Thank you for a beautiful celebration of Life for Terri Schindler-Schiavo

zimp.org ^ | 12-13-04 | Floriduh Voter

[phenn]

The following photographs were taken by Floriduh Voter on December 12, 2004. On that Sunday afternoon, family, friends, supporters and advocates of Terri Schindler-Schiavo gathered to honor her day of birth and celebrate her life. The following thumbnails will 'pop' into a new browser window. We extend our thanks to everyone who attended, to those who sent greetings and prayers and to everyone who has befriended this family in their struggle to protect their daughter's life and liberty.
	Terri  41st Birthday Celebration of Life Sunday, December 12, 2004 Guest of Honor, Terri Schindler-Schiavo, was not in attendance at the picnic in the park, but Terri’s parents and siblings visited with her beforehand. The get together at Helen Howarth Park was a celebration of thanksgiving that Terri Schindler-Schiavo lives still.  She became 41 years of age on December 3rd.   A mass was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Largo, Florida on December 3rd.   The Sunday, December 12th Celebration was a multi-denominational get together and reunion for Terri’s supporters with her parents Bob and Mary, sister Suzanne and brother Bob, Jr.   The mood was festive in the park, under the tall pines with splashes of sunlight peeking through from the west. It was a good turnout.   I would be remiss not to mention party guests who have survived comas, serious accidents and other health care scares, including Angel Watson who used to fly for the Air Force until a skiing accident.  Angel is an advocate now and has fulfilled many of her dreams in spite of the split second that everything changed.  She said to the crowd that folks with disabilities can "max out" their potential, find their way if given the opportunity, and strive to live life to the fullest.    It is her personal wish for Terri.     There were posters of Terri, and posters of Terri’s volunteers, birthday cards and hand-outs. The local ABC affiliate was there in the form of a photojournalist and the local CBS affiliate sent one or two crew to cover the "Schindler" Pavilions #5 and #6.   A Baptist Conference reporter was on scene and some incognito folks were taking notes as well.   For appetites brought on by the chill in the air, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, pickles and all manner of chips were served buffet style. There were two large Birthday Cakes with flower icing in purple, Terri’s favorite color.  The big card I made on Sunday morning with tag board and lace matched up well with the cakes.      Special guests came from California, Wayne Galley (singer-keyboardist-songwriter), two Brothers in traditional garb from an abbey in Minnesota, a husband and wife from Michigan who brought pictures of their daughter who is disabled. Mrs. Michigan mentioned that they care for their daughter back home the way the Schindlers long to care for Terri. Their daughter even goes to amusement parks. A Terri supporter came  all the way from West Palm Beach last night to lay claim to the Pavilions for the Schindler Party at Helen Howarth Park.  Reservations are at "dawn". Period.   It got a little sentimental.  It didn’t feel as if we were outside at all - the party had a glow and ambiance as if we were in a ballroom at a swanky hotel.  Hmmmmmm.  Amazing grace perhaps?    Cheryl Ford and floriduh voter (me) helped professional musician Wayne Galley subbing as backup singers.  It’s always fun to flirt with show biz, but especially with Wayne makin‘ it easy for the two of us to know when to start and for the audience's sake, when to stop. Lots of speakers came forward.   Their pictures can be right clicked to see at properties what or who it is. Former  Judicial candidate Jan Govan  was also there.  He’s achieved celebrity status it seems since the August 31st election wherein he was a high vote getter, although sad sack figure Judge Greer is the ultimate insider. At the celebration today,  Govan even signed an autograph for a young lady who will be eligible to vote in a few years.  He was surrounded by well wishers throughout the afternoon.         Govan spoke to the crowd about Living Wills. There Is no turning back if you check the wrong boxes and he reported that since Terri’s situation increased public awareness regarding the option of choosing life, will clients are paying more attention to what they are signing and check marking so they don’t inadvertently agree to their own suicide through starvation/dehydration or other means.  This being the case, in my opinion, Terri is saving other lives.  Just think of it.        It is good that we have time to experience some of the joy that Christmas brings but of course vigilance remains until Terri is completely out of harm’s way, re-learning how to live.  Terri needs her life back, not taken from her.   Terri has many admirers and hundreds of friends, many who may never meet her face to face.   I am honored to live nearby, to know her family and to treasure friendships that never would have been but for divine inspiration bringing us and keeping us all together in His Name. A guest speaker all the way from Minnesota reminded us that because we are created in His image, taking someone's life is "killing God". Please remember his words.     Terri’s Celebration of Life was a celebration of every life.  Rejoice.     Floriduh Voter at free republic.com http://www.conservative-spirit.org
This is Brother Anthony from Minnesota. He and Brother Paul of the Franciscans traveled just to be here with Terri's family.
This is Buffy. She is an Asian Chicken who has been present at many gatherings with Terri's supporters and friends. She is the mother hen!
Beautiful cakes for friends who gathered with Terri's family.
A giant card to be given to Terri to keep in her room.
Just part of the gathering of people who came to celebrate Terri's life.
Terri's friend and spiritual provider, Monsignor Malanowski.
Paulette sings.
Pictures of Terri.
The ever-growing portrait of people who join Terri's family in support of her rights.
Singer-Songwriter Wayne Galley who traveled across the US to be with Terri's family on this special day. He produced a CD to benefit her foundation.
People listening to performer Wayne Galley
Attorney Barbara Weller discusses Terri's situation and what people can do to protect themselves from forced exit.
Posters both, informative and sentimental, designed and donated by Terri's supporters.
The amazing Angel Watson, disability advocate and survivor of PVS diagnosis.
Brothers Anthony and Paul speak about human rights and love for all people.
Dr. Jan Craddock reads a poem about life and its worth.
Attorney Patricia Anderson speaks about the laws affecting vulnerable Florida citizens.
Jan Govan, who ran opposite of Judge George W. Geer, talks about his reasons for getting involved.
Terri's beloved mother, Mary, addresses the gathering while the rest of the Schindler family listens.
What you can do
Please visit www.terrisfight.org to learn more about Terri's story. Please tell others about her plight.

[phenn]

Thank you so very much to all the Freepers who took the time to share their caring with the family of this disabled, young woman.

[konaice]

God spare me from the asian chicken!

[Drango]

This is Buffy. She is an Asian Chicken who has been present at many gatherings with Terri's supporters and friends. She is the mother hen!

Is this some kind of joke? Satire?

[dsc]

Beautiful. You guys are all heroes.

So, what's the latest? Where do the lawsuits stand?

[trustandobey]

Thank you for the post and pictures. For those of us unable to be there, it sure lifts our spirits! May the Lord continue to bless Terri, her family, and those who are fighting so hard for her life.

[phenn]

Nope. Just one of the crowd has her as a pet. No hidden meaning.

[phenn]

The latest is thusly (ahem...)

A memorandum of law was filed some weeks ago. This was a citation of Terri's independent religious liberties. It was based on a decree made by the Pope in March of this year that withholding food and fluids from incapacitated and/or disabled people was morally contrary to Catholic teachings.

Terri is a life-long and obedient Catholic. Attended Catholic school, Cathecism (sp) and was wed in a Catholic church. She attended Mass and accepted Eucharist the night prior to her medical episode.

It is the belief of her family, therefore, that she would take heed of the Pope's decree.

This was denied by the circuit court and has been appealed to the second district court of appeals. Oddly, her guardian/husband has not answered the appeal nor objected to the family's request for oral arguments to the 2nd DCA.

Odder still is that he has also not responded to Governor Jeb Bush's latest acceleration to the United States Supreme Court.

We should know within a month or so what the go is. I hope it is that Florida will finally, finally protect this young woman's rights.

[dsc]

"Oddly, her guardian/husband has not answered the appeal nor objected to the family's request for oral arguments to the 2nd DCA.

Odder still is that he has also not responded to Governor Jeb Bush's latest acceleration to the United States Supreme Court."

I wonder if everyone's prayers have anything to do with his apparent lack of energy.

[Mfkmmof4]

Despite all of Schiavo's attempts Terri still lives!!

[floriduh voter]

Big bump to the top. Thanks again. Here's my logo:

[phenn]

There is certainly something to be said for positive energy. Perhaps you are right.

I know that a very big part is that Terri's parents have no intention of allowing their own child to be euthanized. Certainly not when she's obviously alive, aware and wants to live her life.

Mum and dad go in to see her, and she giggles at them, follows them with her eyes, tries so desperately to communicate (and actually does a pretty good job considering the lack of therapy), complies with requests to do this, do that, cries like hell when they leave.

I know that this would have been her parents' path, no matter what. But I also know that the outpouring of support from people - most of us strangers - has given them a great deal of comfort.

So, I say thank you once again. It has helped. It has opened eyes and it has served to let Terri's family know that they are not alone.

[F.J. Mitchell]

The Shindler family and their precious daughter Teri, are an inspiration to everyone who becomes aware of their challenge and how valiently and faithfully they have dealt with every obstacle thrown into their path and never waivered, nor surrendered to despair.

May God bless and reward the trust they have placed in him, in the wonderful and mysterious ways that only he can.

[floriduh voter]

Ping.

[phenn]

So much for that 'she wants to die' notion. Terri is about as tough as they get. She obviously knows her own value - even if some people do not. She gets past problems - even when the 'guardian' withholds care. I'd say this kid wants to live very much.

[Conservativehomeschoolmama]

Awesome!

:)

[floriduh voter]

I'm sending this thread to Governor Bush in about two seconds.

[floriduh voter]

Welcome to Terri's birthday party.

[floriduh voter]

Thanks, I do appreciate your input.

[onedoug]

"In God We Trust."