MARIA PAZ MUNSON-WEIGAND
My childhood was normal, full of love and respect, and made me feel like a princess. I was the youngest – bratty, proud, and complacent in my studies. As an adult, I loved teaching; it completed me. Then God reminded me that I needed Him.
My husband, Louie, age 43, left us after a massive cardiac and neuro attack. I was slowly healing from this loss when I was diagnosed with breast, then ovarian cancer. I had radical hysterectomy and chemotherapy, never asking God, “why me?”, but, “how much time do I have left?”. The network of loving friends and relatives, spiritual guide Sister Teresing Castillo, and a renewed devotion to the Blessed Mother, saved me from the pit of anger and bitterness. Thinking positive thoughts fueled by the love of my loved ones and promising not to go down without fighting, that is how I weathered my darkest days. My batch mates from school ( my prayer warriors), my family, and my former co-teachers rallied around me.
I began to feel whole again, but after three years, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I asked my family and friends to give their donations for my chemo sessions to my children instead. Chemotherapy had left me with reactions such as vomiting, extreme weakness, chills, the taste of stainless steel in everything I ate, as well as emotional trauma.
Eight years later, a vehicular accident left me with an amputated leg. Strengthened only by my faith in the loving care of the Blessed Mother and her Son, Jesus, I survived. I prevailed. My cancer and amputation have been blessings, a reality check of my mortality, weaknesses, and imperfections. I live my life from moment to moment…enjoying the faces of my children, grandchildren, and the color and beauty of God’s creations all rolled into one. This is my cleansing. I am so grateful to share Christ’s suffering. Miracles do happen; we have our own resurrection from pain and sin to thank God for.
You’re amazing, Paz!!! ???What an inspiration. Wishing you more love and blessings. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ See you at the next class 67 outing
Yes, an inspiration, indeed!
Suffering is the most difficult experience to understand. For how can a God who says He loves us dearly allow these to happen to His beloved.I believe that everything that happens to us is by God’s design whether its a big event or a small one. There is meaning in suffering. The bigger the suffering the bigger the mission.
I read somewhere, not too sure if it was the German Philosopher Nietzsche who wrote that In his mind, those who do great things suffer greatly. Those who do small things suffer trivially.
Thank you Paz for sharing your journey… I know God is using you as an instrument for the rest of us to have a deeper understanding of God’s love, I think that is a blessed mission. May the Lord grant you complete healing and with inner peace.
A life of miracle and inspiration! You are blessed!
Our dearest Paz. Your story is so inspiring! People with less faith would have given up. You are truly one with the Lord. Hope to learn more from you. ?
You are an amazing daughter of GOD, our dear Paz. Only one who is with JESUS can endure such trials, and like HIM, remain faithful to the FATHER. Thank you for sharing this to us.
Amazing Faith and Grace through so much heartache in life.
Maripaz, I remember slipping out of my mother’s wake that October day in 2003 to visit you after your vehicular accident. It made me think how puny my own trials were.
You truly are the Class Pillar of Strength. A privilege to have known you in this life, dear Friend.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey, Paz. I am humbled by your courage and your faith and your life is a testimony of God’s love. I am truly inspired.
Sending you across the miles tight hugs, kisses and lots of love for strong faith in God despite what you have gone through in the past. Your present attitude keeps your spirit flying high!
Grace, merci, for your love…I wish you all the best from above!..
Lina, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart! You give me strength, too!
Irma, all I ask God now, is to strengthen me, in His grace. Let us go towards Him, hand in hand!
Marivie, each one of us, is destined to do great things, in our own small way, with His help!
Chit, I am so grateful for your love and concern fir me!.I lve you, in God’s name..
Corinna, i am privileged to be your sister in Christ, too! Danke for thinking so highly of me, even in your time of grief! I was too woozy when you visited, to have realized that you left your Mom’s wake just to be with me. Wow! Now, I really am wallowing with your love and concern for me, which will last my lifetime! God bless you, a pillar of strength, too!
Reggie, I am so touched by your belief in my life journey. We each have different pathways to trek, and i believe, you, too, is an inspiration to all.
Hope, what an honor, to know you, across the miles! I am sending you my love and prayers, to guide you towards the light!
You INSPIRE me, Paz!! Thank you for sharing your journey of Faith and Trust in the Lord. I’m reminded of the quote, “You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved.” How you have lived your life inspite of the challenges that have come your way is such an inspiration. Thank you for showing us that we can move our mountain, too. Love & Gratitude. ❤️
You’ve alwsys been an inspiration Paz! God loves you no doubt!
And you even raised a lawyer!
A testimony of God’s amazing power that created Man!
What an inspirational recount of God’s blessings and human sufferings. Oftentimes He wants to nudge us and say…hold up “you need me.” Then the realization hits us. I appreciate you being back in my life…wow since Grade School. We are all lucky to find Christ in Everyone. Thank you Paz and thank you, Celia.