On "the grotesque cruelties heretically done in the name of Christianity". I found this on Tuesday that was really helpful in my navigation-"Christianity is not the fault of Jesus"-Jim Palmer
Thanks to you, Nadia, I am now in a restaurant, alone, crying into my pad thai. And glad in a delirious way that I am. Thank you for introducing me to your father. When my 6 year old daughter was killed in a car crash, I donated her eyes and heart to other children. I knew she would have approved. On a possible long shot, I hope your father and my daughter meet. Those who offer the gift of life to others from the tomb womb of their bodily death must certainly hang out together in heaven. And I am glad your father donated his strength and integrity to you. I deeply wish you well. Bless, Dwight Lee Wolter.
I admire people who can remain upbeat even when they are going through grueling illnesses or other devastating events. I don’t know if I have that in me. But I do know that in trying to navigate this awful world situation we are in, I have decided to fully appreciate and celebrate every little positive, good, kind thing that happens to me daily and to try to pass on to others those moments of cheer. This goes for strangers as well as friends and co-workers.
Nadia, gratitude for your 40 days, and for your love for and relationship with your father.
Your hope breaks my heart open as it alludes me at this moment in time. So your words bring weeping, maybe joy will come in the morning. For now I will give the “permission” needed for my grieving spirit. ( reading both your words and after Suleika’s permission post) sit hand in hand
Thank you for this. My chaplaincy on the cardiac ICU of a children's hospital has given me a whole new perspective on the Holy exchange or organ/tissue/body donation. Sitting with families whose children are waiting for heart transplants, and also with those who are put in the impossible situation of deciding to donate their child's organs has given me a whole new appreciation for the profound holiness of donating our broken and blessed bodies when our souls finally return home. The way deep horrific grief and deep horrific desperation merge into a blessed life-giving miracle is some weird math only the Holy Spirit's active presence could manage to make work. Prayers for you and your family and all the pain and hope and holiness of this experience and this week.
For many reasons, things feel hard and heavy right now. The good news? Because of Easter, hope has the last word. The theologian D.A. Carson, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, said, “There’s nothing wrong with me that a good resurrection can’t fix.” That’s true for all of us—and for everything. This Sunday, no matter how dark things seem, when you hear “Jesus is risen!” you can say with confidence, “He is risen, indeed!”
Sending you love as you navigate his death and the new world you all inhabit without him alive here. I know he'll always be with you in some ways, but the physical way he is gone now matters too. Thanks for these words and hearing about him being hilarious and flirtatious until the end. Sounds like a wonderful human and dad.
Nadia, a lovely tribute to your father. A delightful interpretation of the words attributed to Jesus: "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me"
I moved from aquamation to green burial to human composting and now whole body donation. An opportunity to give so that others might benefit.
What a powerful, hopeful reflection. I imagine your dad would be grateful for how his last days have meaningful impact beyond his death(and possibly shy about the spotlight?).
On "the grotesque cruelties heretically done in the name of Christianity". I found this on Tuesday that was really helpful in my navigation-"Christianity is not the fault of Jesus"-Jim Palmer
Thanks to you, Nadia, I am now in a restaurant, alone, crying into my pad thai. And glad in a delirious way that I am. Thank you for introducing me to your father. When my 6 year old daughter was killed in a car crash, I donated her eyes and heart to other children. I knew she would have approved. On a possible long shot, I hope your father and my daughter meet. Those who offer the gift of life to others from the tomb womb of their bodily death must certainly hang out together in heaven. And I am glad your father donated his strength and integrity to you. I deeply wish you well. Bless, Dwight Lee Wolter.
Thanks for this, Dwight. ❤️
Maundy Thursday
I admire people who can remain upbeat even when they are going through grueling illnesses or other devastating events. I don’t know if I have that in me. But I do know that in trying to navigate this awful world situation we are in, I have decided to fully appreciate and celebrate every little positive, good, kind thing that happens to me daily and to try to pass on to others those moments of cheer. This goes for strangers as well as friends and co-workers.
Nadia, gratitude for your 40 days, and for your love for and relationship with your father.
Your hope breaks my heart open as it alludes me at this moment in time. So your words bring weeping, maybe joy will come in the morning. For now I will give the “permission” needed for my grieving spirit. ( reading both your words and after Suleika’s permission post) sit hand in hand
May this Easter weekend be… as you need. Hi
A beautiful memorial to your dad. He sounds like a very special person. My deepest condolences.
Thank you for this. My chaplaincy on the cardiac ICU of a children's hospital has given me a whole new perspective on the Holy exchange or organ/tissue/body donation. Sitting with families whose children are waiting for heart transplants, and also with those who are put in the impossible situation of deciding to donate their child's organs has given me a whole new appreciation for the profound holiness of donating our broken and blessed bodies when our souls finally return home. The way deep horrific grief and deep horrific desperation merge into a blessed life-giving miracle is some weird math only the Holy Spirit's active presence could manage to make work. Prayers for you and your family and all the pain and hope and holiness of this experience and this week.
For many reasons, things feel hard and heavy right now. The good news? Because of Easter, hope has the last word. The theologian D.A. Carson, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, said, “There’s nothing wrong with me that a good resurrection can’t fix.” That’s true for all of us—and for everything. This Sunday, no matter how dark things seem, when you hear “Jesus is risen!” you can say with confidence, “He is risen, indeed!”
Drew Dyck, The Holy Post
Well, damn, that was a great piece!🙏🏼❤️
Sending you love as you navigate his death and the new world you all inhabit without him alive here. I know he'll always be with you in some ways, but the physical way he is gone now matters too. Thanks for these words and hearing about him being hilarious and flirtatious until the end. Sounds like a wonderful human and dad.
Wonderful story. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, Nadia. Oh all of us. ❤️
Oh indeed. 🙏🏻
Nadia, a lovely tribute to your father. A delightful interpretation of the words attributed to Jesus: "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me"
I moved from aquamation to green burial to human composting and now whole body donation. An opportunity to give so that others might benefit.
Finally, somebody wants me 😍
May God welcome him and hold you close. Peace to your heart, body and soul 🙏🏻♥️✝️
This was so poignant. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability with us.
Beautiful for Maundy Thursday - (grateful) death is not the enemy.
What a powerful, hopeful reflection. I imagine your dad would be grateful for how his last days have meaningful impact beyond his death(and possibly shy about the spotlight?).