Sunday, June 12, 2011

Prayers Needed - Got A Prayer To Spare

Posting 9    June 12, 2011

"Laticia Up-Date"

Hi All,

Returning from vacation Agnes spoke to Sue about Laticia's condition; following is a summary of their conversation...Phil

When I talked to Sue about Laticia's present condition, she assured me that I would be much surprised to see Laticia now - so many small, yet significant improvements since their recent visit here in Florida.

It appears  that Laticia has gained much strength in her upper body.  Laying on her tummy, she is now able to lift up her head and chest, not just for a couple of seconds, but for as long as she wants to look around.  When you hold her, she holds her head and chest up, looking at the world around her. 

She is now able to deliberately make new sounds, looks like she is really trying to say words. 


To everyone's surprise, she is beginning to giggle - not just once, but several times and most deliberately.  Yes, she is a happy child!  On the bad side is the fact that she still has seizures and her medication had to be raised again. 

All in all, this is good news, but she still needs so much prayer - and we all believe in Miracles.
 *****                    

Speaking of Miracles, one did happen to Debi, a friend of mine.   Recently I received the following e-mail which explains the happening.

Miracle, Largo Fl.

To my dear Catholic family and friends,


I wanted to share this miracle that took place yesterday at St Patrick's Church - the very same church where our Spiritual Director for Children of God for Life, Fr Pecchie, is pastor.  



There is a Pilgrim Cross that has traveled across the world and it was venerated twice by Pope John Paul II. The crucifix exudes oil and blood at different times and you can read more about it at http://spiritdaily.com/PilgrimCrucifix.htm


When we found out Monday this holy Crucifix was coming to St Patrick's I made plans to go and to attend the special Mass immediately following the hour of veneration and prayer. The crucifix was nothing extraordinary when I saw it in the Church - there was no visible blood or anything. It is carved of a dark wood with nothing painted except the white cloth around Christ's waist. A large sign at the bottom said "DO NOT TOUCH" and as much as I wanted to, I was obedient.


I had never heard of this Pilgrim Cross before but there were little flyers with info about its history which I read.  And of course I took a couple pictures one before Mass and one right afterward because I wanted to have a memento of such a holy icon.


Later that afternoon I downloaded the pictures and to my shock, the pictures revealed blood all over Jesus'  body. You will see them below - and they ARE NOT MODIFIED in any way!

I immediately sent the pictures to my sister and friends who were with me and to Fr Pecchie. He wrote back to tell me that after most of us had left, the Crucifix began bleeding first behind the left ear and then from the crown of thorns, then down the wrist.


The last picture you will see below was taken by one of the people who stayed at the Church - between 3 and 4PM - the hour of Divine Mercy. Needless to say I am, overwhelmed by all of this...


For those who have little faith, I pray as word spreads it will convert many hearts. For those who are rock solid, just know the power of God's love in the precious blood of His Son, poured out for all to strengthen you. His love remains always.


Much love in Christ,            Debi


First picture - and remember - there was NO BLOOD visible anywhere on this cross - but look at the head, the wrists, the knees, the chest, the feet - in fact, copy the image and then zoom in at about 200% - shocking.



#2 After Mass.











3 Between 3 and 4pm NOT Taken with my camera.











Miracles do happen don't  they.    Let's not forget to pray for one another too.   
GOD  Bless you all. 
Phil


Prayers Needed - Got A Prayer To Spare

8 Posting  -  June 12, 2011

"Closure....May 12, 2011"

Sue, Alias the "Ghostwriter", writes,
Hello All,        
 We finally received justice for Laticia after 21 months.
Below is the link to a newspaper article that was on the front page of our
paper.

If that wasn't a surprise this morning. We did not know the media was even in the court room. The sentencing was very emotional for all of us, but we are relieved it's over and we can move on.

Thanks to all of you for your loving prayers, and your support over the past 21 months.

It's has been a struggle for Laticia and for us, and,  a day at a time we are getting our life in order and doing the best we can for Laticia. Laticia is getting what we consider better, she can interact with us with a smile, get physically excited when she sees us but she still has the mental development of a 3 month old. She will be 2 in July and we are grateful for every little improvement she makes. She will have a very long and hard road ahead of her, so we still need your continued prayers for her developmental progress.

We love you all,
Marc,Sue,Jessie and Laticia

           


array

Click on the http above and it should contact you to the newspaper article. The above all happened the week of May 13th when we were enroute to Europe.  More to follow shortly. Phil


*** Following is the newspaper article in the event of any difficulty:

Abusive father given 20 years in prison
Man gets 20 years for causing permanent brain damage to his 6-week-old daughter. Date published: 5/13/2011

BY KEITH EPPS

A man who caused permanent brain damage by violently shaking his then 6-week-old daughter was ordered yesterday to serve 20 years in prison.

Christian Letreal Wallace, who will turn 23 on Sunday, was sentenced in Stafford Circuit Court to a total of 40 years with 20 years suspended.

Wallace previously pleaded guilty to aggravated malicious wounding and child neglect.

The child, Laticia Nicole Wallace, was critically injured on Aug. 27, 2009, at the hands of her father. She was diagnosed with Shaken Baby Syndrome.

According to doctors and witnesses who testified yesterday, she cannot eat on her own, will never walk or talk and has a short life expectancy.

Laticia, who will turn 2 on July 5, is also on numerous medications and has seizures daily.

Judge J. Martin Bass went above the state sentencing guidelines, which called for a maximum active sentence of 11 years and four months.

Bass cited the "heinous conduct" of Wallace and the devastating impact it had on the child in deciding to exceed the guidelines.

But Bass did not exceed the penalty requested by prosecutor Eric Olsen, who asked the judge to give Wallace a life sentence.

"He all but ended the life of this child," Olsen said. "Laticia will never be free and neither should he."

According to the prosecution's evidence, Jessica Kissling, the baby's mother, returned to work on Aug. 27, 2009, and left the baby alone with Wallace for the first time. The baby was perfectly healthy at the time, Olsen said.

Marcus Kissling, the baby's grandfather, said he came home that night and found Wallace standing over the obviously distressed child, claiming he'd found her like that.

The grandfather called 911, and the baby was flown to the VCU Medical Center. About a week later, the family was told that the child probably would not live.

But the child did survive and is now being cared for by her mother and maternal grandparents. Olsen said the child needs round-the-clock care.

"I cannot put into words the daily heartache and sorrow that my family and I endure," Susan Kissling, the child's grandmother, wrote in a letter to the judge.

"I love Laticia very much and I am heartbroken when I look at her knowing that she will never have a normal life her life has been stolen from her and my family's life has been changed forever."

Wallace's family members who testified on his behalf yesterday described him as a loving father. Wallace has not said what caused him to hurt the baby, and his family members said they haven't asked him.

Wallace yesterday said he was sorry about what happened and that "I loved Laticia with all my heart."

Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
Email: kepps@freelancestar.com