Father Goetz Honours Sabrina's Life
Sabrina's mom Linda provided some reflections to the students at Father Goetz Secondary School in May. Below is a transcript:
Tuesday May 16, 2000
Throughout the week I would like to give some insight into the person that Sabrina was and the person that you would have gotten to know. Despite her young age, Sabrina was wise beyond her years and I would like to share of her wisdom with the Father Michael Goetz community over the next few days as we honour her life.
A lot of young people today seem to care more about what they look like, their weight and what they can say or do to fit in with a particular group. Sabrina however, taught me that you have to say what you feel, dress the way you feel is right for you and only you and most of all she made me laugh.
When she finally gained enough weight to pull her stomach so she could have a roll. She was so proud of her very little roll, she called in her favourite nurse just to show her.
In Sabrina's words, "I've just got to be me."
Wednesday May 17, 2000
Strength and Courage are not something that can be measured. The amount of each can only be realised when they are tested. Just when you think you can't try any harder or go any farther, you just have to reach inside yourself and to your own amazement you will be able to try harder and go farther.
Whenever Sabrina had to face a new challenge - even though she would be afraid - she would reach inside herself, and sometimes ask for a little help. With that we always managed to get through it. She showed me that it was o.k. to be afraid, but - no matter what the odds - you just had to try and that was all you could do. Nothing more, nothing less.
Friday May 19, 2000
Everyday of our lives we are asked to make decisions, some are easy, some are not.
Imagine being asked how you want to die. Sabrina was asked that very question less than a week before her death. The doctor's told her that they could do no more for her; she was going to die, the only question was how. Sabrina said "I don't want to be put on a machine, just make me comfortable." She thanked the doctors, she said "I know you tried your best." She was only 14 years old and had to legally make that decision herself because mentally she was still cognisant. That is a decision we hope and pray none of you ever have to make. When the doctors left she looked at her dad and I and said "I'm going to miss you guys." Her dad said "honey we'll miss you too!" It took her a moment and she said "Oh, yeah you guys will miss me."
