Better Learning Center

July 18, 2024
https://gofund.me/8a711413

night just moments before midnight, Mario: lover of God, jokester, straight-shooter, sarcastic wit, friend of children, servant spirit, and much more went to be with Jesus. It has been my privilege to love him “til death do us part,” as well as have the assuredness that we will see each other again in heaven.

The nurse commented, “I’ve done this for a long time, and you can tell how they go. Some are fearful, with grimaces on their face and their bodies tight, but he [Mario] is so peaceful. It looks like he is smiling.” It’s true. He is now with the Lord he loved and served along with his mom who went before.

This has been a very confusing, distressing, and exhausting journey. At the same time, we have seen God’s grace in many forms. The generosity shown through this and through other means has been inspiring and uplifting when challenges were looking and feeling insurmountable.

We are incredibly thankful as well for the kind words and stories from those who’ve told us what Mario has meant to them, and the impact he’s had on their lives has been moving beyond description.
Knowing that his dynamic personality and his love for others will remain with so many really helped soothe the pain of seeing his steep and continuously accelerated decline in his final weeks. We consider it a mercy that he was taken from us so quickly.
As those who’ve cared for a loved with dementia will attest, it is a special kind of pain to feel that you are continuously saying goodbye as the disease progresses. Though we are crushed from feeling that this disease has robbed us all including him, we know that God’s plan is perfect and that because he gave his life to Jesus, he is now rejoicing in His presence, fully restored. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has given anything whatsoever, you will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Our goal now has shifted from raising funds for his care, to helping pay for his celebration of life in Ecuador with family and friends. These funds will be used to help pay for memorial service-related costs, necessary documents, travel for his sons in consideration of Mario’s wishes, and helping me transition to a new life without my husband of 40 years. I’ll be posting updates as the plans solidify.

Philippians 1:20-21 I eagerly expect and hope that I will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

John 16:22 …Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

Romans 8:18, 28 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ..And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i have been called according to his purpose

Spanish
18 de julio de 2024
Anoche, momentos antes de la medianoche, Mario: amante de Dios, bromista, francotirador, ingenio sarcástico, amigo de niños, espíritu de siervo y mucho más, se fue a estar con Jesús. Ha sido mi privilegio amarlo "hasta que la muerte nos separe", así como tener la seguridad de que nos volveremos a ver en el cielo.

La enfermera comentó: "He hecho esto durante mucho tiempo, y se puede ver cómo van. Algunos son temerosos, con muecas en la cara y sus cuerpos tensos, pero él [Mario] es muy pacífico. Parece que está sonriendo". Es cierto. Ahora está con el Señor al que amó y sirvió junto con su madre que lo precedió.

Este ha sido un viaje muy confuso, angustioso y agotador. Al mismo tiempo, hemos visto la gracia de Dios en muchas formas. La generosidad mostrada a través de este y otros medios ha sido inspiradora y edificante cuando los desafíos parecían y se sentían insuperables. También estamos increíblemente agradecidos por las amables palabras e historias de aquellos que nos han contado lo que Mario ha significado para ellos, y el impacto que ha tenido en sus vidas ha ido más allá de la descripción. Saber que su personalidad dinámica y su amor por los demás permanecerán con tantos realmente ayudó a aliviar el dolor de ver su declive pronunciado y continuamente acelerado en sus últimas semanas.

Consideramos una misericordia que nos lo hayan arrebatado tan rápidamente. Como atestiguarán aquellos que han cuidado a un ser querido con demencia, es un tipo especial de dolor sentir que se está despidiendo continuamente a medida que avanza la enfermedad. Aunque estamos destrozados por la sensación de que esta enfermedad nos ha robado a todos, incluyéndolo a él, sabemos que el plan de Dios es perfecto y que debido a que le dio su vida a Jesús, ahora se regocija en su presencia, completamente restaurado.

Muchas gracias desde el fondo de nuestros corazones a todos los que han dado algo, siempre tendrán un lugar especial en nuestros corazones. Nuestro objetivo ahora ha cambiado de recaudar fondos para su cuidado, a ayudar a pagar su celebración de la vida en Ecuador con familiares y amigos. Estos fondos se utilizarán para ayudar a pagar los costos relacionados con el servicio conmemorativo, los documentos necesarios, el viaje de sus hijos en consideración a los deseos de Mario y ayudarme a hacer la transición a una nueva vida sin mi esposo de 40 años.

Estaré publicando actualizaciones a medida que los planes se solidifiquen.

Nuestra esperanza segura:
Filipenses 1:20-21 Espero y espero que tendré suficiente ánimo para que ahora, como siempre, Cristo sea exaltado en mi cuerpo, ya sea por vida o por muerte.
Porque para mí, el vivir es Cristo y el morir es ganancia.

Juan 16:22 ... Ahora es tu tiempo de dolor, pero te volveré a ver y te alegrarás, y nadie te quitará la alegría.

Romanos 8:18, 28 Considero que nuestros sufrimientos presentes no son dignos de comparación con la gloria que se revelará en nosotros. .. Y sabemos que Dios dispone todas las cosas para el bien de los que le aman, los cuales han sido llamados conforme a su propósitoLast

Donate to Ayuda a Mario - Help Mario, organized by Julie Anderson-Manrique [English speakers: please scroll down to bottom ] ****** ESPAÑOL / SPANISH ****… Julie Anderson-Manrique needs your support for Ayuda a Mario - Help Mario

Are you tired of your child being treated like one of the crowd? You need to come check out Better Learning Academy. Registration is open for the 24-25 school year.

We have children ages 4 to 22 for which Step Up Scholarships are available. Text 941-209-8045 for a tour and to discuss how your child may find a place to thrive with us.

There’s still time for you to register for the 23-24 school year. Call today for a tour and an appointment.

We’ve got to do this!! Who’s with me?

Best idea EVER!

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Right?

Hang in there tribe!

Who have you been kind to today?

Enjoy your time with friends and family celebrating gratefulness. We are so grateful.

We are grateful for every student and their guardians (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles) who support them every day.

We are grateful for the new location God laid before us. He connected all the dots to make this move possible.

We are grateful for our staff and volunteers who have sacrificed so much to see us grow and succeed.

We are grateful for your interest and "likes" that help spread the word about ! Please help us spread the word. Check out www.betterlearningcenter.net Should be up and running by December 15!!

Home - Better Learning Center Better Learning Center Better Learning Inc. offers students an opportunity to be heard, to be cared about, and to discover hope for their future. We meet each child where they […]

Today we say thank you to all the men and women in this beautiful nation who have served to protect all that God has intended.

Happy Veterans Day!

Better Learning Center updated their information in their About section.

Better Learning Center updated their phone number.

Nice Job, Alexandrita!

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Thank you, Kelly. That was very interesting!

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