Her awake time and communication is very minimal so again we ask that there be no visitors.
Yesterday Shawn, her Parents and sisters were able to gather around her bedside while she prayed for them, her family and her friends, naming them one by one. At the end of her prayer she reminded us that she has Jesus in Her Heart. A tearful moment but one that brings great Peace. Her body and voice are weak but her heart bursts with her Love for The Lord and her Family.
Thank you for continuing to leave encouraging memories and messages. We enjoy reading them and sharing some of them with Kristin in the quiet of her room.
Rarely a moment goes by that I'm not thinking of you Kristin; marveling at your strength, your courage, your faith. You are a truly remarkable woman who has taught me to enjoy and appreciate every moment of life. (And as an aside, I frequently think of you when I make my bed in the morning and hope that your bed is nice and messy and comfortable...just the way you like it.) May you continue to feel God's peace and presence as you face the days ahead. ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteWell dear one, you've been given another day. What a blessing to your family. The sun is shining and it's freezing cold outside but there is great warmth in your heart and I love you for it. Your concern for others is amazing especially in this time of great need.
ReplyDeleteKristin...My thoughts are of you constantly. My prayers are also constant for you and your family. So many of my friends who have never even met you are praying for you and they tell me how amazing you are and how inspired they are by your faith and your love for your family. It brings me great joy that they have come to know you through your blog. You have reached so many people and shown them what it looks like to love Jesus and to walk with Him through the joys and sorrows of life. My friend you have taught me to live with a thankful heart, to look for joy in every day and to trust our Lord and Saviour for everything. You reminded me recently to be kind to myself but this wasn't the first time you spoke such truth to me. You taught me this so long ago when we were just college students and I was a stressed out girl afraid of being anything less than perfect. You have always been such a shining star and a ray of sunshine. I am so thankful to have you as my friend. Lord Jesus, I pray your peace over Kristin and her family. I pray that your light and love would surround her and her family and bring her comfort that is beyond our earthly understanding. I thank you Lord for the gift of knowing Kristin. xoxoxo Tamalin
ReplyDeleteStill hoping and praying for a miracle. I wish I had a magic wand to make all of this go away for you and your family. Thinking of you everyday, all day. Cheryl
ReplyDeleteKristin, Many of us at KPU have met you in person,and for others they met you through your blog. Your energy, passion, love of life and struggles over the last year was shared by us all, and allowed us to offer support to Shawn as his work family while respecting his privacy. We loved hearing all the wonderful funny stories you shared of family life, and were inspired by your strength, honesty, and perseverance through your difficult journey.
ReplyDeleteWe think of your family often, and send thoughts of healing, peace, comfort, and strength.
Please know that Shawn's work is covered - Career Days was a success, and students are being placed. We are taking care of everything, so he can focus on what is really important - spending time with you, and family. As his work family, we will continue to support, and offer any assistance he will need now, and forever.
Career Services and Co-op family
Thanking God for you always! What an inspiration to all of us; you are a truly amazing lady!! Thinking of you and your family, with love and hugs - forever!!
ReplyDeleteKristin, thank you for teaching your readers the importance of staying connected as a family. From reading your blog, I know that your four children will continue to grow up beautiful characters because of your influence as their mother. Thinking of love and positive thoughts for you and your family at this time.
ReplyDeleteDearest Kristin - I do not know you and you do not know me, but that does not matter. What only matters is that we are sisters in Christ and I lift you up to Him right now. May you know His peace, His perfection, His mercy and grace... His love has been carved in the hearts of your wonderful husband and beautiful children. Karen M.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to thank you for the beautiful smile you gave me last time I saw you..it is still embedded in my mind. Your beauty shines through even in weakness and I am so blessed to know you. Praying for you all. Love Ingrid
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of you all the time Kristin....sending love to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteLiz Laturnus
Kristin, every time I start to write a message to you I am unable to finish. Words are failing me when I need them the most. We love you and your family! Your strength and love for God has amazed us. You are generous and kind .... spontaneous and creative. Your life and love has touched many! We continue to pray for peace and healing.
ReplyDeleteLove the Loree family
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers many times throughout my day.
ReplyDeleteVicki
It is very clear to me, that your love for Jesus is truly Beautiful. Your love for the family is truly Beautiful. Reading your blog is quite inspiring to reach for that same love. Kristin you and your family are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteKristen,
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing lady. I have come to know you through Kori who is one of my favorite people. You are all so lucky to have such a close family during this difficult time and in the long journey ahead. Your faith in God and His plan is an inspiration. May your children always walk in the wonderful footsteps that you have created for them. God bless you! Margo
Bless your sweet family. Thankful that Kristin will soon rejoice with her Saviour!! Praying for the rest of you.
ReplyDeleteI am often praying for you and your family, God loves you SO much!!!! :) ~Barb Stingl
ReplyDeleteDear Heavenly Father may that hospital room be filled with the presence of Jesus. Please minister to each member of this precious family. May they feel those everlasting arms lifting them up. You know how weary they are, but again may they feel the love and prayers of so many. Keep your hand on Shawn, he has a heavy load. Thank you for being with him in the hour of his greatest need. Thank you for our beautiful Kristen, who has challenged us to look at our own faith. Dear Lord ease her pain. Amen....Jerry and Evelyn you have raised a wonderful daughter. With lobe and prayers, Edna
ReplyDeleteKristin,
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for the light and joy that is part of my life for having met you, your husband, and your amazing son. I still think it's so cool that you have a son who likes to cook and is good at it. (I'm sure your other kids are equally awesome!) May God continue to bring peace and comfort to you and those who love you and are walking this journey alongside you as best they can. My prayers continue. I am grateful for fond memories of laughter shared at the Dirty Apron cooking school for Diane's birthday, and enjoying yummy dessert at Sarah's graduation barbecue.
Peace, strength, and love to you,
Jessika (Diane's very outgoing, freckled teacher friend with the funny name that looks like Jessica but sounds like juh-see-kah) :)
After reading your quotes from "Jesus Calling" I was prompted to buy it myself.
ReplyDeleteToday's message rang true with a prayer for you: "Seek my face and you will find not only My Presence but also my Peace.... You can have as much of Me and My Peace as you want..."
Love to you and your family as you experience the real presence of Jesus in the quiet of your room. May you truly experience Jesus Calling.
Karen VE and family
Kristin, there really are no words for the strength and love that you are showing. It's such an amazing testament to God's presence in your life. Thank you for being a beacon for Him. Keri and Kori, I love you guys and am praying for continued strength for both of you and your whole family. Blessings on all of you as God continues to wrap His loving arms around you all in an incredibly special way. Fiona
ReplyDeleteHenry Brooks Adams was a U.S. historian, journalist, novelist and educate who lived in the 18th century. He is famous for many quotes but this one is perhaps the frost familiar: A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.
ReplyDeleteAs I read the comments on the blog, I realized that the same thing could be said about you: Kristen affects eternity, she can never tell where her influence stops. Many, many people are following you story, and many blog comments begin with the phrase, "Kristin, you don't know me but..."
So this morning, I want to encourage you that as crappy as all this has been, it has not gone to waste. I don't think you realize how many people you have encouraged. I don't think you realize how many people you have blessed. I don't think you realize how many people you have inspired to dig deeper into their walk of faith! Even in your illness, you are ministering to others!
Your Heavenly Father is cheering you on, "Well done, dear one, well done!" I know your body is weak, and so today I will be praying for comfort, ease, and supernatural pain management.
Love you tons, Laura
Steve Mitchison is a Singer/songwriter, worship leader and Palliative Care physician. His has written a very awesome song called Forever Home. You can hear the song on his website https://stevemitchinson.bandcamp.com. I have included the words below.....
ReplyDeleteForever Home
Nothing here lasts forever but You never end
All this is temporary just a case of when
Season will come and go, appearances will change.
Rivers will rise and fall, but we cannot stop the rain
When it's falling
But You will forever reign, forever live
Forever You are God
You will forever be, forever more
Your faithfulness is sure
Our forever home
Our forever home
Friendship will help the journey, Yours we know will last
History tells us we can learn things from the past
Happiness comes and goes, depends on how we feel
So when the storms arrive are we holding something real
When we're falling.
Thank-you for continuing to share Kristen's journey with us. My heart is so overwhelmed with gratitude for her willingness to share her life, even in what seems to be her darkest hour. Each day as I interact with my loved ones, I think of her and try to cherish each moment. She inspired me to be a better mother from the first time we met and continues to inspire me. I continue to pray for healing, for I know God is able. I continue to pray for peace that passes understanding. Love to you all! Rebecca
ReplyDeleteKristin and family, I am praying for the ABSOLUTE, COMPLETE and BEYOND-MEASURE of LOVE to demonstrate his MERCY and GRACE to you. "LOVE, COME!!"
ReplyDeleteDear Kristin and Family, I want to echo the words of so many above: we see Jesus in you! You are an incredible testament to His love, His grace, His mercy, His peace in the midst of sorrow, pain, brokenness and suffering. We are but a fleeting moment here on earth. How wonderful to know we have eternity to share together. Thank you for your honest, open, heart-wrenching posts. Your life has touched the lives of so many, and the power of your testimony will live in people's hearts for years to come. Sweet Kristin and family, may Jesus be mightily present in the days to come, and give all of you peace that only comes from Him.
ReplyDeleteI am far away in CA currently but Kristin and family, you are all in my thoughts & prayers, and people here in CA are praying with me. KRISTIN I LOVE YOU AND YOU ARE SO SPECIAL TO ME. We are heading to Disneyland this afternoon, and I will be there and you can be there with me vicariously! Everything I do will be in the name of Kristin!! ;p [hugs] [smooches] [prayers]
ReplyDeleteDear Kristin and Family. Just want you to know that I have held all of you in my prayers. There is such a peace in these last few blogs. Amazing Grace. Gayle Anton (Rena's bestie)
ReplyDeleteKristin, you are constantly in my prayers. Thank you for your heartfelt blogs throughout your journey. It helped me know what to pray for. But it also did so much more than that. Despite sharing what were difficult and painful times, you always ended up blessing your readers with words of encouragement. Imagine that! You taking time to bless and encourage others in the midst of your pain. I trust that your kids will carry on the kind of person that you are. And that the Lord will watch over them and bless them as well as Shawn. You have been an incredible example of what living out your faith looks like. Kori & Keri, you have been steadfast in your love for Kristin and her family. You also have encouraged those around you by always pointing to God as your strength. I cannot imagine the heartache you guys, along with your parents are going through at this time. Praying for you all! Much love, Aretha
ReplyDeleteKristin, you and your family are in my prayers. Kori, if I can help in anyway please reach out. Jayne
ReplyDeleteThere are no adequate words. Lifting everyone in prayer.
ReplyDeleteKristen and family- there aren't proper words to express our sadness. Nor our there adequate words to give thanks for your faithfulness and openness to share this difficult journey with as much hope, light and love as you have. You've been a blessing and embraced a platform you didn't desire in order that Jesus be glorified. Well done sister, well done!!
ReplyDeleteKristin, I met you only once, I think it was after a school performance. You introduced yourself and had a warm smile and encouraging, sympathetic words as you could understand, like few others, what it's like to live with terminal cancer. We pray for you, for Miranda, and tonight Katie asked God for a miracle for you.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your February 1st update I cried and felt such deep sorrow, for your situation, and for mine. It's easier to live in denial and your closeness to heaven made me look at reality. I may have 2 years, I may have 20, but I will strive to spend them living in the moment, loving Jesus. Thank you for being an example to me. Thank you for continuing to love Jesus and for being a blessing to those around you. I think of you often and I see a beautiful daughter of Christ. I look forward to visiting with you one day on whichever side of heaven God chooses. It's not good-bye but...see you later. With much love,
Tina Bacon :)
My sweet friend. Thinking of you constantly. Remembering each of our interactions with so much fondness. How blessed are your family to have YOU in their family. Lifting your sweet kiddos and hubby up, your sisters and their families and your own parents. How many times you were such an incredible and warm encouragement to me and you spoke such truth into my heart about my fears with my little guy who was made extra special, and I love that we bonded over that and so much more. I don't want to selfishly say this hurts, but it does. I'm sorry. I'm still praying. Hard. And I love you and everything you have ever been to me, another mama setting her sights on Jesus to do right by what He's blessed us with. You've done well, dear sister-friend. You've done well. Miss you like mad. xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteKristen and kori, keri and family I continue to hold you close in prayer and hoping you are all feeling the loving arms of the Lord with all of you in this most difficult of times.
ReplyDeleteMy friend: Yesterday my youngest made me go "what were you thinking" and oh how I wished I could have shared it with you to laugh and to pick your brain for wisdom. Instead I lifted my heart in prayer for you and spent some time thinking what would Kristen do. You have dramatically impacted my parenting and I thank you for sharing life with me.
ReplyDeleteHi Kristin, When i read the post of Feb 2, I was heartbroken, to know that you have fought so hard but the battle is almost over. thank you for being so brave and strong, you are a great inspiration, if I can be half as great a Mom as you are I will be proud. I hope you find peace and comfort in your family now. I still remember our talks in the Dunach parking lot about kids, books and life. Thank you for being a second Mom to my kids for a year. I knew I could leave them in your capable hands and you would welcome them into your family and treat them like your own. When I saw you a few weeks ago I wanted to give you a hug so bad but couldn't, not even a "hand hug" so here is a heart hug from my heart to yours. Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I miss you my friend, Lots of love Always, Leanna.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for comfort, love and God to give you a miracle of healing! I will always say you are one of the biggest reasons I started praying again, as I lost touch with Him and I only came to start praying to God again after I started reading your blog. Before I'd pray for mostly selfish reasons. Now I pray with strong Faith and belief that God actually does exist!!However, what I didn't get to tell you yet is that God has shown he believes in me and has answered some of my prayers. My good friend's husband was run down by a drunk driver. I prayed 3 hours on some days, one specific day I prayed for a specific area for him for his leg and God answered my prayers on the very day! He is back at home after over a month in the hospital! When I was young I prayed selfishly for God to give me a gift as I didn't ever think I had one. Just in the last 3 months God gave me the gift of speaking in tongue and translating my own tongue. (I was not being selfish this time so I think God just did this to prove how strong and real He really is!) I'm so proud to have a stronger Faith in Our Lord!! Kristin you must believe me when I tell you! You have helped make me stronger in HIM Jesus precious Jesus. I was so hoping that we could connect on so many more levels but God has a plan for that! Bless your family, bless you. Please God give them all peace, comfort and JOY and a miracle! Since our boys started Kindergarten together way back at Dunach! Can you believe they are so grown up looking now! And the Autism connection we can't forget that now can we! I truly hold a special place in my heart for you! God loves you and so do I!!
ReplyDeleteRenee Allard
Kristin, we were never really close, you probably know Ralf better than me because you guys worked together. But I have been following your blog and prayed for and with you. You absolutely amaze me, how in light of everything you still gather up the strength to pray for your family and to worship Jesus. We are all praying for a miracle but only God know the bigger picture. As I am sitting here and am thinking about you, I am tearing up again. I wish I had the privilege to get to know you more. I am praying for comfort for you and your family. Corinna L
ReplyDeleteKristin, I am so sorry to read about what you have endured. It breaks my heart. I have been out of the loop due to my divorce proceedings, depression and breast cancer scare. None of that compares to what you and your family have been coping with. Kayla and I are thinking of you everyday and wishing for the best outcome. You and your family are in our prayers. Sending hugs, Love, Liisa and Kayla
ReplyDeleteKristin, I think of you and your family everyday. You have been such an encouragement to so many. Watching you go through this difficult time has been sad, but such an amazing witness to me and obviously so many more.
ReplyDeleteLately the word rejoice has been coming to my mind. This is hard to do when your heart is so heavy. But today I was reminded that we don't have to rejoice FOR the struggles and tragedies that we face, but THROUGH them.
You and your family can rejoice for time. Over the last year you have had time: to speak into your children's lives, have an appreciation for the little things, really appreciate those times we take for granted, connect with your sisters like you all had not done before and as a result have drawn soo close, allowing your Mom to be your mom again and take care of you, time for the whole extended family to cherish the moments and make intentional memories with each other, to pray over and speak to those you love. But most of all you have drawn closer to God. You have been given this gift of time to help your family and loved ones through this incredibly tough time and have been their rock. What a gift you have been to them and us all.
I read this passage today and wanted to share it with you and your family:
2 Cor 4:13-18
"It is written: I believed; therefore I have spoken. With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Therefore we do no lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Kristin, well done, good and faithful servant! Your pain and suffering is temporary and it will be replaced with eternal glory with Jesus. To your family draw close to each other and God. You will also be renewed every day, through the difficult times ahead, with Him by your side. I will continue to pray for you all. Linda K
Kristin, you are never far from my thoughts these days ... I find myself travelling down memory lane quite a bit ... and I can't help but smile! I just posted a few pictures on Facebook of our Ian and Lia and your Kyle and Braden. I am so grateful for the friendships they share! Isn't it just like God to put the perfect person in our lives just when we need them the most? I will never forget the beauty of Lia and Braden's "connection" especially in Kindergarten at Dunach. They just "got" each other! You and I "got" each other too and seemed to always find time to share our hearts with each other just when we needed a friend to help carry the load. I hope you are feeling your load being lightened even now by all of us who love you.
ReplyDeleteThe last time I spent a few moments alone with you was when I dropped Lia off at your place for Braden's birthday party at the end of November. You know, it was the only time I ever felt awkward with you. That memory bothers me and the feeling puzzled me at the time. Now I know what it was. We weren't able to hug each other (stupid germs!!!). I have never NOT been hugged by you! I have never NOT left you feeling encouraged! I was always drawn in by your big heart and it was awkward to hold back anything from you. I miss you and your hugs. (And I know I am not the only one). Consider yourself hugged by me today and by all the other friends and family who wish we could be there in person standing by your bedside telling you what you mean to us. We can't imagine life without you and we continue to pray for a miraculous healing (because we can't imagine life without you!). I am so grateful that so many threads of your lives are woven through the tapestry of our family memories. Be assured that no matter what happens, Shawn, Kyle, Miranda, Braden and Conner will never get passed me without getting a Kristin-sized hug whenever I see them. Much love to all of you Ericksons from all of us ... Kevin, Nancy, Luke, Ian, Allison and Lia Boese. xoxoxo
Kristin...Our small group prayed for you tonight...may you and your family feel loved and carried in prayer.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, sunshine! I read this today and thought of you!
ReplyDeleteCANCER is so limited
It CANNOT cripple love
It CANNOT shatter hope
It CANNOT corrode faith
It CANNOT eat away peace
It CANNOT destroy confidence
It CANNOT kill friendships
It CANNOT shut out memories
It CANNOT silence courage
It CANNOT INVADE THE SOUL
It CANNOT reduce eternal life
It CANNOT quench the spirit
It CANNOT lessen the power of the Resurrection.
You know the Saviour! You know how to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. You know how to rest in the shadow of the Almighty. You know that the LORD is your refuge and your fortress. You trust in Him. Praying for a supernatural sense of His presence today, for strength and renewed energy for those around, and an extra special measure of peace and faith for Shawn and your mom....
Love you much,
Laura