Comments on: triumph over tragedy: the Langbehn-Pond Family’s story http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html love. justice. family. equality. Fri, 5 Sep 2008 20:47:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: Legal recognition for multiple spouses « The PolyOldFart http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-5779 Legal recognition for multiple spouses « The PolyOldFart Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:37:02 +0000 http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-5779 [...] wrongful death. For newly-married same-sex partners, if your home state recognizes your marriage, the moment you go somewhere that doesn’t you have no legal standing. And that’s not even getting into the conflict between state and federal [...] […] wrongful death. For newly-married same-sex partners, if your home state recognizes your marriage, the moment you go somewhere that doesn’t you have no legal standing. And that’s not even getting into the conflict between state and federal […]

]]> By: Ruben http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-4695 Ruben Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:12:24 +0000 http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-4695 Janice, Recounting the events in your life has not gone in vain. I am a senior nursing student and very much for a culture of caring for patients regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. I prepared a presentation as a project for a class and spoke to them about the need for care of the gay elderly population that is growing and is now 2.5 million in the U.S. I am hoping that they are at the very least aware and at most able to provide more competent care of the gay population when they encounter it in their profession. I vow that this should never happen in a hospital that I work for. If so, I will not quit, but rather advocate for changes to be made. I send my regards to you and the family. Janice,

Recounting the events in your life has not gone in vain. I am a senior nursing student and very much for a culture of caring for patients regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. I prepared a presentation as a project for a class and spoke to them about the need for care of the gay elderly population that is growing and is now 2.5 million in the U.S. I am hoping that they are at the very least aware and at most able to provide more competent care of the gay population when they encounter it in their profession. I vow that this should never happen in a hospital that I work for. If so, I will not quit, but rather advocate for changes to be made. I send my regards to you and the family.

]]> By: sidnei http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-4558 sidnei Fri, 19 Oct 2007 22:38:07 +0000 http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-4558 May God bless you! -Sidnei May God bless you!

-Sidnei

]]> By: Olga http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-4557 Olga Fri, 19 Oct 2007 22:26:38 +0000 http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-4557 Janice, My prayers are with you. I got to this story late as you can see. I am so sorry for your and your childrens pain. This was definitely a wake-up call for alot of people. And thanks to all the comments, esp. Stephen's idea which was brilliant. Janice,

My prayers are with you. I got to this story late as you can see. I am so sorry for your and your childrens pain. This was definitely a wake-up call for alot of people.
And thanks to all the comments, esp. Stephen’s idea which was brilliant.

]]> By: Stephen http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-2744 Stephen Mon, 13 Aug 2007 22:51:01 +0000 http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-2744 What a heart-wrenching story. Here in California I've never been faced with such a problem. When my mom passed away recently, my partner never had a problem (even a question) visiting, and after a recent fall, there was no question even asked about my ability to visit him in the E.R. One thing I've done to help prepare in case of a situation like this, is I have a free gmail account that can be accessed easily from the Internet. After setting up the account, I scanned and then emailed key documents to this address, such as the durable health directive, power of attorney, birth certificates, adoption document, and domestic partnership certificate (thak you California), and passport. Then I moved them into a permanent folder. If you can find a friendly person (or a Kinkos) with Internet access and a printer, the copies of key documents are available. We've put so much work into making sure we have the right documents, it must have been incredibly frustrating dealing with the delay. I hope this tip (and your story) will help people in the future. What a heart-wrenching story. Here in California I’ve never been faced with such a problem. When my mom passed away recently, my partner never had a problem (even a question) visiting, and after a recent fall, there was no question even asked about my ability to visit him in the E.R.

One thing I’ve done to help prepare in case of a situation like this, is I have a free gmail account that can be accessed easily from the Internet. After setting up the account, I scanned and then emailed key documents to this address, such as the durable health directive, power of attorney, birth certificates, adoption document, and domestic partnership certificate (thak you California), and passport. Then I moved them into a permanent folder.

If you can find a friendly person (or a Kinkos) with Internet access and a printer, the copies of key documents are available. We’ve put so much work into making sure we have the right documents, it must have been incredibly frustrating dealing with the delay. I hope this tip (and your story) will help people in the future.

]]> By: Janice Langbehn http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-2679 Janice Langbehn Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:49:59 +0000 http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-2679 Thank you to everyone for reading our story and responding so positiviely. I share all your positive thoughts with the kids an they find comfort in your words. We have heard from the heart recipient and should know his identity soon. He is doing well with Lisa's heart - no rejection - and he is able to play with his grandchildren once again. Lisa lives on! Thank you to everyone for reading our story and responding so positiviely. I share all your positive thoughts with the kids an they find comfort in your words. We have heard from the heart recipient and should know his identity soon. He is doing well with Lisa’s heart - no rejection - and he is able to play with his grandchildren once again. Lisa lives on!

]]> By: Karen Kinsman http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-2588 Karen Kinsman Wed, 01 Aug 2007 18:49:38 +0000 http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-2588 Janice, My heart sank as I read your story. I am so sorry for the loss you and your children have suffered. I am angered by the treatment you received at the hands of medical professionals whose Hippocratic Oath clearly says, "First, do no harm." Well, what did they think they were doing by depriving your beloved partner of the ability to die with dignity with her family by her side? I have nightmares about something catastrophic like this happening - my wife and I have an almost 9yo son. We also just found out that a good friend of ours (also a lesbian with a long-term spouse) has Grade 3, Stage 4b uterine cancer - I just pray they have all their legal ducks in a row before she becomes ill enough to need her partner to make decisions for her. The depth of your children's love and the courageousness of their actions when Lisa collapsed was simply amazing. I hope they know how important a moment that was and how very, very proud of them Lisa must have been. Again, I am so sorry. One more poignant reason we all need to make sure we continue to fight for equal, not special, rights for our families. -Karen from Albuquerque, NM Janice,

My heart sank as I read your story. I am so sorry for the loss you and your children have suffered. I am angered by the treatment you received at the hands of medical professionals whose Hippocratic Oath clearly says, “First, do no harm.” Well, what did they think they were doing by depriving your beloved partner of the ability to die with dignity with her family by her side? I have nightmares about something catastrophic like this happening - my wife and I have an almost 9yo son. We also just found out that a good friend of ours (also a lesbian with a long-term spouse) has Grade 3, Stage 4b uterine cancer - I just pray they have all their legal ducks in a row before she becomes ill enough to need her partner to make decisions for her.

The depth of your children’s love and the courageousness of their actions when Lisa collapsed was simply amazing. I hope they know how important a moment that was and how very, very proud of them Lisa must have been.

Again, I am so sorry. One more poignant reason we all need to make sure we continue to fight for equal, not special, rights for our families.

-Karen from Albuquerque, NM

]]> By: christine http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-2474 christine Tue, 24 Jul 2007 11:40:42 +0000 http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-2474 May I first say how eloquantly you have presented yourself and family. I apologise for all medical professionals. As a trauma nurse myself, I have never seen this type of behavior . It is unacceptable and should be answered for. Your children will be stronger for the experience and all of you will be mentors for others in the continuing struggle for equality in all family make-ups. Good luck and thanks for sharing your story. Christine O. Sterling,CT May I first say how eloquantly you have presented yourself and family. I apologise for all medical professionals. As a trauma nurse myself, I have never seen this type of behavior . It is unacceptable and should be answered for. Your children will be stronger for the experience and all of you will be mentors for others in the continuing struggle for equality in all family make-ups. Good luck and thanks for sharing your story.

Christine O.
Sterling,CT

]]> By: Cheri http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-2466 Cheri Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:47:51 +0000 http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-2466 Janice, Thank you for sharing such a beautiful love story about your family. My condolences and thoughts are with you and your family as you move through this difficult time. While the tragedy of ignorance & lack of basic human kindness affected your family in ways that are heart-wrenching, your story reminds us all of the love that we have within our families that can never be diminished or taken away by anything or anyone. We need to continue to live the life of love that comes to us with grace and knowing....and you, Lisa, and your children did that so very well. Peace. Janice, Thank you for sharing such a beautiful love story about your family. My condolences and thoughts are with you and your family as you move through this difficult time. While the tragedy of ignorance & lack of basic human kindness affected your family in ways that are heart-wrenching, your story reminds us all of the love that we have within our families that can never be diminished or taken away by anything or anyone. We need to continue to live the life of love that comes to us with grace and knowing….and you, Lisa, and your children did that so very well. Peace.

]]> By: Jamie http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-2432 Jamie Thu, 19 Jul 2007 21:11:33 +0000 http://www.familypride.org/blog/2007/07/triumph-over-tragedy-the-langbehn-pond-familys-story.html#comment-2432 Janice, I'd been following your story since I read about it on the RFamily Forum. Thanks for coming forward with such a heart wrenching story. It is very important for you to keep speaking in Lisa's memory. One person at a time, our stories do change minds!! Hugs to you and your family. Sorry I didn't get to meet and chat on the cruise. Janice, I’d been following your story since I read about it on the RFamily Forum. Thanks for coming forward with such a heart wrenching story. It is very important for you to keep speaking in Lisa’s memory. One person at a time, our stories do change minds!!

Hugs to you and your family. Sorry I didn’t get to meet and chat on the cruise.

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