNetDaily. "This is documented. We have the letter from Felos. We even faxed it to Larry King's producers and warned them he would make this claim. I wish Larry King would have the gumption to ask follow-up questions."

Allegations of neglect

"She's never had a bed sore," Schiavo offered as evidence of his contention he has provided Terri with "perfect care" in the two nursing homes and hospice where she has resided over the past decade.

"Nursing homes are obligated by law to provide a minimum of care," Schindler countered. "We don't dispute the care she's been given. We've been asking for therapy, which he hasn't given her in 10 years."

According to medical records provided to the family's attorney, Terri has not received rehabilitative therapy since 1993. In an interview with WorldNetDaily last year, Schiavo insisted he had provided therapy in recent years but would not give details or associated dates.

When asked about this by King, Schiavo similarly asserted Terri had received therapy in the last 10 years and then described the therapy she received in 1991 at a facility in St. Petersburg, Fla., and in Los Angeles, when King asked for details.

"If anyone abandoned her, it's [the Schindlers]," Schiavo said, adding later "My girlfriend has done more for Terri than her own mother has." Schiavo also claimed he "could count on one hand" the number of times Bobby had visited his sister "before the media started covering the story."

Asked about swallow tests the Schindlers sought before the removal of Terri's feeding tube earlier this month to determine if she would be able to eat on her own, Schiavo said Terri was given three swallow tests. Felos added that when the last one was administered it was recommended she didn't need further testing.

"The swallow tests were all done prior to 1993," said Schindler. "I don't understand how he gets away with saying these things and nobody calls him on anything. He has the luxury of fooling the American public."

Schindler said Schiavo was further twisting the truth in accusing him of not visiting his sister, when in fact, he was barred by Schiavo for six months from visiting her.

"He doesn't allow us to do anything for Terri. He's restricted our visits. We can't give her therapy. He won't even let us take her out of her room," he said.



Schindler pointed to another example of distortion on the part of Schiavo. While only four judges have been involved in adjudicating the case over the past decade – Pinellas County Circuit Court Judge George Greer and three appellate court judges – Schiavo claimed 19 judges had "concluded this is Terri's wish" and Felos said 20 judges "found Michael Schiavo to be a loving, caring husband."

"They're adding up all the judges on the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court even though those courts refused to hear our case," said Schindler.
Similarly, while Felos gave the impression that "the trial court, the appellate court, the state Supreme Court, the U.S. Supreme Court and the federal circuit court" were involved in adjudicating the case, it has primarily been adjudicated by Greer, starting with his 2000 decision to remove the feeding tube. Since Terri has no written directive on the matter, Greer ruled it was her wish, based on testimony from Michael Schiavo, his brother and sister-in-law that Terri had casually told them she would not want to be kept alive by artificial means.

"I'm going to follow Terri's wish if it's the last thing I do," Schiavo told King, who had difficulty challenging any of Schiavo's assertions and was surprised to learn he had fathered a child with his girlfriend. Schiavo failed to tell him a second child is on the way.

"You have a choice as a U.S. citizen to refuse treatment," Schiavo added.

While sticking to this core argument of the right-to-die movement, Schiavo repeatedly attempted to demonize "right-wing" pro-life advocates and accused the Schindlers of being their pawns.

Schindler denied the accusation.

"Our whole focus is Terri. Michael's whole focus is something else. It seems he has deep-seated hatred for the family and is trying to get back at the family by killing Terri," said Schindler.

Allegations of abuse

Schiavo's PR offensive follows damning comments by world-renowned forensic pathologist Michael Baden on Fox News Channel's "On the Record" hosted by Greta van Susteren Friday night.

WorldNetDaily reported Baden, who is co-director of the Investigative Unit of New York State Police in Albany and former chief medical examiner for New York City, ruled out potassium imbalance and a heart attack as factors in Terri's mysterious collapse 13 years ago – which left her severely incapacitated and unable to speak – and pointed to head trauma and bone injuries as a more likely cause.

Although never proven, Schiavo told Larry King a potassium imbalance – likely due to bulimia – caused her to suffer cardiac arrest.

Baden said he studied a bone scan made in March 1991 at a rehabilitation facility that describes Terri as having a head injury: "That's why she's there, that's why she's getting a bone scan."

"A head injury can ... lead to the vegetative state that Ms. Schiavo is in now," he continued, adding the scan showed evidence of other injuries, bone fractures in her thigh, lower back, ribs and both ankles.



As WorldNetDaily reported, the bone scan surfaced last November during evidentiary hearings on Terri's current condition and the prospects for rehabilitation.

Coupled with medical records that indicated Terri was admitted to the hospital the night of her collapse with a "suspiciously rigid neck" which two physicians described as being consistent with attempted strangulation, prompted the Schindlers to seek an investigation of the 1990 collapse. Amid strenous objection from Felos, Greer ruled against such a probe.

Bobby Schindler said the refusal to investigate Terri's collapse casts doubt on Schiavo's assertion he still loves his wife.

"The broken bones got there somehow," he said. "It seems to me if I were her husband I would want to find out what happened to her."

In last night's interview, Schiavo addressed the strangulation testimony by asking why her neck was not bruised and her trachea damaged.



The CNN show began with Schiavo's recount of Feb. 25, 1990 – the night of the collapse. According to Schiavo, he heard a "thud" in the hall at 4:30 a.m. and got out of bed to find his wife lying face down on the floor. Schiavo said he rolled her over and saw she was "lifeless" and called 911.

"If Michael rolled her over, then he rolled her back," Schindler told WorldNetDaily. "He has also stated [in other interviews] that when I showed up he was cradling her in his arms. Now he's changing his story?"

According to Schindler, Schiavo called Robert Schindler first, who then alerted Bobby because he lived in the same apartment complex as his sister, and then called 911. Bobby Schindler said when he arrived on the scene, Terri was face down with her arms underneath her and her hands up by her neck.

"It's etched in my mind," said Schindler, adding that he heard a "gurgling or snoring sound" coming from Terri.

Lie detector test?

Following 45 minutes of a they-said, he-said discussion, in which Schiavo repeatedly accused the Schindlers of lying, King opened the show to callers who asked tougher questions than King.

One caller asked if Schiavo was willing to take a lie detector test. Schiavo responded, "I'll refrain from answering that right now."

Meanwhile, Schindler told WorldNetDaily he visited Terri last night and said she was doing "remarkably well" although she seemed "ornery." He described her as alert and responsive and back to how she was prior to last week's six-day stint without the feeding tube.

Our prayers are needed for the students and the 8 dead because of a shooting at the school in far northern Minesota. The suspect is beleived to be among the dead.
Lord hear our prayer

As we know, Terri Schiavo is not only hungry but thirsty. I want to share some symptoms of dehydration, for public awareness

Symptoms of moderate to severe dehydration:

- low blood pressure
- fainting
- severe muscle contractions in arms, legs, stomach and back convulsions
- a bloated stomach
- heart failure
- sunken dry eyes, with few or no tears
- skin loses it's firmness
- lack of elacticity in the skin
- rapid deep breathing
- fast, weak pulse
- confusion
- coma

Symptoms of hunger as we know is just so painful, but I wanted to share about dehydration since the body cannot go without water for very long. Is this the death that may be passed by law to Terri Schiavo? Remember, she is not in a vegative state and is aware and very responsive.

Terri's husband Michael Schiavo is outraged by the President and lawmakers for intervening in the right-to-die battle.
We know that he has fought with Terri's parents for years, since he wants her to be deprived of her nutrition and die, and her parents want her to live...of course, since she is not in a vegative state, as we can see for ourselves on the video footage.
Michael is quoted by ABC's "Good morning America" as saying: "This is a day for Terri. But I'll tell you what. It's also a sad day for everyone in this country, because the United States Government is going to come in and trample all over your personal, family matters"
Now Terri Schiavo is a Catholic, so obviously depriving her of food and dehydrating her, is not actually letting her die, but it's certainly killing her, murder of course.
Is starvation and thirsting how Michael would like to live out the last of his days I wonder???
Here, we complete strangers to Terri Schiavo and her family, are feeling compassion, and this man who was Terri's husband and shared more than the public with her seems to be 100% all go on her death.
Certainly whilst there is suspicion about Michael Schiavo being abusive to his wife, it should be investigated further before any kind of word that comes out of his mouth should be heard.
We don't know Terri, but we do know ourselves, if there were hope of recovery for us if we were in her shoes, would we try to get therapy, fight and perhaps beat this thing??
There are cases of where people have recoverd and lived to tell their experiences.
Those who are Christian, know that it's up to God when we die, not up to husbands who have moved on in a new family. I bring up Christianity here because we know that Terri Schiavo is a Roman Catholic.
What this woman needs I believe, is therapy not a death determined by Michael Schiavo.
Where there is life, there is hope

It's all happening now, demonstrators appeared outside the federal courthouse, saying that they are praying for Judge James Whittemore.
Also, Fox news as we know is a huge news program shown worldwide. They want to know what you think.
The question they want to know is "Should the federal government be stepping in to determine Terri Schiavo's fate?"
The email address is speakout@foxnews.com

Wow, palm sunday has flown by and we are in Holy week. I'm looking forward to what I can gain this week, since it's my first proper holy week experience since becomming Catholic.
I love the Church year, it's a great time to remember and reflect.
I hope you all stuck to your lent fasts!!! ;-)

To hear the audio of Terri responding to her father after her tube was taken out
click
HERE
Of course if you are sensitive and think it may be too emotional, don't click. :-)

Did you know that Terri Schiavo was denied her last rights after they took her feeding tube out by Michael Schiavo's attorney?
Monsignor Thaddeus Malanowski (her Roman Catholic preist) has been Terri's spiritual provider for 3 years and was told by Michaels attorney that he could not even put a drop or morsel of moistened communion wafer to Terri's mouth.

Monsignor Malanowski had been giving Terri communion for the past 3 years, every saturday accompanied by Terri's parents, Robert and Mary Schindler.

Please pray for Terri now at this time, she has an infection, possibly from the tube being removed from her stomach area.

You can take action to support this bill that I mentioned in my post below, visit
HERE
and write to them, because the compromise can be derailed by a single objection in the senate and can be delayed by a single objection in the house.
So do what you can do now, I wish I could write to my senate but I am in Australia, but I guess blogging is one way.
You can also click here to find your local senate and representative, let them know you are against Terri's feeding tube being removed.

I was so glad to hear that there has been a change in Terri's situation.
Here is the article I read

Tom Delay, along with other members of congress, just held a press conference to announce they have reached agreement on a bill that will: (1) guarantee Terri Schiavo a Federal appeal and (2) restore nutrition and hydration to Terri throughout the process.

I am also aware that when Terri's tube was to be removed, Terri was told what was happening and she cried and could not be quieted.

I thank God it has come this far and she has another chance at her life. Keep praying for her.
I can only imagine how her parents must be feeling, to know that their daughter's nutrition will be given to her again, I felt guilty drinking a big glass of water last night before bed, so I could only imagine the pain in her mother's heart at that time.
Anyway, i'm glad that something has been done, which is more than I can say for Michael Schiavo

I was so saddened to hear that Terri Schiavo's nutrition and hydration has now been witheld from her. Especially since she is not a vegetable. How could a judge let this happen? She is alive, alert and I saw the video clips myself, she smiled, when you smile, you are happy within. She tried to communicate, so the fact that she is being starved and dehydrated now as we sit here, is so sad.
Terri's husband Michael Schiavo had the choice, whether to let her keep on with her treatment or not, and he chose to stop the treatment, he has moved on with his life and has a woman and children and will marry after Terri dies, her parents asked him to sign Terri's rights to them and he wouldnt, why??
Michael Schiavo claims he found his wife Terri on the floor when she fell into the coma, the cause of her state now is unknown, except for the fact that oxegen was not getting to her brain for a long time, which was the cause of her brain damage, I don't want to accuse, but I wonder why he didnt have the heart to let his wife be cared for by her parents.
My heart goes out to Terri and her family, my prayers are with them and I am just in schock about the system and to think that she must be thirsting and hungry thanks to Michael Schiavo.
Please visit
terrisfight.org and support her cause any way that you can, offering kind words, prayers or just anything you can think of, or at least give your self the knowlege of her complete story.

Do you like cats???
LINK

Please do not take offense to this post,It is not meant to disrespect the people mentioned, I have great respect for the bible and God and his servants. I think it's funny and wanna post it!!!

God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the Courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's me!!!

Next time you feel that God cannot use you just remember:

- Abrahaam was too old
- Isaac was a day dreamer
- Jacob was a liar
- Leah was ugly
- Joseph was abused
- Moses had a stuttering problem
- Gideon was afraid
- Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
- Rahab was a prostitute
- Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
- David had an affair and was a murderer
- Elijah was suicidal
- Isaiah preached naked
- Jonah ran from God
- Naomi was a widow
- Job went bankrupt
- John the Baptist ate bugs
- Peter denied Christ
- The Disciples fell asleep whilst praying
- Martha worried about everything
- The samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
- Zaccheus was too small
- Paul was too religious
- Timothy had an ulcer....................AND
-Lazarus was DEAD!!

No more excuses now, God can use you to your full potential, besides you are not the message, you are the messenger


I found this from
skywriting.net

I can't believe how time has flown. Last night we had the last night of our Lent discussion group. I had the privelege of organizing it and leading this year, it's certainly been quite the experience, I have been trying to tackle many things lately.
I have learned a lot from these past few weeks, and it has all been posative, it was a great way of getting to know other parishoners and to intruduce myself to a lot of them since I really have not been here for long.
But what is dragging on is school (accounting, numbers, maths Arrrgggg!!) I can't wait to finnish up, it's also been quite the experience.
Trying to juggle study, a job and weekly meetings certainly takes up free time!
Another thing dragging on is i'm counting down the days before I go to visit my fiance Jonathan and have a great time with him, and a break from work, school and the norm.
Immigration is taking it's time, can't forget to mention that :-(
Well since there are no more Lent discussion meetings, my monday nights are free, I guess study will take care of that!!

LINK

I am truly an animal lover

Jesus said: "Let the Children come to me, do not hinder them. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these"

Well lent season is almost over, it's been a good challenge to fast this year. This penitential time been good spiritual discipline and certainly a time I wont forget quickly.
I would like to draw your attention to
churchyear.net and their new additon that is all about Holy Week
As a new Catholic I need to refer to a lot of information and have found these pages to be quite helpful.

A few months ago I read about Saint Margaret of Cortona. I had never heard of her previoulsy, but found her in a children's book to tell the truth :-)
I enjoyed her story and how her life turned out, so I decided to write about her bc I think her story is quite amazing.
I have also updated this story since first writing it, as I found out more about her, I have changed some words here and there for accuracy.

Her memorial is 22nd Feb. She was a farmers daughter and her mother died when she was 7 years old. Her father re married and her stepmother hated her. She grew up to be unusually beautiful, then at 17 She eloped with a young nobleman of Montepulciano and bore him a son and lived as his mistress for nine years. In 1274 he was murdered by brigands and his body was dumped in a shallow grave, according to tradition Margaret was guided by her dog to where her husbands murdered body was found.
Margaret saw the incident as a sign from God. She publicly confessed to the affair, and tried to return to her fathers house, he would not accept her, nor her step mother. She and her son tried to find shelter at the Franciscans of Cortona, but they refused her because they thought she was too young and pretty to be admitted.
Margaret met with the Moscari family whom let her live with them for several years, looking after their children, earning her own living and atoning for her past by penance.
Eventually she was received as a tertiary of St.Francis, and in 1277 the Moscari family gave her a private cell near their home.
Still young and attractive Margaret had trouble resisting temptation, but each incident was followed by periods of deep self loathing. To make herself unappealing to local young men, she once tried to mutilate herself, but was stopped by a friar named Giunta.

She earned her keep by tending to sick women, she later began caring for the sick poor living on alms, asking nothing for her services. Became a Franciscan tertiary in 1277. Margaret developed a deep and intense prayer life, and was given to ecstacies during which she received messages from heaven.

In 1286 she received charter to work with the sick poor. She gathered others of like mind and formed them into tertiaries. They were later given the status of congregation and called poverelle (poor ones) She founded a hospital at Cortona and preached against vice to anyone who listened. She developed a great devotion to the Eucharist and passion.
In 1288 she had permission from the Bishop, over the heads of the reluctant friars, to retire to a retreat at Mount Sant-Edigio. She gave herself up completely to contemplation, passing through all the stages of Mystical experience, she was entirely alone except for some visits from her preist.
Margaret phrophesied the date of her own death, she died on February 22nd, 1297.
At the moment of her death, a nun some distance away, had a vision of her soul entering heaven and acclaimed as Christ's new Magdalene, miracles took place immediately, although she was not canonized until 1728.


Although she worked for those in need, and though the poor sought her help and advice, the calumny of her earlier life, followed her the rest of her days, and she was forever the target of local gossips.

She is the patron Saint of these: against temptations, falsely accused people, homeless people, insanity, loss of parents, mental illness, mentally ill people, midwives, penitent women, people ridiculed for their piety, reformed prostitutes, sexual temptations, single lay women, tertiaries, tramps.

I certainly enjoyed reading about St.Margaret of Cortona, her story should also teach us about gossip hurting others and not to be judgemental on anyone, no matter what they do, it's the person's heart that we should get to know, as God searches our hearts.

"Do not ask me to give into this body of mine,

I cannot afford it. Between me and my body there

must needs be a struggle until death" - St.Margaret of Cortona

In the past 3 weeks I have been teaching our lenten discussion program, it's been hard and trying at times but a wonderful experience.
This week we read a letter by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, she wrote about a letter she received from the father of a little girl who was going to take her first communion.
This little girl told her father that she didnt want to have a party for her first communion day, and asked her father to save the money and send it to Mother Teresa's poor children, she also asked that her father not buy her a new dress for this occaision, that she would do it in her uniform, just so the money could be sent to the poor children. She had this courage, to turn up to mass wearing her uniform while the other children would have been dressed in their best clothes for the occaision.
This inspired her father to stop drinking and her mother also stopped smoking.
Children can teach us adults quite a lot.