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« A Culture War Turning Point | Main | Vatican source: Pope given last rites » March 31, 2005Statement of the Schindler FamilyTopics: Press ReleasesPinellas Park, FL - As you are aware, Terri is now with God and she has been released from all earthly burdens. After these recent years of neglect at the hands of those who were supposed to protect and care for her, she is finally at peace with God for eternity. We are speaking on behalf of our entire family this evening as we share some thoughts and messages to the world regarding our sister and the courageous battle that was waged to save her life from starvation and dehydration. We have a message for the volunteers that have helped our family: Thank you for all that you've done for our family. Thank you to the hundreds of doctors who volunteered to help Terri. Thank you to the fifty doctors who provided statements under oath to help Terri. Thank you to the lawyers who stood for Terri's life in the courtrooms of our nation. From running our family's website, to driving us around, to making meals, to serving in so many ways--thank you to all of the volunteers who have been so kind to our family through all of this. We have a message for the supporters and people praying worldwide: Please continue to pray that God gives grace to our family as we go through this very difficult time. We know that many of you never had the privilege to personally know our wonderful sister, Terri, but we assure you that you can be proud of this remarkable woman who has captured the attention of the world. Following the example of the Lord Jesus, our family abhors any violence or any threats of violence. Threatening words dishonor our faith, our family, and our sister, Terri. We would ask that all those who support our family be completely kind in their words and deeds toward others. We have a message to the media: We appreciate your taking Terri's case to the nation. Please afford our family privacy to grieve at this time.The patience and graciousness of the on-site media here at hospice has been deeply appreciated by our family. We have a message to the many government officials who tried to help Terri: Thank you for all that you've done. Our family will be forever grateful to all of the outstanding public servants who have tried to save Terri. We have a message to all of the religious leaders who tried to help Terri: Thank you to all people of faith who demonstrated love for Terri and strength of conviction to defend the sacredness of all human life as a precious gift from God. Our family is highly honored that the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, would speak out so boldly on behalf of our sister, Terri. We have a message of forgiveness: Throughout this ordeal, we are reminded of the words of Jesus on the cross: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Our family seeks forgiveness for anything that we have done in standing for Terri's life that has not demonstrated the love and compassion required of us by our faith. We have a message to parents worldwide: Our family would encourage parents to spend time with their children and to cherish each and every moment of each and every day with them as a precious gift from God. We have a message to Terri from her family: As a member of our family unable to speak for yourself, you spoke loudly. As a member of our family unable to stand under your own power, you stood with a grace and a dignity that made your family proud. Terri, we love you dearly, but we know that God loves you more than we do. We must accept your untimely death as God's will. Terri, your life and legacy will continue to live on, as the nation is now awakened to the plight of thousands of voiceless people with disabilities that were previously unnoticed. Your family intends to stand up for the other "Terri's" around this nation and we will do all that we can to change the law so others won't face the same fate that has befallen you. We have a final thought to share: Our family had hoped this day would never come, but as it has now arrived, we ask ourselves a question in these incredibly sad circumstances: What would the Lord Jesus ask us to do in a moment like this? In John's Gospel, Jesus responded to the questions of the rabbis, who asked why a man had been born blind. He said: "it is so that the works of God might be made manifest through him." God's plan for Terri is unfolding before our eyes. Our prayer at this time is that our Nation will remember the plight of persons with disabilities and commit within our hearts to defend their lives and their dignity for many generations to come. Posted by tim at March 31, 2005 5:08 PM Articles Related to Press Releases:
Comments
What a beautiful statement. Anyone claiming that the Schindlers were not good parents because they wanted their daighter to live should read this and then look into their own hearts. God bless everyone who was involved with this tragic situation. I pray the Schindlers (and Michael, too) can find peace with the knowledge that their beautiful daughter is in Heaven. Rebecca Posted by: RebeccaMI at March 31, 2005 5:40 PM "THE DEMOCRATS KILLED TERRI......................." Wouldn't the President, who can actually call out the National Guard, be the one enforcing the law? Last time I checked, George W. Bush was a Republican. Posted by: Anonymous at March 31, 2005 5:45 PM Folks, this is not the place for finger-pointing. There has, and most likely will continue to be plenty of thatcoming on this and other blogs and commentaries. [well said - added by Tim] Posted by: JRob at March 31, 2005 5:53 PM I've been trying to send this message of condolence to the Schindlers at the news of the passing of Terri Schindler-Schiavo with no success at their website. It appears that they've turned their contact page off at their site, perhaps due to the high volume of mail they've been receiving lately. I don't know. Anyway, here is my short and simple message: "I've always thought that it is a fitting irony that the name of the family trying to stop a Third Reich style execution-by-starvation of a disabled patient, unwanted anymore by her husband, is named Schindler. And we must never forget that German doctors who killed their patients from 1939 - 48 did so in exactly the same manner Terri was killed when they didn't have any gas around to do it. As you mourn Terri's passing, remember your name is Schindler and that you've served that name well over the past 12 years or near. You did all you could to spare Terri's life." -Rick Giombetti Posted by: Rick J. G. at March 31, 2005 5:55 PM What a gracious family! After all they have been through they have every right to be bitter and angry, yet they chose gentleness and forgiveness. What a wonderful example for all of us. May God richly bless them and comfort them in their grief. Terri's legacy will live on as we continue the fight for the disabled. Posted by: ep4life at March 31, 2005 6:00 PM Thank you for your beautiful statement and your courageous fight for Terri. Your family was a real witness of Christian fidelity and commitment. We grieve with you today. Tomorrow we will turn our energy into finding ways to protect all of God's children. Posted by: Lynn at March 31, 2005 6:01 PM "When one door of happiness closes - another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened before us." ~ Helen Keller My sympathies to the Schindler/Schiavo family. May we reflect on this loss and learn from it. We know not the hour nor the place - hug your kids a little tighter tonight, tell your family and friends you love them. Have no regrets. Posted by: Blogging Beth at March 31, 2005 6:04 PM This is all just so sad. Well, from how I see it, I kinda agreed with Michael. I know as parents it's hard to see your children get let go from the world when there is a way to keep them alive. But the way I see it, it's not a good thing.
She has shown minor progress in getting back to her normal life(smiling, moving her lips, moving her eyes). But I doubt that with this kind of progress after fifteen years, she would be able to get back to a normal life before her parents die. Maybe even before I die, and I've gotta a LOT of life ahead of me. For me, I would NEVER want to be in a position like that. I'd rather somebody take a bullet to my head and shoot me. Don't take it as a heartless kind of thing. I do lament for the loss, and I'm sorry that she died, but it's probably better that she does die peacefully than to live and have all this controversy hanging over her head. Rather than just pointing fingers at the husband, saying he's Hitler, try looking at all the positive points of it. Posted by: David at March 31, 2005 6:08 PM What a remarkable family, i am forever grateful for the chance to fight to save Terri. I will never, never forget her. God Bless this family and everyone who fought to save her. Posted by: delphinius at March 31, 2005 6:15 PM Terri was a far cry from dieing peacefully, being starved to death, with nothing to drink and some morphine on the top... I dont think that was Terri's idea of peaceful... sorry... And Michael has over and over proven himself to be a close relative to Hitler along with his attorney. They both just need to keep quiet right now, stop kicking the dog while it is down! Posted by: delphinius at March 31, 2005 6:21 PM In all of this we have forgotten one thing...why was a man, who had apparently abused his wife, then move on to a new common law wife and have children with her, be allowed to stay in control of Terri? He could have recieved an anullment at anytime. There were no children produced from the union he had with her. So in this state, this country it is alright to have a wife in care, unable to say divorce me, help me, or anything.....with nothing in writing stating she wants to die, AND he can have a mistress and children? Does this sound Christian? Then to top everything off, he would not allow the family in during her final moments? How disgusting this man is! He must think he is Godlike, with his decisions for her. Yes I am certain he had a love for her at one time, but he had been over heard by several of the nurses stating when would that B die. And not once, but at different times. It sickens me. I made certain to make a living will with my family. I do not want some man that did not raise me and love me all my life to make decisions of my life. I am in a great and loving relationship now, but no matter what, he is not my parents, my family, my blood. Posted by: PoeticsBliss at March 31, 2005 6:21 PM ATTENTION: if you would like to get a personal email or message of support and condolence to the Schindlers, you can email it to: terri@glennbeck.com. Glenn Beck is a talk radio host, and is an advocate and friend of the Schindlers. He is compiling an archive of support messages that he will give them. Posted by: RightAlltheTime at March 31, 2005 6:28 PM David, I fear you've come to the wrong place if you wish to defend Michael's actions and say Terri died peacefully. She was FORCED to dehydrate and starve to death. It was anything but peaceful, or beautiful. Posted by: Sirena at March 31, 2005 6:28 PM Wow... the Schindler's statement made me cry. If anyone ever had doubts about how sincere and truly good these people are, I hope they have changed their mind. The Schindlers have always been gracious and if I may say, classy, in their approach. Their motives have always been pure and they've only wanted the best for Terri. And their compassion and forgiveness for those who hurt them is truly amazing... and inspiring. In the past 2.5 years I've known about this family's plight, my heart has grown to love Terri and the Schindlers and I'm sure most of you have grown to love them as well. We should all learn from them. I'm touched and actually, humbled by their attitude. God bless the Schindlers, and Terri, I hope to give you a big hug in the next life. Posted by: Sirena at March 31, 2005 6:30 PM David, Felos is a liar and contradicts himself. The ME's office said the state requires the autopsy, not that Michael had any choice. Do you really think dehydration and starvation is peaceful to anyone?. Poetic, There is no way the ME's office is going to see those bone and not declare abuse on Schiavo's part. They can also confirm her neck. Posted by: Julie at March 31, 2005 6:31 PM David, think what you want, but Terri's progress over the past 12 years was meaningless, because Michael refused to allow any kind of rehab for her. Had she had proper care, therapy and rehab, I daresay she would have been in much, much better condition than she was. I don't know if anyone noticed, but ABC ran a very brief video clip of Michael with Terri shortly after the "incident". She was in a wheelchair and appeared to actually be talking to Michael. She was definitely very alert and her muscles had not atrophied at that point. I say that to make the point that Terri was horribly abused and neglected by her husband and he had no right to be her guardian or decide whether she lives or dies. Posted by: ep4life at March 31, 2005 6:44 PM to comfort and encourage you After suffering the worst attacks, your mission—father, mother, sister, brother, and protector--came first. Many citizens are inspired to attempt what seems an impossible feat because of witnessing this courage of the heart. What has already been accomplished has been a turning point, raising the flagging spirits of many people and inspiring them to outdo themselves in courage and daring to stand for right even against powerful enemies. May you continue to inspire people to press forth boldly no matter what the odds, in remembrance of and with gratitude for those who, like Terri, have gone ahead forging trails that change the world forever. Bob and Mary, Bobby, Suzanne and Terri, your uncommon sacrifice--courage--endurance--determination—respect—creativity—and compassion has made a lasting imprint on America for generations. President Kennedy once told of a boy who threw his hat over a high wall so that he would have no choice but to follow. The Schindler Family has tossed their hats over the wall of justice and we have no choice but to follow. Though ambitious and fraught with obstacles, the successful scaling of this wall will mean that disabled persons will be protected and that some who would have died will live. Let us begin the climb. Posted by: that woman at March 31, 2005 6:46 PM You said it woman, We have had our eyes opened to something we thought not possible in this country, starving a disabled adult to death. We need to continue this fight that has began with Terri. To protect all disabled adults from the same outcome. If it can happen to her it can happen to anyone of us. Posted by: delphinius at March 31, 2005 6:54 PM Delphinius, What makes this even more tragic, is that it DOES happen all over America. This is not uncommon. Terri's battle became well known due to her parent's undying fight for her. The media got wind of it and her story grew. There are hundreds of other disabled people all over the United States that are also being starved to death by removal of feeding tube. Terri's life and death will now bring that to the forefront and hopefully some changes will be made. People should never be forced to dehydrate and starve to death. The Nazi's did the same thing. They slowly convinced the public that is was humane to kill the disabled and mentally challenged. I believe this is where we're headed --those who are "different" aren't worthy of life. It's truly sickening. God help us. Posted by: Sirena at March 31, 2005 7:00 PM That woman, great comments. The Schindlers inspired me, as a Catholic, typically not the most outspoken religious group, to take a more serious look at my faith and to not-quite-so-quietly live it, but to share it. To act on it. My heart goes out to them in their grief. And to the uninformed post-er, David, who said she made little progress after 15 years, read up on how much rehab, range of motion, or stimuli she has had in the last 12 years or so (limited or non-existent). It was amazing she was able to smile and respond to her family after the neglect that was enforced upon her. Had to laugh at your comment thatyou ..."gotta a LOT of life ahead of me". Bet Terri thought the same thing early on February 25, 1990. Who knows, maybe she even thought the same thing this morning. God bless her and her family. Posted by: I hope at March 31, 2005 7:00 PM That is what I fear Sirena, dispose of those who cannot feed or take care of themselves. Posted by: delphinius at March 31, 2005 7:04 PM A quick comment about the autopsy. The medical examiner can get access to sealed court documents. I wonder what the documents are? Also, Does anyone know where Michael is now? Did he talk with reporters after Terri's death was announced? This is such a sad, sad day. I have cried so many tears lately, that when I heard that Terri had passed, I was just numb. I pray that there will be quick justice to this murder. Posted by: sherry at March 31, 2005 7:36 PM Schindler family there are no words that I feel can appropriately convey how deeply saddened I am by the loss of your loving daughter/sister, Terri. Even though I did not know her personally, I feel she was one very strong and vital woman. I hope that with time you will find comfort in her memories. I am so sorry I cannot feel the same sympathy for Mr. Schaivo but I feel certain his actions were purely malicious. I know that only he and God know the truth. I find comfort in knowing this truth will be debated in Mr. Schaivo's end. I hope Mr. Schaivo does not meet the same cruel end he intended for his wife. Posted by: Karen at March 31, 2005 7:39 PM While I have supported the Schindlers' cause, and while I agree that much of this statement is beautiful and filled with grace, I really wish they'd be more careful with statements like, "After these recent years of neglect at the hands of those who were supposed to protect and care for her..." I hope that they are referring to MS and the government, and I assume that that is their meaning, but on the face of it, it sounds as if they could be accusing the hospice workers and volunteers of abuse and neglect, which is patently unfair and untrue. I know this may sound petty, but the world is looking to this family right now, and the words they choose have great power at this point in history. Otherwise, my prayers are with everyone who knew and loved Terri, and I am happy for Terri that she is now is the physical, spiritual, and emotional perfection of the Creator. Posted by: Becky at March 31, 2005 7:53 PM all I can think of to say right now, besides express my deep, heartfelt sorrow for the loss of Terri, is that apathy is extremely dangerous. Life is too precious a gift to be a spectator sport. That is why it is paramount that we don't forget this, and the reason it is very good that this very site promised to continue to work at cultivating and preserving a culture of life. Posted by: dbrake at March 31, 2005 7:58 PM What I want to know is what we can do now. What can we do to help the Schindlers. What can we do-who do we call to demand an investigation into MS. Who do we call to help them get a trail to have their daughter buried where they want? Give me the numbers. Let us never forget Terri but there is a lot of work to do in the next few days. Cry, pray, hug your babies,go to sleep, and then onward and upward. She deserves the justice she did not get here on earth. Posted by: alwayschooselife at March 31, 2005 9:04 PM I meant trial Posted by: alwayschooselife at March 31, 2005 9:04 PM If Terri is cremated and buried out of state, I guess to pay your respects to Terri, everyone has to go to Michael and Jodi home at marrie ct , Clearwater fl (off Enterprise) Posted by: msTChamberlain at March 31, 2005 9:16 PM I personally am afraid of Florida-It seems to me that a good 85% of the time the news is centered around Florida-hurricanes(was it 4?), Terri, Jessica Lundsford, the 5 year old who called 911 the other night because her parents had been shot in the bed because a judge refused to enforce a restraining order. I wonder what judge that was? That place seems to be experiencing more than their fair share of hell. Anyhow back to the subject-do we have street numbers on that address? Posted by: alwayschooselife at March 31, 2005 9:49 PM I have to say, that was funny and made me laugh out loud. I appreciate that so much especially on a day of such sadness. But I think that if we are to follow Christ we must .....shake the very dust from our feet as a testimony against them.... (Luke 9:1-6, 10:10-12) as our Lord instructed His disciples. Pay your respect in mourning with Terri's parents at the memorial service they are planning for their beloved daughter. Posted by: that woman at March 31, 2005 10:15 PM I am utterly apalled at what has happened to Terri! It is not normal or humane to dehydrate and starve people in America, nor should it be in any country! I have prayed for her and her family and will keep praying for her! I pray the truth will be known of what caused her to collapse and people all involved with her death will be held accountable in court as well as before God himself. I would not want to be in their shoes!!! What a shame to waste away a beautiful viable woman!!! Posted by: momma of 2 at March 31, 2005 10:38 PM Biggie Once again, anyone who wonders whose side God is on just has to look at how the events were handled in the end. First Terri fought for 13 days to live- that was a miracle. Then,Terris family asked for forgiveness-Michael sent his cronies out to tell them he will not let them attend the burial-oh but wait-if they had not taken him to court and used up all his money in court battles and let him kill their daughter all those years ago, well then they would be welcome. Terris family has fought for there daughter-Michael fought for something he suddenly remeber 7 years after the fact. When it is your turn to go biggie I am sure Felos could assist you in a very private death. In the meantime let me help you understand something. God in his infinite wisdom allows bad things to happen. Why you ask? We are not here on this earth for our pleasure, but for his and only his. Everything that he allows to happen or not happen has a greater purpose. Terri was made to die by someone elses free choice-but he kept her alive long enough for all of us to learn an awful lot about love and faith and strength in this time of great heartache One more thing-Everything that is good comes from God-he only knows good. God gave us life and he is theonly one who has the right to decide to take it away-he is on the Schindlers side. Posted by: alwayschooselife at March 31, 2005 11:19 PM Some people forget that sin is in the world because of man. God can make something good out of a tragic situation. You only have to look throughout history to see that. People fought against slavery for years, while others, the government included, condoned it. Did that make it right? No. People following the laws of God stood up and righted a wrong. In this case, her family chose to love Terri no matter her circumstance or condition. The courts ignored the will of the people when they disregarded the legislation that Congress introduced and repeatedly ignored facts placed before the court. Jesus said love was the greatest commandment. We would all do well to remember that a bit more often. Posted by: I hope at March 31, 2005 11:37 PM Read what you are saying..."the courts ignoring the will of the people"? The courts are not supposed to listen to the will of the people. The constitution of the United States created a totally independent court system. The judges are free to interpret the laws as they see fit. They don't need to listen to you, or the people, or Congress or the President. Perhaps you need to go study about the United States governement. If you want the courts to obey the people, then go change the constitution. And while you are at it, why not let the President be a total dictator? If we have a dictorship in this country, then the President could have saved Terri. Is that what you want? Posted by: biggie at April 1, 2005 12:01 AM Are you seriuosly arguing that God was on Michaels side because in the end he got what he wanted and she starved to death after he won all the battles in court? What about free will? Okay so you did not read what I wrote I do not for one second believe that it was Gods will for Terri to die this way-I believe he had a purpose(thus a will) for why she went through all of this but her death today was the result of mans choice (free will). God allowed it (He could have saved her if he had so chosen to intervene but he did not-for whatever reason. He did not make them loose all of the court battles -he allowed it for some reason we do not yet know. But you know what that is another matter for another day. She has gone to be with God now. It is cruel to say things like you did to her parents-they are the ones who wanted her to live and they could not give up. As for short sighted well thank goodness we still have the right to say what we want. We don't have the right to live but we do have the right to speak. Posted by: alwayschooselife at April 1, 2005 12:07 AM I am numb by the events that led to Terri's death. However, we have to move on. For me, that means fighting for what Terri's parents never had the right to do. I must fight for the right to care for my child now. When my husband and I met Amanda, we were told she was in a PVS, a diagnosis that we have since questioned. When Amanda was abandoned by her natural family, the state looked for someone to care for her. My husband and I took her in and eventually adopted her. We feed Amanda through a feeding tube and she has limited communication (only eye gaze, smiles and cries). I cannot imagine a court not letting me feed her, I cannot imagine being prevented from being at her bedside in the event of her untimely death. I was so impressed with the Schindler family when we met some of them in front of Hospice last week. I pray that as they mourn the death of Terri that they will find the strength to keep up the fight. There are many more Americans left to help. Posted by: Amanda'sHope at April 1, 2005 12:30 AM I would just like to say that God WAS, IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE on my side because of the sacrifice that His son made. I may not always believe that what happens is to the good, but I know in my heart that it is. God had a purpose for keeping Terri alive this long, and in the end, it was HIS WILL that took her home, not Michael's. Instead of arguing about God's hand in all of this, why not just reflect on what has happened, and ask yourself what you can do to make sure this doesn't happen to anyone in YOUR family. Talk to you family about living wills, make sure that all wishes are written and not verbal. Spend time with your families, because you never know when God will call you home. Focus on these things rather than who's to blame. Blessings, Posted by: RebeccaMI at April 1, 2005 11:57 AM    Recent Entries
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THE [censored] KILLED TERRI.......................
[we have no time for blanket generalization about either political party - the management]
Posted by: CHUCK at March 31, 2005 5:32 PM