In front of Hospice Woodside
Just some of the cards sent to Terri.
Lawn Angels
Schindler family surrounded by supporters
A Happy Birthday sign placed by a supporter
The Schindlers marvel over a birthday cake brought by volunteers.
Mary Schindler.
Posted on 12/05/2003 10:17:29 AM PST by nickcarraway
Pinellas Park, FL (LifeNews.com) -- On Wednesday, supporters of Terri Schiavo joined members of her family to celebrate Terri's 40th birthday. However, like so much of Terri's story, the event was not without controversy as some cards written to Terri by disabled children were taken down shortly after they had been displayed.
As previously reported by LifeNews.com, dozens of special needs students from Margaret K. Lewis School in Panama City, Florida created birthday cards for Terri. Though they needed help from teachers and assistants to draw their cards and sign their names, that didn't stop them from letting Terri know they care.
Earlier in the day, Mary Schindler, Terri's mother, displayed the cards near Terri's bed. Later in the day, Mary returned to find that the cards had been taken down and place on a shelf out of the way.
More cards were put on display only to be removed later as well. There was no indication as to who removed the cards -- whether it was hospice staff, Terri's estranged husband Michael or a representative of him.
"I don't understand why they wouldn't allow us to display her birthday cards," said Mary Schindler. "It seems so outrageous that someone would be scared of having something as simple as a card or a kind note reach Terri."
The actions aren't unusual as this isn't the first occasion on which Terri was denied cards or gifts. Supporters have sent Terri flowers on previous occasions that were removed from her room shortly after they arrived.
Also, according to Terri's family, Michael Schiavo has prevented her before from receiving flowers.
Many supporters came Wednesday bearing gifts and several hundred people sent Terri birthday cards and while others gave balloons and cupcakes.
Some who came in person to support Terri brought special homemade items. Jeanie Dicus of California brought a hand-crafted a quilt with lavender flowers and intricate needle-work for a gift. Cheryl Ford of Florida put together a collage of photos from people around the world who support the disabled woman and her plight.
Though Terri's family was permitted to bring in a piece of cake to Terri's room (she was not fed with it) the officer on duty mocked them as they put lip gloss -- a birthday present -- on her lips.
"All of these little indignities add up to one great, giant indignity, namely treating Terri as though she were dead," said Pat Anderson, attorney for the Schindler family.
"However, Terri was under a death sentence this time last year, so this was a birthday Terri was never supposed to have, and it's encouraging to know so many people from all around the world are pulling for her," Anderson added.
Birthday greetings for Terri can be sent to The Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation, 4615 Gulf Boulevard, #104-103, St. Petersburg Beach, Florida 33706.
Related web sites:
Terri's family - http://www.terrisfight.org
Pictures from the birthday party - http://www.terrisfight.org/bday
That's what I was thinking. If they were tacked up on the wall & taken down, there'd probably be reason to complain. But if they stood them up on a table or something, then I'd expect the staff to move them when they need that space for medical equipment, bedding, etc.
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If true, that is one sick place where they have her. The man should be fired immediately and prevented from ever working again at a hospice. In fact, it seems that this poor woman is surrounded by sick and demented folks (led by her husband-in-name-only). May a loving Christ cradle her in His arms throughout this challenge.
First of all, what needs? Food and water, maybe? These people are only giving her those things because a they have been made to do it. I'm all for "innocent until proven guilty," but the hospice and the husband have both proved through their actions that they have zero respect for the Schindlers and their supporters and also that they (at best) believe this woman is a bag of meat who should be dispatched by starvation--a method nobody would use to euthanize a dog.
Second, did you read the whole article, or did you stop at "on a shelf out of the way"? It is clear from the rest of the article that everything that goes to this woman gets removed or refused. How many times have you gone into a room at a hospital or nursing home that had a good number of flowers and cards in it? In a hospital room there are ample places to place flowers and cards while allowing medical personnel access to the patient.
For some reason Mike Schiavo is desperate to keep this woman from being stimulated, and that leads to an inescapable conclusion. If he really believed that there's nobody in there, he'd say, "Hey, whatever you idiots want to do," sit back and watch while the stimulation had no effect whatsoever. Instead he's scared. That means he at least has doubts that his wife is vegatative, and that he wants to starve her before the issue can be resolved.
Free Republic had a table at the birthday party. I pinged nickcarraway. Maybe he could ping you there. It's my recollection. FV
Father, we grieve that one still stands between Terri and freedom .. one who pledged to care for her, cares only that she die. Continue to speak to his heart, Creator God, for he shows no signs of remorse. Thank You that You are the God of Redemption .. I pray that Michael would repent and claim the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. And yet, Heavenly Father, while praying for his immortal soul, I pray that You will keep him, and others so like-minded, from doing her physical harm. Michael may keep captive her body, but he is not Captain of her soul. Touch her and speak to her where only You can go .. pour into her the thunderous prayers and quiet tears and overwhelming anguish, that she might be strengthened for the days ahead.
Father, take the agony we feel for Terri and her family, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, translate that into glorious action on her behalf .. work in the hearts and minds of the people and the judges and the media and the legal teams and the volunteers .. that those who wish her death would be unable .. that those who wish her life would be empowered. And may we, too, be strengthened, for it is devastation to see and hear the sweeping away of all things that would bring some joy and beauty to her life. Take note of our sorrow, Lord, and turn it, I pray, into rejoicing when Terri returns to the care of her beloved family. May it be thus, to the Glory and Honor of God Almighty, Amen ...
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