Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Angels

I've always had mixed thoughts about angels.  I wasn't sure if I believed they live among us, or we have certain people we know looking out for us... or if you meet one that leads you, leaves you....then you get.  Julie came into my life the day I was waiting for me surgery.  She was my "Back up" (which I hate that word, it means if something goes wrong with me somehow she would come in and take the organs).  Her life was so hard.  For 4 years prior to this she had been sick.  Basically her stomach was paralyzed, so she hadn't eaten or drunken anything for 4 years.  She was getting TPN (total parental nutrition; meaning she was given her fluid through her line , which is also bad for your liver).  She really had it tough.. we shared stories since we were together for the entire day (4 am- midnight) and I felt like what I had was silly.  I was thinking....why isn't she first and me be backup? I mean isn't that how it's supposed to work? It's taken me a while to accept (now just from this but many experiences in my life and helpful words from my Godfather) that everything happens for a reason, and sometimes we understand the reason, and sometimes we have NO idea why, but it is what it is.  After that we saw each other again after she had her surgery.  I was in the room next to her for a brief amount of time... 2 days I think.  I would pop in and say hi but she seemed real down so I didn't want to bother her.  The next day I tried again in the morning.. still not well, and they took her to the ICU where she remained the rest of her life.  Julie passed yesterday after a horrible horrible battle.  Julie was an angel;  I don't know to how many others she was an angel to?  I know she has touched many hearts..but if you're an angel to one are you one to all? I know her parents believed she was an angel, and I bet others say the same thing.  But I wonder who she REALLY was an angel to.  The word can be used without deeper meaning and it can get confusing. She was an angel to me( the real kind.. sent from God to guide) as I learned to fight harder.  That girl was the strongest I know..so many things just went the wrong way and its not fair and I wish it didn't end this way.  It made me grateful that my surgery (the same one) went so well.  I had some bumps along the road but when you have one of the biggest surgeries you can have - that is expected.  I'm grateful for my family and support, (Julie's parents were always by her side) and I'm grateful for the health condition I'm in.  It's not generally how you would want to feel but it is what it is, and I'll keep on fighting... in Julie's honor.  Please thank the Angel Julie who showed me the way And will keep me fighting 'till the end.

RIP Julie Werner
? 1982- January 27, 2009
The angel

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

SAMMY SO SORRY ABOUT JULIE NO ONE KNOWS WHAT GOD NEEDS US FOR AND WHEN HE WANTS US TO BE WITH HIM AN ANGEL IS SOMEONE GOD NEEDS WITH HIM AN ANGEL CAN BE AN ANGEL TO WHOEVER NEEDS HER SHE WILL TAKE CARE OF ALL WHO NEED AND AND CARE ABOUT HER MY PRAYERS ARE FOR YOU, JULIE, AND JULIES PARENTS SHE IS WATCHING OVER ALL OF YOU RIGHT NOW AN ANGEL IS FOR ALL WHO LOVE HER AND NEED HER

Anonymous said...

Sam, my heart breaks to read the news about Julie, but it is clear that she was a special girl. My prayers continue to be with you and your family as well as for all of those who knew Julie.

Anonymous said...

We're praying for a strong and suceessful fight for you too, Sammy. Julie and her family are in our prayers as well. I'm sure she will continue to guide many people here on earth in need of inspiration or to simply be reminded that much in life is not as bad as it seems. In that reagard dear Sammy, you are an inspiration and an angel as well.

Be strong and be well.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sammy and all of your family, Today must be a sad day as you think about Julie your angel who has left earth after enduring pain and hardship. In many ways today may not feel real for you. I wish for Julie's family and all her friends peace in knowing that her life was a blessing. She was a teacher. Know that you and your family are thought of often. You have taught me to appreciate the good things, the simple things in life more. So thanks Sammy - stay strong - I am sending you love

cousin joey said...

hey sammy, im deeply sorry to hear about ur friend julie. im sure you 2 got along great since u seem to get along with everyone. I know that out of many people she touched you in a special way. u know and we all know that she will be with u every step of the way watching over u as well as all of ur fantabulous family. my thoughts and prayers are with u and her and her family. i love u and keep on fighting champ. God bless

cuz,
joey

Carissa Haston said...

I was a friend and colleague of Julie's. She volunteered in our non-profit, G-PACT, which is dedicated to fighting GP and CIP. I also had a five organ transplant at the University of Pittsburgh in 2006. She had told me about you and how she waited with you that whole day. Waiting was the hard part and I got called in 4x over 16 months before I got organs. We all miss her. Hope u r doing well.

Anonymous said...

Sammy,
Julie sure is an angel and will remain in your heart forever. Thank you for sharing your corageous battle and experiences with us. I pray for you and your family every day. Julie and her family are now on my list too.
Keep up the good fight.