I’m Kristy. I’m a spirited Californian. I was married to Simon, a charming Texan, for 10 years. That’s where the Golden Lone Star name originated. We lived a pretty sweet life together and made three amazing kids.
Simon was a no-nonsense, resourceful, fiercely loyal, and righteous man.
He was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer in June 2014 and died 46 days later. He was 34 years old.
This is a blog about him, about us, and about life after someone you love dies.
Simon wanted a story that would transcend his death. He wanted the world to know Jesus. He wanted his family to find happiness.
You can read more about our story here.
Thanks for coming along on the journey.
Simon passed peacefully this morning surrounded by family. He was ready. He had told us all he loved us, acknowledged final prayers, and clasped his hands together. We are filled with sorrow and peace.
Services in Texas are being planned for next weekend. Services in California will be the following weekend. Details to follow.
Thank you for your prayers as our family begins the next part of this journey.
<3
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. So much scripture comes to mind but nothing like the words Simon now will hear as he wanted……welcome home. RIP dear Simon Enter into His Rest. Love you dearly Kristy and children
Knowing he is healty and free of pain in Gods hands is comforting but there is an empty space in our hearts. We will be praying for His comfort and piece to fill your hearts at this time.
Our hearts are heavy at your loss, Simon is with Jesus, for that we are greatful. Praying for you all in this next phase of your journey.
Very much in my thoughts and prayers. Sending a big Texas ((hug)) your way.
Tara Collins
Atlanta, Texas
We cry with you in the loss of Simon from this world but rejoice because Simon had faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ where he is completely healed and forever with Him and that one day you and your family and your brothers and sisters in Christ will one spend eternity. Our hugs and live and prayers are with you and the kids and the rest of your family at this time and always. Love, The Niles
No more pain in the presence of his Lord! But passion and sorrow here. My heart is hurting, but I rejoice with the angels that Simon is home and we have hope in Jesus and will see him again!
So sad…but so glad no more pain. Love and prayers continue…
Praying for your family.
Oh how we grieve with you Kristy and your beautiful children, the Caver and Sundin family…Prayers and love from us
I want to come to Texas, please let me know. So sad here in memphis that Jesus took my friend home after a good fight. This is not what He intended for creation and it hurts, but we will all rejoice together in a new earth one day that is as it should be. Kristy and kiddos and family and friends, I hurt with you, I know this was Gods hand and I’m so thankful that it was peaceful, Simon sees Jesus right now…I wonder what He’s asked Him already.
He is healed now. Praying for your family.
May you find strength and refuge in Jesus for the next phase of this journey. Always pointing your babies to the Hope we have in Christ. My heart is heavy and will continue to pray for you and your little ones.
Oh Kristy, my heart is conflicted with rejoicing and sorrow. I am jealous that Simon has seen the very face of God and is in His presence; but so sad that he isn’t here on earth with us, with you. My deepest sympathies and many prayers to you, the kids and families. Love you girl!!
Praying for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Peace and prayers as you start this next journey and for safe travels for both services! ❤️ From Texas!!!
My heart is heavy for this wonderful family. I understand your pain and relief that Simon is no longer suffering. He fought the good fight and finished well. Love and prayers.
All my love Simon. We shall take good care of your family ,.May God rest and bless your soul. Kristy wonderful job my prayers and love to you..Iam so sorry for your loss.
Prayers to you and your kids Kristy. Also all family and friends that love Simon.
Peace and prayers for you, your Little ones and all the families. Simon is with Jesus free of pain and healthy!
Praying for comfort and strength for you all.
May he rest in peace. Love you
‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Rest in Gods peace Simon. Love and prayers to the families and friends.
Godspeed, Simon. You are all in my prayers.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Love and Peace to you all.
Simon, I know you heard Him say “Welcome Home”.
Aaaaa-MEN!
So sorry for your family’s loss. Simon and I were classmates and I have fond memories of him…will keep your family in my prayers through this difficult time and thanks for sharing your heart with us all.
Praying for you and your family from Texas!!! Simon will always have a special place in my heart….he was loved and was one of my favorite souls from our wonderful childhood in good ol’ Atlanta, Texas. He will be truly missed!!!
My condolences to your family Kristy. May Gods peace engulf your family at this difficult time
Praying you will all be filled with strength as you are surrounded by the strong, loving arms of our Great Comforter!
Simon is telling
Jim he inherited Jims boots and wore them often. Jim is grinning!
Continued prayers for all of your family. Love to all!
Mike & Martha
I’m sending love and peace at this difficult time…. I’m so blessed to have known Simon!!!! God bless you all
So much love to you and the kids. Continued prayers for all of you.
{hugs} Katie
We’re praying for you and we’re here if you need anything at all!
Thoughts and prayers for you and the kiddos during this time. We will all miss Simon. <3
Simon is free now, unburdened of his body and smiling down on you and the kids. All of my condolences and love to you and the family.
oh kristy… we are so sorry. our hearts break for yours. we continue to lift you and the children and families in prayer…hope you will keep us posted and let us know what we can continue to pray for… love you! hugs!
jaime and debi
My thoughts and prayers have been with you all and will continue to be so….God Bless!
Went to school with Simon he was always kind! I’ll keep your family in my thoughts and prayers! God Bless!!
Lifting you and the family up in prayer. Words are not enough in a moment like this. Simon you will be greatly missed. We love you guys.
Condolences. We share your sorrow.
We love you Kristy and are so blessed to have known and loved Simon! You’re a beautiful strong woman that has so much love to give… I will continue to pray for emotional and physical strength for you. Depend on everyone that loves you to help you through this difficult transitional time.
So blessed that Simon crossed the path of my family during our years in Atlanta. Proud to have known such a sweet spirited guy. Have peace knowing he is healed in the arms of our Savior. Praying for those left that they will be comforted in the days to come. Made me realize how much I should treasure each day God gives us.Thanks for sharing your journey.
Praying for you and your family from North Carolina!!! Please let us know when and where arrangements for Simon will be. I would love to meet in Texas. Thank you so much, lots and lots of prayers for you and your children. I am so sorry Simon didn’t get to see the quilt. I was hurrying so he could. I feel so bad. If you bring the quilt to TX everyone can sign it. I will start working on the others soon. I know he is no longer in pain and that is good. He will be missed. Love and prayers, c
Hi Kristy, I’ve never met you, but Erica Gunderson is my best friend of 20 plus years and I’ve been reading posts through her.. I’m so sorry. 🙁 He seemed like such a wonderful guy…I am praying for you and your sweet family. Music always seems to help me…I thought I’d share a song with you.
Lots of love and hugs!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2T4wYRNyk
I know there are no words. We all wish we could say the most healing words, and some of us will mean well as we may say some unintentional words. Love and prayers are sent. God Bless you all.
So very sorry for the pain you now feel even though we know he is absolutely healed now. Our prayers here in Texas will continue for your family’s strength and comfort.
Kristy we will be praying for you and all the family. We love Simon and we love you. We are so sorrowful to see him go. I am so thankful for being his friend all these years and to have stood with him 10 years ago on your wedding day. That converse / tux combination was awesome!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Simon was a wonderful guy and he was lucky to have you. He will be sorely missed. I considered Simon a good friend, and I’m going to miss him. Please let me know if you need anything. I know he isn’t suffering anymore and he is at peace know with Jesus.
Kristy, my heart hurts for you, and yet I know you will make it through this sorrow holding onto Jesus and that’s the best place you could be. Praying still for peace, comfort, and always happy memories. You are loved.
Simon will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Simon always made everyone smile and he always had a big huge smile on his face. He was warm, caring and loved his family deeply. May the Lord bless and watch over you and your family and give you strength and comfort in this time of need.
Ah we love you Kristy, and your kiddos. Hurting with you guys.
My prayer which mourns is with each of you, Caver’s. And my prayer of thanksgiving is to Simon now, that he may reveal in the delight of absence from this earthly tent, to be present with Jesus, and to fully taste the eternal weight of glory.
For Kristy and the Kids, may you today, and for years to come, experience the promises of,
“This oath, his covenant, his blood,
Support [you] in the whelming flood,
When all around [our] soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.”
Friend, we are mourning with you. Thank you for sharing your story. I’ll continue to pray for you and the kids day and night….
Tears of grief, tears for you and the kids, tears for his parents and your parents and all of your family. Simon is with Jesus. Just too soon. Praying for you all.
Love you all so much!
My heart rejoices for Simon but hurts for the loves he left behind. Prayers for your family❤️
We will be eating our BBQ pork ribs in honor and remembrance of Simon tonight. Many prayers for you and the family Kristy.
Grief. So much love to you all
Because we are human, we are sorry God chose to heal him in Heaven instead of here with you. But, because we know Him, we are thankful that the reunion there will be perfect. Love to you, your sweet kids and dear extended family.
Prayers will continue for your family.
I’m sorry for the loss of your husband. Rubin and I both extend our sympathies to you and your children.
My eyes are full of tears. My prayers are with you. Thank you for being an example of courage, faith and hope through all this.
I’m a friend of a friend who shared your story with me. I was just reading through some of your posts… just wow… just wow… no words… how terribly sad and sudden… I often grapple with mortality and these kind of stories just unglue me and rock me and undo me… Life is so fleeting & fragile and just so unexpected… Tomorrow isn’t promised and we need Jesus, others need Jesus… and we need to love our family & friends and tell them so and hold them and hug them and kiss them and be thankful for them and forgive them…
Tomorrow is not promised but today is a gift to be treasured…. Grieving with you and your children tonight in your sudden loss, that He would wrap his arms of love and all surpassing peace around you, Kristy, & your little ones as well…. 🙁
Kristy, I am one of the Camp Pioneer guys. We are a family and we grieve with you. I shared this blog address on the message page. May God lift you up, comfort and support you in the days ahead.
I worked with Simon at BS camp for several years–one of the best guys I have had the good fortune to have known. Simon was not only a good, kind person, he was also tough as nuts and never let his medical problems get in the way of a full-blown active and hard-working life. His ailments would have been excuses for lesser mortals to lock themselves away in a sheltered, safe existence devoid of physical and mental exertion. Not Simon Caver. He led from the front, as they say, and worked twice as hard as everyone else just to show the world he wasn’t going to take life lying in bed. We are all lucky to have known such a fine person. My condolences to you and your children. They can rightfully point to their father as the greatest, strongest man they ever knew. I do.
Continued prayers for your transition to this new phase. Simon will not be forgotten by those that grew up around him.
Kristy – I do not know you, but I am in awe of the strength that you have shown all of us because of yours and Simon’s faith.
Andrea (Berry) and Brandon Stanley
Thoughts & prayers with all of Simon’s family❤️
My heart hurts for you and your family. I never had the opportunity to know Simon very well but if I had to describe him I would say he was very much a committed husband and dad to his kids. Rest in peace Simon.. Jesus please comfort Kristy and all who were so close to him. He will be missed so much. Now Heaven has one more Angel and his name is Simon. You have fought the good fight Simon, your battle is done. Thank you for all the lessons both you and Kristy have taught us through this blog. God has been honored and glorified in so many ways all along the way. Can I just share what you have taught me in this short journey? 1. Life is so unpredictable. Enjoy it because it’s very short. 2. Don’t complain about anything.. pray and be grateful for each day God gives you to share with the people you love. 3. Be happy! God is good. Don’t let your circumstances lie to you. When bad things happen we need to reach out to God not blame Him . 4. Lean on Christ continually. 5. Praise Him in the storm. Thank you Kristy for sharing your stories. I will keep praying for you.
Praise God for the promise of a new earth, a resurrection body, and life eternal with our savior. Grace to you and your family.
I am in tears as I type.
I stumbled on your blog last night by accident. I read it all. Beginning to end.
I know you are in a terrible place right now, but please know that your words here just saved my faith. Just some random stranger, but God knew I needed to read your story to restore my own.
Words aren’t adequate. So thank-you and I’m so sorry.
Hearing the good news and hope that this blog brings to others is what keeps me writing every day. To God be the glory.
Forever and ever! Amen!
Prayers are going out for you and your family. I know you have so many people quoting scripture and telling you that God is in control but this one has helped me.
” Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 94:19
Lylah
Sending Texas-sized hugs for you and Simon’s three babies…
thank you for sharing your heart even though it hurts. God is touching others with your sweet words of love and eternal hope.
I really hope I get to run into guys like this on the other side. I attended school with his brother and knew of him well. I liked him. His picture reminds of the smart kid I remember. He was calming to be around. I am glad our Heavenly Father gave him the time he had so we could all get a chance to visit with Simon in this existence. Prayers go out to his family. We will all get to visit once again I am sure. In the meantime, let’s be a blessing to ourselves and one another just the way God intended. Enjoyed your presence sir. See you soon. For life is only a fleeting moment for us all.
Words often seem so inadequate to those of us who offer our condolences at such a time as this. As for me, I want to offer so much more than just words of comfort and love to all of the family. And while we can rejoice that Simon has received the ultimate healing, those of us who are left behind feel the emptiness and listen to the silence.
As you begin the next leg of your journey, there will be moments of grief (which is really for ourselves), yet there will also be times of laughter until tears stream … sweet moments to ponder … and recollections of holding or of being held by Simon. This is good. Embrace them all. Helen Keller once said, “What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.” Simon will always be a part of you.
May God’s love and grace carry you through it all … like being inside a bubble. God, let that bubble be full of peace and sweet comfort. This is now my prayer for all of you.
Donna
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1
Simon was always a welcome face at UNT, and someone I always enjoyed my banter with at the Baptist Student Union. He was always happy to lend a hand or loan a book or CD if you needed his help. (I believe I still have a CD or two, come to think of it.)
I was very glad to catch up with him on Facebook, but sad that I’ll never see him again this side of heaven. My deepest condolences for a dear brother in Christ, but my highest confidence that he’s in good Hands.
May you find a sense of peace and calmness within the comfort of your loved ones. Our hearts are heavy for you all.
an Amtrak T&D co-worker