Federico Pecora

'Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those ho lead many to righteousness will shine like the starts forever." Daniel 12:3 (Fede's verse)
My sweet friend Marci who showed such courage and strength and presence

My dear friend, Marci lost her husband Fede to cancer on January 1, 2012. He was born on January 21, 1970. The memorial celebration was called a Celebration of Life! And it was...the Gospel was given and the pastor said he would be doing a disservice to Fede if he did not say the only way to true life is through Jesus Christ.

Fede was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer in June 2007 and two weeks later they moved to California to receive treatment. His doctors had given him less than a year to live but "he fought bravely for 4 1/2 years."

Andrew and I were struck by the fact both from what we knew and what others shared that Fede really lived passionately. He didn't seem caught up in the trap of money. He realized what was important, saw his blessings, and shared that with others. I can hear his voice now with such passion and his South American accent, he wanted so much from life. His legacy can live on in the love he left with his wife and two children and all those who knew him.

These are Fede's words:

"I want to encourage you today to never give up, to believe that God is here for you always to listen and give you the strength and peace that you need to face any situation that you are going through. We have to understand that these trials in life are not in vain but that they have a purpose. I believe that God wants us to be always in action for others and ourselves. We all have more strength than we realize that we have, and God can help you find it. He can also help you overcome any trial, challenge or anguish you face.

With my own experience with cancer, I have learned that serenity is not to be safe from the storm, it is to find peace in the middle of it.

Today is a gift from God for all of us and we shouldn't wast it. Today is the day to increase our love for others, to increase our love and gratefulness to God.