Thanksgiving morning one of our oldest friends lost her battle with cancer. She leaves behind a loving husband and three children. If that was the whole story, it would be break anyone’s heart, but there is more.
When I met Tom over thirty years ago, the Archers were close family friends. They had two adorable little children at the time. Then Christopher and Kelly came on the scene. They moved to West Virginia, but still stayed close.
Little Kelly had cancer and a very young age. It traveled to different parts of her body and when she was five years old she went home to be with Jesus. As sick as she was, and as young, Kelly loved Jesus and loved to pray. It was after her death that her dad Jimmy told Tom, “I don’t know much right now, but I know this; 1. God is good. 2. He loves me.” Whenever I feel sorry for myself I remember Jimmy’s words and I’m reminded that everything else starts at number three.
Christopher also fought his battle with cancer. He was a remarkable young man. Even when he lost his leg, it did not stop him from living life to the fullest. He loved the Lord. He died in father’s arms at nineteen. In his short life he touched many young people telling them about Jesus.
I thought that this family could not recover from these two losses, but their faith in God kept them together and helped them to move forward. I was amazed by their incredible faith and love for God.
When we found out that Karen had cancer, we could not believe it was happening again. Their faith still did not waiver. In her death they are leaning on God for comfort and strength. Our hearts are grieving with them. I love them and can’t fathom their pain.
Please keep Jim (her husband), KC, Jimmy and Andrew (her children), grandchildren, brothers, sisters and other loved one in prayer during this time of sorrow.
© Nadine Zawacki 2008
30 comments:
Good Morning Nadine.
What a sad AND wonderful story. How many times do we turn against God when times get rough. How easy it is to blame him. Then He puts those in our path to SHOW us the way to him and to strengthen our faith. How blessed you are to know them. You know...give it ALL to God, but then don't keep "taking it back" like I do.
How do those that don't BELIEVE deal with grief? I just can fathom that. Whew! Thank you for sharing.
Oh Nadine, may His grace be sufficient. For all.
What a sad story and yet what a testimony of Faith. I'm sure their reward in Heaven is abundant.
Susan
So sad for her family and yourselves who loved her dearly, but beautiful that she is with the Lord and wouldn't change anything, now. Yes, we'll keep her family in our prayers.
God bless,
Brenda
I am sad for those she leaves behind, but encouraged by their faith. I'll be praying for her family, you and all those grieving her passing.
Their story puts things in perspective!!!
This story breaks my heart. I'm amazed at this family's strength and faith and at the same time I'm saddened by what they've had to go through. I will pray for them and remember the words Jimmy told your husband.
What a man. What a family!
My heart goes out to you.
Wow- what an incredibly sad story, yet a great testament. Our daughter's little 8 year-old friend died Thanksgiving night from a 7 year battle with cancer and I just laid awake last night so sad. I just can't imagine losing a child...or two in the case of your friend. And now wife/mom.
Very inspiring post Nadine. My heart breaks for that family, I can't wrap my mind around that kind of pain either. Even though I lost my mom to cancer, but so many members of that family have been victoms. Our faith and hope in Jesus certainly does carry us through the very hard times in life!
Hope your Thanksgiving was nice in TX!
It must really please God to see us face tragedy yet still love Him and acknowledge that He still loves us. No matter what terrible circumstances we face in this life, God is still God.
My prayers are with Karen's family and your family.
I just finished reading Same Kind of Different As Me. If you haven't already it, I highly recommend it, but maybe wait for a few months.
Love you, girl.
What an amazing testimony to their faith. Keeping her family (and yours) in my prayers.
I am always in awe of people who stand firm and strong in their faith in spite of horrible circumstances. It is even more sad that it happened on a holiday.
Wow! How can that happen? 3. cancer. all in the same immediate family? Crazy!
Lord, I pray you keep this family close. Use them through this grief for your glory, because that's all that matters. Amen!
So sorry for your loss :(
you wonder why? It is very sad!
I pray the Lord give them peace and comfort through this difficult time!
I will pray for this family. I am so very sorry for your loss. This family has endured quite a bit, so it pains me that they have more to endure. You are in my thought today along with your friends.
Nadine...I cannot even imagine what this dear family has gone through. There are so many things that this side of heaven we just can't completely understand...but what tremendous faith and love that all of this family has been blessed with.
I will indeed be keeping them in my prayers this week...
(And wow, it does put everything into perspective when little things go wrong, doesn't it!)
(((HUGS)))
~Tammy
Nadine, what a sad story but what a testimony this family has that they still declare that GOD REIGNS!
May God comfort you and the family and friends that are left behind.
A sad story but what an awesome testimony! Praying that God will hold all of her loved ones here on earth in His hands.
Wow that is sad, I will be thinking of them!
Oh Nadine. Honey I know you are hurting right now for your loss and for the loss of that family. I will carry your burden to the Lord in prayer.
i was just listening to the radio and heard a song that reminded me so much of this post: blessed be your name by tree 63.
Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
...
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
OH sweetie. I'm terribly sorry for your loss. Prayers en route for you and that precious family. xo.
Heartbreaking. But their faith through it all is a wonderful testimony!
Im so sorry to hear of ur friend's passing. HUGS!
Cancer is a monster that has claimed so many friends in my life!
Keshi.
Nadine,
I am so sorry for the loss of such dear woman. How your hearts have been blessed to have known and love her.
Thank you for sharing her beautiful testimony--a life well lived....and now surrounded by her beloved children...in heaven. Still, what a loss for any family.
I will pray for her family...and for yours as you grieve the loss of a life-time friend.
My heart goes out to this family. Even though they have faith that someday they will all be together again in God's presence, still the pain of missing so many family members here in this life is unimaginable. God surely has poured out His grace in great measure upon that family, as evidenced by their response to each loss, their unwavering faith in the midst of each loss.
Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Beautiful story.
Oh, Nadine... my heart is breaking for you and all who know your beautiful friend. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time... but my heart is soaring with the great and gallant faith in our Lord. May peace be with you all...
What an amazing story of love, courage and commitment. Stories like this certainly puts life into perspective.
I'm so sorry for your loss Nadine.
I 'will' be praying for them and you.
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