Continuing

It's hard to believe that it's almost two weeks since Krista passed.  It has been such an encouraging time full of the love of family and friends, though sad to not be able to share it with Krista any longer. I am so grateful for everyone who helped get everything ready.  We couldn't have done it without you all, and it was amazing how you all made it come together so efficiently! For those who weren't able to make it, the crew at Calvary Chapel was able to record a video of the "Celebration of Life" which you can watch at this link. I have heard that the service was quite impacting on many who saw it. May her life continue to touch your life as it continues to touch mine.

I took the last week to take care of a bunch of details following Krista's death, and my mother stayed with us to help through the transition.  With her gone home now, the house is starting to feel too quiet -- not because it's empty as there are still two teenage boys here after all!  The boys have been able to get back to school pretty much right after the funeral, and seem to be coping well.  (I'm so grateful for the six weeks we had to process our feelings before she left -- it has made the transition so much less distressing for all of us!)  I've been off work for about two months now, and it's time for me to be getting back to it. Tomorrow is my first day back, and I am feeling mostly ready for it though a little concerned about all the changes I'll have to catch up on.

The holidays are coming up quickly and I'm sure that its going to be difficult without her.  Please continue to keep us in our prayers.

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.
Let him sit alone in silence,
for the Lord has laid it on him.
Let him bury his face in the dust—
there may yet be hope.
Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,
and let him be filled with disgrace.
For no one is cast off
by the Lord forever.
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
For he does not willingly bring affliction
or grief to anyone.
(Lamentations 3:25-33)

 

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.