Sometimes Real Life Isnt Fun.
I have been wanting to write this post for a while but have been putting it off because its just too painful.
David's Aunt Kristi (My sister) was diagnosed with stomach cancer on October 29th at 39 years old and a mother of 3 children.
Our very close family was devastated.
We rallied around Kristi and her family and hoped her treatment would give us a few more years. It didn't work. She quickly deterioated and they decided to stop chemo. It was now time to make her as comfortable as possible and enjoy the little time she had left.
We prayed for her to make it though Christmas. Boy did she ever! We had a great holiday and she was even able to order people around in the kitchen like she so often did. We laughed, we cried and cried some more. It was more than we could have asked for.
After the first of the year she took a turn and is currently resting here at home with the help of medication. We do get glimpses of the old Kristi for a few moments at a time before she needs more medication.
Our family is gathered here in Jacksonville to be with her and each other. I have to admit I was not sure how I would feel being here. Turns out, I wouldnt want to be anywhere else. It is very peaceful here. Yes, there are tears, lots of tears. But we also are laughing a lot. Kids are running around playing and being innocent but keenly aware that something is not totally right.
We will pray for a miracle till the end. However, we have already had miracles nevertheless. The outpouring of love and support from friends, family and even strangers is an incredible testament to what my sister did for people, her love for life, her dedication to family, and above all her passion for God.
We set up a blog to communicate with hundreds of people on Kristi's progress. You can check it out here: Hope For Kristi .
Thanks for reading about my sister. I wish everyone could meet her. She is amazing and I will miss her very much.
David's Dad
BTW, We were also blessed to have Thomas Lester Photography take some of the most incredible photos of Kristi and our family. I included some here but follow the link above to see the rest of them.
Comments
Thank you David for your special post. God is faithful and His mercies are new EVERT morning. Love you.
January 09 2011 at 12:01 AM
Blessings for her and your family…. God bless you a lot!
January 09 2011 at 01:01 AM
My english isn’t good enougth… I say it in spanish.
Animo, el dolor no desaparece. Solo aprendes a vivir con el. Recordad todos a tu hermana, y haced que sus hijos la recuerden.
My dad died 20 years ago, when i was 8. My mum is the north of my life. She has been all the time there, helping us.
Keep the smiling photos for de kids, for the future.
January 09 2011 at 04:01 AM
David, beautifully said.
January 09 2011 at 08:01 AM
God bless her and everyone in your family
January 09 2011 at 10:01 AM
God Bless you all and continue to provide strength and continue to treasure every minute. God Bless !
January 09 2011 at 05:01 PM
David, you guys are on Larry’s and my heart big time. Watching the love and support of your family is inspiring. We pray peace and joy for Kristi and Ryan and the kids.
Lots of love to you,
Wendy
January 09 2011 at 07:01 PM
dear david. Its hard to comfort a family who’s in such pain. I can understand the pain and difficulty thats goin through ur family. I will remember your family in my prayers .
January 11 2011 at 12:01 AM
David, I am so sorry for your loss. I haven’t seen Kristi in many years but remember her as a very kind and loving person. Please pass along my condolences to your family.
Take care,
Candi
January 11 2011 at 10:01 PM
Nossa David! Sinto muito pela sua irmã! Você pode chorar hoje, mas a alegria vem de manha. Eu moro no Brasil, e não sou fera no inglês, por isso usei minha lingua neste comentário.
January 13 2011 at 03:01 PM
Wow, so sorry to hear about your sister, and I hope a miracle happens and she gets better. My mom was 54 when she lost her 3 month battle w lung cancer, before she passed she told me that she would always be an angel on my shoulder. That was in 1996, and I know she’s been there since. Prayers and thoughts from my family to yours. Your sister sounds very brave, god bless her !!
John M
New Rochelle, NY
January 13 2011 at 10:01 PM
Beautiful words…
January 17 2011 at 06:01 PM
I visited the DAD website for the first time today after viewing David’s trip to the dentist. I am really sorry to hear about your loss. I pray the peace of God covers you and your family during this time. God Bless!
January 19 2011 at 11:01 PM
David may God continue to give you and your family peace! During this time, you don’t know me but I came across your blog I know it was totally the Lord , i will continue to pray for your family amen. God bless you!
Www.my life-my shepherd.blogspot.com
January 20 2011 at 04:01 AM
Everything is going to be alright =)
Blessings for all of you.
From Madrid.
January 25 2011 at 02:01 PM
Thank-you for sharing so much of your family with us, I will pray for your sister and your family to be strong.
Ps. The pictures are so beautiful!!
Live Laugh and Love
Niki
January 27 2011 at 01:01 AM
Prayers from Africa. Blessing to her and your family.
February 01 2011 at 05:02 PM
You’ve got me sitting here, crying like a fool. ;]
I’m blessed to read about your sister and your time together for the holidays. It’s nice to see something real, behind something that was made for the amusement of all.
Blessings on your family as you continue on. I have three sisters, so I totally understand that they’re fun and insane, in their own ways and I just speak a blessing and prayers to you and your family.
<3
February 17 2011 at 11:02 AM
Sorry for your loss, I had a aunt Bonnie who died of a cancer, I went to her funeral and gave a speech crying! Every one thanked me after though. I hope you can feel the same way I do, Shes in a better place now.
April 16 2011 at 02:04 AM
Terribly sorry for your loss.
You’re family is beautiful though. The pictures are wonderful!
April 19 2011 at 11:04 AM