I solely bear in mind assembly Christina Ramirez — the daughter of my buddies Troy and Iris Stevenson — as soon as, however now, I’ll by no means be capable to overlook her.
I bear in mind the primary time Troy advised me that Christina was recognized with pancreatic most cancers. It appeared prefer it was only some months after he advised me that he additionally had most cancers. However, whereas Troy beat his sickness, Christina tragically didn’t.
A couple of weeks in the past (on Oct. 17), I noticed Troy and Christina’s 11-year-old son Josh at Principal Occasion, the place the North Tampa Bay Chamber was internet hosting a “Compassion Station” to assist these displaced by and/or in want following the 2 hurricanes that blasted Pasco County and most of Florida.
“Christina’s not doing properly,” Troy advised me. “Iris and I at the moment are having to consider taking good care of Josh for her.” (Her daughter Neveah will reside with Christina’s husband Anthony.)
His phrases shook me to my core. As a mother or father, you’ll be able to’t assist however attempt not to consider coping with the identical state of affairs with your individual kids as a result of it’s unthinkable. And but, plainly too many mother and father (even one is simply too many, however nonetheless) are coping with this case day by day. It doesn’t matter what your non secular beliefs could also be, it’s nonetheless horrifying.
“I simply don’t perceive,” Troy mentioned that day. “Why can’t it’s me as a substitute of her?”
I’ve recognized Troy, a fellow New Yorker, for a couple of decade and I’ve seen all the great he has executed for the neighborhood — first at Wesley Chapel Nissan and since then along with his Acme Cell LED vehicles, which regardless that it’s how he earns his livelihood, he has donated them to many worthy causes, whether or not with the Rotary Membership of Wesley Chapel or simply for individuals and causes he believes in strongly.
However, in all these years and instances we have now spent collectively, I’ve by no means as soon as seen that look of being damaged inside the best way I did that day. And, who might blame him? Any mother or father who loves their children would look and feel the identical manner.
Troy says he was born once more in 2006 and the theme at Christina’s Celebration of Life on Nov. 6 was positively one in every of robust perception that Troy, Iris, Christina (who handed at age 43) and their household would all be reunited with the Lord sometime.
However, as I’ve mentioned at any time when somebody I’ve recognized has handed, it doesn’t matter what you imagine, the actual fact is that it gained’t be this life. Will it’s higher for many who imagine? Will Christina be healed in Heaven? I actually hope so. However, as Jannah and I stood at Trinity Memorial Gardens with what needed to be not less than 200 individuals — from Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and all 5 county commissioners, to dozens of Chamber and Rotary members, household and buddies, we couldn’t assist however really feel a little bit damaged inside ourselves for Troy and Iris. I’ll admit we didn’t know what to say or how one can act, we simply advised them that we love them and are right here for them.
Weeks earlier than Christina handed, the Rotary Membership deliberate a On line casino Night time Fund Raiser to assist the household with the bills associated to Troy and Christina’s therapies. And, regardless that Christina misplaced her battle, that occasion remains to be occurring. It’s being held on Saturday, November 23, 7 p.m. (on the Hilton Backyard Inn off S.R, 56). which is just a few days earlier than the date this difficulty is assured to hit mailboxes all through Wesley Chapel. Nevertheless, since lots of our points have reached mailboxes as early because the Friday or Saturday earlier than our Tuesday “assured by” cowl dates, I hope should you’re studying this, even on Saturday, you’ll wish to be a part of it.
