Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Ultimate Graduation

It's finished. Maura is in heaven, certainly singing already. She left this earth surrounded by family and friends, with Handel oratorios playing in the background. God bless those of us who remain. We suffer because we miss her. She is in perfect peace and happiness and joy. Thank you, God.

93 comments:

Anonymous said...

God Bless Maura and your family. What a sad day for all.

Unknown said...

My heart hurts for your loss, but I know through your faith God will see you through this time.
When I hear opera I will think of Maura and you her family, ALWAYS.
What a beautiful story and testimony to us all, you Maura's family and Maura herself have given us.

God bless us all......

ashley lee... said...

Praise Jesus she is with Him now. Love you guys!

Sarah Hughes said...

Our family has been praying for the Lord to totally and completely cover you with His peace. You all have inspired and blessed us beyond measure. Maura has certainly left a beautiful legacy. What a precious baby.
With love from the Hughes Family (Allie's family)

Anonymous said...

She is happy now, and no longer in pain! God Bless the DeSouza's!

Anonymous said...

God Bless you all. Your strength and your faith are an inspiration to all of us. I know that Maura is is heaven and watching over each of you. She has touched so many lives of people that have never met her, and now I'm sure she will continue that. My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time.

Samantha L said...

I knew Maura through mutual friends in high school and can say that we are all blessed to have had her in our lives. She is in peace now and happy. My deepest sympothys to you and your family.

Samantha Livingston

Anonymous said...

I bet Maura's one of the loudest and most joyful singers!

My heart is saddened, my mind somewhat confused, but i know that the Lord doesn't do things without a plan. I love you, maura.

Anonymous said...

Lord, as you welcome Maura into your Kingdom, please continue to watch over her family, giving them the strength needed to get through this difficult time. Please continue to shower them with love. God Bless Maura and the entire DeSouza family.

Kathy said...

Erin, there are no words.
I'm thinking of you and your family and pray for peace for you through this difficult time and beyond.

Janet Goins said...

Erin, you and your family are in our prayers. Our hearts break for you. Your journey has been such an inspiration, and thank you for sharing it with us.

Erica Couch said...

God Bless you Erin for your strength and selflessness for sharing your life with all of us. God Bless Maura who was our beautiful angel on earth and is now our beautiful angel in heaven. Most of all God bless your family.

Love, Erica

Anonymous said...

Erin,

Your blog has allowed everyone to live vicariously in your roles as a mother, caretaker, warrior, saint, and brave witness to the devastation of cancer. Please take comfort that when you mourn/we mourn, and when you grieve/we grieve. We have shared all of your ups and downs, good moments and bad, and now we will all miss the Maura you described so well in your writing.

Kim Coffey said...

Oh what a beautiful sound there must be in Heaven right now! Maybe Maura's jumping in a moonwalk celebrating too. Thank you so much for allowing us to share in your journey. I pray that God will give you much comfort and strength in this time.

Millers said...

We were all blessed to know her. May God comfort your family.

Don and Christi Hilborn said...

We have been praying for God's grace and peace that surpasses all understanding for you and your family. I have seen that grace and peace in you throughout this past year and pray that you will continue to feel it in the days ahead. God bless you, Maura, Joel, Danielle, Lydia and your entire family.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you. But praise God she is now healed and in no more pain.

Anonymous said...

Dear De Souza family,

Even though I only came across Maura at SHSU, I am inspired by her, and pray that God's healing surround you all. Erin, you have shown us a heroic example of a mother's love for her child. May God surround you and your family with peace during the days ahead, and may Maura's memory be a testament to all.

Sincerely,

Letty Fuentes

Jenny said...

Those in Heaven must be enjoying that amazing voice that joined them this morning!

Too bad we all now have to miss that amazing voice. :-(

Praying for the DeSouzas.

Anonymous said...

We are so sad for you and our world for its loss -- but at the same time feel happy for sweet Maura to have escaped to a much better place. We grieve with you. Janet Giesen

Marlene said...

We have been praying for peace and grace for your family. I can't wait till the day that I get to hear Maura sing!
Wade & Marlene Hollis

Unknown said...

I can't say that I knew Maura well, but I have always been impressed by her beauty--some people's beauty is inspired by makeup, and others by God. Maura always had a light about her.

I'm sorry for your loss doesn't seem like an appropriate condolence. How about congratulations on having a wonderful daughter that will be missed and remembered by many. Thank you for sharing your trials and joys with us through this experience. May God bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you.

Anonymous said...

Prayers for you and your family Erin. Words are so inadequate..I won't even try. Just know we are praying. Rick, Susan and Ashley

Vivian Brecher said...

Erin, I am sorry to hear about Maura. I wish I could make the pain go away for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Unknown said...

Finally Maura is now healed and suffers no more. God is holding her in His arms and listening to her angelic voice. Praying for comfort and God's presence in the days to come. May your memories keep her alive in your hearts. Prayerfully

Anonymous said...

Maura is such an inspiration to us all! Going through middle school and high school with her was a blessing! She was so loving, kind, talented, and selfless! Her story will live with me the rest of my life! Her courage was breath taking. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

My heart grieves from the loss of a friend. But I am comforted because I know that Maura is now in Heaven singing with the angels in perfect harmony. de Souza family, I pray that the presence of God surrounds you and that the peace of God is felt in your hearts and home. Maura's beauty, smile, inspiration and legacy will live in our hearts forever. "For the weight of our suffering was carried by the arms of His cross and we bare it no more." God Bless you.

Con todo mi corazon
Courtney Johnson

Ashley said...

God Bless you all in your time of loss. She will be forever remembered in the hearts and minds of those whose lives she touched. Her presence never went by unnoticed, and now the suffering has ceased and she is at peace, singing with that beautiful voice in the choir of angels.

"Rest assured that in her dying, in her flight through
darkness toward a new light, she held you in her arms
and carried your closeness with her. And when she
arrived at God, your image was imprinted on her
joy-filled soul."

May the Lord envelop you in His infinite comfort during this time of grief. Peace,

Ashley and Andre Frazier

Amanda said...

i couldn't have said it better myself. i feel...peaceful. i know she is exactly where she needs to be. her journey now is an amazing one. i just feel so blessed, so lucky to have spent my childhood with her. she is the most amazing person i have ever known, and i have never had a better friend in my whole life. she is a special special woman.

Seaag said...

I have to say, as painful as it is to lose such a wonderful spirit, I'm thankful Maura is at peace. I'm praying for comfort and strength for you all during this time.

Anonymous said...

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil.4:6-7)
de Souza family, you and Maura's hearts and spirits through this whole situation have been such a testimony to the faith and trust you have in your Lord and Savior. I know that Maura touched many lives and I pray that through this tragedy many will be drawn closer to Jesus as they see your God given peace and joy even in such a difficult time. I am praying for all of you that you will feel His peace and have confidence in His perfect Sovereign plan. Mauara is so loved and I can't wait to see her again!
Anne Powell

Anonymous said...

Our church and family have prayed many times for your sweet Maura and family. Thank God this life is not the end. Maura has finished her course and his now with our heavenly Father.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness"
II Timothy 4:7, 8a
We are praying for you all. God bless your family. Phillip and Valerie Cooper

Unknown said...

We are thankful she is at peace and will continue to pray for your family.

xoxo,
The Gairos

Mary Ellen said...

God now has the most beautiful angel with a joyful voice in heaven. Erin, Joel, Danielle and Lydia - my heart goes out to you during this difficult time.
Love,
Mary Ellen

Katie said...

Love you, Maura. I'm so sorry I wasn't there. I'm praying for you.

Unknown said...

Maura you were a beautiful person inside and out. We will miss you.

Matt and Chasity

God Bless

Anonymous said...

Dear Erin and Joel,
You have done the hardest thing I can imagine, with courage and grace and so much heart.
Thank you for letting us be part of the journey. May you be filled with peace.
love, Katie

Pat & Andrea Thompson said...

Our prayers are with your family and saddened for your loss. Praise the Lord she is now singing with the Angels in Heaven.

Sean Bublitz said...

Our sincerest condolences from everyone at Community Christian. We didn't know Maura personally, but were inspired by her bravery. Our thoughts and prayers are with Danielle and the rest of your family.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Dear Erin and Joel,
I wish I was there to hug you
I wish was there to comfort you
I wish was there to be by your side
I wish was there to confide ad say: Thanks Maura for being in that parking lot at that exact time and for that specific spot.

Because of you things came to be easier than it could.

God, please hold her in your powerful arms and please protect My secof family!

"Here in my hour of need
I am lonely, forsaken again
I'm wounded and left here to bleed
With no solace from a stranger or friend
Who hears my cry to revive and restore
One who has been here before
He's been in my shoes
Been down this road before
He's been tested too
He's been through this door
He feels the pain and He heals the bruise
He's been in my shoes
He's been in my shoes
The Union of God in a man
Is a mystery that I can't understand
But now with my suffering known
I'm reminded that I'm never alone
Who has been tried and been tempted this way?
Jesus who now hears me pray
He was a man just like me
But He lived His life blamelessly
Now I'm beginning to see
He holds my hand
He understands"


Flávio

Anonymous said...

God does not keep His child immune from trouble; He promises, "I will be with him in trouble . . ." ( Psalm 91:15 ). It doesn’t matter how real or intense the adversities may be; nothing can ever separate him from his relationship to God. "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." ( Romans 8:37 ). Paul was not referring here to imaginary things, but to things that are dangerously real. And he said we are "super-victors" in the midst of them, not because of our own ingenuity, nor because of our courage, but because none of them affects our essential relationship with God in Jesus Christ. I feel sorry for the Christian who doesn’t have something in the circumstances of his life that he wishes were not there.

"Shall tribulation . . . ?" Tribulation is never a grand, highly welcomed event; but whatever it may be— whether exhausting, irritating, or simply causing some weakness— it is not able to "separate us from the love of Christ." Never allow tribulations or the "cares of this world" to separate you from remembering that God loves you ( Matthew 13:22 ).

"Shall . . . distress . . . ?" Can God’s love continue to hold fast, even when everyone and everything around us seems to be saying that His love is a lie, and that there is no such thing as justice?

"Shall . . . famine . . . ?" Can we not only believe in the love of God but also be "more than conquerors," even while we are being starved?

Either Jesus Christ is a deceiver, having deceived even Paul, or else some extraordinary thing happens to someone who holds on to the love of God when the odds are totally against him. Logic is silenced in the face of each of these things which come against him. Only one thing can account for it— the love of God in Christ Jesus. "Out of the wreck I rise" every time.
-Oswald Chambers

While the trials have been coming and may continue to come, please know that more people than you could ever know, many of which you have never, and may never meet, have been profoundly touched by Maura's life. May the Lord comfort you.

Carolyn Bulauski said...

God Bless The Desouza Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Joseph Merrill said...

Peace, Maura.

Anne said...

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~Kahlil Gibran

Erin and Joel, I know that Maura has been your delight. Your angel is now singing in the heavenly choir. Praise be to God!

Love - Anne

Anonymous said...

Maura I love you forever and always. You were an amazing person. I will never forget what we have been through and all the memories we have. Rest in peace beautiful.

jonathan zitzmann

Dana said...

Praying for your family. I'm so sad for you but so happy that Maura is no longer in pain and is singing with the angels today!

Unknown said...

Dear Erin, Joel, Danielle and Lydia

Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ said in Jo 11:25: "I am the resurrection and the life. She who believes in me will live, even though she dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

We hear with sadness that dear Maura has left us for a while. On the other hand, we are convinced that Maura has been welcomed in heaven by our Lord and we will meet Him, and Maura as well, in the near future and for eternity.

The apostle Paul said in 1 Co 15: 51 "Listen, I tell you a mystery: we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.

We firmly believe that this is what has happened to Maura. We pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort you and give you peace that transcends all understanding.

Much love
Francisco & Isabel Medeiros

Anonymous said...

God Bless you Maura. You are a wonderful angel in heaven.

Beth Buchanan said...

Thank you so much for everything you've been doing this past year. You've been so great, Erin. Thank you for allowing us to come visit Maura on Sunday too. It was a very cherished time and I appreciate you greatly for sharing that with us. Maura will always be our shining star and my personal inspiration to always be who God made me to be, no matter what's going on in my life. Thank you for Maura.

Beth Buchanan

Anonymous said...

Erin, Joel and famiy,
We want to send our condolescenses from the bottom of our heart. You have certainy been an inspiration to all of us. Please know that we have you in our thoughts
Carlos and Macarena

Pedro N Guzman said...

She lives forever, never forget what she has meant to each and everyone one of you. God had a plan and in him we trust always. I can't imagine what you and you family must be going through. I was fortunate to meat this absoulouty beautiful woman when she first arrived to Sam Houston State. She is absouloutly breathtaking and I take comfort knowing that she now is in a better place. She has inspired and will continue to inspire so many people. She may be gone from this earth but she is not gone from our hearts and for that her legacy will always live. Our Father, who art in heave, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses, as we forgive thise who trust pass against us, and lead us not unnto teptaion, but deliver us from evil. AMEN. R.I.P Maura, You will be missed
Pedro N Guzman

Sheena LaShay said...

Beautiful Maura,

I know your spirit is still here for energy can not be created or destroyed. And in that knowledge I will find my peace.

Thank you for visiting me in my dream last night. I woke up peaceful and I was scared of that peace because I knew what it meant.

Beautiful, beautiful Maura.

Anonymous said...

I am so sad to know of your loss of Maura, your sweet daughter. You are right, God has welcomed her into heaven. I am praying for your family. Sincerely, Jean and Gerry Kuecher

Ann Webb said...

Lord, now lettest thou they servant depart in peace, according to thy word, for mine eyes have seen the glory of thy salvation.

Anonymous said...

God bless you and all of those who grieve with you. Maura was wonderful and courageous. We can tell from whom that came.

Lee Jamison

Joni Rodgers said...

Godspeed, Maura.

I know we'll hear that old cliche "she lost her battle with cancer," but it is so untrue of this girl. She fought the good fight, rescued joy from the pit of sorrow, climbed every day like a mountain and planted laughter like a flag. She excavated happiness from the saddest landscape imaginable. Her amazing smile is scored into the heart of everyone who knew her. Maura did not lose her battle with cancer. She rose above the refining fire and kicked cancer's ass.

Erin and family, peace and strength to you. Shalom and love, Joni

Cecilia Mariz said...

Cecilia and Silvio Mariz,from Brasil, aunt and uncle of Joao Medeiros, we send you and all family our prayers asking GOD to support you.

Anonymous said...

God is the God of comfort and peace, especially in our time of loss. Maura is loved and missed, but praise Jesus! we will see her again. God is rejoicing for his child has come home! -kfm

Julien said...

Que de Dieu te garde !!! Merci de m'avoir montre la vraie signification des mots courage, joie, force, détermination.
Thanks Maura, you showed me the real signification of those words : courage, joy, strenght, determination. Rest in Peace !
BISOUS MAURA

Anonymous said...

I shall always remember Maura's beautiful smile. What a privilege to watch her group up and blossom into such a wonderful and kind young woman. She brought such happiness to Amanda and the rest of our family. I will always remember our special vacation to Disneyworld together. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Sara

Jim Coffey said...

My soundtrack nomination for the day is:

"Three Times a Lady"
by the Commodores"

Thank you Maura for blessing the life of our family.

Thank you Erin for writing this blog so we can share in your journey.

And - if you get tired of listening to silky smooth love songs you can always flip the record over and groove to
"Brick House"

Anonymous said...

os avos de João, no Brasil,compartilham com a família de MAURA, a dôr pela sua perda,enviando nosso abraço de condolências.
Medeiros e Cely

Gilbert Millan said...

Maura will forever be in me mind and heart. She was a blessing on alot of us and through her my connection with Christ grew stronger. I love you Maura, rest in peace beautiful.
I'll look up to sky and know that you are watching over every single one of us. God Bless Maura and her family.

Living Teal,
Gilbert Millan

Jessica Torrez said...

Maura, God Bless you and your family. I'm honored to say that I knew you. You're an amazing woman and I could always see Jesus working through you and now you can work with him. May the Lord Bless you and Keep you always!! I know your story has and will continue to inspire many. I can't wait to sing in God's choir with you one day. Today Heaven gained an angel. To the DeSouza's ... I pray for all of you for continued strength during this time. I don't know all of you personally but I know that you all are amazing people.


I love you Maura!!


Jessica Torrez

Anonymous said...

Maura has been an inspiration to all of us with her strength and determination, as well as you. You are an example to everyone of what a mother should be. Your love for your child is immeasurable. I know Maura will be missed dearly.

The de Souzas are in my thoughts,

Yanira Soria

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you can be a peace now!! God bless Maura and her beautiful family!!

Elsa D. said...

Erin, I am very sad.
Um abraço,
Elsa

jimmyv113 said...

This is a sad day but it is also a very great day and an honor. Rejoice and be glad in His name for He accepts Maura and frees her of all things; pain, fatigue, and especially toby. Rejoice in the time you've spent with her for every day was a blessing. Rejoice for knowing that she is in a better place and will be waiting for you when He calls you. Rejoice and be glad in His name for Maura is forever alive in your hearts.
Rejoice.

Dionizio said...

Queridos Danielle, Lidia, Erin e Joel,

temos a certeza que Deus reservou o melhor para a Maura.
Essa fé dará força para vencer a grande saudade que ela deixou em todos.
A Maura está muito bem.
Deus esteja com todos nós.
Dionizio, Lourdes e Rafael

Anonymous said...

Our God is so great. What a life she lived and my the people she was able to touch. Thank God she is at rest. My our God's great love and comfort be with you now. He knows your pain he lost his only son. Thnak you for what you mean in our lives, and your willingness to serve the Lord in all situations.

Linsey's Mom said...

Following are words to a beautiful song sung by the group "Truth". I first heard this song at Spring Baptist Church about 15 years ago, and it has probably made the most impact on me about the truth of heaven. I pray that these words are of comfort to your family during this difficult time. Our family upholds you in prayer, along with many of our friends in Western North Carolina.

Love from Kim, Lance, and Linsey Mericle


"If You Could See Me Now"

Our prayers have all been answered. I finally arrived.
The healing that had been delayed has now been realized.
No one's in a hurry. There's no schedule to keep.
We're all enjoying Jesus, just sitting at His feet.


If you could see me now, I'm walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now, I'm standing strong and whole.
If you could see me now, you'd know I've seen His face.
If you could see me now, you'd know the pain is erased.
You wouldn't want me to ever leave this place,
If you could only see me now.


My light and temporary trials have worked out for my good,
To know it brought Him glory when I misunderstood.
Though we've had our sorrows, they can never compare.
What Jesus has in store for us, no language can share.


You wouldn't want me to ever leave this perfect place
If you could only see me now

Cheri said...

Dear Erin,

I remember when I met Maura. She was just a little girl, so beautiful and sweet. Maura is walking hand in hand with Jesus now and seeing the wonderful sights of Heaven! Erin, your blogs and strength have been an inspiration to us all. You and your family are in my prayers.

Love,
Cheri (Cooper) Jaster

Anonymous said...

Maura is home now. May the Lord eventually fill the hole in your heart with the joy that Maura is now feeling. We are all continuing to pray for you guys, you have all given us so much.

In his love,

Kathy & Shawn

Stephanie said...

I only knew Maura briefly during our time in choir together at Sam, but her God-given talent and beautiful soul was always (and will always be) an inspiration. I'm looking forward to the day when we get to sing together once again in the Heavenly chorus. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

God bless,
Stephanie McNeely

Anonymous said...

When I heard that chemo was no longer an option I knew I had to search for one. Sadly it was not Gods plan to change the course for her. However, we know there is a reason for Gods plan and we can be sure she is smiling in heaven. Life never ends it just takes a different path. Until you meet again have peace in knowing she is pain free and smiling down upon you. She is around you, she is by your side. What a beautiful angel she is.

Keely Johnson said...

Dear Maura's Family,
I too go to Spring Baptist Church and have been praying for your family. My heart aches for you right now. I too have lost a child to cancer 5 years ago, Cody Johnson.
Just know that she did not lose her battle with cancer, she claimed VICTORY today as she went into the arms of Jesus Christ. I KNOW that God is going to strengthen you and carry you through all this, He promises He will, and God is faithful!! Also remember Maura is in your future, not your past, just like my precious Cody is in my future also.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all right now and if you need someone to talk with or just listen, I'm here always. Much prayers of God's presence to surround you all daily right now.
Keely Johnson

Kelly Johnson-Fontenot said...

I can't find the words to express how I feel... I posted this on Facebook and I wanted to share it with you:

Maura De Souza = Hilarious.Smiles.Fun.Kind hearted.Amazing singer.Intelligent.Witty.Gorgeous.In love with Jesus.Graceful in presence.Tenatious..... These are the things I will remember. Rest in peace love... You will be missed, but you are suffering no more... That's what's important. To the 12 that camped out at her side - my prayers/thoughts are with you.

I was blessed to know Maura through choir at Spring High. I spent 3 years laughing with her at my side during sectionals....

I got the news today from Nancy Akin (happens to live across the street from me). I was on my way to Dallas to lay my great grandpa to rest when the text message arrived. I have not been able to get her off my mind since... She has touched so many lives, I know so many people have told you that, but it is so undeniably true. Thank you for giving us Maura. Thank you for sharing her journey to the end. Thank you for raising such an amazing daughter.

Today I am sad, but rejoice in the fact that she is dwelling in the house of the Lord. No more pain, only joyful singing in the heavenly choir of angels. I will never look at another sunflower without feeling her presence.

-Kelly 'Johnson' Fontenot

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Erin, for sharing your wonderful Maura with us these last few months. I have never met her, but through her smile and your words, I feel as though my life has been enriched by knowing her. My heart is full. Shari

knb.tamu08 said...

Godspeed, little girl, Sweet dreams, little girl, Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings Godspeed, Sweet dreams

I love you Maura. I will always hold onto the sweet memories we have made. I admire your courage and strength of leaving and going before us so much. Please save me a seat next to you in the choir... one day it will be like old times at church with the trio together again.

de Souza family... you will be in my prayers as you go through this difficult time. Know that you are loved and have an army of prayer warriors to feed you strength.

Kristen Benk.

Anonymous said...

My family and I would like to express our sadness for your loss. We have never met your family or Maura, but have had the opportunity to follow your story. She has touched more people than she will ever know. Our hearts are with you during this time.

Anonymous said...

I never knew Maura but followed her story through a friend on facebook. I am extremely saddened to hear of her passing. Her family and friends are in my prayers in this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Praise The Lord! Maura won the battle! Toby & the dreaded spawn are dead! However, beautiful MAURA LIVES ON FOREVER! Not only in our hearts but with her LORD AND SAVIOR-JESUS CHRIST!!! God is so good.

What a beautiful testimony your lives have been to HIS AMAZING GRACE. We will continue praying for you all in the days and weeks to come.

May The Lord Bless you all.
Love In Him,
The Warax Family

Anonymous said...

I remember Maura from kindergarten and first grade-we were in the same classes. She was one of my best friends when we were little. I came across Maura again on facebook through some friends and wasn't aware of her health until last week. I'm so sad to hear she is gone. For all of us that knew her we are sad, but we do not grieve as a people without hope, faith, and assurance that God is just in all He does. May He use this time and Maura's testimony to draw people to Himself. We rejoice that she is finally home. To God be the glory.

Anonymous said...

Maura and her sister were only in the SBC Orchestra a short while when I was there. Her beautiful smile lit up the entire section over there. I never got to hear her sing, but I certainly look forward to her in Heaven. I weep with you now as though I were still in Spring. (We live in Ingram, TX now.) I am praying for you all. Love, Renee Griffin

Anonymous said...

I=B4m so sorry for your lost, I=B4m sad with everything, I would like to se=
e Maura on Earth for awhile, and that makes me mad.
I won=B4t forget her, everything that happen with us, me, nickel and gura. =
That meeting in the Ross store=B4s =A0parking lot, all that. Please say sor=
ry to Joel and the sisters for me. I understand your pain as=A0 mother,=A0 =
always a good mother.
We will love Maura forever.

Juliano Molina

Anonymous said...

I never met Maura but my son Jacob has kept me informed of everything over the past year. When he told me of her passing yesterday, my heart was so heavy for her parents and family. But then I thought of Maura actually being in Heaven free of pain, singing to her heart's desire and that made me smile. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around all of you and bring you comfort and peace. Maura's story of courage and love has touched many people, mine included. Much love to all,
Cyndie Lowry

Kelly Sammons said...

I never knew Maura and only learned of her story yesterday. I spent hours reading every blog entry, and then I cried and praised God for such an amazing woman. I wish I could've known her here on earth, but I look forward to being friends with her in heaven. She won't be hard to find, she'll be the beauty with the most amazing voice.

With love from The Sammons Family
(Kelly, Zac, Blake, and Holly)

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry for your loss and know Maura is in a better place. Peace to you all.

Robin and Raysa from CELTA

Diane said...

Erin, Joel, Danielle and Lydia -

My heart aches for you. I know these are just words, but they brought me peace and perhaps they will for you too.

Although death has separated us physically from our loved ones, they are still with us. They do not just go off to some dark and distant place. They simply continue into eternal life. We do not see them because we are still in the darkness of this world. But their spiritual eyes, filled with the light of heaven, are watching us and waiting for the day when we join them. Maura lives on, in a world beautiful beyond anything we can imagine with Jesus.

Don't worry about Maura, Pat is showing her around her new home.

My prayers are with you,
Diane Donovan

Sue said...

I never met Maura but I recently met her friend Katie. The subject of cancer came up, my father-in-law was just diagnosed and I have lost many loved ones to cancer. She told me about Maura and what a beautiful person she is and what a great attitude she had. We had a little meltdown in her office. I just want to say how sorry I am to Maura's family and to Katie for their loss. Heaven indeed has one more beautiful angel. "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." John 16:22

Anonymous said...

I first learned of Maura and her heroic fight on today's news. It brought tears to my eyes. Five years ago my wife lost her fight to a similar sarcoma (retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma). I can truly understand all that you and Maura have gone through through. I know what you will continue to go through. Our only comfort can be that our loved ones are no longer suffering from the talons of this evil beast and are in paridise with their savior. God bless you and Maura and your family

Megan M said...

Oh what a life to be love that much. One can only hope that they leave the world surrounded by as much love as Maura obviously was.
I have not weeped so much in a long time as I have been reading your words and the words of others. I am deeply sorry for your loss, but I rejoice with you in her home-going. Praise God that you had these beautiful years with her and that you were given such peace in only a way that God can give. He truly can cast away all fear and doubt. Maura's life has been a blessing to my life simply through the words I am reading...