Two years have come and gone since Karin put on her Nikes and started running the streets of Heaven. If you are counting, that is 2 birthday parties for Salina, missed, 2 birthday parties for Noah, missed, countless Recognition Chapels, field trips, soccer games and vacations. I don't think you can ever make up for those things. I am sure God can and when we get to Heaven and see her again, none of it will matter. I still miss her nonetheless. I miss her for her kids, if that makes sense.
I have received hundreds of emails from people saying how much they appreciate me providing this Blog. While I am not fond of the attention this blog has brought (I hate having attention drawn to me!) I greatly appreciate every email. I print them out and have them in an envelope waiting for the day I can read them without bawling my eyes out. I fully realize that that day may never come. You will never know what your sweet words have meant to me.
I think it is impossible to know how far Karin's story has reached. How many lives have been changed by a woman, a family, that maybe you have not even met. How many cancerous moles that have been removed that would be been dismissed as a freckle. How many prayers brought before the Father for a single dad juggling all day long. How many . . . .
Jeff would like me express his thankfulness and appreciation to YOU! If you would have told him 2 years ago that he would have gotten this far he certainly would not have believed you. Everything that you have done has made this journey slightly more bearable. If you are gonna walk this road, it is better to walk it with a thousand people standing behind you than one. Thank you, thank you, thank you. No mere words could express his (and my) appreciation. Just know that God knows what you have done and you will have more "jewels in your crown".
God is big. His Word says that "everything works together for the good of those that love God and are called to his purpose" (Beth amplified, Romans 8:28). In plain English, that means that Karin's home going is going to be good all around. What the Word doesn't say is when it will be good, how long we have to wait for the good, etc. And that, is why God is God and we are not. We (thankfully) see a second at time. God sees the whole picture. I trust God. That is not always easy or fun. But it is right.
So, this is nighty night for this Blog. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I probably should have done this months ago but for me it was one little thing of her that I could hang onto. You can email me or call me if you want. You can "be-friend" me on Facebook and see pics of the kids. I'd love to share. Salina will be coming to our house the last week of July. We can't wait! Jeff will be a nervous wreck until that flight touches down. Pray for him! :)
Sorry, I know this is all jumbled together. I am just trying to tie up all the loose ends.
God is faithful.
Beth
