A True Hero

Our world has lost a true hero; a real man of God who was an amazing person and a true inspiration to many. Donny Querin passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2010 after a 3 year battle with leukemia. His story hit so close to home for me, because of Andrew's history. He fought long and he fought hard, never complaining or questioning why God was allowing him to suffer so much. Actually, it was quite the contrary. He struggled every day simply to breathe, suffering tremendous pain, but he faced the pain head on. It brought him closer to God, he said. His faith was exemplary and his family is amazing. His parents were by his side every step of the way with unwavering faith. His sister was there to donate her bone marrow in an effort to save his life. His beautiful wife Amy was there from the beginning. She was there 3 months before their wedding day, when Donny was diagnosed. She was ready and willing to commit her life to him, even as he received chemotherapy just hours before they walked down the aisle to become husband and wife. She was his best friend, his companion, his caretaker and she loved him with all her heart. Amy Querin is truly an amazing woman - an inspiration herself.

Three years I've been praying for Donny. Almost daily, I'd log on and check his mom's blog http://www.abbasheart.com/donnyupdate4.asp The day that Donny went to be with the Lord - almost to the minute, I was on my knees, praying that God would give Donny mercy, the God would ease his suffering and take away his pain. And true to His word, God saved Donny. He didn't allow Donny to continue suffering. He took Donny home to be with him, at peace, for eternity.

As a parent, I cannot even begin to fathom what the last 3 years must've been like for the Querin family and what they must be feeling now that Donny has gone to heaven. I cannot imagine the strength that not only Donny had, but that his family had as they had to watch helplessly as their son/husband/brother/uncle suffered at the hands of a terrible illness. My heart broke over and over for them as I'd read the blog - 1 step forward, 2 steps back seemed to be the progression.

The last entry, titled "The last Donny update" broke my heart into a million pieces. I cried heavy tears with sobs emerging from my throat. I cried as a mother, unable to imagine losing my own son. I cried as I remembered his friendship with my own brother and how they used to do "burn outs" in my parents' driveway in their trucks. I cried as a human being, not able to fully understand God's will.

Now, my prayers for Donny will be re-directed as prayers for his family. Prayers for peace for parents who had to watch their only son suffer for 3 long years and then ultimately losing their child. Prayers for his sister Cynthia, just 11 months younger who valiantly donated her bone marrow in an attempt to save her brother's life and who was his best friend. Prayers for Amy, not even 30 years old and now a widow who has lost her soul mate.

I so wish that I could make it home for the memorial service next week. I want to tell his mom and wife so many things. I want to see my own mom and dad and give them hugs. But given the fact that I can't be physically be there, at least I will be there in spirit. And though Donny is gone, I will continue to keep his family in my prayers.

Donny Querin: March 13, 1981 - March 4, 2010 - 28 years young. You will never know how many people you inspired and how many lives you touched. Mine was one of them. Thank you so much for sharing your struggle with us while you fought for your life. May you rest in peace with the angels and know that we look forward to seeing you again someday when we join you in heaven. Your testament of faith is astounding and I imagine that when you met God face to face, He hugged you and said, "Well done good and faithful servant. I am proud of you My son."