When we started ORLA, almost 4 years ago, I spent a lot of time in the playroom with my toddler at the time, Rori. While we were playing, I kept hearing someone call out her name, or what I thought was her name. It turned out there was a little boy, whose nickname was Rodi. Rori and Rodi, both little blondies, who happened to be only a week or two apart, became friends... and I became friends with his Mom, Faith. His older sister, Teah, had a few classes with my girls and they became friends too. Teah would come in and out of the playroom between classes and I was able to see the obvious love between her and her Mom. Teah was always a little reserved/quiet, and always as sweet as can be with her brother. Over 3 years, Faith and I were able to have lots of talks in that playroom. I really enjoyed getting to know her and also learned that she was a Christian so we shared a lot of common beliefs.
About a 1 1/2 ago, they found out the horrible news that Teah had a brain tumor. Sadly, life threatening surgery wasn't new for Teah, as she had heart surgery, as a baby. After brain surgery, Teah endured a year of torturous (I heard that it was incredibly hard on her) chemotherapy and radiation. After weeks at Seattle Children's Hospital, Faith and Teah came to ORLA for a visit. It was heartbreaking to see how weakened her body had become. She looked so frail and struggled to walk. She seemed confused and was easy to get upset and emotional. It left me in tears to see her that way. I felt bad that I wasn't stronger for Faith and wrote her an email on Facebook to apologize.
"Faith, I just wanted to apologize for not being stronger for you! I'm sorry I got so emotional! It just broke my heart to see Teah's little body weakened and to see her struggling. I am so sorry you all have to go through this! However, you are such an incredible Mom! I am truly amazed to watch you and to see you turn to God during this trial! We will continue to pray for Teah and all of you. Please let me know if there is anything else we can do for any of you!! Your friend, Angela
PS- Happy Birthday to Rodin!! I hope he has a great day!!
Oh please don't apologize Angela! It was actually quite refreshing to see tears in your eyes. You were feeling how I feel most of the time. I just try and be strong and everyone else tries to stay strong, but it's hard to keep it up. Thank you for letting your feelings show!
Thank you for your prayers and support!"
Around December, Faith started posting a bunch of scriptures that made me start to worry but then I noticed Teah back in "Come On and Sing" class at ORLA, with my girls, in January. She still looked sick, however she looked a little stronger and much, much happier! It made me so happy to see her smile! I went to Faith and was hoping I was wrong about what I read into on her Facebook. Sadly, I was right. Faith told me that in December they received devastating news about Teah's cancer. I couldn't help but become emotional. We all joined her and her family in praying for a miracle.
At the beginning of March, doctors gave Teah only 2 weeks to live. I had asked before, but finally was given a few ideas of ways to help her family. So on March 28, I was able to bring dinner to their family. Because of what I had been told, I wasn't even expecting to be able to go into the house, however when I got there Faith invited me in. We had a really special conversation, one that made me emotional, and then she asked if I would like to go up and see Teah. It kind of caught me off guard because I wasn't expecting it. But I felt that she was giving me a special honor and I said yes.
As I walked up the stairs, I felt a very special spirit that grew stronger with every step. When I walked into Teah's room, I felt such a special, comforting feeling. I felt like someone was giving me a big hug. It was hard to look around her room and see all the things she loved-- polly pockets, her doll house, her backpack, her artwork, her book shelf full of books... And yet, she laid in her bed completely asleep, which is what she did almost all of the time now. I walked over and knelt beside her bed... then I grabbed her little hand and held it in mine. I talked to her and kissed her hand. Then Faith and I talked some more. The funny thing is that then entire time I was in Teah's room with her, I didn't feel emotional at all. I feel like everything would be okay. There was truly an incredible spirit in her room. I'm sure if only I could've seen beyond the veil, I would've seen why.
I hugged Faith and said goodbye. She thanked me and walked me to the door. I walked to my car and shut the door. I pulled out of the driveway and I began to sob! I sobbed and sobbed and sobbed some more. My whole body was shaking. I cried so hard that I had to pull over. I just couldn't even begin to imagine how difficult all of this must be for Faith and her family... and my heart broke for her.
Teah passed away just 9 days later. Unforunately, it was 2 days after we left on our trip so we were unable to attend her memorial. But those precious moments that I was able to share with Faith and Teah were ones that I will never forget! I will always cherish that experience. It truly changed my life for the better!
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Teah-Mantzke&lc=7560&pid=164138203&mid=5490132
PS- Happy Birthday to Rodin!! I hope he has a great day!!
Oh please don't apologize Angela! It was actually quite refreshing to see tears in your eyes. You were feeling how I feel most of the time. I just try and be strong and everyone else tries to stay strong, but it's hard to keep it up. Thank you for letting your feelings show!
Thank you for your prayers and support!"
Around December, Faith started posting a bunch of scriptures that made me start to worry but then I noticed Teah back in "Come On and Sing" class at ORLA, with my girls, in January. She still looked sick, however she looked a little stronger and much, much happier! It made me so happy to see her smile! I went to Faith and was hoping I was wrong about what I read into on her Facebook. Sadly, I was right. Faith told me that in December they received devastating news about Teah's cancer. I couldn't help but become emotional. We all joined her and her family in praying for a miracle.
At the beginning of March, doctors gave Teah only 2 weeks to live. I had asked before, but finally was given a few ideas of ways to help her family. So on March 28, I was able to bring dinner to their family. Because of what I had been told, I wasn't even expecting to be able to go into the house, however when I got there Faith invited me in. We had a really special conversation, one that made me emotional, and then she asked if I would like to go up and see Teah. It kind of caught me off guard because I wasn't expecting it. But I felt that she was giving me a special honor and I said yes.
As I walked up the stairs, I felt a very special spirit that grew stronger with every step. When I walked into Teah's room, I felt such a special, comforting feeling. I felt like someone was giving me a big hug. It was hard to look around her room and see all the things she loved-- polly pockets, her doll house, her backpack, her artwork, her book shelf full of books... And yet, she laid in her bed completely asleep, which is what she did almost all of the time now. I walked over and knelt beside her bed... then I grabbed her little hand and held it in mine. I talked to her and kissed her hand. Then Faith and I talked some more. The funny thing is that then entire time I was in Teah's room with her, I didn't feel emotional at all. I feel like everything would be okay. There was truly an incredible spirit in her room. I'm sure if only I could've seen beyond the veil, I would've seen why.
I hugged Faith and said goodbye. She thanked me and walked me to the door. I walked to my car and shut the door. I pulled out of the driveway and I began to sob! I sobbed and sobbed and sobbed some more. My whole body was shaking. I cried so hard that I had to pull over. I just couldn't even begin to imagine how difficult all of this must be for Faith and her family... and my heart broke for her.
Teah passed away just 9 days later. Unforunately, it was 2 days after we left on our trip so we were unable to attend her memorial. But those precious moments that I was able to share with Faith and Teah were ones that I will never forget! I will always cherish that experience. It truly changed my life for the better!
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Teah-Mantzke&lc=7560&pid=164138203&mid=5490132
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