Today, my dad is taking over the blog to share a heartfelt story from his youth. He writes about his experiences as a young man, when his grandmother, Donna Maria, faced breast cancer with remarkable strength. My dad's journey to Cornell University and his path to becoming a doctor, influenced by his mother's unwavering support, is both inspiring and deeply moving.

It was July of 1960, and I was 17 years old and going into my senior year of high school. My mom, Donna Maria, was 68 and had been diagnosed with breast cancer and had undergone radical mastectomy surgery. She endured this trial and suffering as always, with toughness and a quiet resolve. I was told that her chance of survival was poor. Words cannot describe the sadness in my heart. I prayed every day that God would not allow her to die. I prayed, and I cried myself to sleep for almost a year.

God Conquers Doubt

I was applying to colleges and my top choice was Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. After undergraduate, I had planned to attend Cornell Medical College in New York City. She and I and the family had discussed this ever since I could remember. She would brag to anyone who would listen that her “Georgie” was going to be a doctor.

Once I said to Mom, “I am not sure I will be able to stand cutting into people or the blood.” Without hesitation, she said, “Don’t worry. It will be just like cutting bread.” Homemade bread was a staple and was always present at our family meals. I remember that my grandfather would ritually make the sign of the cross, kiss the bread, and cut the first piece. So with family blessings and traditions as my foundation, and my mom’s reassurance, just like cutting bread, my doubt was relieved.

I was accepted to Cornell with a work-for-meals plan and a financial-need scholarship. The family, Mom, and I were thrilled. She knew that I loved her; she knew her grandson was going to become a doctor, and she knew that she was the most important person in my life. At Cornell, and according to one of her specific requests, I “lived with priests” (that’s another story). These priests were Jesuits in the Newman Oratory, and that made my grandmother very happy. In the end, I was glad that I had contributed to her happiness. Donna Maria Gazzana Arangio suffered quietly and passed away on July 5, 1964 at age 72. I grieved, I doubted, and I pressed on.

McGraw Tower overlooking Cayuga Lake, Cornell University

In November of 1964, the Cornell varsity football team crossed the 59th Street Bridge in NYC. As Coach pointed to the distant white buildings to the right, he announced that it was the Cornell Medical School. I was impressed, and I had a personal interest. On that day, our football team trounced Columbia 57-20. It was a Cornell scoring record that would stand for 47 years.

As someone who had been nurtured in a small town from a first-generation Sicilian-American family, I was naïve. Years later, my friend Peter once said, “Cornell is the world, good and bad.” The world challenged my parochial faith and my morals.

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ”.

(Colossians 2: 8)

The Cornell Jesuits who were older graduate students gently bantered with me and we discussed topics in the parochial catechism and the changes of Vatican II. What I soon learned from our talks is that their God is a personal God. Through the Jesuit perspective, I began to understand that tradition, philosophy, and the things of the world do not mix with the things of God. They are like oil and water. These thoughts made for an interesting time in this unique “Cornell dorm.”

The freedom of college life was a challenge for me. I studied, worked, and I played varsity football. I also searched for a personal God. I searched to know a God with whom I could talk directly and know that He would listen and grant what was good for me. But I did not yield to God’s will.

Weill Cornell Medical College, Manhattan, New York. Photo credit Ajay Suresh.

In 1965, the Vietnam war was heating up. I was given a “Berry Plan” deferment until I was fully trained as a physician. I moved on to Weill Cornell Medical College, 70th and York Avenue in Manhattan. The study was challenging as was the social scene. The Big Apple, “Broadway Joe’s” turf, was a world where moral matters were openly discussed. It was also a time when women gained control over their sexuality. I was not prepared for any of it and, like many people of faith who face temptation and doubt, I put my humanity first.

Broadway - Times Square in NYC, circa 1965

God knew my needs and he guided me. While in New York, I met my wife, Judith Lynn Besemer. She became my true friend and loved me for me. We married on June 7, 1969. She helped me as I searched to overcome doubt, to know Jesus, the same God of Moses, and to yield to his will.

Over the years, Judy and I have had many pleasant reunion weekends and fall football games with Cornell classmates and friends in Ithaca, NY. We support Chesterton House, an independent center for Christian studies at Cornell University. It exists to facilitate the Christian faith and faithful Christian living. It sponsors ecumenical religious freedom through public lectures. Chesterton House provides student male and female residential living centers and offers courses on biblical, theological and ethical studies.

We have enjoyed the Big Apple and the good arts and sciences it has to offer. Today, Cornell has a large academic presence in Manhattan. It includes Cornell Tech, a graduate campus and research center on Roosevelt Island that provides courses in technology, business, and design. In September we will share my 55th Medical School Reunion with classmates.

Because I wish to share my scripture-based faith, I wrote We Talk with God. I pray that this book will help you through times of difficulty and will help you gain strength in times of doubt. The book reveals easy secrets in God’s own words. In it, you will learn that we are saved by the faith that Jesus was born to die as payment for our sins. No one else can do that for us. Jesus said that if you would call on Him, He would save you. (Romans 10: 9)

Have a blessed day, and may it be full of successes guided by God.

Until next time, God bless you and stay well.

George A. Arangio, M.D.

P.S. Keep We Talk with God at your bedside and share it with your family.

P.P.S. Please ask three (3) of your family and friends to read We Talk with God. It may be the answer to their prayers. And give a rating and a review. Thank you.

Summary:

Young George A. Arangio's journey of faith and perseverance: From supporting his grandmother through cancer to his journey at Cornell University, and how faith guided him through life's challenges, leading to his spiritual writings.

George A. Arangio, M.D., is the author of We Talk with God, a scripture-based guide to God’s advice that will boost your spiritual energy, bring you peace, and enrich your life. It is full of simple lessons. It shows how God’s Word guarantees answers to life’s important questions. It may also be the answer to your prayers. Please read it and write a review on Amazon.com. For further insights and discussion, visit WeTalkWithGod.com.