Saying Goodbye
Yesterday (Monday) I'd composed a different blog to post. I never posted what I'd what written. I'm sorry to say that my beloved Jim passed yesterday at 4:00 pm. Thusly, I will draw from my previous blog and add what applies today. It's amazing how fast things can change, isn't it?
For the last several days, I haven't been praying for our miracle. I'd stopped asking people to pray for a miracle and to pray for peace for Jim instead. I'd been praying that he'd be pain-free and that he wouldn't suffer any longer. I prayed that he would have an easy transition to heaven and that he'd know that the kids and I would be okay, so that he would know it's okay to go. It seems that for once, my prayers were answered.
Jim passed away in his sleep, exactly as he'd wanted. He passed with me, his parents, and my parents there, holding his hands and supporting his transition. Jim passed gracefully and quietly, and he was pain-free. Jim happily shed his bulky body in favor of a light and happy soul. Jim does nothing half way. He never cuts corners. So I believe that because he could not stay here with us, he took the wheel and drove himself in the direction he wants - toward health, happiness, and the woodworking workshop of his dreams.
Your prayers are so appreciated. Thank you for all of your kind gestures and sincere condolences. We will continually update the blog as things go on, as this is our most direct (and accurate) method of conveying information.
We will be having two memorial services for Jim. The dates and locations are as follows:
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Word of Grace Community Church
Sheboygan Falls, WI
For directions: http://www.wogcc.com/info.html
Visiting hours are from 12pm - 2pm. Refreshments will be served.
Memorial service at 2:00pm.
Pizza party (Jim's favorite food) and reception to follow at our home.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
John Calvin Presbyterian Church
Henrietta, NY
For directions: http://johncalvinchurchonthehill.org/church_map.htm
Visiting hours are from 12pm - 2pm. Refreshments will be served.
Memorial service at 2:00pm.
Reception to follow at Wildwood Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to our memorial fund in Jim's name. Thank you so very much for your prayers and support.
posted by Kate at 3:19 PM
30 Comments:
Godspeed Jim. You will be missed. Kate, all our love to you and Rachel and Jake and all of Jim's family.
8:18 PM
Oh, gosh. I am just SO sorry, Kate. My love to everyone.
~Rozanne
9:22 PM
I'm sure he is measuring twice & cutting once as we speak. Jimmy,
I was so proud to be one of your best friends. I will never, ever forget you. I will love you always!!
Keith, Lisa & Ryan.
9:46 PM
I am so sad for you and your family. You and Jim and your love have touched so many lives.You are both remarkable people. We will be thinking of you all.
Christine (Burton) Gardner
10:16 PM
We love you all so very much. Your strength is an inspiration to us all.
the Hanwells
5:35 AM
Kate-
Just wanted to say that all of us in Rush Henrietta are thinking about your family. Jim was a wonderful man & the world is a better place because of him. Jimmy- Godspeed, my friend.
Love to all-
Aimee
5:40 AM
If everyone could leave this life with the love and respect that Jim did, it would be a wonderful world. Thanks for sharing yourself and thoughts for even though I have only met you once, I feel I know you and your family.
Marlene LaRock
6:23 AM
God bless you, Kate! I'm praying for you and your family. I know Jim is in a better place now.
6:25 AM
Hi Kate--
I know you from MOPS and have been following your family's experiences on your blog.
I just wanted to express to you what an inspiration of grace and strength you have been to me.
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweetie. I did not know Jim, but through you I know that the world was blessed to have him in it--if only for too short a time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you and continue to give you strength.
Joely Buss
6:31 AM
You all have been in my thoughts constantly the past couple weeks, and I'll continue to pray that you feel the peace that eased Jim in his transition as you experience yours. My gosh...I love you, Kate. Rachel and Jake are so blessed to have you, and to have had such a cool Daddy.
Bless you all~
Cristin, Harry, Ava, Harrison, and Piper Rose Zegers
6:42 AM
God Bless all of you during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your heart with the world. I am a friend of a friend who has been truely moved by your stories. I am thankful that Jim is at peace. If we all could be so loved... You have and will continue to be in my prayers..truely.
6:43 AM
Kate,
May the grace of God be with you and your family. May you find strength in knowing that Jim is now looking down on you and the children from heaven. My Love to all of you.
Jennifer & John Lingvai
8:06 AM
My brother(Davey) said yesterday that God needs Jimmys help to cure this horrible disease. And I believe that!!! Kate you are a super,beautiful,wonderful, strong person and boy was Jim lucky to have you. Your beautiful children have left us with a part of Jimmy that we will all be able to see, enjoy and laugh with every time we are blessed to visit with them!! If you need ANYTHING please let me know...I love you all so much and I miss you Jimmy....
8:16 AM
We send you our deepest sympathies. We hope that you all can move quickly from remembering him in illness to remembering him as he was in full health.
We'll see you at the service in Henrietta next week.
Tim & Becky Poulsen and family
8:19 AM
Jimmy - You were the best man at my wedding because you are just that - the best man I ever had the pleasure of knowing. You and your family continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave, Melissa, Tyler, Eliana and Drew
9:17 AM
I am so sorry, that's all I can say.
My wife has read me many of your entries and Kim has kept us informed.
I have cried and laughed reading you posts. I really don't know what to say
GODspeed Jim
10:03 AM
"Death knocked on the door... HOPE answered and saw no one standing there."
The angels must be dancing in their welcome of Jim into Heaven. May your entire family be embraced by peace in knowing that Jim is no longer in pain. My heart goes out to you in your loss of the physical Jim, but he will continue to be with you in so many other ways.
10:22 AM
FYI : Obit :
www.sheboygan-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=SHE010301 -
10:35 AM
Does anyone know where/how to make a donation to Jim's memorial fund?
11:06 AM
I am so sorry. I've been praying for Jim, you and your children. I will continue to pray that God will give you strength during this time.
2:58 PM
Kate, words cannot express how sad I am. Know that if I were there, I would hug you and squeeze you, even though it would make you cry. :) You are a remarkable woman and I love and admire you so much.
Darcy, Rob & Girls
3:43 PM
What sadness I feel for the loss of Jim. My prayers are with you and your family, Kate. What a blessing Jim was to the world. And what a blessing your tribute to Jim has been to us all. God bless you.
8:44 PM
Dear Kate,
Words aren't enough to express how sad we are to learn of Jim's passing. John and I were at your house in Atlanta for Halloween in 2003 and we remember the two of you smiling, Jim with the baby carrier on his chest, and you looking all radiant. We'll miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
John & Ivona Hecht
11:30 PM
Kate,
We are so sorry. There are no words that can make it better but there are so many thoughts and prayers from people who love you and Jim. Jim had his family around him in the end...so few people are able to leave this life like that.
We will be thinking of you in the coming days and wishing you much strength and peace.
Niki Campbell and family
6:24 AM
'The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.'
-Mark Twain
A life full of family, friends, laughter and tears.... I have to believe Jim is looking down on the life he left behind and is at peace. I hope you will find that peace as well.
-Amy, Andy, Clara and Charlie Swartz
6:57 AM
Kate,
Thank you for sharing Jim with us all. You are the bravest person I know. I pray for you and your family the blessing's you need during this time. Monday's Blog was the one we all knew was coming. As I read it I prayed and gave thanks to our Lord that the suffering was over for Jim. I pray now you will be able to start your recovery.
Frankie Castellana
7:05 PM
Dear Kate,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As hard is it is for you during this time, please know that Jim touched us in extraordinary ways and will always be with us in spirit. Stay strong knowing Jim's life and contributions where significant, and that he made others around him better. And finally, thank you for your tireless effort with the blog..it was truly inspiring and something that we'll not forget. Please take care of your beautiful children knowing that Jim's legacy will be with you always.
7:49 PM
Kate,
I'm a friend of a friend of a friend who was introduced to your blog about four months ago. I have been following your journey with Jim and have found myself thinking of you all every day. I don't know you but feel as if I do. I heard Lola on the radio the other day and cried.
Jim is a true hero, cancer didn't beat him, he left this earth on his own terms. He is in a place where he can be strong, healthy and able to be with you, Rachel and Jake always. He'll forever be with you and thanks to you, he'll be with the many, many people who had the privilege of sharing this story.
Thank you and Jim for allowing so many of us to follow this, it has been life changing.
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you always.
3:55 PM
Dearest Kate...
We are so sorry. I wish we were there to be with you during this time. We will continually pray for peace for you and the children.
Love,
Daryl, Kristin, and the boys
4:36 PM
Dear Jim and Kate,
God's Garden
God looked around his garden
and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you,
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.
He knew you were suffering,
He knew that you were in pain.
He knew that you would never,
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids,
And whispered, "Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
7:22 PM
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