Bobby Schindler remembers sister Terri through home movies
(an ABC Action News report 1/6/05)
http://www.tampabaylive.com/stories/2005/01/050106schiavo.shtml
TAMPA - Over the holidays, the family of Terri Schiavo went before a judge in a last ditch effort to keep her alive. The Schindlers claimed Terri would want to remain on life support because of her religious beliefs. However, the court of appeals rejected that plea.
Since the ruling, the Schindler family has been speaking out and sharing old home movies of happier holidays.
"She would love this," said Bobby Schindler as he watched footage of his sister dancing as a young girl. "It's too bad there is no sound to go along with this. I'd love to hear what she is saying."
After 33 years of sitting in a closet, Bobby dug up old family films and transferred them to video so he could share them with Action News.
"We were a very close family," Bobby remarked.
Bobby explained the films depict happier holidays for him. He and Terri were 8 and 9-years-old when the movies were shot in 1972.
"I think Terri is beautiful now," Bobby continued. "She was beautiful back then and she is beautiful now. She is my sister and I love her."
When asked if he had come to grips with the fact that Terri's feeding tube could be removed as early as this month, he said, "I am not out of touch with reality here. I know what could possibly happen but I just refuse to stop fighting for my sister. I don't care what anybody says -- what the media says or experts say. We never predicted what would happen before, so we'll see what happens."
Governor Bush pushed Terri's Law that essentially kept her alive. However, it was struck down last fall. The governor has appealed to the Supreme Court. The justices hear less than two percent of cases each year.
Bobby visits Terri every week, but has not told her what the family is up against.
In addition, Floridians can visit www.myflorida.com to get to the Fla House and Senate pages and email their district reps. Terri is alert and aware of her surroundings is a good way to start any email about Terri. Including links to news web sites is also important to include.
Short is best for recipients and doesn't take long to do.
Thanks for the ping!