Spirituality and Religion

Mother and Grandmother: How we each thought about prayer.
Carla, mother of Nathan, Audrey, and Talia (died at 23 months from infantile Tay-Sachs) and her mother Robin reflect on how the diagnosis prompted some anger and reflections about prayer and suffering.
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Mother and Grandmother: How we each thought about prayer.

“She was the closest I’ll ever get to knowing what God is like on this earth because of the way she was.”

For many people it’s a huge crisis of faith.

The church provided emotional support for us, though my relationship with God has been affected.

Chaplain: I ask parents that believe in God, “What do you think God wants for you?”

People say things happen for a reason but I haven’t found the reason yet.

It’s not fair and I’m at that point where I’m not sure I believe.

It wasn't good but we felt that God was going to help us deal with everything.

When you have God on your side, you see everything different.

Oh my gosh, is she going to heaven?

I know we’ll spend eternity in heaven together.

“Can you pray for my family? And can you pray for the nurses?”

God gives me the strength to keep carrying on.

You may not appreciate it now, but when the whole thing happens, there is a plan.

This has given me a lot of hope for humanity.

Chaplain: Spirituality is how we make meaning.

I believe in the power of positive thought.

Don’t talk to me about Karma.

What I’ve learned from this …

Christian music just really helps me to stay balanced. God has a plan.

It really does put your faith to the test … and you find out that it works.

I find my faith in community.
