One Year

One year ago I sent the blog you were all anticipating; “With the three of us at her bedside, Carol departed this world and is now healed in the arms of her wonderful Lord.” I was amazed at the responses coming from every continent and several islands within minutes. On this anniversary I would like to share a sample of excerpts from a few of those precious notes:

“We have been following every single post and waiting for this one. Thank you for sharing your life with us…”

“You don’t know me, but I had the honor and privilege of working with Carol a few years ago. [a business relationship] Not only was she sharp as a razor on her technology speak, but she gave us young bucks a run for our money. It was a joy to work with her.”

“I’m torn between joy and sadness, and have to accept it as a mixture of both. I’ve been reading Carol’s blog for a long time and had no idea how the story would end…but it’s not the end even now and that is good.”

“I am sorry to say that I have never had the pleasure of meeting Carol or any members of your family. Yet your family has had a profound effect on me in a short amount of time. I came across your family’s blog in the oddest of ways. I was searching for an update on a friend who shares your last name. I never found the update I was looking for but I did find some healing, understanding and above all some peace.”

“I am convinced that the timing of finding your blog was fate. I came across it within a week of getting back from a funeral. I was sad and lost. I kept focusing on the loss and the pain that I felt. I wasn’t ready to let her go. Day by day – reading your posts has helped me grieve and heal. The positive outlook, faith and love your family has demonstrated through this difficult journey can only be described as inspiring.”

“It’s thousands of miles between us, but the distance has not and will not stop us from praying for you. ‘Not that the withered flower is unfeeling. It withers to be transformed into the earth of spring, to nourish other blossoming plants.” (Translated from a Chinese classical poem)

“I had the privilege of meeting Carol in 2005…She was always available and ready to help you with what ever you needed. She has been missed and will continue to be missed. My prayer for you is that you will not sorrow without hope, but in thankful remembrance of the life that touched others and in expectation of that great reunion when all the dead shall rise, and we will all live forever in His kingdom.”

”What celebration there is in heaven – Carol is HOME.”

“We also sense the loss of a good friend and coworker. She was always an inspiration to us. Her enthusiasm was contagious.”

“Carol was a joy to work with and always made me laugh. Her energy and commitment to excellence has been inspiring over the last 4 years.”

“Thank you so much for continuing to share in your journey in the path of the shadow of death. It has brought many precious, blessed memories back of my own mothers passing from life on earth to life in heaven.”

“I have just read this post with a sense of relief and joy that Carol has passed through the trials of sickness and is now with her loving Savior. She has been such an inspiration to me over these past couple of years…I pray that as many gather to celebrate her life there will be an overwhelming sense of the Lord’s presence that will continue in the hearts of those who know her, until we meet with her again.”

What can I add? I am sure that you understand. Thanks for your continued prayers and support!

Love,

Chuck