Sunday, January 14, 2007
An Email from Tampa
Last night (Saturday) we received an email from our first choice doctor in Tampa. His care coordinator is going to get in touch with our doctors here on Monday -- and hopefully we can get in to see him next week. Keep your fingers crossed. If not we will try for Seattle or Cincinnati.
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5 comments:
Melissa, Matt, Elsa and Bea & Bullet,
About 3 sentences into your email, crying as I was reading your news, I heard my Mother's spiritual voice over my shoulder. When things got tough, when she was angry, frustrated that "the world's not fair," "God's not fair," whatever, she had a great saying that I know you've heard me quote before: "Well, shit." Can you say that on a blog? Well, anyway. There is is. It kind of sums up everything.
Having said it, now I can think more clearly and this is what I want to say to you Matt & Melissa:
Dan'l and I know Elsa and Bea couldn't have picked better parents (and guardian dog) -- if anything can be done, you'll do it.
They already know they are loved, and that you are surrounded by many who love you (whether we see you often or not).
And, as I'm sure you've heard from others ...you are all in our hearts. Our thoughts will be focused on a great outcome.
Travel safe. Love, Dan'l & Chris
After reading your email, I've been struggling with what to say. But pushing hesitation aside I’ll say this:
I know you guys -- you have already researched this thing forwards and back and you will find an answer. Know that you are not alone. Remember it’s OK to lean on others and that prayers are always stronger than percentages.
Last year, even with Walker’s minor health challenges I found an amazing amount of strength, encouragement, and wisdom from message boards and chat rooms filled with mothers in similar situations all across the globe in the middle of the night when no one else was physically around to listen. Looks like you’ve already found a great resource.
The girls have beautiful and thoughtful names. Just like their parents.
If there is anything our family can do to help yours, please don’t hesitate.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers,
Nicole, Ben, Ella, & Walker
Patty shared your news and just wanted to send you good thoughts and wish you the best.
Have a safe journey and take care of each other.
Pamela (and Michael and Ellie, too)
Hello Melissa and Matt. Thank you so much for letting me know the challenges you're facing. I will be definitely chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo here in Puerto Rico for the health and well being of mom Melissa and babies Bea and Elsa. As well, sending strength for dad Matt. These two babies are a blessing from the universe for your lives.
I share the following, from a 13th century Buddhist monk named Nichiren Daishonin, in hopes that it brings you hope and comfort. Really, this writing talks about the power of strong faith being like the roar of a lion in curing illnesses. As you know, science, too, has shown that the positive and hopeful outlook of a person can cause tremendous curative powers in the body. Your hearts and strong determinations will make all the difference.
This letter was written on August 15, 1273, and addressed to Kyo'o, the infant daughter of a Samurai Warrior named Shijo Kingo. However, Kyo'o was then only one year old, so it seems likely that Nichiren Daishonin was addressing her parents, Shijo Kingo and Nichigennyo. They had two children: Kyo'o and another daughter, Tsukimaro, a year older. It somehow seems appropriate for you both now.
David
Reply to Kyo'o
Just when I was longing to hear once again from you, the messenger, whom you troubled to send, arrived. In my present circumstances, your gift of money is far more valuable than any treasure to be found on land or sea.
Since I heard from you about Kyo'o Gozen, I have been praying to the gods of the sun and moon for her every moment of the day. Always cherish the Gohonzon which I sent some time ago for her protection. This Gohonzon was never known, let alone inscribed by anyone in the Former or Middle Day of the Law. The lion, king of beasts, is said to advance three steps, then gather himself to spring, unleashing the same power whether he traps a tiny ant or attacks a fierce animal. In inscribing this Gohonzon for her protection, Nichiren is equal to the lion king. This is what the sutra means by "the power of an attacking lion."1 Believe in this mandala with all your heart. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?
It is written that those who embrace the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra will be protected by Kishimojin and her ten daughters. They will enjoy the happiness of Aizen and the good fortune of Bishamon.2 Wherever your daughter may frolic or play, no harm will come to her; she will be free from fear like the lion king. Among Kishimojin's ten daughters, the protection of Kodainyo3 is the most profound. But your faith alone will determine all these things. A sword will be useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then he will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff. I, Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi, so believe in the Gohonzon with your whole heart. The Buddha's will is the Lotus Sutra, but the soul of Nichiren is nothing other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Miao-lo states in his interpretations, "The revelation of the Buddha's original enlightenment is the heart of the sutra."
Kyo'o Gozen's misfortunes will change into fortune. Muster your faith and pray to this Gohonzon. Then what is there that cannot be achieved? You should believe the Lotus Sutra when it says, "This sutra fulfills one's desires. It is the pond's cool, clear water that quenches thirst," and "They will have peace and security in this life and good circumstances in the next." When I am pardoned from exile to this province, I will hasten to Kamakura where we will meet. If one considers the power of the Lotus Sutra, he will find perpetual youth and eternal life before his eyes. My only worry is that she may die young; therefore, I am praying with all my might for the gods to protect her. Raise her to be like Lady Jotoku or the Dragon King's daughter. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
Respectfully,
Nichiren
Milissa & Matt,
So sorry to hear about Elsa, brought tears to my eyes (that don't happen often. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim Heiland
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