The angel from next-door is gone. Her smile gave light to our world and our
world failed her miserably. Watching her
grow-up was one of the most blessed facets of my life. Losing her is one of my darkest moments.
Her first leukemia diagnosis was at age 13 and the treatment
lasted until she was age 15. In early
July of this year, at age 17, the leukemia returned with uncompromising
vigor. After courageously enduring
5-months of torturous hospitalization, which included removing both of her legs
in a futile attempt to control rampant infection, she died on November 28. Her funeral was on December 4.
In spite of their complete spiritual faith and having a good
income and health insurance, her family is emotionally and financially devastated. In between bouts of the leukemia, Daniela’s
father filed for bankruptcy in order to save their home. Today, there may be little chance for him to
save it again. There are no food stamps
available for this family and no government mortgage refinance, only the
limited help from family and friends.
The bill collectors and the legal system did not wait for Daniela’s last
breath to begin gnawing at the remains of her family.
I will not be asking for Internet donations for Daniela’s
family, but I do solicit your good thoughts and / or prayers. Please give to those around you who are in
need, whatever you can afford and whenever you can.
The humble blogger at this obscure blog site is on hiatus
until his enhanced seasonal melancholy clears.
Should I not return before then, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year.
Zach,
ReplyDeleteOur world is rarely fit for angels to tread... I am happy that your life was brightened by an angel... however briefly. I am saddened at the loss and shall pray for their and your comfort.
Bless her heart, and bless yours, my friend. Prayers for Daniela, her family and friends and most especially for such a nice person as you.
ReplyDeleteI have to believe, in cases like this, that God needed a special warrior in his fight for good and it was only Daniela that possessed the necessary qualities this warrier needs. Perhaps her illness was part of this fight.
It's devastating when something like this happens. I grieve for her family and for you, but I know her immortal soul is in a safe and good place and that you'll see her again.
God Bless.
Prayers and good thoughts her family, friends and your way.
ReplyDeletegfa
My heartfelt condolences and a wish for healing, in time, go out to her family and to you over the loss of a loved one.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Texas,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in High School a girl in the year ahead of me had cancer. Her last summer she had a leg taken hoping to check the spread of the disease.
She was beautiful, and brave. She never missed a day of school. She made her way around the school on cruches because she "didn't need a wheel chair". She never missed a day of school untill Thanksgiving, but never came back. She died before Christmas.
I will never understand why some people are given such a rough road.
My heart goes out to Daniela's family, and to you who also loved her in your own way.
God's speed Daniela.