It was a devestating moment but in true Kristin fashion, after 4 weeks of pain and limited communication she mustered the energy and strength to Mother her kids with love the way she has done for 15 years. She told the kids that over the next day or two, or if she goes to heaven to be with Jesus, that they should feel free to express themselves as they feel they need to...yell, stomp, cry, etc. but when done, through memories, family and God's love they need to find JOY, LOVE and PEACE. Trust and love each other...family is so important.
Grandma and Grandpa joined them around this time to offer love and support. Everyone calmed down and Kristin reminded the kids that We are Family- Your Grandmas & Grandpas, your Aunties & Uncles and your Cousins will always be there for you. Mommy doesn't want to share this with you but she has to tell you this so you can be strong!
Eventually Kristin asked the nurse for help, she wanted the kids to be able to be closer to her. The nurse brought in a cot tight to her bed so the kids could climb up on it to hug or snuggle.
Each of her children climbed on the bed with her, hugged and kissed her while exchanging words of how much they loved each other. Her most important point was that they remain strong in The Lord, Trust in Jesus and NEVER lose their faith!
She prayed the most beautiful and encouraging prayer over each of her kids seperatley and then collectively. Shawn agreed thanking Jesus along the way.
As the day went on we all were able to share special moments with Kris. Mom and Dad had time alone with her in the morning. Later in the day Mom prayed over Kristin, Keri and Kori. This was a special moment that we will cherish always. Shawn's parents, brother & sister-in-law also shared some time together and Kristin prayed the most beautiful prayer over them as well.
Kristin shared some special thoughts with her brother-in-laws Dave & Roger. Once again Kristin managed to help each of us through yet another difficult day in a way only she could.
Our family has found God's "strength for all things". One of the verses Kristin has often quoted is Phil 4:13...I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
It was a difficult day filled with many tears but our Faith remains. We have Peace and we have Hope for tomorrow.
"...weeping may endure for a night, but JOY cometh in the morning." ~ Psalm 30:5
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:38
Thank you for your continued prayers of healing for our dear Kristin.
My heart breaks for all of you. As always, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks... but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is there with you all... you are in the presence of the Lord and that is amazing. Our prayers are there with you.
ReplyDeleteJoy comes in the morning.
Hugs ♥
ReplyDeleteI am heartbroken for you all. Not a day goes by that I haven't thought of you all and wished for healing for Kristin. Sending my love and prayers and thinking of you all. xx
ReplyDeleteYour faith is an inspiration Kristin. My heartbreaks for you and your family; you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to give your family peace, joy and comfort
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for Kristin and, even though we are not close friends, for the sweet friend she is to me. God's timing is perfect and even if it's not always perfect for us, we can be blessed by it. Sending love and hugs and prayers to Kristin and her family. I'm so glad that we're all a part of the family of God.
ReplyDeleteContinue praying for your whole family, and God's healing touch upon your life, Kristin!
ReplyDeleteI have no words. Much love to Kristin, Shawn, their amazing children, Keri and Kori and their lovely families, Jerry and Ev and the extended family. May God surround you all with His love and peace.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for your whole family every day. Your are an inspiration of a woman of grace, strength, and love. Your faith in the Lord is a inspiration.
ReplyDeleteGod has given us tears for moments like this. Kristin, your testimony has had such beautiful impact on our lives that you are unforgettable. Your faith in Jesus has helped us to believe that God is with us. Scripture is trustworthy and you are loved by all the lives that you have touched with your candid crazy posts. Your life is an inspiration and sensation and phenomenal. We are in a forever family !
ReplyDeletePraying from Texas..............
ReplyDeleteI've been following your journey all along. Kristin, you are such an inspiration. Peace be with you and your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you, Kristen you are truly a child of God and His love shines through you even at this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteGentle hugs to you.
Peg x
Oh dear family. My heart breaks with you. Kristin, you are dear, loved, and important. You have touched my life. Know that you have touched many.
ReplyDeleteLove and Hugs,
Karen Van Egmond and family
Kristin... you have fought, run, endured... I will never forget how you were the first mom who welcomed me and my first baby entering kindergarten at Dunach, how you fiercely love and protect your family, how you have handled this battle with grace, honesty, JOY (a fight, I know)... how you love and trust our God... your faith has been unwavering. You are loved. Your kids and Shaun WILL BE prayed for... Your Savior and your reward is near my friend... praying peace, HOPE, expectancy, and inexplicable trust in HIS sovereignty... until we meet again... Laura T.
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully said, Laura.
DeleteThis is beautiful Laura. Kristin you are such an inspiration... you show strength and joy each and every day. You have fought such a hard battle. Like Laura, I will also never forget our early days at Dunach. You were also so smiley and welcoming. And you kept our school open that extra year which all of us Dunach families will forever be grateful! Praying for peace for you and your family tonight and the days to come. Love Colleen
DeletePeace of God cover this family....
ReplyDeleteGod is truly at work in Kirsten and what a blessing she is despite her suffering...she continues to find joy. Praying aa the journey continues...
ReplyDeletePraying & crying for you all...
ReplyDeleteI have been praying for you and your family for many months now, I am going to keep you in my prayers, my heart truly goes out to you and your family, as a wife, a mother and a sister. It is a very difficult time. Asking God to comfort and give you peace. Love & Prayers, Rose Nicholson
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray for you and your family
ReplyDeleteKristin you are a beautiful light. A gift from above. An encouragement to so many. Courageous & strong.
ReplyDeleteEven now God is bigger! Love & Prayers to you and yours, Margie Thaler
t I REJOICE in the faith that we share, beautiful Kristin. You have taught your children well - you have given incredibly wise words in true strength. I aspire to be even half the woman, mother and wife that you continue to be. Through so much - you have always been real, always been truthful, always been looking out for others. I cannot believe that this is where we are at. But it is. And I am thankful for the privilege of knowing who you are and all that you are to so many xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo ~ tawn
ReplyDeleteDear Kristen and family.I am not known to you but am part of your bigger family, the family of God. Your friend Sharla is my cousin and my daughter Rachel attends your church. You are an inspiration and blesssing to me. My trials seem trivial in comparison to what you and your family are experiencing.My heart aches for you Kristen and your family.Thankyou for sharing your journey. My thots and prayers are with you, love in Christ, Glenda
ReplyDeleteI am devastated to read this, but I have to say, you are one of the strongest persons I have met in my life. I have prayed for you and your loved ones throughout your whole courageous fight. You have been a warrior and with your blog your have encouraged so many others. I will keep praying for comfort for you and your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteWe have prayed for you, for your family and while our paths have not crossed we've met in prayer, along with the army of believers who've been lifting you up. Our hearts are broken for the journey you're walking. May He be ever so close, the comforter when no words are expressible, the sustainer when we're at our weakest, the holder of all things precious - may He hold you and your family so tenderly in His love & embrace, in ways that only He knows how to......... much love to you, prayers for the miraculous & peace in the journey. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, your example & faith are a gift...... much love, Michele Yackel and family.
ReplyDeleteKristin, I love you.
ReplyDeleteDear Kristen wasn't going to post anything - at a loss for words - read your blog today and wept but then I thought how can I not let you know that I have been praying for you and your family and that I will continue to do so because they are going to need it more than ever - thank you for sharing your journey with us - you are so special and have been so strong - it has influenced my life for the better - thank you karen
ReplyDeleteOh, my dear sweet friend. You continue to astound me and bless us all with the Light of Christ in you. I'm so sorry I haven't commented recently...know that you are never far from my thoughts, you bless me with your friendship, your wisdom, your everything, and know that I am also praying for you. Crying, praying, sending you my love and thoughts and a warm embrace. I miss you.
ReplyDeleteDevastated by this news. Kristin - I have prayed and will continue to pray for you and your family. I am so blessed that God put our girls in the same Kindergarten class 7 years ago. You are tenacious in friendship and against injustice, in your proud mothering spirit and in all of life. You are fierce, bold and brave and I am so blessed to call you a friend.
ReplyDeleteKristen, it's been a long while since I've last seen you but our family has recently joined all the lovely people above who have been praying for you amidst your pain and through this part of your journey. Your grace in these circumstances astounds me and your ability to bring a voice to the different emotions felt as a result of your changing health has been so difficult yet so important to read - cancer sucks and you hurt and you cry and you smile and you love and you believe...you're amazing. We will continue to pray for all of you. - Suzanne Letkemann
ReplyDeleteWill continue to believe and pray for a miracle. I know the lord is with you and will bring all of you joy and peace. Im so sorry. Andrea Seibel (Young)
ReplyDeleteWill continue to believe and pray for a miracle. I know the lord is with you and will bring all of you joy and peace. Im so sorry. Andrea Seibel (Young)
ReplyDeleteYou are such an amazing woman Kristin - You're courageous and brave and bold and tenacious, and so very wise, an inspiration for so many. You have touched more lives than you will ever know. We'll always have San Fran and the Go Cars ! XOXO
ReplyDeleteBrokenhearted, praying desperately for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteKristin, I remember the day I met you. It was Super Bowl Sunday at Chris and Colleen's place. 21 years ago today. You were a ball of sunshine and so happy to be my new friend. I was a little overwhelmed and you being my new friend made life seem a little more...friendly. You are a source of strength and joy to so many and I pray that as you go through this you will continue to muster strength and joy and make it known that your strength has a source, and that is in our Lord Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteI pray you will sense the Lord's nearness to you, His peace and strength to carry you through this
ReplyDeleteKristin, you are such an amazing, loving women, mother, wife, sister, and friend. Your faith has been such an example to me, your unwavering faith. You have blessed me, and all who know you. thank you. You have always been honest about your feelings, your struggles, and that is refreshing. May God Bless you and cover you with his Light, Joy, Love and Peace. I will continue to pray for Shawn, your kids, and your families. Thank you for being you.
ReplyDeleteJo-Ann Unrau
My heart is so very saddened and yet you have been such an inspiration. Your children are truly blessed! God bless, will be praying
ReplyDeleteKristin, my heart breaks for you and your family but your faith in God shines through this awful journey and that is a blessing. words cannot express .....
ReplyDeletem
Carol and I just wept as we read the blog today...As I have followed the blog I have praised God for the example of one truly wonderful child of God. Kristen you have showed so much of your love for Shawn and your children and for your entire family and most of all for the deep faith you have. In my heart you are a daughter in Christ. In prayer for all of you, the song that comes to mind is , leaning on the everlasting arms. Also pray for the peace and presence of Jesus to be with you...with love, Edna
ReplyDeletei am heartbroken for you . I have never met your but have followed your sisters blogs for years and yours from the beginning. I will continue to hold your family in prayer in the coming days and weeks and months. You have run your race with such grace and faith. I look forward to meeting you in heaven.... you are an inspiration....
ReplyDeleteKristin, words don't come easy for me. I found your blog a while ago and have been following your difficult journey. I've been sending prayers for you and your family, and will continue to. Your amazing faith is such an encouragement! You are an inspiration and your family is truly blessed! Will continue praying. Christine Hancock
ReplyDeletePraying for a peace that passes all understanding but, as I read the blog today, I sense that you are all feeling that peace. Bless you and your family. What an example of faith you are as I have followed your blog for some time and sense your deep love for your Heavenly Father and for your family and extended family. Praying!
ReplyDeletejust read today's blog...my heart hurts for you...tears and praying for you and your family. Rachel R.
ReplyDeleteKristin, I only recently found out about your struggle and read your blog. What tremendous strength and courage you have but then again I always remember you being a fighter. You were also very kind to me back in elementary school. I was hungry and you would share your lunches with me. I feel like I've come to know you all over again through your blog. May peace be with you and your family. Love, Angela
ReplyDeleteI pray for peace, I pray for understanding, I pray for strength, but most of all I pray for God's will. We know that he is in control no matter the circumstances.
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ReplyDeleteThank you Lord for covering this family with Your beautiful Presence. Because He lives you can face tomorrow. May it be of much comfort to know you continue to be on the hearts of so many. Love Karen Smith
ReplyDeleteKristen
ReplyDeleteMy heart is so sad for you and your dear family. You say that you are not brave, but I disagree. To say good-bye to your children, your husband- you are truly one of the bravest!
God has been using your words, your honesty, to slow me down, to teach me to be present in the moments around me. You talk about missing your kids and I hug my own a little tighter. You thank God for your faithful husband and I thank Him for mine. You are confident God is with you and I feel Him beside me.
You, dear heart, are almost Home. No more pain, no more sickness, no more tears. Home. Press on, know that He has never left you to walk alone, and listen to Him say "Well done, good and faithful one. Welcome Home."
Lori Krahn
Dear Kristen I am praying for you. for COMPLETE HEALING. I will continue to pray faithfully for you. I will pray for your children and your husband. Throughout this night and the days and nights to come. You are on my heart. God Bless You
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! Kristin, you and your family are constantly in my prayers and thoughts. I've never met you personally but I have read your posts and have been blessed and strengthened in my own faith and challenged to love my family even more deeply.
ReplyDeleteKristin,
ReplyDeleteI wept in sadness for you and your family as I read this post but I continue to be in awe of your strength. You have brought your children through this with such courage and taught lifelong lessons to the rest of us about what is important. It has changed me not only as a mother but a teacher as well and I give you my word that the Ross family will surround your two youngest with love and support and guide them through this next chapter along with the love and support of your family. We will watch out for your babies for you, I promise. I think of you constantly and will continue to do so.
Jennifer Johnson
Kristin, you dont know me but I am one of the ross moms amd have been following your blog for the past year or so and remember you being on the field trip at willowview in september. Even though we haven't really met, I have heard from others and can tell by reading your blog that your heart is for the Lord and your family. You have fought well and brave, and your dependence on God has been inspiring. May God's Spirit of peace and joy that is beyond our understanding, overwhelm you in these days.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers to you and your family Kristen you have been a real inspiration to many. May God Bless You
ReplyDeleteDear Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI mainly log on to Facebook to read your posts, your words are like lyrics to a song, I find myself reading and rereading all thru the night, your words are to be cherished. Instead of only reading I will try to gather some words to convey how much I look up to you as a Mother, a follower of Jesus, a wife, etc…… My son is so very lucky to have your son as a best friend, they love each other like teenage girls that have known each for many years! You have done a wonderful job with your beautiful children and you and your journey has brought our family closer to God and closer with each other!! I thank-you from the bottom of my heart! Love from the Rempels
Dear Kristin,
ReplyDeleteMy heart broke for you and your family when I read this yesterday. I am so saddened by this. I wanted to write something right away, but just did not know what to say. You are such an amazing woman and mother, and truly are an inspiration. I am so thankful I got to meet you in the library program. I so wish we were able to get to know each other more. I really enjoyed our visit in September and I am so glad you got to meet my daughter - I will treasure this memory. As a new mom, I look up to you as a mother Kristin. I have continually thought of you and your family throughout this journey and continue to do so. I will always be thinking of you Kristin. I wish peace for your husband, children and family. You are so strong and amaze me. I wish there was more I could say, but I am still at a loss for words.
Thinking of you always, Liz Laturnus
Like many, I have gotten to know you through your blog. You are a true inspiration, and I will continue to pray everyday for healing, peace, and comfort for you and your family. Gillian Reinke
ReplyDeleteKristin I have learned so much from you and your journey....Thank you so much for sharing with us perfect strangers who are now forever changed by you. I have learned from you what it means to be a family of faith. I am forever changed by your words and actions.....Even in the most tedious tasks of life I am thinking of you. And when I listen to Chris Tomlin's LOVE, I think of you Kristen. YOU ARE LOVE !!!!!!!!! When we love one another its a brighter day !!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteKristin, Shawn, Kyle, and family - from one of the soccer moms - I've been so inspired by your light - your faith does make you shine in my eyes - I'm sad for the family you may be leaving behind Kristin, but happy that you all have one another and your faith to carry you through the tough times in the past, in the present, and in the future. Thank you for sharing with us. Hugs - many hugs! Peace be with you all. Jane Webb
ReplyDelete"Well done, my good and faithful servant. See you at the Banquet table someday.
ReplyDeleteKristin,
ReplyDeleteI have never met you, but have followed your blog on and off (found it via Lovella's friends list) because you are such an encouragement and your faith is awesome. I sit here crying as a young mom myself, I cannot imagine how hard it was to sit in that hospital bed with your kids and say those words. I pray that God will hold you and your kids and husband these next days and weeks. My heart breaks for you. God is our only hope. Heaven is our reward. He is faithful and He will look after your kids and your husband.
I look forward to meeting in heaven one day.
Much love in Him,
Amber Wiens
I am devastated. Yet I feel as if I can't be in the face of such hope and when thinking about such a courageous and strong woman who always fought to put her faith in action. I will continue to pray for you all.
ReplyDeleteDearest Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for the last few months. I have never had the privilege of meeting you. You have touched my heart as well as the hearts of countless others. You hold a special place in my heart. I wake up every morning and ask myself, "How is my Kristin today?" - then, I check your blog. I feel so lead to pray for you throughout each day. Kristin, I know that our Heavenly Father will continue to wrap His arms around you and your family.You are surrounded by His perfect love. Julie Boonstra
Thank you for being my friend
ReplyDeleteDear Kristin, you do not know me. I'm coming to you from Lovella's blog and I just wanted to thank you for being an example of how to walk this valley in the shadow of death, showing us that the Good shepherd is there each step of the way. Today we see dimly and do not understand, but one day we will see clearly and know. A prayer for you and your family, "“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
ReplyDeleteAnd give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26
Dear Kristin, I do not know you either, but am astonished at the strength and courage that you have demonstrated to share these truths with your children yourself, and demonstrate again what makes you their parent and caretaker. God watch over you in this time, and may you find the strength you need his His Love to face the future, and may He grant you His amazing peace.
ReplyDeleteStopped by this morning to hug your mom and pray for you all...will be continuing to pray for you all over these next days - for courage, for ease, for comfort, for strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Praying that you and yours will have a very strong sense of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and resting in the shadow of the Almighty. He is YOUR refuge and YOUR fortress, YOUR God, in whom YOU trust.” Shine on, dear friend!
ReplyDelete<3 Laura
Love to you all.
ReplyDelete-Derek.
Kristin, you are one of the bravest and most AMAZING women I have ever met! Your faith during this time has been truly inspiring. You and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDelete~Conny Delorme
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteHI. I don't know you but I have a friend who does and told me of your story last night. As we embraced and hugged and shed tears, I said I would pray for you. As I was reading my bible this morning, I came across this scripture and felt it was for you.
Psalm 41:1-4 NKJV
Blessed is he who considers the poor;
The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.
2 The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive,
And he will be blessed on the earth;
You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.
3 The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness;
You will sustain him on his sickbed.
May He continue to strengthen you and sustain you. My prayers and love are with you and your loved ones.
Continually holding you and your beautiful family up in prayer...love you all
ReplyDelete-Lorrie
"His Strength Is Perfect" (Steven Curtis Chapman)
ReplyDeleteI can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
But sometimes I wonder what He can do through me
No great success to show
No glory on my own
Yet in my weakness He is there to let me know
His strength is perfect when our strength is gone
He'll carry us when we can't carry on
Raised in His power, the weak become strong
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect
We can only know
The power that He holds
When we truly see how deep our weakness goes
His strength in us begins
Where ours comes to an end
He hears our humble cry and proves again
His strength is perfect when our strength is gone
He'll carry us when we can't carry on
Raised in His power, the weak become strong
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect
..... I love my sister in a way that most people will never get to know. Thank you for loving her too! Please continue to love Kristin's family as this journey twists and turns. We feel every prayer, hug, and encouraging word and we know that His strength is perfect when our strength is gone. Thank you Lord for the special people that have touched our lives over the last 15 months! We have been blessed.
I love you Kris! You will always be my big sister!
Keri
I feel so sad this is happening to you and your beautiful family and even though we've never met, I feel I know you through your scrapbook pages on SCS. Please know you've all been in my prayers and we'll continue to pray for you through this. You are such a strong wonderful person and a true inspiration...Love you! (eeddmm)
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