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Lincoln, IL 62656
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 To the editor:It has been five years since our family has moved
to Lincoln. It is, sadly, easy enough for us to remember the precise
season. It was March of 2005. On my wife's birthday (the 18th), a
judge ordered the feeding tube of Terri Schiavo removed, and with
our nation we were gripped by the story. Before the month was over
(on the 31st), Terri had died of starvation/dehydration. We don't
believe we'll ever forget the moment we heard the expected, yet
horrifying news: Terri was gone. And our family grieved.
Folks around us had mixed reactions. "It is complicated," some
said, wishing not to become too involved in a controversial matter.
Some were curious about our opinion on the subject, learning that
we have a daughter, Kari, similar to Terri (we are convinced the
evidence shows Terri was less disabled than is our daughter). And
some were also truly sympathetic and shared in our grief -- grief
for a family in Florida and grief for a culture that had taken one
more step away from valuing each human life.
[to top of second column in this letter]
 |
 Kari was 18 at the time. Thankfully she is still with us. She has
had some major battles to fight within these five years. While we
are very concerned about the overall direction in which the American
culture continues to flow with regard to issues of life, we are
grateful that there are those who join us in valuing our severely
disabled daughter. Our family doctor, Thomas Zwilling, is a great
support to us. We appreciate his competence and compassion. Nearly
two years ago, ALMH provided excellent care at a precarious time --
we nearly lost Kari to pneumonia. And there are neighbors and
friends who have come to know and love Kari and express their
support in a variety of ways.
As we look back on a sad season for our country, a time that to
us is similar to Jan. 22, 1973, we wish to also look on the bright
side and express thanks for those in this community who stand with
us -- those who continue to believe our Creator has endowed us with
the unalienable right to life.
Ron and Joan Denlinger
Lincoln
[Posted
April 20, 2010]
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