An Emotional Goodbye

GULFPORT -Friends and family members gathered to say their final goodbyes to Terri Schiavo last night.

The struggle over the brain-damaged woman's life and death captivated the nation after her feeding tube was removed last month, and emotions in the controversial case clearly remain high.

There were few dry eyes in the house Tuesday night at the Most Holy Name of Jesus church in Gulfport, where at least 1,000 people packed themselves in, and in some cases stood outside, to remember Terri.

"I wasn't going to speak tonight, but I thought it was important to share something with you," Terri's brother Bobby Schindler told the gathered mourners.

Fighting back tears, Bobby told surprised guests that the family had received a Purple Heart in the mail from a Vietnam veteran. Holding the medal up for all to see, Bobby explained that the soldier told them in a letter that accompanied the award that Terri was like a hero.



Even Terri's death can still impact lives, the family's spiritual advisor said.

"Terri, who had such difficulty speaking, will speak louder than ever to this world," insisted Father Frank Pavone.

Even nationally known radio talk show host Glenn Beck was moved to tears when talking about what he felt Terri's purpose in life was.

"To help us realize how much we love our parents, and how much they love us," Beck said.

That is exactly what Terri's younger sister, the baby of the family, shared with the mourners, along with a promise to her broken-hearted parents.

"I'm so sorry that your Terri isn't with us anymore. But I want you to know that you have two children left that love you with all that they have, and will be dedicated to you as long as you live," Suzanne Vitadamo said. "We promise to stay close to you and to fill as much of your heart with love as we can, knowing that part of your heart went to heaven with Terri."

Terri is originally from Pennsylvania, and close friends there have scheduled an April 15 memorial service that her parents plan to attend.

That service will be separate from any service held by Terri's husband Michael, who ordered Terri's body cremated against her parents' wishes. He has possession of the ashes and is said to be planning to inter them in his family's Pennsylvania plot.