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.

[Ohioan from Florida]

Terri ping! If anyone would like to be on/off my Terri ping list, please let me know here or by FReepmail.

[Ohioan from Florida]

I'm so glad to hear that the party was so nice! I knew it would be!

[Theodore R.]

And Terri still lives despite the opposition of her fellow countrymen, most of whom wanted her dead years ago even though they know nothing about her case.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[Kitty Mittens]

This is Wonderful! Thank you so much for the Ping, Ohioan! Glory to our God for Keeping Terri Alive all these years, in Spite of her depraved and wicked enemies!

Thank You, Merciful Master, for Your Loving Care of our dear sister Terri!

[MonteMar]

Thanks for bringing some of Terri's party to the people that would have loved to have been there. It looked like a wonderful celebration!

[BykrBayb]

Thank you for sharing the party with us. I would have loved to be there in person. I was there in spirit, and now I have memories of the event that I'll always cherish.

I know that all the prayers are responsible for most of the progress made for Terri. I think there are a few earthly reasons too, such as dwindling funds, and sheer exhaustion. I think we're wearing him down. Let's keep it up, and not give him a chance to catch a second wind.

[BykrBayb]

Thanks for the ping. This thread put a much-needed smile on my face.

[AmericaUnited]

Most likely THE SCUMBAG (husband) has run out of money to pursue this and/or fears some criminal investigation from being opened up.

[AnimalLover]

This thread put a much-needed smile on my face.

Mine too!!! Thanks again to all who made it possible for us to share this and all of the other experiences for Terri. We who live a great distance from our little sister are with you in spirit and through our prayers.

[Life4Terri]

The celebration was not just a happy time to gather in honor of Terri's birthday, but also to educate the public, as well. I think Cheryl Ford, and others who assisted, did a remarkable job of coordinating and orchestrating what appears to be a very successful gathering! I am positive the family was deeply touched and it enabled those that attended to meet and feel the mutual compassion of others who support the right for Terri's life. Excellent job! Wish I could have been there!!.......by the way, the chicken is a supporters pet, and a pretty unique one at that! I understand that it brought smiles to the crowd :)

[PrepareToLeave]

The pictures are fabulous and up-lifting. Thanks so much for posting. God bless Terri.

[Ohioan from Florida]

I know that all the prayers are responsible for most of the progress made for Terri. I think there are a few earthly reasons too, such as dwindling funds, and sheer exhaustion. I think we're wearing him down. Let's keep it up, and not give him a chance to catch a second wind.

Me, too! I'm sure our prayers for Terri have been heard! As for Michael and his "team", I've been praying for them all to have softened hearts towards Terri and her family. It used to be hard for me to pray for them, but now I find it a lot easier. With God, anything is possible!

[Dante3]

THANK YOU!

[TOUGH STOUGH]

It certainly was a beautiful occasion!!!!!!

A hearty thank you and congratulations to all the participants! I so wish I could have been there.

[floriduh voter]

Party's here ping.

[floriduh voter]

Welcome to FR.

[floriduh voter]

Terri loves animals and her mom got a kick out of Buffy the Chicken being at the event. Buffy went to quite a few vigils last year and has an extensive wardrobe.

Buffy's humans are homeschoolers and also helped out with the Govan campaign vs. Judge Greer.

[Lauren BaRecall]

It's so touching how everyone came together for Terri. I was especially moved by Jan Govan. Although he lost the election, he's still in the fight. He SO deserved to win!

I'm glad I could contribute my message on Terri's Birthday Card thread. Thanks very much to you and cyn. :o)

Great pictures!

[TOUGH STOUGH]

A well-deserved bump!!