Rest in Peace my dear friends.

Lisa
Natalia
Kelly
Linda


The week began with a memorial for our neighborhood friend Lisa. Then on Monday night we went to a Rosary for Natalia. Tuesday was her funeral. She was a remarkable young woman. It was an honor to know her. In her mother's own words Natalia taught us generosity and calls us to each live a generous life in her honor.







Kelly's rosary was Wednesday and then her Funeral Mass was on Thursday. This woman was truly remarkable. In her short 18 months as a Catholic she managed to bring the parish together. There were individuals from a variety of the church's ministries present at her funeral Mass.

Kelly's impact on so many of us was so profound. We learned how to be strong from her. Kelly fought long and hard to be with her boys for as long as possible. She never wanted to think too far into the future. Knowing that she might not be a part of it. She worked hard to give her boys a solid faith so that they could take comfort in her passing.

The Mass was beautiful with her oldest son reading the first reading. His voice was clear and strong. Both boys brought up the gifts and then their family friend told us a little bit about her. He reminded us that often times it is the ordinary person striving to live an ordinary life that teaches us the most about our Father in Heaven.

As we were walking out of Kelly's Mass I was overcome with a beautiful sense of how much God loved me. I so love our rich faith and its beautiful traditions. Kelly would have enjoyed seeing all those people gathered in her honor. I so looked forward to spending the morning and early afternoon with these friends and then the rest of the day with Linda. I knew her time was growing very short and I just needed to get through the funerals so I could spend time with her. My faith was strong now and I looked forward to being at her bedside when she met the Father face to face. That was not to be.

The children went to the car to retrieve some pans to discover that all of our phones were blinking with messages all from dad who was out of town on business. He asked me last week if he should try to get out of traveling for the week. I told him that we would be OK. Natalia's service would be hard but I was blessed to have the children around me. Then Kelly passed away on Saturday it was too late for him to change plans. It was OK I could still make it, I had the children. We work well together as a family. I would take care of them as they took care of me.

Dad finally got a hold of me. "Shannon, Shannon Honey, Larry called. He is trying to get a hold of you but can't find your number. Linda passed away an hour ago." I so wish Jason had been there in person. After collapsing into a bench with the help and support of a dear friend I pulled myself up to start telling the children. There was no way to gather them up to tell them at one time. They were scattered everywhere, running off with a friend and helping the Martha Ministries Bereavement group at church set up the luncheon for Kelly's family. As each one came to me I was afraid that I would not be able to console them. I needed to find and tell the next child. God is so good to me. Many of my home school moms were standing with me when I got the call. Many knew Linda. They have all shared this journey with me. I would tell a child, hug that child and then pass them off into the arms of another woman. So beautiful!



We cried for about five minutes. I felt so bad and hoped that we were not causing a scene that would interfere with Kelly's friends and family. I could not have been in a better spot. I crowded the little ones back into the doors of our church and the big ones followed. We walked up to the alter and fell to our knees in prayer. We were all still sobbing. Death hurts those left behind. The pain is piercing. We tried to gather our composure. I thought it was just us but as we began the Divine Mercy Chaplet I realized some friends had followed us inside. When we broke down and could not say the words they did it for us. "For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have Mercy on us and on the whole world!"

Linda trusted that Mercy, she knew it was hers for the asking. She asked for it. I am confident that I felt close to her during Mass because she was meeting me in the Eucharist.

Jason called back to tell me that Linda's family wanted me to be able to come to the house to say goodbye before she was removed. Off we went. We sobbed on the way there, we talked to Jason briefly and then decided that the best way we could help was to pull our selves together and be willing to serve our friends in any way they might need. We prayed for the strength to do just that. The prayer was answered and the Texas T Family went into Linda's home offering our condolences, love and support. We viewed the shell that we once knew as Mrs. T and kissed her goodbye. Larry reminded the children as they stood at Linda's deathbed that she loved each and every one of them with her entire hearts. He told us that she had always admired Pooker, and considered Sugar to be her "other daughter, ya know the one she didn't give birth to."

We will miss you Linda T. You were my friend no matter what. You were my friend when I was mad, and when I was sad, and when I was angry. I am sorry that I wasn't always as kind to you as you were to me. You will always be my friend. I am so happy for you. I know that you are in Paradise now and there is nothing wrong with that. I look forward to seeing your collaboration with the Father on all those projects you planned to take care of when you finally got to heaven.

My dear friend I will miss our pool side chats, our late night debates on religious topics, planning event together, pizza runs, Christmas light observations, fire pit discussions, margaritas, Disney Movie premiers, cakes, parties, drive in, trick-or-treating, popcorn, Cuda time, sharing friends, children, hand-me-down children's clothes. I have always loved your ability to help others and see their needs. You never hesitated to work to make someone else's life a little better even if it was with just a cake. Thank you.

Most of all I will miss you surprising me at the front door just to say "hi" then spending an hour or more trying to leave, sitting in the van and us saying just one more thing.

Rest In Peace Linda! You are loved and will be greatly missed!

“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.”

Truer words could not have been spoken today. This is how our parish priest closed the funeral Mass for our dear Sweet Natalia today. He is quoting the best here, it is a Dr. Seuss quote!

Last night at the Rosary I was amazed at all the friends and family that were there. I was delighted in how Natalia's entire family made the rest of us feel better. Princess did not know Natalia. She is my sensitive one. We have been surrounded by death lately. She cries uncontrollably when I become weepy. I guess she is crying for the rest of us. J is out of town and so I was at the Rosary with all the kiddos. We waited in line for several minutes. When we got to the front, Pooker greeted Natalia's dad. he knew who she was and began chatting with her. Princess started crying again and could not regain her composure. Natalia's mom grabbed Princess into her arms and loved on her. She explained that Natalia would not want her to be sad but her to be happy.

It wasn't about who was there, or which friend of Natalia's came. It was about loving each person put in front of them. They loved my children without really knowing them before. The mom said that she feels so close to everyone that prayed for her daughter. She can't explain it but is somehow connected to us. We were told at the Rosary by Natalia's aunt that we were all her family. We felt that way.

The Mass was wonderful, with a few hundred people there. Family, friends, children, adults, teens and more teens. Today dress wasn't important. Some were dressed up and others in jeans. Everyone came to share in her life and it was beautiful. Our parish pastor Fr. Tom R. did a wonderful job. This was a mixed crowd, Catholic and non-Catholics. Father did a fantastic job of making everyone feel welcome and yet still making it clear who could and who could not receive communion. Clear directions with sensitivity and kindness.

In true T Family form we were some of the last ones to leave. We helped the St. Martha ministries wrap up the extra food and clean the kitchen. These ladies are so dedicated to serving our Lord by serving the receptions after a funeral. This was a much bigger crowd than they are used to but they handled it like pros. It was a beautiful day and we spilled out into the patio and the piazza. People sat all around even at the fountain. Natalia would have loved this crowd.

At the end of the day new friends were made and old friends were reunited. Catholic and protestants came together in prayer and praise of our Lord. A 16 year old inspired adults to get more involved. We were all blessed to learn about our Lord by watching Natalia serve others around in her. We watched her die with grace and we are better for if. We beg you Lord to welcome her into your arms and continue to offer her family comfort. Please keep each teen that was present there today close to your heart. We ask Natalia to pray for us from her new heavenly home.

We love Natalia and you will be missed! Father is right, we shouldn't cry because she is gone but smile because we knew her.

Rest In Peace Natalia

10-28-09

Please read about this young woman and pray for her.

She went peacefully this morning. I will write more when I can.

We love you Natalia.

Natalia needs our prayers today 5-12-09

Please pray for her today as she is having a bone marrow transplant on the 22nd after this round of chemo starting today!

Read more of her story here!

Natalia

10-28-09

Sad news to share:

"The doctors placed Natalia on a vent this past week in hopes it would help clear up the fluid that has accumulated in her lungs. Her chest x-rays remain unchanged. When Natalia first found out the plan to be placed on the vent she told her mom, "only for a few days." Just like Natalia to be calling the shots even while on a ventilator. :) The vent is very uncomfortable for Natalia and so they are giving her medicine to help her rest. After much discussion with the doctors and prayer it has been decided to remove Natalia from the vent today. We are unsure of what God's plan is for Natalia's life but we know He holds her in the palm of His hand. God may choose to heal her today with a miracle and have her breath on her own or He may choose an ultimate healing and take her home to the place He is preparing for all of us. We do not know what the outcome will be but we do know He has a plan for Natalia's life and that He loves her very much. Pray today for peace, strength, and wisdom for the doctors, Danny, Melissa, and Cecilia. Thank you in advance for keeping them in your thoughts and prayers."

This is not the news that I hoped to share. Please cover this family in prayer today. I don't know who wrote this. It was posted on her carepage this morning.



10-27-09

I hear that Natalia is not doing well at all. Her family fears that her time is very short. I am so heart broken. I beg you to pray for this young woman and her family. She has continued to fight the Leukemia with all she has. Her faith is incredible. I don't know how her family can stay strong in a time like this. Please help me to support this family with your prayers. When I get more concrete information I will pass it on. God Bless Natalia.

10-18-09

"Natalia is still in ICU. She has had a lot of pain the past 2 days, so they are starting a new pain medicine today. If she has pain she tends not to breath deep and then her heart rate goes up. They are hoping that if they control the pain, her lungs will get more oxygen and they will get a better chance to heal."

This news is a little scary. This poor girl is getting tired. Please life up her family in prayer. They are struggling to keep up their spirits as well. It has been a long hard battle. Natalia has more strength in her that I ever will. I thank God for her example and just ask that you continue to life up the family.

10-6-09
I am way over due in giving an update. Natalia was doing well over the summer. Her 30 day was good and then her 60 day. At 100 days she got the terrible news that the Leukemia was back and that the Bone Marrow Transplant had not been a success. This brave young woman stated that she wasn't going to be too upset but that she thinks that God must have more to teach her. What a strong woman she is.

Her treatments are going to try to keep the leukemia at bay while they prepare for another transfusion from a different donor. She has had more than a few setbacks and needs our constant prayers. She developed pneumonia and has spent weeks on end in the ICU. She is doing a little better now but we pray that she will remain strong enough to fight the leukemia off until they can restart her chemo.

Natalia's lungs are also doing a little better everyday. She is only on 1 Liter
of oxygen down from 8 Liters when we first moved out of ICU and now she can do 2
laps around the floor.The doctors would like to send her home for a few days
next week, but we will just have to see.

Natalia is a strong young woman and I admire her fight so much. Thank you for all your prayers.

7-10-09

I stold this from Natalia's Caring Bridge Website. It was so beautiful, I cried as I read it. This young woman has so much faith and so much love to give. I thank God that I know her and beg God to continue to heal this remarkable young woman.
She does Make Bald Beautiful!!!



6 months since DIAGNOSIS... :O
Posted Jul 10, 2009 10:16pm
Hey everyone!Well, I just wanted to write a quick note because today is... 6 months to the day since I diagnosed with Leukemia. I cannot believe it. The time has flown by, which I guess is a good thing. I remember hearing those words of "Natalia has Leukemia" and it kinda makes me shiver. It is very strange. I still cannot believe this is happening, it is all so much to soak in even after 6 months. It is amazing how one day you can be going about your normal life and then the next day, three little words like "Natalia has Cancer or Leukemia" can change your life FOREVER. It is so weird because I can picture exactly how the room was set up and looked when my doctors told me this news. And I remember when they told me that this whole process would be about 6-9 months, I thought that 6 months was going to be forever. But, honestly, it has not been too bad, I have had my ups and downs but I honestly think I have had more ups and fun than downs (PLUS I don't remember most of my downs because I was so drugged up (:). I mean, I have gone through, and my family too, so much. I have gone through more than what most people do in their entire lifetime, but in 6 months... more shots than most people, times throwing up, mouth washing, sleeping, eating, ultrasounds, ect... but man, I must say that I have had my share of fun with this whole experience. I have met some of the most amazing people in my entire life through this experience, and have learned so much about myself, my family, and my faith which I am so thankful for. And I am not even done yet, so I am anxious to find out what else I have to learn. I know that I am not done yet and still have my journey in front of me, but I just thought that I would write a little bit. 6 months is pretty big for me... I still cannot believe it.Okay well... I also have to thank you all for standing by my side this entire time. I could NOT have done it without you, your messages and cards, or your prayers. I am TRULY and honestly very thankful to have you all in my life... God has truly blessed me and I don't know how to repay you.Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!
Natalia
5-12-09
Today Natalia is having last round of chemo before her bone marrow transplant on the 22nd, I believe her mother is her donor. Please lift them both up in prayer. She has a remarkable spirit and has been doing extremely well. She even got to spend that past two weeks at home having treatment as an out patient. Thanks so much!


From Natallia's caringbridge page:

5-11-09

Last day home

Posted 13 hours ago

Well, this is my last night home before I go to the hospital for my transplant. I am going to enjoy this night in my bed! :) I have had a TON of fun these past two weeks. So, on Saturday we went to the Dynamo game and they won!! It was so much fun with friends and family, my dad cooked sausage. Yumm! And then on Mothers Day we just relaxed as a family and didn't really do anything, but it was still fun not to have any plans. Oh, although, I did go to our neighbors pool and hung out there. I didnt go in, I just put my feet in while my sister and our friends Taylor and Aislinn swam. It was hard just to watch but it was still fun to hang out with them. And then, today my friends came over today for lunch and then my cousin came over after. So, it was good to see everyone right before I went into bone marrow. But, I must say that the highlight of my day and I think of my whole time home was going to the dance studio. I had not been since December, so that is about 5 and a half months! I missed it so much. It was so good to go say hi to everyone. Richard, my ballet teacher, let me sit in and watch one of his classes for a little while. But, wow, that was really hard to just watch. It just made me miss it more. Actually, haha, I cried after we left the studio. Wow, I am a baby... but it really was one of the hardest things I have had to do in a while. It made me want to dance sooo bad. But, I was so HAPPY just to be there and really made me want to start it again ASAP and work really hard at it again. I can't wait till I can dance again.

So, I must say I have mixed emotions about BMT. Part of me is really excited and ready to be on hopefully, my last step to this whole process, and the other part of me is a little worried. But, I think I am more excited and anxious than anything. I am pumped haha... well, I mean as pumped as you can be for a Bone Marrow Transplant and chemo. Oh, and so we got the results from my Bone Marrow Biopsy and Spinal Tap and they came back clear! So, that was SUPER awesome news. And then my ANC on Friday was 2000. So, all good news! :)

Well, I think that is all for now. So, I am not sure how I am going to be feeling with chemo so, I am not sure how often I will be writing. If I am not feeling good, I will have my mom write a little for me. But, we will see. If I feel okay tomorrow I will write to let you know how it is going.
Thank you again for all of your prayers and support. I am so thankful for you all... MORE than you can imagine. I can tell you that I would not be able to do this without your prayers. God is GOOD!!
Thanks again guys!
Love you all,
Natalia

5-3-09


This is one strong remarkable young woman. She is fighting for her life in between making more friends while teaching others how to be joyful. Each post of this young 16 year old are full of joy and excitement about the next days adventure. She updates us on her pain but only to record it, never to complain. Every single post she makes to her caring page is asking for prayers for someone else or thank you for your time, prayers and donations to her or her peers.

Health wise she is right on track. She will get to spend the next 2 weeks at home. I think she has just finished her third round. Now they are working on her bone marrow transplant. It looks like it might happen within the month of May. I don't know that much about it but I understand that it will offer her the best chance of permanent recovery.

Thanks so much to each of you for your continued prayers for this young friend of ours. She is a remarkable young woman. Her example continues to teach me to find joy in every situation. She has also reminded me to trust in God with everything. Thank you Natalia for being such a witness to those that know and love you.



3-10-09

I just wanted to update this little spot of my blog to let you all know how Natalia is doing. This is one strong young lady. I am so proud to know her and to be able to pray for her.
You can find her story here: Natalia's site



We have been doing all kinds of fun things to help Natalia and her family through this difficult time. I wish I could say that we have really sacreficed but I can't. We are having way to much fun. The teens started an idea of collecting hats. They knew that Natalia would be loosing her hair and they wanted to give her something to help with that. They also wanted to tie into Natalia's apostolic heart. They began the Hats for Nat Prayer Drive. They asked people to buy a hat that they themselves would like. Pray for the person that would wear the hat and for Natalia. Then turn the hat over to us. Natalia then in turn gets to pass them out to the people that she will meet over the next 6 months at Texas Children's hospital. We have collected some very cool hats for this prayer drive.

We also got to help with another fundraiser at Chick-Fil-A this past weekend. We had a blast and met so many people from our parish and the homeschool community.






We don't yet know how much money we raised but it was wonderful to see the community come together to help a wonderful young woman. I also got to see some young children do some incrediable things to help someone they didn't even know. One young 9 year old saw us at CFA and then again in the newspaper. She walked around her neighborhood selling flowers and collecting money for Natalia. This young woman came back to CFA with $22. I love that she did it all by herself. She saw a need and did something about it. It sounds a lot like our friend Natalia.
Natalia turned 16 in February. She lost her hair days before this milestone birthday. This picture is of her and her sister Ceci. Her birthday was between the 1st and 2nd round of chemo.

The 2nd round was very hard on our dear young friend. She asked for prayers this time after reaching an emtional wall. A survivor told me Saturday that the 2nd round is hard. You know what you are up against and you have so many ahead of you still. It is no longer a new adventure and now a reality that you must live through. She is now finished with round 2 and has many mouth sores. She is in lots of pain. Please continue to remember her and her new friends in your prayers.
p.s. the pictures of Natalia were all taken from her caringbridge website.
1-16-09

The week before Thanksgiving I went to the grocery to pick up Pooker after her shift at work. She wasn't ready so I walked inside to grab a gallon of milk. I didn't want to waste the time sitting and just waiting and we can always use another gallon of milk. Just inside the door I ran into Melissa L. Our daughters had played basketball together for HCYA. I told her that Pooker was working at this very store and she told me that her daughter Natalia was volunteering so much that it made a job almost impossible. That did not surprise me at all.

Pooker and Natalia had been on the same team when we played HCYA basketball. The program was so intense that we couldn't balance family life with the four players schedules. We ended our short basketball careers but Pooker had become friends with a Natalia. They had bonded quickly being that they were both from the same side of town and that they were both Catholic. We have been together or various projects and activities over the past two years. Pooker and I really do like spending time with Natalia and her mom. As a Freshman last year Natalia got to join us for our Catholic Coffee Club religion class but it was hard to put into their schedule. Natalia is a dancer and her sister is a soccer player. They struggled with some health issues with the sister and Natalia's grandfather for a few months. We didn't see them much for awile. Natalia sent a email out a few months back that she had opened a charter for "Shoes that Fit" and was trying to collect shoes and socks for those in need. Why, because she saw a need and wanted to fill it.

So that is a small introduction to our friend Natalia. She is someone we know and love. We don't know her too well but always enjoy enjoy running into he and I hoped she and Pooker would see each other on the college campus. That will not be happening now.


Instead of starting classes Natalia found out on Sunday that she has AML Leukemia. She was admitted into Texas Children's Hospital with an expected stay of 6 to 9 months. That's right people I said MONTHS. This poor baby. She will turn 16 in the hospital receiving chemo not fighting her mom and dad for the car keys. This brave young woman of God began her caringbridge website by listing the 10 positive things this might bring for her. She truly is an example of Christ to others in everything that happens with her. I want to beg each of you to offer some prayers up for our dear Natalia and her family. We will be working on fundraisers to aid the family soon but for now please pray.

You can find her story here: Natalia's site

Heavenly Father, We ask that you restore this beautiful woman to her full health. Give Natalia and her family all the strength necessary to endure what lies ahead. Let us all, as Natalia's community, rally around to support the L family in their hour of trial. Keep them close to you and help us all know YOU through Natalia's example.