We never even had the chance to meet....

[dudesy2260]

Dino was born with Myotubular Myopathy; a rare, inherited muscle disease that manifests itself as a defect in the cell structure of voluntary muscles. At 17, Dino stood at 5'8" and weighed 105 lbs. On a good day, he could lift about 5 lbs total. His face was slim, his body unusually skinny, causing cruel and curious stares wherever he went. He always dreamed of knowing someone who would love him for who he was. His family loved him so much, and his friends at school admired him. But he wanted a special relationship; one that could not be shattered by any human restraints. One that would not be effected by how he looked. Living for so long without this relationship, coupled with the restrictions of his condition, he became depressed, and sought things that would make him feel better. But he found no joy in shallow things. He would become happy for a time, but it was short-lived.

 

Then one day, from fate beyond coincidence, he met a girl. A girl who loved God and had a faith she wanted to share. Dino had faith in God as well, and knew he wasn't depending on Him for all his problems. As Dino and his new-found friend became closer each day, God allowed him to see where he would find true happiness; by having dependence upon Jesus for his troubles. For the first time in his life, Dino was truly happy. He felt the presense of Jesus, and he was in love with a girl, who also loved him deeply.

 

There was one problem, however. The two in love had never met. They only knew each other online. Dino never told her that he had a disease. He wanted someone to love him for who he was, not because they pitied him. He was going to tell her. She was going to go see him graduate. She would find out then...But it was too late. Dino didn't go online for a while. The girl became more worried each day that went by. Finally, after emptying her pockets of money, she got a hold of his unlisted phone number. She called and called, when finally a man answered. "Is Dino there?" "....Dino is very sick," came his heart-breaking reply. "He is in the hospital..He probably won't make it.." Her entire life seemed to come to a halt.

 

In a blur of tears and pain, she and her mother frantically booked a flight to leave that very night. Flying from one end of the US to the other, they arrived around 9 AM and went to New York Presbyterian Hospital, floor 9, ICU. Dino's family heard of the girl for the very first time when she called the night before. It was a shock to them when they arrived at the hospital that morning and found her there. They quickly made the decision to allow her to stay with them.

 

The family stayed at the hospital all day, and went home late every night. The girl loved Dino so deeply. She couldn't believe that this boy she was so in love with was so sick. She wanted him to wake up, to look into her eyes, to tell her he loved her.. But he would not be able to wake up from his coma. With all the hope in her heart, she prayed he could hear her as she whispered in his ear every day, telling him of her love for him, how she would never let go, how she loved him unconditionally..

 

On that dreaded day, family gathered around Dino, prayed over him, sang to him..Then they let him go.They removed him from life support. The girl held his hand, as he left her, left his family, left his earthly life..She watched him slip out of her hand as he ran gleefully into an eternity with Jesus Christ. As she watched him go, with tear filled eyes and a wrenching knot in her heart, she realized their love would last forever.

 

You will always be my angel, Dino. Although we cannot be together now, I will be with you again some day. I will always love you.

 

Dino Andrea

 

April 8, 1985 - February 7, 2003

[Protex]

That's a heart warming story. I think I speak for everyone when I say thank you for sharing that with us.

 

God bless you.

[1Adam12]

Yea thats a really good story there should be more on here like that.

 

Phil

[EmptySoul]

thank you so much for posting that.

 

EmptySoul

[GermanShephard]

thats sux that he die