Monday, November 17, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
shar's -someone who inspires you
Written on (9/18/08) for Journal entry-gr. 7.
The person that inspires me is my great cousin . She has ALS(AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS) otherwise known as Lou Gehrigs. she was diagonised about 1-2 years back. During those years she lost about 20-30 pounds and now weighs about &0 pounds. The Doctor didn't know what was wrong until later and told her to exercise and a diet(like she needed that!).During those hard times she kept on fighting and still is , she has always been happy and positive. She pretended as there was nothing wrong with her and didn't complain. She read the Bible and had Hope. Now she has lost use of most muscles is on wheelchair, needs a diaper and lostvoice.Sometimes she even needs to have oxygen mask. But even through all those hardships she never did lose hope. I really hope she gets better. she was always nice to me. I really, really want her to lose her pain and be able to do things that everyone else does.
THIS WAS BROUGHT TO ME TODAY GRADED BY HER TEACHER> WITH COMMENTS >> GIVING BELOW.
WoW! She has been through a lot- she sounds very inspirational.
15/15 grade points.
Reena ch was truly inspirational.hopefully we learn not to complain and pray and live happily.
The person that inspires me is my great cousin . She has ALS(AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS) otherwise known as Lou Gehrigs. she was diagonised about 1-2 years back. During those years she lost about 20-30 pounds and now weighs about &0 pounds. The Doctor didn't know what was wrong until later and told her to exercise and a diet(like she needed that!).During those hard times she kept on fighting and still is , she has always been happy and positive. She pretended as there was nothing wrong with her and didn't complain. She read the Bible and had Hope. Now she has lost use of most muscles is on wheelchair, needs a diaper and lostvoice.Sometimes she even needs to have oxygen mask. But even through all those hardships she never did lose hope. I really hope she gets better. she was always nice to me. I really, really want her to lose her pain and be able to do things that everyone else does.
THIS WAS BROUGHT TO ME TODAY GRADED BY HER TEACHER> WITH COMMENTS >> GIVING BELOW.
WoW! She has been through a lot- she sounds very inspirational.
15/15 grade points.
Reena ch was truly inspirational.hopefully we learn not to complain and pray and live happily.
Reena's Als website
http://www.als.net/ffc/sites.asp
Mary fund- guest book has relatives and friends comments.
My Eulogy for Reena ch at memorial service at United Methodist church Chicago.
Reena Mary Mathew is my Dad's sisters daughter(first cousin)
She was loved by all members of our family and friends. She was a loving and caring person, gentle, kind, affectionate, sensitive , homely, always had a smile and gifts for all.
She was concerned about her parents and brother, sister and their family.
Reena was a role model for all and left behind a legacy for all of us to follow.
She did not like to see any harm or injustice to anybody including animals and loved her pets. She did what ever she could to help them beyond her ability.
When young, Reena and Roy stayed in madras and after she came here. She always kept in touch with all of us. Sent pretty pictures in which she always looked like a model.
When she visited India she got thoughtful gifts for all there and returning she got gifts for all her friends , Co-workers.. Everyone who met her remembered her humility.
Reena was an early riser and read her Bible, mediated on the word of God and got ready for work. She worked long hours.
Her faith was unwavering from when she was young. Even when she was diagnosed with Als she had faith in God and said she would be OK. Always had high spirits.
Didn't want anyone' help or impose on anyone. She was aware of what was going on till the end.
Reena's passing away is really a great distress for all of us. All family and friends have sent their heartfelt condolences and Prayers for Reena.
When I spoke to Reena's parents Her DAD said
"Reena was a great blessing for all, had faith in God. Church going till the last moment. She had extreme concern for Parents , Animals and living things.Never Forgot Birthday , Mother's day. She sent this Sept a gift for mothers birthday."
MUM Said" Reena helped others, Kind to everyone,was a very Concerned and loving person.God bless Reena always.may God help her and be with her and may her soul rest in Peace."
Mum also Thanked Roy , Vinny for taking care of her.
HERE I READ MY AUNT"S LETTER
REENA _ Our dearly beloved daughter, grand daughter, cousin and niece. You leave happy and fond memories with the "Verghese" family.
I remember the time i spent with you and you getting up at 4 am in the morning anxious to spend precious moments with your "saviour" before the world around you awakens.
Remember the TENDER LOVE with which you greeted "kitty" on return from work.
Your Generosity -Arriving on holiday with two huge suitcases full of gifts for all of us,unhappy that you could not bring more!!
Lastly I can never forget the memory of you lying close to your dear"Appacha"hugging and kissing him and saying-"You are so Sweet , I love you."
So Reena we happy that God gave us the Charming, Tender, Generous and Loving Person you were. We truly happy that you are free from all pain and suffering and that you are in the presence of our saviour and your dear "Appacha".
Love, Leelaaunty.
We as a Family will miss her a lot. Kids loved playing with her and spending time with her.
Our only consolation is that she is in heaven With the Lord .
May God Bless you.
Mary fund- guest book has relatives and friends comments.
My Eulogy for Reena ch at memorial service at United Methodist church Chicago.
Reena Mary Mathew is my Dad's sisters daughter(first cousin)
She was loved by all members of our family and friends. She was a loving and caring person, gentle, kind, affectionate, sensitive , homely, always had a smile and gifts for all.
She was concerned about her parents and brother, sister and their family.
Reena was a role model for all and left behind a legacy for all of us to follow.
She did not like to see any harm or injustice to anybody including animals and loved her pets. She did what ever she could to help them beyond her ability.
When young, Reena and Roy stayed in madras and after she came here. She always kept in touch with all of us. Sent pretty pictures in which she always looked like a model.
When she visited India she got thoughtful gifts for all there and returning she got gifts for all her friends , Co-workers.. Everyone who met her remembered her humility.
Reena was an early riser and read her Bible, mediated on the word of God and got ready for work. She worked long hours.
Her faith was unwavering from when she was young. Even when she was diagnosed with Als she had faith in God and said she would be OK. Always had high spirits.
Didn't want anyone' help or impose on anyone. She was aware of what was going on till the end.
Reena's passing away is really a great distress for all of us. All family and friends have sent their heartfelt condolences and Prayers for Reena.
When I spoke to Reena's parents Her DAD said
"Reena was a great blessing for all, had faith in God. Church going till the last moment. She had extreme concern for Parents , Animals and living things.Never Forgot Birthday , Mother's day. She sent this Sept a gift for mothers birthday."
MUM Said" Reena helped others, Kind to everyone,was a very Concerned and loving person.God bless Reena always.may God help her and be with her and may her soul rest in Peace."
Mum also Thanked Roy , Vinny for taking care of her.
HERE I READ MY AUNT"S LETTER
REENA _ Our dearly beloved daughter, grand daughter, cousin and niece. You leave happy and fond memories with the "Verghese" family.
I remember the time i spent with you and you getting up at 4 am in the morning anxious to spend precious moments with your "saviour" before the world around you awakens.
Remember the TENDER LOVE with which you greeted "kitty" on return from work.
Your Generosity -Arriving on holiday with two huge suitcases full of gifts for all of us,unhappy that you could not bring more!!
Lastly I can never forget the memory of you lying close to your dear"Appacha"hugging and kissing him and saying-"You are so Sweet , I love you."
So Reena we happy that God gave us the Charming, Tender, Generous and Loving Person you were. We truly happy that you are free from all pain and suffering and that you are in the presence of our saviour and your dear "Appacha".
Love, Leelaaunty.
We as a Family will miss her a lot. Kids loved playing with her and spending time with her.
Our only consolation is that she is in heaven With the Lord .
May God Bless you.
One draft of eulogy
We as family, would like to Thank everyone who helped us do the arrangements all of you who has known , her for months and years,helped her in many ways. Reena Mary Mathew touched a lot of lives. She had friends and family also willing to do anything for her.JIm,and Her friend ren,who helped looked after her cat, Maria are all part of God's helpers esp sent to help Reena was my feeling GOD BLESS U and your fly abundantly.Roy, and family, Roshini sarah and family ,thank u all for being there for Reena and helping her in her time of need. I know she loved all of you and was always concerned about your parents and your wellbeing. She had special respect and love and concern for my parents and other uncles and aunts too.Her love and affection for grand parents ,older grand uncles and aunts, family members ,she loved young ones too all our kids and other children ,sponsored for kids in need, had a smile, gentle nature,always had some gift for them ,played with them,entertained them.Mary was a sensitive,gentle,smiling,wonderful warm hearted,perfect host, kept home clean and cooked food ,loved animals and birds too. she always tried to do things on her own. did not like to impose. When she was becoming weak, knew she may need help. but did not want to trouble her parents, siblings or anyone else. She did not want to leave Chicago, was worried about troubling others. . she would have volunteered her services. Mary would have stayed alone. only i think we were more worried, about her health . Mum said " Reena was a concerned ,loving person,Always helping others,kind to everybody .ROy And family Thanking you for the Good care you took of her.God bless REENA alwaysMAY God help her and be with her and may her soul rest in peace." DAD said" Reena ,was a Great blessing for all.Had Faith in God.Church going till last moment,Concern about animals, living things,extreme concern for parents,Remembered birthdays, mothers day, sent gift for mum's b'day recently (sept)too." My parents wanted to come but since they are far said they were sad remember her in prayers. My in laws had the chance to visit Chicago , She told us all to stay at her place,my fil was saying he still treasures the gift he was given. Aunt came she came with her to visit us in detriot.and would check about her cat angel. Gigich" finds this a very emotional and sorrowful " Shereen aunty,dubai wrote ." I remember Aju used to talk very highly of Reena / she came to see me in Dec to condole for Sameer ,in '96 it was @ x'mas i think , beautiful child ,may she rest in Peace ._" many family members have sent their thoughts and feelings and condolences . Mary mathew after she left Chicago tried to keep in touch by email " seemed aware of what she was going through , was sad she could not attend Roshini sarah's wedding and roy could not go either. when an aunt passed away she said how sad . she went to heaven,-I am sure she is also in God's presence now. she had fun when cousins Anujee and suni visited her , she also told me she cried.In all her mails she enquired about all and sent love to all.GOD BLESS HER SOUL> MAY SHE REST IN PEACE> GOd give each and every one the strength during this time. Thank you all once again.
grief
Thought would share our grief with you all, for some reason, i think when we were studying u all admired my cousin in Chicago's photos. Reena was just 5-yrs older to me. She was diagnosed with ALS a couple of years ago and was given 1 year of life. she lived 2!. Deteriorated fast ,lost voice then slowly everything else., was on feeding tubes, oxygen. now no more. she had good faith. was always kind and helpful, compassionate.. looks like such people reach God early. I know many of you have lost a dear one too. Could not sleep. Cousin's here we spoke with each other.looked at tickets to go, slept few hrs,up and about.All our parents back at India, all of us would like to be there.Keep us also in your thoughts and prayers. Just a remembrance now, the pain is everlasting.. may become less as years go but never leaves. God be with all our dear ones who left us.May they rest in peace. Just saw Rosh, Am chat message,Nov 1 spl . Well, these were my experience-yesterday was our oldest child's first communion, Bishop was there,morning we woke up and left to church 7 am,came home almost 3(That went off well).Guest came ,left-changed went to church at 5 for a baptism, came home 8. whole day was a very holy day- i mentioned it to few people and was really feeling at peace night 9 called our homes spoke to our parents,Bil is visiting, another wonderful feeling that God sent us someone,At10 my cousin from CA ,got a call from her mum back home . she called to say our cousin Reena who is here passed away. wanted to visit R while living. God knows what He is doing- is a feeling i Got. Reena was in church just few hrs before passing away, our aunt in Chicago they were also in church for convention they reached home to this message!Our whole fly was in church. and both after morning and evening program did not feel like leaving.
Memorial service
Dear all, Thought you all would like to hear about Reena ch's memorial service . since few of them asked me to mail after my return ..i added some other mail ids too. Maybe you all would like to read it. The service was well organized by Roshin, Roy, Thampich, Viju and their family and their friends. Rev. M.J. Thomas achen and 2 other achens were present. ( my memory bad with names) There were lot of flowers kept by family and friends.Roy and family, Roshini , Sean and his family, Gigich, Anujee, sunitha , we as family (uncle, all first cousins) we tried to represent all of you who could not be here. We had Thampich and aunty, viju ,Elijah, liju and her parents, Vinny, Merly and her family and Johnny ch and aunty to represent our extended family.As it was mentioned to me by family and Achen ,Mohan uncle and Aunty would have really liked this service. I agree. All friends of family and reena ch ,spoke so well of every one especially of Reena. The Hymns chosen and sung were Blessed assurance,How great Thou art, The lords prayer, Amazing grace,Angel and a special song by Pius, Annie and their son Alex "faith is a place." something Reena ch liked. The welcome , prayer ,pastor remarks,closing remarks Benidiction was all done by family friend and Achen,Rev. M.J. Thomas. Sunitha and Sean read the Bible reading PS.100 And Acts 20.32-35.Eulogies were done by Roshini, Viju,Jim, Annie, usha(me), matt, Maria(care giver),her husband Ramon and other friends one was Jessica(achens daughter) .Message and Eulogy by another achen who knew them. Everyone spoke about their experience with Reena how great her faith was , her kindness, loving , helping,giving nature and not accepting anything in return. her Love for animals and everyone around her. There was not many dry eyes in the church. It was hard . i cannot believe ,she is no more with us.. felt she was around us. I read what Mohan uncle(her dad), her mum and one of the aunts (leelaaunty) had to say about her. and others who mailed me and representing all the others who could not come- i said they all sent their condolences and prayers for reena. I am sure if you all could, you would have tried to be here physically, all your prayers were heard. Especially for her.We are all sure she is with God now. Video memories was done by Pius and Annie(friends-from when Reena came to Usa.)There were photos of her and all of us cousins, aunts, uncles, grand parents.A note of thanks was given by Roy, Joey spoke too(in his dad's ear-Roy told us in the mike-That was so sweet of Joey and i think as kids they know more than us. Joey said REENA AUNTY IS IN HEAVEN.)Rose ceremony was done when the soloist susan sang Amazing grace. family had got white roses for all and Roy and Joey handed one to 1 member of each family present there and they had 3 vases with water and Reena's Remains on a table. all of us went forward to pay our last respects.God bless you ch. The program started at 5 by the time we got out after dinner and speaking with all ,it was late.we returned the same night 12 from there and reached home around 4.20 sunday morning. Bijoy had to work.It was nice to meet all family. But felt so drained emotionally . For those interested, There was good Indian veg food and American kind, spaggatti lot of sweetdishes also Kunjumol aunty organised that with friends. THANK YOU ALL WHO HELPED GET EVERYTHING READY AND CLEANING . To all in India. Roy will come to India with Reena's remains and may be you can all try to make it there.Such a wonderful child of God is now with HIm. she prayed morning and evening read Bible she was sure of getting healed. she was always in high spirits.I think she had a joyful end. Thanks to Roy and family, Roshini,Sean, Maria and her husband..and all her wonderful friends. I got a fwd today morning thought would sent that along too.Take care. GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.with prayers Us and family.
Many children of God do not understand why God does not answer all our prayers. In one sense, God does answer all our prayers - for some prayers His answer is "Yes", for some it is "No" and for some others it is "Wait".
When answering prayer, the principle God follows is that, the answer to our prayer should make our end joyful and not sorrowful. "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL" (Jn 16:24). Yes, God wants our joy, and not our sorrow, to be full. God knows that if some of the things we ask for are granted, we will be sad at the end of our life.One godly couple had three daughters. However, the father badly wanted a son. He fasted and prayed and cried to the Lord. The Lord very clearly revealed to him that it was not His will to give him a son, and that his daughters would be better than sons and would take care of him till the very end. But he still kept fasting and pleading with God for a son. Finally the Lord gave him a son and he became a prodigal - smoking, drinking, womanizing, etc. The father was heartbroken. He felt sorry for having insisted on having a son. As promised by the Lord, his daughters took care of him to the very end. But till death, the father was a sorrowful man because of his prodigal son. The son did not turn up even at the father's funeral.
Dear child of God, it is true that some of your sincere prayers have not been answered, but at the end you will know why God did not answer them. God wants you to have great eternal joy. So praise God for all your unanswered prayers.
Courtesy - Email Message--
Many children of God do not understand why God does not answer all our prayers. In one sense, God does answer all our prayers - for some prayers His answer is "Yes", for some it is "No" and for some others it is "Wait".
When answering prayer, the principle God follows is that, the answer to our prayer should make our end joyful and not sorrowful. "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL" (Jn 16:24). Yes, God wants our joy, and not our sorrow, to be full. God knows that if some of the things we ask for are granted, we will be sad at the end of our life.One godly couple had three daughters. However, the father badly wanted a son. He fasted and prayed and cried to the Lord. The Lord very clearly revealed to him that it was not His will to give him a son, and that his daughters would be better than sons and would take care of him till the very end. But he still kept fasting and pleading with God for a son. Finally the Lord gave him a son and he became a prodigal - smoking, drinking, womanizing, etc. The father was heartbroken. He felt sorry for having insisted on having a son. As promised by the Lord, his daughters took care of him to the very end. But till death, the father was a sorrowful man because of his prodigal son. The son did not turn up even at the father's funeral.
Dear child of God, it is true that some of your sincere prayers have not been answered, but at the end you will know why God did not answer them. God wants you to have great eternal joy. So praise God for all your unanswered prayers.
Courtesy - Email Message--
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