Kim would be 41 tomorrow

We've put our house up for sale, and in the process of going through and cleaning, I found a journal I was not aware Kim was keeping. It had a list of the ten things she'd learned through her battle with cancer and was written shortly before she passed away. It is classic Kim, so I thought I'd share on the anniversary of her birthday.

10. I'm stronger than I thought I was.
9. I have more friends than I thought.
8. Even if you have the time, daytime TV is no good.
7. Not much going on is a good thing.
6. Simple things are the best.
5. Friends and family are better than losing... [can't make the rest out]
4. God has not gone away even when you don't feel Him.
3. God provides for small and large problems.
2. Prayer WORKS!
1. God is God, He can do whatever He wants.

Faith and Purpose article

Article about the blog and book from "Faith and Purpose."a local Christian newsmagazine. (Link has been discontinued, content no longer exists online)

Kim's Service

I've posted the funeral service here on YouTube.

It's been broken down into 11 parts for easier viewing. I've had so many requests from friends and family unable to attend, or had heard about it, that wanted to see it, and this was the only way I could think to make it available. God's Grace abounded in that Sanctuary, and in that hour.

Mark

The Blog is now a Book

Kim wanted to see her blog turned into a book for her kids. At nights while I was at the hospital with her, I converted it into a book that you can now purchase here.

It was therapy for me, and she did have time to write the dedication to her children.

Twenty dollars will go to the two memorials she chose with every book purchased. As publisher, I receive a quantity discount starting with orders over 12 books, so if you may be interested in a larger order, please contact me at the email address listed on Kim's storefront.

Thank you, and God Bless.

Mark and the kids.

Oliver, Jackson,Lehman and maryclair here

are family wants to thank every one who helped us in these three years

Kim's Arrangements

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m, Thursday September 20th, at the First United Methodist Church Chapel in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The church is located at 801 S. Main St, downtown.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church Sanctuary in Jonesboro, on Friday, September 21st, at 4 p.m.

Kim would like you to consider memorials to two organizations that were close to her heart, and will be instrumental in helping to continue to raise our children, as well as many other children, in the Christian faith:

The Ridgefield Christian School Building Fund
3824 Casey Springs Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72404

The Youth and Music Ministry programs of the
First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro
801 S. Main, Jonesboro, AR 72401

I love you, forever

(Kim passed away this day at 4:53 am. Kim could tell through the night some days ago that things had taken a turn for the worse, and dictated this last blog entry to me so that it could be published upon her passing).

There are no words that could ever convey the heartfelt love and kindness that you've shown me and my family through this and how much I appreciate it. Every prayer, every card, every note and every blog posting was a blessing to me. I know I will not be in pain anymore because I choose to trust the Man that gave his life for me and I know I've played a small part in God's plan.

I've been thinking for some time now, with all the events around the world that seem to point to the end times, that Jesus has called me a little ahead of the crowd to prepare me as a greeter for Heaven. I'll be a natural with my Flight Attendant skills.

I want each of you to know, that even though we all prayed for a different outcome, God's Word never failed me. I was always reminded that even Jesus prayed that 'this cup would pass,' and it did not.

For that, we are ALL Saved. And I pray I see all of you soon.

With all my love,

Kim

Kim was transfered to St. Bernards

Kim has been admitted to St. Bernards hospital this morning.

Mark

My great little weekend

It's really weird how the pain is. It is almost as if you get it under control and then--BAM! from out of the blue, it is something else. Or, this seems to be how mine is, but my nurses have said as the cancer grows, that is just how it will be. The hospice service is wonderful. What a gift these women are. They are literally a phone call away, and come by to check on me often. Just pray I can keep my pain in check. That's a biggie!

Everyone seems to be holding together the best we can. You know God can do anything! This weekend, with the kids at home, I was a little nervous. It was the most peaceful time together. The kids seemed to get along so well--and get this--my sister got to come to Jonesboro! What a gift. We climbed up in that bed and my mother got to take care of both of us in one place! You could tell that was what she had been wanting to do from the beginning. Mark has my oxygen mask tethered together so when I feel like it, I can get around the house. He did tell me he draws the line at me being able to reach the Mall. I love you all sooo much. Everyday, new fears and strange thoughts invade, but I'm trying so hard to just keep my eyes on Jesus.

Love to all,
Kim