6.2.2008
Joshua was diagnosed with the brain
stem glioma a year ago yesterday.
The year was life-changing for so
many. Joshua fought valiantly until
the very end! The Oncologist said
anytime we had with Joshua over 6
months was a gift. We cherish our
memories of our last Christmas,
Easter, & other special holidays &
memories the family got to share with
Joshua. He was so precious & kept his
sense of humor & wit until the very
end. We never heard him feel sorry
for himself, he left this earth like a
strong & courageous champion & our
hero forever!! The Zalunardo's left for
the beach yesterday for some much
needed renewal & family time
together. Please pray for them as they
spend this time together, that they
will have peace in Joshua's absence, a
sweet time with one another, &
abundant rest physically, spiritually, &
emotionally (esp. for Diedere!) We
love you Zalunardos!
|
5.28.2008
We are deeply saddened by the loss
of our courageous Joshua. He has left
this earth but will forever be
remembered. WLTZ.com ch.38 has
done several recent stories on Joshua
that you can view online. The
Cruising 4 A Cause that is scheduled
for this Sat. 5/31 will still be held. The
proceeds will help to pay for Joshua's
extensive medical bills. However, the
sponsors have decided to make this
an annual event naming it the Joshua
Zalunardo Memorial Race. Each year
in the future, it will benefit the
building of a Youth Center for Vision
at KPCC. We hope to see you Sat. at 8
a.m. at King's Pasture Church for this
motorcycle/bike ride & BBQ event.
The Zalunardo family extends their
gratitude for the tremendous
outpouring of love, prayers, support,
finances, time, & gifts to all who have
so generously given. They are
overwhelmed by the kindness you
have shown them this past year.
Thank You!!
|
5.27.2008
Joshua's celebration of life & homegoing
service was phenominal!! The church &
overflow video room were packed, & the Glory
of the Lord filled the church. The family said
good-bye to Joshua & the service opened with
one of Joshua's favorite songs "I am a friend
of God." Caleb spoke about love & family,
Victoria read a sweet poem she had written "I
Remember," & Joshua's friends shared about
the wonderful friend Joshua had been to
them. Gino gave a moving message about
Joshua, God's Sovereignty, & offered a prayer
of salvation. The 2 hour service was followed
by a brief graveside service on Gino &
Diedere's land at sunset. Diedere released 15
white baloons, one for each year of Joshua's
life. As they floated above the tops of the trees
the sky gently thundered & we knew Joshua
was in the presence of the Lord, we sensed
God's personal care & concern for us. We will
never understand why our precious Joshua
was taken from us early. Our hearts will
forever hold a special place for Joshua. We
acknowledge that God is God & only He holds
the number of our days. As we walk through
our season of grieving the loss of Joshua, we
thank the Lord for having known Joshua &
allowing him to touch our lives in such a
powerful, courageous, & inspiring way. As
Gino shared we have only begun to see the
effect of Joshua's life, his legacy will continue.
We love you & hold you in our hearts forever
precious Joshua!! (Sept. 15, 1992 - May 19,
2008) Precious in the sight of the Lord is the
death of His saints. Ps. 116:15
|
5.23.08
We Rejoice at the Holy Spirit's
presence at the student prayer and
viewing service for Joshua last night!!
The place was packed, standing room
only. T.V. cameras were there
interviewing the students. There was
Worship, Ben-youth Pastor, Gino and
Diedere all spoke. At the end Gino
gave an invitation, around 100 kids
prayed to receive Jesus. Gino said, a
heart for youth is the reason he
moved to Harris County 7 years ago.
Diedere shared about a dream she
had 2 nights ago; that Joshua was
riding 4-wheelers on the clouds. Truly
God is at work!! Have fun Joshua-
you're Free!!!
|
5.20.08
Gino & Diedere had a quiet morning and
then had a busy day with funeral
arrangements for our precious Joshua. Caleb
& Victoria have rested at home. Thank you
for your prayers, they are carrying them. The
details are as follows: ***Thurs. 6-8 p.m. a Jr &
Sr. High Church & Community Prayer
Meeting and Viewing ***Fri. 6-8 p.m.Church
& Community Viewing ***Sat. 5:00 p.m.
Funeral Service. All services will be at The
Kings Pasture Community Church, Hamilton,
GA.*** Please contact the church office if you
have questions at 706-628-5678. They are
requesting financial donations in lieu of
flowers to help cover Joshua's medical
expenses. Donations can be made at Funds
for Joshua at any Wachovia Bank. Thank you
for your love, support and prayers.
|
5.19.08
Update #2: At about 9:30 tonight Joshua
passed from this life & is free. Very peacefully
he took his last breaths. His parents, and
brother and sister, were with him. Joshua has
fought the good fight, he has finished the
race, he has kept the faith. Now there is for
Joshua a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to
Joshua. 2 Tim. 4:7-8
Yesterday morning, they removed the tube in
Joshua's throat. He said "that was not so bad"
when it was out, and rested well. Later, his
breathing began to worsen. Joshua struggled
through the night and is in very critical
condition this morning. His breathing is very
shallow as he rests. Please keep this most
precious family lifted up before the throne of
God. May the Peace of Christ rule in your
hearts. Col.3:15
|
|
