Gerard's Thoughts and Commentary

Saturday, 12/19, I went to the doctor having symptoms of chest pain (very strong pressure in the center of my chest) and was referred, then admitted to Providence Hospital in Everett for observation, scheduled for a treadmill - stress test early Sunday morning.   That test indicated there was a problem and immediately scheduled for the angiogram, which lead to angioplasty and four stents inserted.   All four (3-Left, 1-Right) blockages were between 90 - 99 percent.  I have a fifth blockage on the backside that is at 60 percent.   I see the cardiologist 1/13/16 to learn more. I am doing ok, slowly getting back to normal, going for two or three short walks daily.   Oh, and learning half my meal plate should be green.  While I enjoy fruits and veggies, it is indeed getting old already, and it has only been one week.  We are learning what is out and what is in.   Whatever is necessary we can do this!   Donna had her second cataract surgery the preceding Friday.   She is recovering wel

     A profound and humbling experience recently happened to me while praying at Planned Parenthood.        It was late Wednesday afternoon before closing on August 26, which is surgical abortion day.   I grabbed some literature, my rosary, and placed myself overlooking the parking lot, intending to stay for only a few minutes.        Shortly after I began praying, a woman entered the parking lot, got out of her car, and proceeded to the entrance.   In a moderate tone I asked, “May I offer you some important information on Planned Parenthood?”   Did I ever get a cursing earful?   Hand gestures were not necessary…her words said it all!   As imagined, she did not accept my literature and went inside.      I collected myself and continued praying.   Moments later, a staff member escorted a woman outside, motioning for her to walk around the building.   I assumed she needed to get some air.   She wore loose-fitting clothing, customary for women after an abortion.   I gently off

  The Snohomish County cities of Everett, Lynwood, and Marysville, Washington are home to Planned Parenthood facilities. Saturday, August 22, 2015 an unprecedented, 400+ Pro-life citizens came together at Everett Planned Parenthood (organized locally by David Graves, Living Hope For Life Ministries) for a National Protest at Planned Parenthood joining 350 other locations across the United States.  Why are people protesting Planned Parenthood?  Because Planned Parenthood commits some 330,000 abortions nearly every year, while receiving taxpayer funding.  Yet, it is more than the sheer volume.  It is the human realization that the abortion procedure intently and violently kills an unborn living child, while causing life-long physical, spiritual, emotional harm to countless women as evidenced by Silent No More Awareness , an organization supporting post-abortive women. In recent weeks, the Center for Medical Progress , a (501C) group of citizen journalists dedicated to moni

Progress – Jan. 22 Pro-Life Issue - Ed Mohs’ faith journey Jan. 7, 2009     By John Wolcott   A child of rape, Ed Mohs’ strong pro-life stance has been a part of his deepest beliefs since his early teens. Through his family and friends, he knows the value his life has had and he’s seen God’s spirit guiding him in his life of faith. He knows, too, that even in states where there are strong anti-abortion laws, exceptions often are made for babies conceived through rape or incest. That would include his life, a life he’s deeply thankful to be living. “In my pre-teens, I learned I was adopted. Later, I learned about my mother’s rape and her mental problems. For me, my past has led to my strong pro-life faith,” said Mohs, 53, a Boeing Co. engineer for more than 20 years, resident of Marysville and parishioner at Immaculate Conception church in Everett. A participant in Forty Days For Life vigils at Planned Parenthood’s abortion clinic in Everett, a familiar face

    DARKNESS   It was Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 6:30pm.  Our Everett 40 Days for Life prayer had just started. I crossed the driveway to view the Planned Parenthood parking lot.  Just then, an Ecolab car had entered the driveway pulling up close to the building.  Stepping out of his small car, the courier began picking up and removing the clear freezer bag filled with the remains of aborted children from the little white box outside the Planned Parenthood staff door.   Despicable and inhumane!  Horrifying and ungodly!  I felt empty and without words. David Graves, friend and past Marysville 40 Days for Life Coordinator, witnessed this tragedy with me, as he had himself on many other occasions. Although this is "reality," it is unbelievable!  David reminded me, "We live in very grave and dark times."  The removal of fetal remains happens at least weekly, especially on Wednesday, following surgical abortion day.   " We were standing, we w

Hello Friends: March 18th marks the half way point for the 40 Days for Life ! This event takes place on a Wednesday evening at 6:30 outside of Planned Parenthood. We will pray from 6:30-7:30 at PP and then walk over to Pregnancy Aid . The highlight of this particular March 18th Midway Rally is the celebration of the new Pregnancy Aid located just across the street from Planned Parenthood . Pregnancy Aid director, Angel, is inviting us over for coffee and Lenten snacks after we pray the Rosary. There she will give us a tour and show us the grounds. Please come and join us in prayer for life and celebrating our new building! EVERETT www.40daysforlife.com/everett Find us on FB, follow us on Twitter (@E40DFL), and read stories on our Blog.

A Challenge to the Media...      Do you have the courage to fully investigate the long-standing abortion debate and issues? Divisive it is!  So often, news articles and stories touch only surface level, but don’t dig deep into the core – what is factually true and false based on hard facts, and not emotion and political philosophy. YOU have an excellent opportunity to serve the community with your talents and gifts.  Use them to advance the dialogue.  Will YOU accept this challenge?      Based on science only, what is the development of the fetus or unborn child at key stages of development (one week, 3 weeks, 10 weeks, etc.)?      Based on medical practice and science, what happens during an abortion (saline, vacuum, RU486, etc.)?  Are women able to view the ultrasound prior to the abortion, as the doctor would? Are women provided specific, accurate details of the abortion procedure?      Based upon standard scientific survey processes, what do women say that have had abo