Wesley J Smith: Terri Schiavo Life and Hope Network Wins Well Deserved Life Prize

First Things/Secondhand Smoke ^ | 11/15/10 | Wesley J. Smith

[wagglebee]

The Schindler Family–Terri Schiavo’s mother and siblings–are some of the finest people I know. Their indomitable fight to save Terri from a cruel and medically unnecessary slow dehydration–in the face of media smears and fury among some who went berserk over their desire to save Terri’s life–epitomized familial unconditional love and stalwart courage in the face of great adversity. That several year struggle destroyed father Bob Schindler’s health, and her death broke his heart. He died a few years ago.

But the family continues on, working quietly behind the scenes individually–and through their foundation, the Terri Schiavo Life and Hope Network–to help people who are fighting against a loved one suffering a similar fate. They remain white hot controversial figures in some quarters, but the pro life movement has now stepped forward with a big $100,000 Life Prize” award to the foundation. From the press release:

In 2005, the world watched as a young woman with disabilities was deprived of food and water by order of a judge. Her family has vowed to fight for the right to life of those vulnerable individuals with disabilities and as a result, “Terri’s Network” has become their safe haven amidst the pressures of the so-called “right to die” movement. More than 1,000 families have been helped by the organization through their national network of resources, support and medical facilities for the medically-dependent and now they are among the six recipients of $600,000 in prizes awarded for achieving significant progress in promoting the sanctity of human life and working to protect and preserve it…The Life Prizes winners were measured by their success in saving lives and selected for best demonstrating their leadership and progress in pro-life achievements through public advocacy, scientific research, legal action, outreach and public discourse activities.

What a splendid recognition of selflessness. Congratulations to all who contribute to the Network–and to Bobby, Susanne, Mary, and the abiding memory of Bob.

If you are interested in the details about other recipients, hit this link.

[wagglebee]

NOBODY deserves this more!

[wagglebee]

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[wagglebee]

Pinged from Terri Dailies

[trisham]

Excellent!

[freepertoo]

I did not know Terri’s had father died. I was staying in the same hotel with Terri’s brother and parents when I went to Florida to protest what was about to be done to her. Despite the horror of what was about to transpire, the entire family, though obviously struggling emotionally, was gracious enough to have dinner with me and another Freeper because they knew we were there to support Terri. I was deeply humbled and gratified by their grace.

[Java4Jay]

The ‘pro-life’ Bush showed his true colors in that case, allowing the government to kill her.

[wagglebee]

Bob Schindler died in August, 2009. He'd had heart problems for some time and the trauma of Terri's murder took its toll.

Despite the horror of what was about to transpire, the entire family, though obviously struggling emotionally, was gracious enough to have dinner with me and another Freeper because they knew we were there to support Terri. I was deeply humbled and gratified by their grace.

I can only hope that I would be able to face what the Schindlers endured with even a fraction of the grace and dignity that they did.

Here are some threads on Bob's passing:

Terri Schiavo's Father Robert Schindler Dies, Pro-Life Group Mourns His Death

American hero Bob Schindler goes to be with the LORD

Family's Statement on Passing of Father of Terri Schiavo, Robert Schindler Sr

Fr. Pavone Mourns Passing of Robert Schindler, Sr.

A father I'd want on my side (Robert Schindler, Sr. - Father of the late Terri Schiavo)

Bob Schindler: A pro-Life hero

[trisham]

He died of a broken heart. Very sad.

[surroundedbyblue]

I was 27 when this happened. Believe me when I tell you that I lost friends over this. I remember feeling isolated & alone because of my pro-life stance. People scoffed at me & some even told me that I was mean and/or selfish for wanting this woman to be fed. Inwas just appalled at what I heard coming from people. I was in grad school at the time & had just left class at noon. When I started up my car, Rush was just coming on & he announced “today is the day we starved a fellow citizen to death”. I pulled over & cried.

Obviously, I didn’t know about FR back then. I wish I did. I wouldn’t have felt so alone. But my point is, I learned alot from this story - who my friends really were, and what ugliness people were capable of. It was one of the pivotal times in my adult life. Thank you to those FReepers who stood up for this poor girl. God bless all of you and her lovely family. I pray for all involved who were responsible for this - may the Holy Spirit change their hearts.

[wagglebee]

Unfortunately, more than a few FReepers fully supported Terri's murder. Thankfully, most of them are no longer FReepers.

[trisham]

Many of them may be gone, but there are still a number of FReepers who would support her murder today.

[surroundedbyblue]

What?!?! I wish you’d tell me you’re joking but I’m sure you are not. I’ll never understand some people’s logic. Oh my.

Father Corapi brought Terri up on his show last night. It seems so cut & dry to me. I simply do not understand how anyone could have supported what happened. The world has simply gone mad. Ugh.

[Sun]

“Unfortunately, more than a few FReepers fully supported Terri’s murder. Thankfully, most of them are no longer FReepers.”

Brainwashing works very easily on the gullible.

[floriduh voter]

Hi, changed my IP. I’m back. Yes, many well known GOP politicians participated in Terri’s extermination in addition to the troll freepers you mention who are still hating at other locations including liberty post.

[floriduh voter]

Jeb should forget about running for The White House. Terri’s Fight will resume if he thinks America has forgotten that he sat on his hands while Terri suffered. Terri was an early victim of death panels.

[floriduh voter]

Seems he had high BP and after Terri was murdered, the stress had already taken its toll. Even when it was obvious that Bob Sr. didn’t feel well, he never lost his dignity, his kind soul and his beautiful sense of humor. He loved many as if they were his sons and daughters.

[floriduh voter]

At Terri's 2003 attempts on her life, we decided that this country was going downhill. After she was murdered, the downhill spiral had begun. Now look at this country. Terri's life and death was the first milestone in the takeover of America by thugs in govt, medical field, hospice field, and last but not least, in CHURCHES.

Many churches were too intimidated by tax laws to pray for Terri or to show up for her.

[Sun]

Father Pavone wasn’t intimidated.

I received this by email from the Terri foundation:

“Pentagon Plan Won’t Cover Brain-Damage Therapy”

http://www.npr.org/2010/12/20/132145959/pentagon-health-plan-wont-cover-brain-damage-therapy-for-troops

We need to work as hard as we can to get more pro-life politicians elected.

[floriduh voter]

They are going to dehydrate the wounded now? Don’t their families have a say?