The world cup was a month long event, hosted in South Africa, that began each morning at the crack of dawn with fireworks and Shakira blasting from every little home throughout our neighborhood. One of my patients, Noe, always kept me up to date and would fill in my official scorecard. He would explain to me the official rules of the world cup and even the physics of the amount of air pumped into the official ball used during the event. His family invited me over for the final game between Spain and Holland.
Very few events could have exceeded the anticipation that was absorbed from every corner of the stadium straight though the TV screen followed by one three letter word....GOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLL! Spain finally came through in the end, with only minutes remaining in overtime, and conquered the world once again. There was intense sweat and sacrifice that permeated every inch of the field that night. Holland in dismay of their defeat and Spain in their victory as Queen's 'We are the Champions of the World' played in the background. And indeed Spain is the champion of the world! What could anyone say to you after that?
Noe, who I mentioned earlier, is a 22 year old young man that became paralyzed after being shot in a drive by shooting, from a bullet that wasn't intended for him. He has been confined to his bed for the past 5 years. About a month ago, a medical brigade came down from the states and perfomed an operation that would allow him to be able to sit up in a wheelchair. We are gradually approaching that goal as he is now able to sit up for up to 15 min without adverse effects. We are looking for a lawn chair that could gradually be inclined so that he can get used to sitting up for longer time and be able to adjust the back of the chair to the desired height.
Growing up, this young man was one of the strongest and most athletic of his youth, and an absolute asset to the game of football. One day your visions of the future hold every possibility and the next day you are closed in by 4 walls and can't even see outside your doorway. This was the reality for Noe and he had to fight for a quality of life that many would say isn´t worth living for. He had to first make the internal decision to live or die. He was in the hospital for a long time with Denia, who is now his girlfriend of five years. She has stayed by his side all this time, but what is more is that it was only after the accident when she was helping out the family by going to take care of him at the hospital, that their relationship formed. It was all she could do in the beginning to get him to take a drop of water. Now she continues to wait on him for whatever need he has without ever complaining. There relationship is one of true love through complete self giving.
I learn a little more about life with each visit to see Noe. He has formed his will and tempered his desires by accepting what God wants of his life even if it means he will never do what others his age are able to do. He understands that the true meaning of suffering is to approach the cross in order to experience Christ in a profound and personal way. In the world´s view, this may not be what power or success looks but he has conquered his passions and has found peace in surrendering to God´s will for his life even if it doesn´t look like what he had planned. I´m sure when he thought five years ago about where he would be now; it wasn´t restricted to his bed, but God always works in mysterious ways. What good is it to win the world and lose your soul. Noe shows the world what it looks like to be a champion of one´s soul. This is the sacrifice and dedication we should admire and strive for in ourselves. These are the heroes of our times that our generation should imitate.
Noe and Denia are now in the process of preparing for the next step of their lives in holy matrimony. They have the vision of living in the mountains to minister through their example. Noe specifically is passionate about sharing his life experiences with the youth. Most wouldn't have these aspirations for the future in his circumstance, but that's just the kind of guy Noe is. There is a story of 2 men in jail who both look out of the same window, one looks down at the mud and the other looks up at the sky. This couple only has a hope and a dream but I am asking in faith to anyone who may be reading this to please consider helping monetarily in any way possible and to please keep this beautiful couple in your prayers during the joys and sorrows they will face down the road. May the grace they will recieve through the sacrament of marriage, overflow to bless you and your families.
If you are able to help in any way--please send all funds to this address below:
Noe and Denia's Wedding
5880 Oak Terrace Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
