Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Gone Home

Thank you all for your loving care and attention (and patience) during this really difficult time.  After just under 6 weeks at home with hospice care, Krista passed away Tuesday, November 3.  It was amazing to have her with us that long because we expected to only have a few days with her, maybe a week or two.  Clearly the Lord had other plans. It was an amazing time, with Krista being alert and clear-headed for most of it. She had a large list of things she wanted to do before going, and I am pleased to say that we not only completed the list, but also had some really beautiful time together as a family.  She will be greatly missed, though we are glad that she is now being comforted by Jesus himself and free from the suffering she endured for so long.

One thing that was very important to Krista was what she called her "Celebration of Life", her memorial service to which you are all invited to participate in.  She has planned just about every detail of it, and it will not be like most memorial services.  For one thing, Krista has requested that we all wear white with the idea that she wants it to look like what they wear by the Aegean Sea: bright, flowing tops and maybe light blue bottoms reminiscent of the sea itself.  She wants the experience to be like how she envisions heaven to be based on Revelation 19:8
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
The service will take place at 2 pm on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara, located at 1 N. Calle Cesar Chavez, Suite 21, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.  Please join us if you are able.  Catherine Grant (jandcgrant@aol.com) is helping to organize the event, so you may contact her if you have any questions.

12 comments:

Dawn Lyman said...

Mike,

I just have to say one thing that everyone is thinking. We have all been deeply touched and forever impacted by the way you have loved our Krista and cared for her all these years.

You are a rare treasure.

Dawn

P.S. December 5? (It says Nov 5 at this writing.)

Shaun and Betsy said...

Dear Mike,
Your love for your bride is beautiful beyond words.
Thank you. You truly are a rare treasure. Your life puts a smile across our Lord's face. ♡
Much love and hugs,
Betsy and Shaun

Shaun and Betsy said...

Dear Mike,
Your love for your bride is beautiful beyond words.
Thank you. You truly are a rare treasure. Your life puts a smile across our Lord's face. ♡
Much love and hugs,
Betsy and Shaun

DeleOnFire said...

Mike,
I am moved by all the love.
Always, your friend,
Dele

DeleOnFire said...

Mike,
I am moved by all the love.
Always, your friend,
Dele

Alyssa said...

Mike,
I agree that your love and support for Krista through sickness and in health has been amazing and encouraging to witness. My life has been so touched by your whole family.
Love
Alyssa

Regina said...

Mike and Boys,
I'm praying for you all. Krista was such a treasure to us all.

Melanie said...

Dear Mike and boys,

I feel blessed to have known Krista even if very briefly. Thank you for trusting me to help care for her and allowing me the opportunity to know her better. I feel even more blessed to have witnessed the unstoppable love within your family and specifically yours for Krista. You inspire me to continue to give to my mother in law with compassion and deep love as she battles cancer. You leave me without excuse. I am sad that Justin and I will be out of town this weekend and unable to celebrate on Saturday. If you or the boys need anything, I am wiling.

Much love,
Melanie Avery

Christine Schulz said...

I would love to be at Krista's memorial, but distance doesn't allow, I will be thinking of her and her family and friends celebrating her courageous life, I'm privileged to have known this lovely woman of God ����

Unknown said...

Mike, Adam, and Trevor,

You guys are superheros. Never let anyone ever tell you different. I have been blown away and inspired by you all, and will never forget it. My God grant you the Peace that is beyond understanding now, as you transition into a new chapter of life, Knowing that Krista is safe with the Lord now, but will never be farther away than your hearts.

SisterOfTheDivide said...

I never met Krista in person, we met online through our love of quilting. What a sweet woman. I know if we had lived near each other we would have become good friends. Although I am saddened at her passing I know without question she has been embraced by angels on her way to meet our Savior. My prayers for your comfort at this time. May Heavenly Father shine his countenance upon you and grant you peace.

Maxine said...

Dear Mike and family. It was so very sad to hear of Dear Krista"s
parting. We were so lucky to have met you guys, when we moved to Santa Barbara, from Australia. The great soccer matches we shared with the boys !. Krista even got to meet my Dearest friend, Chris, when she visited me and my family from Australia. Krista has never been far from my thoughts and always in my prayers. Now at Peace. x May God Bless you all and give you strength. Until We Meet Again