The Final Steps
Simon is reaching the end of his journey. The miracles came in many forms, just not healing. Yesterday, he was assigned a nurse that had never worked on that floor before. She had lost her husband from the same cancer a year ago and was a source of comfort. His Hospitalist and Oncologist had both wanted to recommend hospice weeks ago but individually wanted to try any last ditch efforts for quality of life. Simon has been in surprisingly good spirits almost daily as his body continues to give up on him. We are so appreciative of so many things. Many close friends and family were able to come in the brief time since diagnosis to make him smile and reminiscence. Simon said he achieved everything in life he had hoped for, he just wished he would have had more time. He is relieved that he is reaching an end point of this earthly journey and is beyond confident of his destination – to be home with Jesus.
We told our son exactly what was happening. He cried and then pulled himself together. He said he wanted to be brave for Dad. He went in the hospital room to say his goodbyes. After a few minutes, he was ready to play Angry Birds on my iPhone like a seven year old does. God bless the little ones for their innocence and resilience. Our middle daughter was told Dad won’t get better. We won’t use the word death until it happens. She thinks in the moment and doesn’t understand things happening in the future. Our youngest is oblivious but we have been taking her to visit. She may have faint memories. I have memories at age three of visiting my premature sister in the hospital.
The hospital granted our request to moved back to the oncology floor. The nurses there get it. The vibe is more peaceful and the care is more appropriate. A transporter came and let me have my final “walk” with Simon to the new room on the other side of the building. Simon smiled at me in the elevator and we traveled the long hallway together in silence as I gave him occasional ice chips. I hated every second that passed but wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. It was sacred time.
We put pictures up of our family in his hospital room. He has the option to come home but seems to feel more secure in the dim, quiet space with familiar staff that can help with pain or positioning at a moment’s notice. We are still making decisions about hospice, the whens and wheres. Simon has asked for no visitors beyond family at this time. He has read or heard every single message, blog comment, card, and email. He loves you all so much. We love him back.
In the stillness of his room this morning, with a few good hours of alertness after a round of steroids, we asked him a few questions that a dear friend had sent. His answers clearly started out sarcastic but ended on a reflective, sincere note.
What is your favorite word? I have no idea
What is your least favorite word? Pass
What turns you on? My wife
What turns you off? My wife
What sound or noise do you love? A snoring dog
What sound or noise do you hate? When I’m trying to go to sleep and I can only hear my heartbeat
What is your favorite curse word? Sh*thead
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Maybe a missionary, a tour guide, a counselor, soup kitchen manager for homeless
What profession would you not like to do? Nail salon. It stinks in there. I would get migraines every day.
What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? I love you. Take a rest. Enjoy My house. Welcome home.
I haven’t been able to cry for Jim. But, I sob for you, Simon. My heart hurts so bad. I love you. All of you.k
Simon is a good man and a good friend and I don’t mind saying I love him like he’s my own little brother. Probably the best and most hearty of souls despite the frailties life tried to saddle on him–which only made him stronger–morally and physically. Simon Caver is what all men should aspire to be. I love ya, brother. Vigil at Pioneer on Aug 9th–I’ll keep it for you.
Oh my! How precious! Be very selfish of your time with Simon. I love y’all and pray constantly foy you.
My heart hurts, a and I can’t stop the tears from flowing, but please know that we love you guys. When that moment arrives, may the peace that is beyond all understanding surround and comfort you ALL!!!!
I don’t have any words of wisdom. Just know you are loved very much.
God bless your time together. Thank you, Kristy, for sharing this journey and thank you, Simon, for being a great friend during our summers at camp. I always looked up to you back then and am so appreciative that you made an impact on my life. Continued prayers as always for you and your family. – Eric
There is a happy on its way for you, might still be a week away, but it will show up right on time. God is still good, even when we don’t understand. Simon I have no doubt He will say “well done good and faithful servant” somewhere in there too. You know me, I’m bawling, kristy I’ll cry with you anytime you just need company weeping. Love you!
Many miracles indeed, we will never know them all until we join him at the party and we get to see how his life and story enhanced the kingdom and God’s glory. My heart breaks for you all and we are praying. I will forever miss hearing my front door randomly open and my husband being greeted with a southernly “Hey man”.
Love you-
You are precious for sharing this with us. Both of you and your kiddos are in our prayers. Love you. ❤️
We Christians are so quick to show people how to live. Few get the incredible job of showing the world how to die. Wishing someone else had this job right now instead of Simon. Bless you for your courage to share the journey with all of us. And, I have no mascara…
Beautifully said!
Bryan & I were talking/thinking about you at all today and lunch and there are no words we can possibly say that you have not heard but we are praying for you, thinking of you all <3 You both have made an impact on both Bryan and I's life in the short time since we've met you. I know Bryan truly appreciated having Simon in his life to share things with.
<3
I pray for your young family throughout the day your journey, faith and strength has profoundly touched me. I will continue to ask for God’s love, strength and mercy to comfort your family. Love you Simon!
My heart hurts for you. Love you.
May the Lord hold you All in his arms and give you “Peace that passes all understanding”!! God Bless you Kristy for being so open and sharing with us! Praying for You & Simone and all the families!
So heartbroken for you Kristy and your family as I’ve been reading and keeping up with this journey. I never officially met Simon, but know you enough to know he had to be amazing and special. Prayers continue for you and the family. Much love and peace to you.
I haven’t brought myself to comment yet, it still seems so bizarre and far off. We miss you both. We love you both. Simon, we’ve been praying for you. I wish we could grab the controllers and play some Xbox together again like we did almost a decade ago. Thank you both for sharing, for your strength and love and vulnerability.
Prayers for your precious family. I am in awe of the strength & courage that y’all have at this time. God bless you all.
Simon, I have only spent a little time with you since I’ve been back to the US in these past 2 years, but I was blessed to have met you and see the man that captured Kristy or maybe it was the other way around. =) You both have been on my mind daily, and my prayers are for you. I continue to pray for miracles, but also know the difficulties of God’s will being far beyond mine, so I also pray for special moments with your family, for the Lord to remove the pain in your body throughout this process, and for you to be able to know that your life here matters to many. (I see it in the young adults when they talk about you and how you are doing) Kristy I am praying for Christ’s strength through you, but also for moments where you can let down and be weak while others love and care for you, for the Lord to guide and guard you and your kids in their various stages of understanding. I pray for there to be peace in your room whether at home or in the hospital, comfort by the Spirit around you, and a more and more clear image of Christ’s face looking over you; that you will feel and know without a doubt He will not let you out of His sight. If there is anything that isn’t getting done that you have a need for…please don’t hesitate to ask.
Thank you for sharing this journey with us in Texas. I’m so thankful Chris was able to visit along with his siblings. We continue to pray. I wake up in the middle of the night praying and throughout the day. You are strong and I admire the courage you all have. With tears in Texas, Kyli
Today I had this thought:
You know how mother feels incredible joy when she had her baby in her arms the first time? She has felt the baby kick in her womb for months, but now she meets him face-to-face, and is filled with incredible, indescribable joy. I wonder if that is how God feels when we go home to heaven.
Today I cried for me, but i am so overjoyed for Simon to go home and meet our God.
Love you all so much.
This is such a beautiful post.
Kristy, thank you for sharing this journey with us. Simon, you have been an inspiration to me. You are such an engaged and loving dad and a devoted husband. I love that you and Kristy found each other and it’s been such a treat to be a part of your family’s life.
You get to see Jesus before us but I know we will all celebrate together someday in His presence. I’m continuing to pray for quality time, comfort and special grace on you all.
Awe-tears! We love you guys so much-and you are daily in our prayers. Where in the world would we be without Jesus?
What a heartbreaking, beautiful post. You all have been and will be in our prayers. Savor each second together and don’t feel selfish for keeping it in the family! Love and hugs from Texas.
Continued prayers for comfort and peace. Simon is an awesome person with a heart of gold! Love to all of your precious family! Mike said to tell Simon, “I love you! You will always hold a special place in my heart! I will pray for you and your family!”
Sacred moments. We are praying for you in these moments.
You are so loved! I promise to be there with Kristy and the kids throughout their journey in life! I know you will be looking down upon them all! Love you!
I’ve been praying everyday Simon and Kristy and will continue to do so!
We are sending you LOVEEEEEEE and hugs from Texas! I pray that you are experiencing the sweetness of The Lord!!!!! We are surrounding you in prayer and love!!! Michael and Angela Garcia
Tears and prayers. Tears and prayers.
I’m so sorry to hear that this had happened to your family. Spend as much time with him as possible. My prayers and love are with you and your family.
Oh, how I love you Simon Caver!! I remember soon after your son was born, you brought him into “big church” to meet me…you were so proud. You have a beautiful family and I am so proud of you and for you. I guess you are probably the only person I know more sarcastic than me…I think we are gifted!
Simon and Kristy,
My heart is overwhelmed. I can’t even yet believe or grasp what I’ve just read, for I have been praying and expecting complete healing (and I’m still a bit of a hold out). I have read every one of your posts and laughed and cried through them all. But this takes it. What blesses me beyond words, though, Simon, is your beautiful acceptance and attitude. And I KNOW that our prayers will be answered fully – you will be healed – just as God would have it. So, to God be the glory. Soon enough we’ll all be together again.
Godspeed Simon. I’ll see you on the other side. It was a joy working with you. Thank you for letting me hone my Texas accent. Whenever I use it Pardner, I’ll think of you. Love, Curt
Thank you for being so open, honest, sassy, funny, serious, and real. I am so sorry for all you are going through. I will continue praying for you all as you walk this tough road. <3
thank you so much Kristy for inviting us to share in this journey with you. I am so sorry, there are no words that can be said other than I’m praying for you and your family.
Just knocked the wind out of me. God bless you both.
I don’t know you, but saw your post on a friend’s FB. Praying for your sweet family. Rejoicing that you know where you will spend eternity. I’ll meet you there someday. Rest in His comfort.
Your story has touched me deeply and I pray for peace that passes understanding. Crying for you . . . in a nail salon.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
I love you and Simon very much Kristy. Thank you for allowing me into your family. So proud of you Simon for the man you are and the the way you’ve lived your life. I will miss you my brother. I’ll be proud to have James beside me at my wedding standing in for you.
Simon, you were my bestest married boyfriend. Ipic will never be the same without you. Save me a seat in God’s iPic theater. If you ask nicely, I bet He’ll let you see the third Hobbit movie before we do! In 3D! And you won’t have to even hide the wine flask! 🙂 I promise I will read the Batman comics.
This hits so close to home. My heart is so tender for you as I read your blog each time. My niece Brandy lost her Chris to this same disease at a young age ….she can relate so well to these phases you write about, ….as she raises her two little boys without their dad…… My heart hurts so deeply as I remember those times and how this time is for you now. I pray that the supernatural peace of God enfolds you……enfolds Simon and your children. What a special young man Simon is. What a special partner in life God blessed him with. Praying always.
Diana, thank you for saying what I couldn’t even begin to articulate! Yes, Simon gets to go to heaven first! And, yes, I can see how God is being glorified in all of this… But I still don’t have to like it, do I?
Simon and Kristy, What a blessing you have been to so many. Your strength and faithfulness through this time has touched so many, even those you do not know. Sharing your journey has been a gift to us all. Thank you and God Bless you.
Thank you for sharing your journey. Prayers are lifted for you all.
Thank you for taking the time to share the terrible and beautiful moments that you are experiencing right now. I don’t have anything profound to say–not being gifted with words. However, your gift with words helps me to walk with you and your family and pray while doing so.
Praying for peace during this stage of your journey. Much love from Arkansas.
Andrea Berry Stanley
Atlanta, TX
I have followed Simon and Kristy’s journey since I saw the first post. My heart aches for my classmate and his family. I have prayed for ya’ll every day and I will continue to pray every day. Kristy keep the blog going if possible. You are an inspiration to so many! May God lay his healing hand upon ya’ll and comfort you with His hugs!
My brother went to school with Simon so I’ve heard of him. Other than that, he is a stranger. But through Facebook, I see many people posting about him and I’ve come to read your updates quite often…praying after. For him, for you, for your babies. I know I’m not the only stranger out there praying hard for y’all!
Praying for ya’ll.
Simon, I’m really glad to read that you’ve been reading or hearing all these messages. So this one is for you specifically. I love you. I’ve always admired you and looked up to you in a big brother kind of way (because I never had a big brother of my own). I’ve always hoped that I’d marry someone like you and other cousins I admire. I’m so thankful I got to visit you recently and talk with you and hug you and make you feel awkward with all our stares. But hopefully you felt loved too. Reading your first answer to that question (“I have no idea!”) I can hear your sarcastic voice and that makes me smile 🙂 Reading about what other professions you would have done, I thought, “But you did all those things when you worked on Amtrak!” Which reminded me of one of my favorite memories of you, when you were passing through Kansas City and just had 20-30 minutes break and called/texted me and we met up at that gorgeous station. You showed me where you worked and slept and told me about your job. You told me that the job has been a ministry, that your coworkers would come to you to ask for prayer because they knew you had faith. So yeah, you were definitely a missionary, a counselor, and probably a tour guide as you traveled and talked to people and I’d be surprised if there weren’t sometimes homeless people riding Amtrak that you served. What a full life you’ve lived. Too short, but full and wonderful and I’m thankful that you’ve accomplished all you’ve wanted and have had so many family and friends that you’ve impacted and enjoyed. I’m so thankful that we always reached out to see each other when we were in each other’s towns, whether that was SoCal, Kansas City, or Seattle most recently. I love you, I love Kristy, and James and Violet and Maggie, and I’ll keep visiting them. I’m praying for you. It’s hard to know what to pray for, but peace and comfort and more memories and love from your family and our Christ.
We watched our daughter Diane, her two young sons, and her dear husband Paul follow this same path. Our hearts are heavy, but we know that our God of all grace and comfort will be near.
May you experience a peace that passes all understanding.
Dr. Dave and Nancy
Your words were inspired by love. They touched me and I ache for you. My dear Simon, how I enjoyed getting to know you, watching you grow from a gangly boy into the fine man; husband and father that you are today. You have given a new meaning to strength and an amazing example of faith. God has been calling you and you have answered as a faithful servant always does. The table is set and waiting for your arrival but we are not ready to let you go. We never will be because you are our friend and we love you. God bless you and the amazing woman who stands by your side. And now I feel like a real shi-thead for not having told you all of this long ago!
Simon has always had a knack for the Lord’s work. My morning devotional today was about Simon, as it encompassed Matthew 25:31-36. (Matthew 25:35- “The king will say, ‘I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’)” One of my fondest memories of Simon is the day he came home and told me he’d had a most delightful conversation with a homeless man. Simon had actually crawled into the dumpster in which this man resided, just to “chat”. I’d like to think The Lord will soon remind Simon of that moment in life when he served the least of his brothers, he was actually doing it for The Lord. (Matthew 25:40)
This memory you shared of his chat in the dumpster really makes me see Simon’s heart for the Lord’s work. Thank you!
Kristy you are an amazing friend & person. Your family is truly special. My heart breaks & I wish I could just take away your struggles. May you & your family find peace. We love you all.
Please tell Simon all his Texas cousins love him!
Gary and I always knew Actors Studio was coming to the end when we would hear those Questions. We love you! My heart aches right now. I pray for strength. His Strength
Dear Kristy, you write with such incredible beauty, honesty, and grace. Thank you for having the courage to share your story. Life is so beautiful and so fragile. Much love to you and your family.
What can I say about Simon? Truly a great man. People at camp always looked up to the senior staff. That’s who I want to be and so on. I wanted to be just like Simon; caring, bold, fearless, and a true friend.
He’s a brother, and forever be my brother.
I don’t even know you Kristy but I feel like I definitely know your heart and that you and Simon are lovers of The Lord. He has been with you every step of this journey. You have touched and I am sure changed and helped many others through your blog. I have prayed daily for you and your family and will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Love & prayers.
Tara
Atlanta, Texas
Thinking a lot about y’all today!!!! Love and prayers your way
Marcella & Alan Schechter
Simon, I always appreciated when we got to hang out. I love those memories on the train. Happy to know you understand the Love of God. What a beautiful moment when we will be enveloped by His love. John 14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Kristy… You amaze me. Thank you for sharing your heart. Your faith inspires me as much as your wit and awesome sarcasm.. I love you sister.. Simon God bless you for taking Kristy as your bride and for being her rock. Thank you for being such an awesome husband to her, brother to my sister, and uncle to our lil loved ones.. You are so special to me for lovingly family so much- you both are.. We have been praying daily and will continue to pray for sweet moments, tender joys, and our Gods amazing strength , healing and peace for you and your families.. We love you, thank you for letting us be a part of your journey and for sharing Gods love with so many daily…
I have been following your posts. What a beautiful couple. What a beautiful family. Continued prayers for you and your family, Simon.
My heart aches as I read this latest post. There’s no words to be said except “praise The Lord” that Simon is prepared for this final journey. His life, as shared through Kristy’s writing, has been full and of great joy to his family. The children will have wonderful memories shared with them in years to come. I’m thankful for the blessings I’ve received thru reading and seeing these pictures. I’m thankful for the privilege of knowing and working with Callie and knowing Tom since high school years. Love to all of the family and prayers for strength and comfort for Simon and all.
Hey Brother,
In the short time I have known you and worked with you, I wanted you to know that you have touched more lives than you will ever know.
You and your family are wrapped in more love and prayers than most people can only imagine.
Godspeed Brother.
I was one of Simon’s high school teachers. He was the kind of student you do not forget. His quick wit kept me on my toes. And even though he could push my patience to the limit he could always make me smile. He was then and is now, such a gentle soul.
I pray for comfort and peace for your family during this time.
Elaine Farrar
We really never new each other cousin but my prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. Not many people would. Hope you have peace and comfort until you go home. What awesome things await you in Heaven with our King. See you there.
Kristy your honesty through this Journey has been amazing. I don’t know Simon but my heart both aches and. rejoices. It aches for the heartache of pain but rejoices that our HOPE is always in Christ. Our earthly lives end but our heavenly ones will begin. God bless your whole family
I stand in awe at your strength and faith in God. My eyes are filled with tears but I’m so thankful that God has been with you through every step of this journey. There have been, and will continue to be, prayers going up for your family from a little town in interior Alaska. Please also let Tom and Donna know that they’re in my prayers as well.
Simon, I’m not good with words but wanted you to know that I love you and have such respect for the presence of God that you and Kristy have shown as you go through this hard time. You have been and will continue to be in my prayers.
I can’t stop crying. I love you, Simon. I will forever hold fear so many childhood memories together. Those sleepovers at mawmaw & pawpaw’s and the fights between you and Sam in their living room….and the cookie bakes, nose bleeds, climbing trees, golf cart fiascos, and the pine straw cities! I’ll see you again one day very soon, promise.
Your smile is a treasured part of my childhood. Thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Kristi, sharing this with us. You are stronger than you know. I have always admired Simon from way, way back to when we were young kids. We had lots of good times together. These past few weeks I’ve thought a lot about those times and the memories we made. Reading your posts helped me fill in the gaps of what Simon’s been up to over the years. I must say it does sound like he’s achieved everything he wanted. It makes me proud to know that he’s experienced so many happy times with meeting you and building a family. I can just see him now being brave and strong because he has the wisdom to know that this earth is not our forever home. Although we hope to live a long healthy life it is never promised. God bless you Simon. You will be missed very much by many, including me.
Simon, what a wonderful man of God you have become. Your family is beautiful. After reading all of these posts it reminds me of days gone by and the friendship we shared. It use to make my day to get an email from you. Praying for Peace for you and your sweet family.
My heart goes out to you and your family Simon. You were apart of my family for a huge part of my life. I will never forget the times we sat beside each other in school or played together at lunch. You were always a wonderful friend with a huge heart. One of God’s true angels. Prayers for you all. Love you buddy.
Kristy and Simon – know that Shane and I, along with a big Texas / Wonder Voyage family love you guys and are fervently praying for all of you.
I only know Simon through being long time friends of his parents and one of so many offering intercessory prayers for he and his family but I think the following prayer reflects Simon’s way of living a faithful life. In Christ’s love, Micki
Prayer of Saint Francis –
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hate, may I bring love;
Where offense , may I bring pardon;
May I bring union in place of discord;
Truth, replacing error;
Faith, where once there was doubt;
Hope, for despair;
Light, where there was darkness;
Joy to replace sadness.
Make me not to so crave to be loved as to love.
Help me to learn that in giving I may receive;
In forgetting self, I may find life eternal.
Claudia said it brilliantly: “We Christians are so quick to show people how to live. Few get the incredible job of showing the world how to die. Wishing someone else had this job right now instead of Simon. ” Yes, someone else.
I’m in constant awe of how you 2 are facing this journey head on and with pure transparency. It would be so easy to retreat and hide and pretend nothing is wrong until God takes you home, but you know what, your kids are going to have the most amazing memories and love in their hearts because of what you’re doing right now. Yes, it’s awkward and probably causes so many ugly cries but it’s beautiful and a true inspiration to me….and clearly to soooooooooooo many others. What an example of showing Christ through the hardest thing anyone ever has to face. Well done, thy good and faithful servant.
“What Sarah Said” by Death Cab for Cutie is by far the saddest song I know. I always skip it when it comes on. I just can’t handle it.
The message is solid though. We can plan all we want but we really don’t know what will happen.
The final line is the real kicker.
“I’m thinking of what Sarah said, ‘Love is watching someone die.’ So who’s going to watch you die?”
I hope that when it’s my time to go… that I’m surrounded by this much love. This many people who won’t turn their heads. Won’t look away. They’ll watch – and be there for me and my family – because they love me. Even though it’s painful to watch. So wretchedly painful.
Love you Kristy.
Love you Simon.
Love you back brother. Always.
As I lay down to sleep tonight, I prayed and was gently prodded to get up and check on Simon–I had not read your updates since the wedding. Now I know why….he is closer to kicking this thing called cancer with His Ultimate Healing at Home with his Loving Father. Praying for each of you Cavers to continually be surrounded by love!
Simon,
My family’s prayers are for you tonight. I spent many a good time at the Caver house, at school, and in Scouts with you. You are one of the bravest, coolest and kind-hearted men I know. God bless you, the world needs more men like you.
Chris
Been reading every post and praying for ya’ll daily. Sigh. Love you much.
Its been an honor and a pleasure to know you and love you. In Jesus name we pray.
Your story has touched my heart and think you all often. I hope that you continue in peace and as much comfort as possible. Praying you and your family.
My heart is breaking…. We’ve loved Simon, the unique way he’s always looked at life, the straight shooter, the way he loved my kids when they were young and impressionable, the way he fell in love with this bright eyed beautiful California girl, the beautiful family you created…. And most of all the knowledge he has of a real and infinite God. God is preparing his Welcome Home party.
Kristy and Simon, Ya’ll (guess where I’m from) do not know me but I have known Tom for years and consider him a friend. Tammy, Tracey, Erin and I are distant cousins. I remember hearing of Simon’s heart condition years ago because my brother was born with a heart defect and I believe they may have had some of the same doctors. I’ve been seeing Erin’s posts and finally took the time to read one last night and then went back to the beginning and read the entire blog!! I have never seen such a precious sight in my life as your family and the love you have for each other. You have touched my heart by sharing your journey during such a heart breaking, personal time. This is when I start asking all those questions?? Why? Why him? Why them? And on and on!! I’ve been told, we may not get these answers until we see Jesus and boy does he have a lot of explaining to do! I thank you for being so open and real. This world we live in needs to hear these stories. We need to know this life is just a rest stop and that there is a life after this earthly one, with no end !! I have been so blessed by your precious stories and your beautiful family. You have touched my heart! Yours is the real life story of 1 Corinthians 13:4. My prayer for all of you is Ephesians 3:10-21. To paraphrase” I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory, that he would grant you strength through his Spirit because you have been grounded in love. That you comprehend the width, length, height and depth, the fullness of God. ”
May Gods peace be with you all,
Jackie
I’m thinking of you all. Each one. Simon, I’ve been praying for you since we all found out about your diagnosis. The last time I saw you was with your family at Cost Plus on Valentine’s Day. Kristy reminded you who’s mom I was and you were chasing after your own little one-I’ll never forget it. Thank you Kristy for allowing us in, pointing us to Jesus always. I’m tearfully, faithfully, hopefully praying for you. With all my heart, Lisa (Julia’s & Jordan’s Mom)
My thoughts and prayers are with you Simon. I remember working next to you at Choicepoint and we would exchange music, have burgers at brea’s best, and always had awesome conversations. I’m sending you and your family love from Japan. This is an amazing article.
I meant burgers at PK burgers.
Oh Kristy, I don’t even understand how you manage to write such beautiful text in such moments. You’re really an amazing woman and so is Simon, even if I only met him once, this was enough to say so.
I wish I could write as well as you, but sometimes your speechless and the only things is that you can say that you share the pain, for I had leaved similar onces, and be thinking of Simon and all of your family in those moments.
Love you
Simmon have a good journey. Don’t worry god will take care of your family till you meet again.
Praying for your strength during this difficult time. May God wrap his arms around you and give you the peace and comfort you need!
“When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!”
Simon, my prayers are with you and your family. When I close my eyes and pray, this song fills my head.
Come out of sadness
From wherever you’ve been
Come broken hearted
Let rescue begin
Come find your mercy
Oh sinner come kneel
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can’t heal
David Crowder – Come As You Are Lyrics
It’s not I feel so much for you my young friend, from days so long ago. You were always a good friend to me though you might not remember. But I feel this song speaks to your family as they sit with you. There is sorrow but it’s nothing to what God can heal. One day you will all be united again in His glory.
Prayers and love,
JT
I sit with tears streaming in awe of this precious family’s strength and willingness to share with all of us that love you and the host of extended family.
Simon and Kristy, our hearts are so grieved to hear what you are going through. We cannot imagine what either of you are feeling right now. We know that God’s grace is sufficient, but that doesn’t take away the pain.
Simon, I appreciate you so much. Whether you hear this message or not, I want you to know that you have been a great friend to me and I look forward to the day when distance or time or busyness can never part friends and family, but we will all be able to enjoy a glorious TODAY in community as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.
May the Lord bless you and keep you my friend, and bless and keep your family.
Kristy, I hope you receive this. My tech skills are legendarily bad. I have been praying since I heard about Simon. I was the BSM director when he was at UNT. I also am from East Texas, about 20 miles from Atlanta where Simon went to High School. We had fun conversations about East Texas. I know this is a blessed time because the Lord gives us what we need as we need it, but also a desperately difficult time. I pray God’s peace and provision for you and your children. I would love to meet you some day. Please tell Simon he is loved and remembered. If you are able to share this post with him and he is able to hear it, I pray it will bring a smile to his face and comfort to you and him in these days. It is not easy, but He is enough. Psalm 121:1-2 Blessings to you, John Pearce (JP)
Thank you John. That made him smile.
I know it’s been a while, and that has been somewhat my fault, but I just want to tell you both how much you have both affected my life in such huge positive ways. You were both such beaming examples of what Christ’s love and a romantic relationship should look like, which was insanely influential especially to someone in their early teens. I am going to carry the memories of being in fellowship with you, and laughing, and loving, and praying with you forever. I miss you both terribly, am constantly praying for you, and I love you both with all of my being.
My heart may be breaking, but my spirit is light with the knowledge that you will be with God forever. And that I WILL see you there someday! 😀
Thank you so much for everything you have been, and everything you will continue to be, even after you are called to Jesus’ side. You have affected the world in a positive way that will live on forever.
I love you. <3
Just looked at a poem I have had on my frig for years..the last lines are “And with joy for every day, count your age by friends not years”……Simon, with the number of friends praying for you and loving you, you have had a very full life. We should all be so lucky!
Simon, you are the strongest human I have ever known, Kristy you are the strongest and most inspirational woman I ever wish to know. I have only your whole family in my heart and prayers. Simon, I only wish I had more time to know you as my friend and co-worker. But I knew I loved you the moment I met you in Oakland. Kristy, I wish I could’ve met you but maybe in the future, Simon loves you so very much, which of course made me want to meet you and find out who really made him light up. Thru this blog, I see why. Simon I look at that crazy picture you took of yourself on my phone while Rhonda was teaching the class, and the laugh we had together and then the motherly look she gave us. I only hope for peace and love for your entire family. Simon, you know you are loved in Chicago. …I still have to send you the Hawks puck. (I tried to add the picture, won’t work :-()
tears heal, they hurt, they burn and they bring us closer to our Lord and to each other. The story you have shared has touched many, many lives, my daughter Pam and mine among them. When it is needed, God will give you the strength of a million warriors, and when you are on your knees, He will gently reach down and gather you in His everlasting arms. I know very little Spanish, but I send you this blessing with a heart full of my love Via con Dios; God’s arms are open to you. Alison
The strength and courage your family has shown in the face of adversity is an inspiration to us all. Your story is a reminder that our time here on earth is limited and we must make the most of it. I pray y’all find comfort and joy in the coming days. Peace and love from Texas.
Simon I just recently started using Facebook again so you were not on my friends list and I was unaware until now. It’s sad and hard to here of a friendof our age going through what you are. But to hear of your positive outlook your strength during this time is awesome. You were always a great guy who I am honored to say I had a chance to know. May you and your family keep the peace you have found during this time.
Simon,
I still hear your scratchy kid voice. I remember you showing us your chest and you not being ashamed as I would’ve been. As a remember u were a brave lil dude. So it seems nothing has changed about that, but I see life has taken you for an unexpected turn. I read your story and I am inspired the more to live for Christ. I will tell your story with the same passion that it has been written in. I will praise God with you one-day again my friend. Much love . Much much love
It’s heart breaking reading all this, but it’s also comforting knowing that Simon will not be suffering anymore. I have to say this… I don’t consider too many people my friend, specially people that I work with, I told Simon this. But Simon is my friend and I’ve always had respect and LOVE for him. I just wish that we would have had more time to enjoy the friendship. That we would have actually gone through with plans we often talked about our kids and wives meeting. Simon you will be in many peoples hearts especially in mine. I can only hope that one day we meet again in HEAVEN.