About Me

Everyone grieves differently.  Some people get angry. Some get depressed. Some go totally bonkers.  For me, hands down, it’s loneliness. Yes, I feel God’s presence and loving arms supporting me daily.  That’s what has kept me sane and gotten me out of bed every day. Yes, I have amazing friends who call, text, email, and…

Our son turns eight today.  It his third day of third grade and his first birthday without his dad. He has been very cognizant of the situation and talks about the loss with an extreme level of maturity and emotional stability.  I know that could change at any moment but am so grateful thus far.…

Simon and I were opposites in many ways. I’ve read studies that show you often marry your opposite when you’re young and you marry someone more like-minded when you’re older.  Pretty accurate in our case. In fact, we spent all day at a seminar a few years back that was designed to help us understand our…

The kids went back to school today.  Getting  into a normal routine will be good for all of us.  There was mercy in the timing of Simon’s illness: because there was no work or school the last three months, we got to spend maximum quality time together. Plus, all my plans to keep the kids…

You probably won’t be surprised when I tell you that I was a Communications major in college.  I originally started as a Special Education major because I have a heart for anyone that doesn’t quite fit the mold of what society deems as “normal”, but the clinical hours required were overwhelming. So I picked the next…

Simon would have turned 35 today. He died 18 days ago. It seems longer. Maybe because he was already dying when he got diagnosed and we just didn’t know it yet. This whole summer seemed to move in slow motion as we lived it but now that it’s over, it went so, so fast. Unbelievably…

Simon’s Celebration of Life (sounds way better than funeral) was yesterday. It had a different vibe than the Texas services. Not better or worse, just different. The way folks dressed was brighter and more casual. There were less formalities. There were more tear filled eyes from friends and coworkers who were used to seeing him…

As we prepare for Simon’s Celebration of Life this weekend in California, I wanted to share one of the Eulogies from the Texas services. This Eulogy was shared by Simon’s long time friend, Patrick. They went through Boy Scouts together and then went on to complete their ordeals through Order of the Arrow, which is…

Since there is no rule book on how to resume life after you lose your spouse/children’s father, we’re making it up as we go. And let’s be honest, if there was a rule book, I wouldn’t have followed it anyway.  It reminds me of all the baby books we read with our first – sleep…

We spent the past five days in Texas. There is so much to be said about Simon’s service, the support of his hometown, and about the healing process. I’ll recap the trip chronologically because that seems the least daunting right now. The flight out on Thursday was mediocre.  Flying with little kids isn’t fun unless…

Nearly 20 of us Californians begin heading to Texas tomorrow by various means of transportation.  Simon had specifically requested certain friends to be present for his Texas services and to be pallbearers.  We didn’t think every person would be able to make it due to schedules and finances but it is happening. Calls were made.…

Hello, blog readers. “Tenant” here. You may remember me from this post. This may be a little long, so bear with me. First, thank you for prayers, love, and support toward Simon’s family. From your simple, “Lord, be with Kristy,” to your intense, tearful intercession- Jesus hears it all and continues to give enough grace…

Not gonna lie, we were a busy family.  That’s mostly my doing as a textbook extrovert.  We had been married almost ten years and had jobs, church, life group, Bible study groups, School Board, Boy Scouts, dance lessons, swim lessons, piano lessons, birthday parties, and many other activities.  I kept an organized master calender and…

Hi Simon. I bought my dress for your funeral. I’ve lost 25 lbs in the last six weeks and nothing is fitting quite right these days. By the way, “buying a dress for husband’s funeral” was right up there on my list of things I hoped I would never have to do. That list also…

There will be two services for Simon. Simon will be buried in his beloved hometown. Service and graveside will be Saturday, August 9th at 10am Atlanta First Baptist Church 306 Baker St Atlanta, TX 75551 www.atlantafbc.org   There will be a Celebration of Life in Whittier, CA  on Sunday, August  17th at 3pm. Plymouth Church 12058…

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…

When I kiss you goodnight and tell you I love you, I’m not sure if it will be the last time.  You’re so weak and tired. You are getting more meds to control your pain and discomfort. You told me to go home and be with our family and kids.  Always concerned about everyone else.…