An impromptu concert came about during visiting hours last night. The house was filled with friends, teachers, and relatives. Maura had rested most of the day and became very alert--very, very alert--just before they arrived. The began to sing upon her request--opera arias, choral pieces, guitar solos, hymns,whatever she asked for. She asked for some Sonic sweetened iced tea and took a few sips. After about 90 minutes, her energy waned and people began to say their goodbyes to her. It was a beautiful evening.
The over exertion caused a bit of a pain crisis and anxiety, but that was soon addressed. She slept peacefully most of the night. She has had a few brief periods of wakefulness, but mostly, now, she sleeps.
About Me
- Erin
- This is a picture of my daughter, Maura. She died from metastatic high-grade unclassified sarcoma* on May 19, 2009 at the age of 22. For one year I wrote about her journey with cancer. I don't know if I'll keep writing now or if I'm done. We'll just take it a day at a time. *Sarcoma is a little-known, under-researched, under-funded cancer. To contribute directly to research please consider giving a gift directly to: MD Anderson Cancer Center- Donations, PO Box 4486, Houston TX 77210-4486 ****(Please write "In memory of Maura de Souza " in the memo portion of the check to make sure it goes directly for sarcoma research.)
19 comments:
That's amazingly sweet, and we are all lucky to have had Maura touch our lives. She is an amazingly sweet person and my memories of her are filled with light and warmth. There are people everywhere praying for her and your family right now.
My husband, friend and I have sent Maura a beautiful bouquet of bright Peruvian Lilies, but they will not be there until tomorrow. I am hoping she will be able to see them and read the message. It encompasses a quote by one of my favorite poet/philosophers:
"I existed from all eternity and, behold, I am here; and I shall exist until the end of time, for my being has no end."
~Kahlil Gibran
You are an amazingly strong woman, and that is apparent in how amazingly strong Maura is. Love, warmth, and prayers from Virginia.
Peace,
Ashley & Andre Frazier
I will continue to pray for Maura, especially now as she sleeps.
I went to Sam with Maura and we were in the same studio for a couple of years. I have continually kept up with your blogs the past year and a half, and never cease thinking of Maura. Even before she was presented with this battle, she was an inspiration to me simply as a person. However, now, more than ever, Maura has made me turn my life around and see all the blessings that I once ignored. God is so good to give us someone like Maura, and I can't wait to hear her sing in God's choir! Maybe we will get to sing in it together one day!
Mrs. de Souza, you are such a strong woman and I admire your strength throughout all this. I hope that one day, if God chooses a similar path for me as a mother, I will be able to handle it as gracefully as you, your family, and Maura have all handled this battle. You all are so loved and although I don't know anyone in your family but Maura, I am constantly praying and thinking of you.
God bless you all and God bless His angel on earth, Maura.
Oh, by the way, I'm Meagan Mosley, I forgot to leave my name on the comment above.
May the Road Rise to Meet you, Maura!
Erin and Joel and girls: I will always remember Maura's sweet greetings to all of us adults in the choir booster club at Spring High. What an amazing young woman soon to join the choir of heavenly angels. You know that you have been in my thoughts sooooo much this past year. I continue to pray for you all during this difficult time. Please give Maura a big hug and kiss for me...as I want to respect your privacy at this time.
Elaine E.
I am so glad that maura got to enjoy her evening! Im sure the pain after was not fun at all, but I am glad she got to be entertained for a little while and have a night of enjoyment. I love you maura to death. Our lives have gone seperate directions, but know that heather and I will always hold onto the memories of our trio! I love you and you are in my thoughts and prayers. My mom sends her love as well.
Kristen Benkendorfer
I am a friend of Kristin and Allen Hightower. Although I have never met Maura or your family, I have followed your story through Kristin. I have been touched by your story, and by Maura's grace and courage throughout this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. "May choirs of angels sing thee to thy rest . . "
Ann Webb
Dear Erin,
Thanks you so much for keeping up with this blog. It's been so good to be able to keep up with what has been happening, without bothering you all. You are all constantly in our thoughts and prayers, and we are very grateful that Maura is at peace. Love from all of us at LSC-NH.
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Peace be with you, Maura. And with you, Erin and family.
Maura and the DeSouza family,
I am sending my love and prayers from Minnesota. Danielle and I were in a church small group together when I lived in Chicago and from the very beginning I saw the light of God in everything Danielle did. Her strength amazed me and encouraged me to build a deeper relationship with God. Just based on this blog and the wonderful things I know about Danielle I know that God will be with you to carry you through these times. Cancer Sucks...That is all I can say!
Always,
Anna Dolney
I'm glad to see Maura had such a good time with the people she loves last night!
Still in my thoughts and prayers,
Crystal Clifton
i wish i could be there so badly but i take comfort knowing she is surrounded by those who love her, and who she loves in return.
I don't know Maura personally, but I was in the SHS choir and know of her through mutual friends. I am heartbroken for the hurt your family is now enduring. I pray the Lord will be gracious in His timing and His provision when you will need Him most.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
Karen Price
Caros Joel, Erin e Maura,
estamos certo que o melhor está reservado para a Maura.
Deus sabe o que é melhor para a Maura.
Estamos emocionados com voces. A energia, a fé, a coragem de voces impressionam e estimulam a todos.
Que Deus esteja com voces o tempo todo.
Abraços também para a Lidia e Daniela.
Dionizio, Lourdes, Rafael
+55 21 8871 3887
+55 21 2267 4707
how sweet. how wonderful. what a blessing that concert must have been!
maura, i am sending you: songs of joy, abundant love & constant prayers all the way from japan. you are in my heart. i love you!
we dont know each other but im firends with kelly moss and she has told me whats going on. i just wanted you to know that my family is praying for maura and your family.
the lord bless you and keep you.
kent
I wish Maura and her family peace and grace, now and through all that comes after.
i love you guys. i am praying for you today, and i will be praising God with you when Maura goes home to meet our Savior. she is such a strong woman and a blessing to all of us who have had the pleasure of knowing her during different times in her life. tell Maura thank you for showing each and every one of us how to live a life that honors God and blesses everyone around her. love you all so much and i will keep praying.
As Laurie mentioned, yes your family is constantly in our thoughts and prayers with all of our love. I also want you to know that all of my friends and I are praying for Maura and your family.
Love,
Trisha
this reminds me of a quote i heard in college - "may music charm me last on earth and greet me first in heaven." (unknown)
much love and prayers to you and your family - your overwhelming hope is really an amazing thing and a blessing to anyone who reads this blog (and I'm sure knows y'all in person)
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