“Life has a myriad of opportunities that await us!”
As I read this line, I almost can’t believe I wrote it. All of the positive things I’ve written, make so much sense, but none of them feel as powerful as they once did—since I lost my father a month ago. Dad departed this earth and went to heaven on November 23, 2019, and my life will never be the same again. My dad and I were close. While I know he is in a better place, and I don’t mean that to sound cliché, I still miss him so very much!
My mind swirls with things I could’ve done different, more time I could’ve spent, I am filled with sadness, and the pain of knowing I won’t get to see him on a daily basis anymore really hurts. I visited him every chance I got and was his caregiver for many years. I really watched over him as best I could! Apparently, that wasn’t enough. The disease still got him in the end. It’s hard for me to even write this post.
I don’t want to work anymore. I wonder why I aspired to do so much before this, my dad was more important to me than anyone. If only I hadn’t traveled, if only I hadn’t extended myself and been so busy, if only I would’ve stayed at home more.
While I know it was REALLY hard for him here, I am still sad that he is not with me anymore. I keep thinking, if only I had more time… At the same time I know there is hope, I feel a peace and warmth of love that I have never quite felt before. It is coming from my dad and Jesus. With that said, I’d like to leave you with this video—this miraculous story that I believe to be true!
It was a book that became a New York Times bestseller that sold over 13,000,000 copies and even became a movie! This is a one-of-a-kind interview with Pastor Todd and Colton Burpo! I have had some correspondence with them by email and they are genuine people. I am sure you will be able to spot that from watching the video.
Heaven is for real, yes, and we will be there. Heaven is a journey, also, not only a destination. Our journey to heaven has already begun. With that said, one piece of scripture I want to leave you with is this one: “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything (John 16:22-23).” ~Jesus
And I hope you enjoy the video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmNrQ7Smung
With much love & respect,
-Zina
XoXo
About Zina
Zina Hermez authored Not Without God: A Story of Survival. Her stories have been featured in various guest articles, medical journals, magazines, newsletters, and 200+ of her very own blog posts. As a long-time educator, she’s had the privilege of working with thousands of students from different backgrounds and parts of the world. She’s taught at automotive corporations like General Motors, Ford, Nissan, Bosch, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and she’s worked with students of all ages, K-adult. She began her own teaching services incorporating math and other subjects. Her writing endeavors have earned her an invitation to speak at the Harvard Faculty Club’s “Business Expert Forum.” Zina’s goal is to help others overcome adversity. Socializing with friends, taking trips, listening to music, and networking are among her hobbies. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.
notwithoutgod.net 
Thanks Zina. YES! By all means Hold out hope! You are relatively very young for a cure to be found at God’s (the master physician’s) hand. Plus you are somewhat mobile and unlike my paraplegia it is it “a fais de compli!” Keep staying in shape as bravely as you are! You likely are an inspiration for many to go work out on an “off day” or to go to work outside in cold climates etc. Most people who read your elegantly crafted written pieces do not stop to comment. Only God whose eye is on the sparrow and who knows the precise number of hairs we have on our head! Keep it Rocking!!!
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Oh my, Lord, Pete! What happened? You must’ve had some major setbacks. I’m so sorry to hear this, but I know that your faith is huge! You are definitely in my prayers every night from now on. Yes, God help us all! Only God knows our last day, and I am awaiting to have another surgery in March! Know that I am praying for you and still believe in the God of Miracles, fully! I pray for your recovery, and did the same for dad, up until the last day! I was blessed to be there when he passed on. He waited for me, and we prayed.❤️ It’s an incredible story that I’d like to share with you! Thank you for your kind words and for all of your support with my writing!❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻 I am praying for you and for your beautiful family! I’m going to send you an email!
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Zina,
I thought it best to tell you that I am now in the care of Hospice. As my death is “officially Imminent,” I wanted to thank you for all you have written and done for me and others on behalf of disabled people and non-disabled people worldwide.
I hope to see you soon whether in this worldly dimension or the next,
May God Help Us all,
Pete
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Thank you so very much, Pete! Your words ALWAYS help me. You wrote, “The counterintuitive act of repeatedly thanking Jesus Christ for your loss shows the world that even the sheer magnitude of just how much you trust and abide in God the Father is evident in how deep your love is for your father,” and that really touched my soul. I know God put you in my life for a reason. I am remaining as positive as I can because I know there is a bigger purpose, and Jesus wanted him home. Thank you for saying that my faith and trust in God are evident, and that my winsome attitude provides others with comfort. I wouldn’t have posted the link to this interview with Todd and Colton if I didn’t believe it to be 100% true. Now I just have to continue to trust and be steadfast in faith, prayer, and reading the Bible. Friends like you make it easier. ❤
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Zina, I am so sorry to read of your loss. The counterintuitive act of repeatedly thanking Jesus Christ for your loss shows the world that even the sheer magnitude of just how much you trust and abide in God the Father is evident in how deep your love is for your father.
Though grieving and emotionally distraught, your winsome attitude provides comfort to those of us who lack your depth of soul, your level of courage, admiration and respect and for those whose thirst to meet HIM and Jesus Christ become reassured we all one day will return to see everyone we’ve lost in a never-ending, never ceasing weight of glory.
I was so very sorry to learn that your father passed away a month ago, but like our mutual physical disabilities, we must leverage them for positive- effect. We must continue to lift our friends and neighbors and others whom you helped grow in their Faith, Courage, Honor, and integrity, and some Valor.
It was not a secret how devoted you were to your Father, and I always admired you for making those late-night trips to visit him after an exhausting day of school as a disabled teacher lugging around books, teaching materials, laptops in the snow and ice. Indeed it was found well within your written words just how much you loved him and how your faith remained strong!
May God Speed
Pete!.
May GodSpeed.
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