If there was anything that made me very emotional in this whole ordeal, since I was diagnosed with this illness, it was the overwhelming support extended to me by relatives, friends and acquaintances. When I was confined in the hospital, a number of friends and acquaintances came to see and visit me. I have received a number of e-mails, phone calls, and greeting cards from various friends, praying for my fast recovery and good health. Such a show of love, care and thoughtfulness from many people was indeed very heart warming. I felt that I was not alone in this journey. As I face this new battle in my life, I feel so fortunate to have known so many people out there who continue to pray for me, and who continue to give me support – spiritually, morally, emotionally and psychologically. I could not face this battle all alone by myself. The overwhelming support extended to me by my friends and acquaintances gives me strength and courage to move on in spite of this illness. To all of you who have been very supportive, I could not thank you enough for your continuous love, support and generosity.
I would just like to share here with you, our readers, some of those e-mails and greetings that I received from my friends, relatives and acquaintances since I was diagnosed with this disease.
To: FRAB07@aol.com
Date:Tue, 25 Mar 2008 1:59 pm
We are glad you're doing OK. We will continue to include you in our prayers. I still don't get out a lot because of my corneal transplant surgery, so sorry we couldn't visit you. But you are always in our thoughts.
God bless.
Angie & Pete
To: FRAB07@aol.com
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 8:43 pm
From Manong Oswald. Thanks for sharing with us your experiences at Clara Maas. Of course, you are always remembered in our prayers. Part of my job in state government is to audit treatments that some patients are getting in the hospitals. I have met a lot of happy people who lived with their diabetes for the past thirty years or more and they did it with faithful checking of their blood sugar, working with their doctor, religiously taking their medications, eating the right foods and exercising as prescribed.
Since heart and breathing problems run in our family, I myself have been on blood pressure and cholesterol pills for the past 14 years, and I leave the rest to God. I thank Him because at 57 I think I am physically OK by general standards.
Speaking of exercise, in addition to my twice-a-week gym, Alice and I also go to Father Virgil's line dancing twice-a-month. Father Virgil is a superb die-hard line dancing instructor. He'd been doing it for the past three years, I think. Young and old, tall and short, big and small, pinoy and non-pinoy, everyone is sweating and having fun in his line dancing sessions two hours every 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoons at the St. Francis Cathedral basement, Metuchen, NJ. It's good cardio-vascular workout, you burn a lot of calories, you lose weight, you shake your booty, you deliberately set aside that time for yourself and you enjoy at the same time. At five dollars per session, nobody can beat that. And when you go to the Pinoy parties, you will hold the kababayans in awe with your impressive line dancing moves. I think that's God's way of telling you to have fun while taking care of your health.
And finally, here's wishing you more Happy Easters in your life.
From the Barbieto's in South River, NJ.
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2008 9:57 am
Thank you for the e-mail and Easter greetings. I am sorry to hear that you were hospitalized. Hope now all is well. Good that you are now in a new place. I wish I get chance to come back to the States! Surely, then I would look for you!! I still cherish your loving company and generosity.
Yes, I am in the seminary teaching both Philosophy and Scripture. I also visit to three other seminaries to teach Scripture. Last year I had the opportunity to travel to the Solomon Islands to teach for three months... work load is increasing...
I am really glad to hear from you. Thank you and God bless.
Fr. Ignatius
Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2008 3:19 pm
Happy Easter! How are you? Are you feeling better? Please take care yourself ok, other wise I will "papatayin kita". Be good!
Ciao,
Sr. Joanne
To: frab07@aol.com
Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2008 7:00 pm
When we read your letter, we could not believe thatyou are having this kind of health condition. We heard that you were sick but we thought that it wasjust a simple flu or bronchitis. I, myself could not accept that you have diabetesbecause you always look healthy and active. However, do not worry so much because God will alwaysbe there with you. His Blessings will save you. Since the time we learned about your situation, wehave been praying for your recovery. In my prayers to Our lady of Lourdes, I also ask Herto cure and save you from any kind of sickness. Down deep in our hearts, we know that GOD and OurMother will listen to our petitions. Tomorrow in your celebration of the Easter SundayMass, although we are not physically present butspiritually we are there praying for you. My family love and care for you, remember it. HAPPY, HAPPY EASTER TO YOU!!!
With care,
Tony & Mercy
To: frab07@aol.com
Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2008 9:30 am
I'm glad to read of all of this. I, too, am already taking Crestor for Cholesterol! Let us continue to pray for each other. Hopefully we will get together soon. Happy Easter! God Bless You!
Michael
To: frab07@aol.com
Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 6:50 am
I thank God every time I wake up for giving me a new day to live. It comes to this stage of my life to focus on my health by eating right and exercising regularly. In fact, we might buy a treadmill tomorrow.
Your email was the first time I heard about what happened to you. I will pray for you and your health. We are very lucky to have friends around to help us and cheer us in this special time.
God Bless you. May we reflect the sacrifices of Christ today to savor the salvation of Easter.
Take care,
Margaret and Edgar
To: frab07@aol.com
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2008 5:18 pm
LIFE MUST HAVE BEEN LONELY OUT THERE IN THE COLD ASEPTIC HOSPITAL ROOM, BUT YOU WERE NOT ALONE IN THOSE DAYS THAT YOU FELT SO LOW.WE WERE ALWAYS PRAYING FOR YOU , THE APOSTOLATE IS A SECOND FAMILY BUT MORE SO JESUS IS CLOSEST TO YOU WHEN YOU FEEL THAT THE WORLD HAS FORGOTTEN YOU,,FORSAKEN AND DOWN TO YOUR KNEES. WHO HAS CONTROL ON ONE'S LIFE OR FUTURE ==NOBODY.JESUS WALKS WITH EACH ONE OF US ALL THE WAY , ALL THE TIME , YET THERE WILL BE A LOT OF DAYS THAT WE WON’T FEEL HIS PRESENCE .ONE RELIES NOT ON THE FEELING TONE BUT ON THE FAITH THAT HE IS SENT ,THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON ,DIED ON THE CROSS FOR YOU ,MYSELF AND EVERYBODY ELSE. WHO COULD HAVE DONE SUCH ABASEMENT AND SACRIFICE IF NOT FOR THE GRANDEST LOVE HE HAS FOR US. FOR GOD IS LOVE.
MAY EASTER BRING YOU THE GRACE TO CONTINOUSLY LOVE THE GOD YOU SERVE .MAY HE GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO BEAR THE CROSSES IN LIFE .MAY HE INCREASE THE HOPE IN YOUR HEART THAT SOMEDAY THIS TOO WILL PASS AWAY AND REWARD IS ALWAYS GREAT TO THOSE WHO PERSEVERE. HAPPY EASTER AND HAPPY NEW YOU!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP.
ARLENE
To: frab07@aol.com
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2008 3:50 pm
Thanks for enlightening us of your medical condition. It is better to know it early so you can take precautions in your food intake high in sugar and fat contents. The good news is Type 2 diabetes is controllable with proper care and constant exercise. You can still have a normal life and fulfill your vocation. We wish you God's blessings and the best of health. Happy Easter and we'll pray for you.
George & Moding
To: frab07@aol.com
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 9:56 pm
I will include in my prayers your speedy recovery and good health. Happy Easter.
Tessie
To: frab07@aol.com
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 8:28 pm
I just heard last Sunday that you were sick and right away I said I have to visit you. But Monsignor added that you were resting back in the rectory. Thank God, you're fine.
Take care.
Minnie
To: FRAB07@aol.com
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 6:07 pm
I am so surprise to know that you were hospitalized after seeing you at the Filipino Mass. Isn't it I even asked you if we do have bible study on Friday, sorry and I even went and found out that nobody were there. We were thinking that maybe you have decided to cancel it because of the lent season, so we just attended the station of the cross at your church.
I praise and thank the Lord for your speedy recovery and I know that God will give you the strength and comfort you need to ease your pain but with His grace and mercy He will guard you every minute of the day.
Take good care. God bless you with so many brothers and sisters in Christ through the Filipino Apostolate Group, so we will keep eyeing on you. Please do not hesitate to let us know if we can do something for you. I will definite keep you in my prayers.
Love,
Romy and Lyn
To: frab07@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 4:54 pm
Hello Happy Easter to you too. I know when Gil started taking insulin he was really scared.
He took it for 3 months till his HgA1C went lower although it was slightly high normal. Don' t
Worry, this coming summer I'll make some ‘ampalaya atsara for you, that's what he was eating everyday and his sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides went lower plus he’s been bicycling, when the weather gets better you can go biking with him in the park or @ Liberty State Park. Now he still bikes around town and his sugar is much better. If ever you need
Anything, do give us a call we are here for you. God Bless you always and Happy Easter.
Jopay
To: Frab07@aol.com
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:32 am
It was so nice to see you again. I really, really miss you. I heard you were in the hospital and just wanted to send you a "hope you're feeling better" e-mail. I will keep you in my prayers and ask our Lord to keep you healthy.
God Bless you always,
Anne
Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 6:50 pm
What happened to you? Today we prayed for you during the Mass. Are you ok? We will continue to pray for you. Get well soon and take care yourself.
In His love,
Sr. Joanne
To: frab07@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:40 am
hope you are feeling better now. I was going to visit you in the hospital last Monday But I got sick with bad laryngitis and still coughing. Ate Demy told me you're out
na daw. You take care of yourself I guess don't exercise yet so you won't have relapse, and relapse is even worst. I'll be praying for you. I am just a phone call away if you need anything...................................jopay
To: frab07@aol.com
Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:30 am
Hi Pup! Hope you are feeling better. Have you gotten all your test results back? Let me know how you make out - - not kissing-wise - - health-wise - - because I'm very concerned about my little doll-boy's health.
Love you,
Lynn
To: frab07@aol.com
I heard from Marty that you been diagnosed with diabetes and you are undergoing treatment. I would like to assure of my prayers for your quick return to normal health.
Love to Fr. Richard and Terry Zaccardo.
with lots of love n prayers
Fr. Hippo
To: frab07@aol.com
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2008 2:17 am
Thank you for sharing your personal battle. Don't despair, though. I know it is shocking...a curve ball you never thought would be yours...but God puts us through alot so we may find the personal growth within ourselves, beyond academia. It is through these sufferings we truly learn compassion and outreach for others.
Miss you lots...plus we should go to Roma's again...you can phone them ahead of time to prepare something within your restrictions...instead of regular exercise, which can get boring once you do it enough, try ballroom dancing classes...great cardio work up, lots of fun, and new friends. You do not need to have a partner to go. A good place is Danceport on Passaic Avenue in Fairfield behind Willowbrook Mall near Essex Co. Airport. They'll go easy on you!
Love and miss you,
Susan
To: frab07@aol.com
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2008 9:18 am
Thank you very much for keeping me in the loop as to what is going on with your life. I have been so clueless and if not for your e-mails I would not have known that you have been in the hospital. I have been in the Phil. to attend to my mother’s funeral (please include her in your prayers ) and have just gotten back. Diabetes as you now know is something that we all dread especially since it’s more likely to affect us as we get older, unless it is hereditary. My sister in law suffers from one and she has learned to live with it. Sharing your experience helps and battling the disease with people who suffers from the same could help alleviate the fear and the unknown. Take care.
Jessie
To: frab07@aol.com
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2008 12:02 pm
Hello Kabsat!
I am glad you're doing alright and hopefully on your way to full recovery. Many people are praying for you and they care for you. You are not alone in your struggle.
shaft.
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I have also received a number of greeting cards and “get-well soon” wishes from friends. Here are some of them:
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So sorry to hear you are not feeling well. All our love. Get better so we can bring you strawberries.
Red and Dolores/ Nancy and Jojo
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Hope you are already well when you get this card. We miss you a lot
We love you.
Mel and Lucy
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Puppy, I hope you get well soon. I am always thinking of you.
Love,
‘
Lynn
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You will be enrolled in the Lourdes Prayer League and remembered in Masses celebrated each month at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, and each day at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois.
Erma
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We have heard that you are having some health problems and undergoing tests. (Some of those tests can almost kill you.) I hope that by now the doctors have found out what is wrong and have come up with a game plan for getting you well again.
Please pray for Luther and me as we face this new challenge in our lives as we will pray for your return to good health…
Wishing you many Easter blessings,
Fondly,
Nancy
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You are in our thoughts and prayers! God bless you for a speedy recovery.
Love and prayers,
Angie and Bill
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I will always be grateful for the time we spent together—the fraternity we shared.
In Christ,
Msgr. Paul
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Elaine told us that you are not feeling well – hospital for tests. Know that you are and will continue to be in our prayers. Feel better.
Nino and Christine
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We heard that you had surgery and that you were not feeling well. So we just wanted to see if you were ok and to let you know that you are in our prayers. We miss you and hope to see you soon. Take care of yourself.
Love,
Mr. & Mrs. Cobianchi
(Jessica, John, Caitlin, Philip and Thomas)
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May God answer all the prayers that have been said for you by giving you new strength, health, and all His blessings. God bless. Many blessings.
Love,
Sadie & Florence
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I am happy to hear that you are going to be alright. We were sorry to hear that you were not well, on Saturday night mass. I saw Earl on Sunday evening. I had dinner with my daughter. On my way home, we spoke. He told me your tests showed a problem you could control. You were well enough to return to the rectory. Now it is my turn to pray for you. Take care of yourself and God bless you. Have a blessed Easter.
Anna and family
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You better get well. There are’nt many people I like.
Love ya,
Janie
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Faith moves mountains. But real faith is knowing that your friends are always there for you.
Love you,
Dom and Jane
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Need I say how distressed I was to learn you were not up to par. All of us in your class really miss you and are praying for a speedy recovery. After all, I know you miss my questions and I have to admit I really wait for the answers
May God keep you in His care. Feel better.
Sincerely,
Lilian
----------------
I was sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I’ll keep you in my prayers…”you have to get well soon, we need you!!”
God bless.
Sophie
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Hope you are feeling better. Happy Easter.
Love,
John and Linda
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You are in my prayers. Get well soon.
Sincerely,
Anna
--------------------
We think of you often and miss you.
Love,
Cathy and Vinnie
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Just wanted to let you know that we were thinking of you. Hope you’re feeling better soon. You are in our prayers.
Love,
Rich and Gina
(Michael and Jenna)
-------------------
I apologize to you for not getting to the hospital in time to visit you. I do want you to know the very next day when I did come, you already gone home. I was glad to hear such good news. I had a long talk with the Lord and I am sure he heard me. I do believe that Jesus knows that you are a good disciple of his, and your work and good deeds tell all.
I hope you are following your diet and doing what the doctor tells you to do. My mom was diabetic, and she got it in her late 70’s. She was a trooper, did everything she was told and was just fine.
I’ll close now. You take care and know I love you and hope only the best for you. I’ll give you 1 more week to get your strength back, then I’ll come visit. In the mean time, enjoy Easter and God bless.
With much respect and love.
Your friend,
Elaine
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I was very surprised to hear of your recent stay in the hospital. I hope you are on your way to recovery.
My prayers are with you always.
May you have a blessed Easter.
Love,
Marie
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Enjoy your special day. You were a gift. You are missed.
Blessings and Peace,
Sr. Eileen
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I heard that you were recently hospitalized. I hope you find yourself today feeling better and enjoying the day. You need to put yourself and your health first. It may sound selfish but “you are all you got.’ You have a lot of work to out there, a lot of hearts to help change with God’s grace. So, take charge, listen to your doctors and enjoy each day for yourself.
You probably spent your birthday at the hospital, but please know I remembered you in my prayers. I turned your age, 47, on St. Patricks’s day. I spent it with the girls from A & E, and later with family.
Take good care of yourself.
With love and prayer for you,
Patty
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God bless you on your birthday and keep you all the faith it takes to make your dreams come true. May his love and wisdom always help to guide you on your way. And his light shine down upon you now to bless this special day.
Love and prayers,
Terri and Artie
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Monsignor Paul had mentioned and asked the parishioners to pray for your fast recovery.
So we hope and pray and wish you well now and always.
Feel better soon.
Letty and Nida
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We miss you. God be with you.
Nancy
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We heard you weren't feeling well. We hope you feel better soon.
Debbie and Anna Marie
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I am sending you my very best wishes as you recover, and hope you are doing well. Sorry, I missed your leaving at Holy Family as I was on vacation down south. But I hope to get to one of your religious classes if they will be continuing.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Joyce
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Hope this finds you feeling well. Heard about your health problems and am glad things are under control. Your time home wasn't under the best of circumstances, but am sure you were happy being with your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
God bless you and yours...
Love,
Marie
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Since I got sick, there had been people “behind the scenes” who continue to give me support in every way, through many different ways. I don’t need to mention their names here. They know who they are. And from my heart, I am grateful for everything they do. It’s so much easier to walk through life knowing that there are people who care and love you deeply, and who will always be there for you to help you along the way. I call them my "hidden angels" and "guardians." May God reward them for their caring hearts and generousity.
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