Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Nothing Short Of A Miracle




Well watching Andrew grown up and celebrate his 21st birthday has been nothing short of amazing. I can't believe it!!! My baby has grown up and is well on his way to becoming the man I always had hoped he would be.

Tall, handsome and looking just like his Papa Fiorelli, I struggle to fight back the tears that well up in my eyes as I am overcome by the crude memories of nursing him through his heroic four-year battle with leukemia. For years Andrew's cancer absconded the joy from my life and cast its shadow over the carefree happiness I as his mother felt at this joyous birth.

For years I walked a fine line between illness and wellness with you my dear son. For years I prayed over every breath you took and cautiously dared to dream about you growing up and experiencing everything in life I knew you deserved.

I am overjoyed and humbled as I share this special day with you. I can't help but drop to my knees and thank God for the mercy and grace he bestowed on us through out your life. Every day I have with you is truly a gift, a deliciously, spectacular experience that makes me happier than words could ever express.

Happy Birthday, May God Bless You & Keep You Forever In His Care!!!!!!!

All My Love, Mom
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It begins with the vision to recognize when a job, a life stage, a relationship, is over--and let it go.

It involves a sense of the future, a belief that every exit line is an entry, that we are moving on, rather than out.

"Ellen Goodman"


Sharing the End of Life:


Sharing the wonder and the terror of witnessing our child’s final days of life is a very extraordinary and intimate experience. There is no other path so devastatingly sacred or painfully traveled as this. It is my belief that no other experience in life can make us question the validity of our Heavenly Father’s genuine assurance of comfort like having to trust and lay our child in Christ’s heavenly arms.

With the loss of a child come long days and difficult frightening nights. The loss of a child’s laughter resonates all around us making the absence of their presence huge! It is essential to recognize that the stillness of their absence attests to the true intimacy experienced between child and parent.

Let me share with you the silence of your pain and let me offer you my support. In the end of life what matters and makes a difference is, taking the time to slow down, to hold a hand, to give support, to just be and to share the silence.

"We experience intimacy not by sharing words, but by sharing the silence."

Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen

Just Be


Be yourself and relate person to person.
Be ready to listen again and again.
Be respectful.
Be aware of feelings and non-verbal cues.
Be present.
Be comfortable with silence.
Be human.
Be genuine.
Most of all--Be there.

Kirsti A. Dyer, MD, MS