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“The Challenge of Living and Dying with Spirit & Zeal”

June 28, 2011 by

Sister Jeanette Wasinger, June 4, 2011, in Concordia.

In December 2009, Sister Jeanette Wasinger — then working as a spiritual director for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, Calif. — was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to the liver. She decided against aggressive treatment that might prolong her life, and her doctor thought she might survive until Easter — so she came home to Concordia to die. A year and a half later, she is still very much alive, and very much changed by that “gift” she received in the doctor’s office.

On June 28, 2011, Sister Jeanette spoke to the Sisters of St. Joseph gathered at the Nazareth Motherhouse about her journey. Although, as she says, she talks about death every day, this was the first time she spoke to a group about what her diagnosis has meant in her life.

Below are three mp3 files, numbered 1, 2 and 3, and each about 8 minutes long. To listen to Sister Jeanette’s entire presentation, just listen to them in order.

1-Jeanette062811-32kbps

2-Jeanette062811-32kbps

3-Jeanette062811-32kbps

Comments

16 Responses to ““The Challenge of Living and Dying with Spirit & Zeal””

  1. Bill Barrette on October 22nd, 2014 11:33 am

    Rest in Peace Beautiful Lady! You have been “swept into His mystery”.

  2. Betina Moreno on November 12th, 2011 9:53 am

    Wow! Wow! Wow!

    Love you Jeanette,
    Betina

  3. Jeanette Wasinger, csj on August 4th, 2011 1:29 pm

    How touching it is to read all of the comments to THE CHALLENGING OF LIVING AND DYING WITH SPIRIT AND ZEAL! Thank you each so much. I originallyprepared the presentation for the Motherhouse Community in gratitude for their prayer and inspiration to me. Sarah Jenkins asked to post it here, and the response to it has been humbling. I continue to live with gratitude and joy. I am all remembering all of you who posted here on the CSJ website. We were able to start a Cancer Support Group that will give us a place to share our ministry of presence and support to one another. Thank you.

  4. Marilyn Wall on July 23rd, 2011 10:07 am

    Jeanette…your presentation is an inspiration…”a God Moment”.
    I have always admired your hospitality of life…but what you speak of now is Divine Hospitality…God’s hospitality in you.
    Thank You so much…Marilyn Wall

  5. Diane Brin on July 16th, 2011 6:30 pm

    Dear Jeanette,
    Was so eager to get my pc up and running so I could listen to your thoughts and words of wisdom. Thanks so much. I will always remember when I followed you at St. John’s in Salina and then I had to listen forever about how wonderful you were (are)! Did I know that? … yes, of course; you have always been an inspiration to me and to a lot of people in Rome after you gave us the first two sessions of the Progoff workshops. Am in touch with several of those people and they ask for you after 30 years!! Continued wellness in your life quest.

  6. Richard Linneberger on July 15th, 2011 11:36 am

    Thank you, Jeanette, for sharing your journey. You have touched me and so many others by this. I hope you remember me — I was with the Pevely Benedictines in the late 70’s when you visited there and we were in touch for a few years following. Originally from Salina. My thoughts, prayers and well-wishes are with you. Thank you.

  7. Lela Claussen on July 8th, 2011 2:10 pm

    Dear Sr. Jeanette: We worked together at St. John’s Hosp. in Salina in 1970 and 71. With you and Sr. Jeanette Broxtermann having the same first name, I often got confused. You were both part of our wonderful prayer group at Judy and Jerry Clements’ home in Salina. Such a blessing. Now: look at you. Look at what your testimony is doing: bulding FAITH in many others! You have never ceased to be a blessing.
    God bless y ou richly!
    Lela in NE

  8. Kathy Schaefer on July 4th, 2011 2:53 pm

    Beautiful Jeanette, Thank You for showing me how to Live Large!

  9. Marguerite Thompson on July 3rd, 2011 7:40 pm

    Oh, what a beautiful soul God has fashioned! Thank you for the openness to be so formed and for sharing. Gratefully, Marguerite

  10. Pat McLennon on July 2nd, 2011 10:31 pm

    Thank you, Jeanette! Your reflection cet\rtainly reflects how you have gracefully lived with your dying. I have been touched by your faith and your joy.

  11. connie Tavanis on July 1st, 2011 2:42 pm

    Wonderful talk ..so heartfelt and thought out..What an example of freedom and courage…I have to listen to it again and again …simple but very difficult..

  12. Connie Johnson on June 30th, 2011 11:22 pm

    Thank you for sharing. You have been a blessing to my life for many years. I am sending you an e mail because what I want to say is a bit lengthy for this space.

  13. Betty Suther on June 30th, 2011 7:27 pm

    I am touched by your sacred sharing, dear Jeanette. Thank you!

  14. Lorren Harbin (Agregee candidate) on June 30th, 2011 10:23 am

    Jeanette, thank you for the sharing of your “sacred guest” and journey, that was just beautifully done. I would like a copy of your poem if you don’t mind sharing it. My prayers are with you.

  15. Missy Ljungdahl on June 30th, 2011 6:18 am

    Thanks a million, Jeanette! What a great talk…good wisdom to share also. Sarah, thanks for making this available to us.

  16. Anne M. Reinert on June 29th, 2011 7:00 pm

    Thanks Jeanette, It is time for me to follow some of your advice. S.anne

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