The memorial service yesterday was a real celebration and recognition of Cathy’s life in Connecticut. There were musicians involved from the four music groups that Cathy played with. It was great. There was a time where there was an open microphone for people to share their stories. I found the open microphone time difficult but I was not surprised with the stories. Cathy touched so many people with her kind, soft spoken style. She listened to us. She supported us and we will very much miss her. Through the course of the day, I felt surrounded by good friends, Christ centered music, beautiful dalais, great food and dark chocolate. These were all things Cathy loved.
I appreciate all of the support you have given me over the last few months. I don’t know what I would have done without it. Now, like reading a book, I close this chapter of my life and, today, begin a new one. I don’t know what my ‘new normal’ will turn out to be. Cathy and I always looked forward in life to the next adventure. The next chapter will be written one day at a time and I’ll again be looking for the adventure and humor in life.
God bless you all.
Dan
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
September 6, 2010
I wanted to confirm that plans are coming together for a memorial service in Connecticut. I could not make this happen without the support of some really good friends (thank you all). We will celebrate Cathy’s love of music and joy for life.
We are planning to hold a service beginning at 4pm on Sunday September 12, 2010.
The location is:
Walnut Hill Community Church
156 Walnut Hill Road
Bethel, CT 06801
We are planning to hold a service beginning at 4pm on Sunday September 12, 2010.
The location is:
Walnut Hill Community Church
156 Walnut Hill Road
Bethel, CT 06801
Saturday, September 4, 2010
September 4, 2010
Cathy is now, body and soul, at rest. Over the last two days, huge numbers of family and friends stopped by the funeral home. We shared memories, stories and tears. The tears were not for Cathy but they were for us because we will miss her. I was touched by the number of people who came by. There were family and friends who came from all areas of Michigan, Indiana, Connecticut, Delaware and even California.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all of you. The support you have given me, both in person and from a distance, has been very uplifting for me. And life goes on…. one day at a time.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all of you. The support you have given me, both in person and from a distance, has been very uplifting for me. And life goes on…. one day at a time.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
September 2, 2010
We completed our road trip to Michigan last night and got a decent night sleep.
As I told you, Cathy had a huge heart for the Nigerian orphans. One area of specific need is an orphanage that Cathy and I visited when we went to Nigeria. We spent some time with the orphans to show them some love and play some games together. They loved to play with the soccer balls and toys we brought. David and Deborah are locals who run the orphanage in a little town called Makurdi about 3 hours drive from Jos. They receive very little outside support and are giving their lives for these kids. They are making a difference to love, feed and educate the kids.
Go Nigeria is the route to support the orphans and they run with very low overhead. We know and have worked with these folks personally. I would ask that, if you would like to make a contribution, use the info below. Please put ‘Meyaard’ on the check or payment
People can make a check payable to Go Nigeria and mail to the address below.
Go Nigeria
1717 Arrow Lane
Garland, TX 75042
Or you can go online to www.gonigeria.org and give via credit card.
Thanks again to all of you for your prayers and expression of support.
As I told you, Cathy had a huge heart for the Nigerian orphans. One area of specific need is an orphanage that Cathy and I visited when we went to Nigeria. We spent some time with the orphans to show them some love and play some games together. They loved to play with the soccer balls and toys we brought. David and Deborah are locals who run the orphanage in a little town called Makurdi about 3 hours drive from Jos. They receive very little outside support and are giving their lives for these kids. They are making a difference to love, feed and educate the kids.
Go Nigeria is the route to support the orphans and they run with very low overhead. We know and have worked with these folks personally. I would ask that, if you would like to make a contribution, use the info below. Please put ‘Meyaard’ on the check or payment
People can make a check payable to Go Nigeria and mail to the address below.
Go Nigeria
1717 Arrow Lane
Garland, TX 75042
Or you can go online to www.gonigeria.org and give via credit card.
Thanks again to all of you for your prayers and expression of support.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
September 1, 2010
There have been a lot of people asking about arrangements. I just got the good news that Massachusetts has decided that Cathy can leave the state now. She will fly to Michigan and has no worry about a window seat or anything because she already has a great view. This is good news because now plans can come together. I’ll provide the information below for the Michigan plans.
I also want to clearly say that Cathy wanted a memorial celebration in Connecticut too. You all know that I ALWAYS did what Cathy wanted so I’ll plan that in the future.
Cathy will go to:
Cook Funeral Home
1889 Baldwin Street
Jenison, MI 49428
We plan to have visitation time from 2 – 4pm and 7 – 9pm on Friday. We will hold the funeral services at 11am on Saturday at Cook Funeral Home.
Cathy had a heart for the orphans and work that is done in Jos Nigeria. She made three trips to work with the kids in Nigeria. Many of you know that Cathy played the flute. One time she packed a suitcase with some recorders and taught the kids to play them. It was great to see the smiles of kids who had something they could call their own. Cathy and I know that the work done there makes a huge difference for kids that have no home, love or schooling. The work done there provides all three so that the kids have a better future. For those that would like to donate in Cathy’s memory, I’ll post information on that in the near future.
I also want to clearly say that Cathy wanted a memorial celebration in Connecticut too. You all know that I ALWAYS did what Cathy wanted so I’ll plan that in the future.
Cathy will go to:
Cook Funeral Home
1889 Baldwin Street
Jenison, MI 49428
We plan to have visitation time from 2 – 4pm and 7 – 9pm on Friday. We will hold the funeral services at 11am on Saturday at Cook Funeral Home.
Cathy had a heart for the orphans and work that is done in Jos Nigeria. She made three trips to work with the kids in Nigeria. Many of you know that Cathy played the flute. One time she packed a suitcase with some recorders and taught the kids to play them. It was great to see the smiles of kids who had something they could call their own. Cathy and I know that the work done there makes a huge difference for kids that have no home, love or schooling. The work done there provides all three so that the kids have a better future. For those that would like to donate in Cathy’s memory, I’ll post information on that in the near future.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
August 31, 2010
I am sitting here stunned. Cathy’s cancer won this battle. So often we read about people who ‘after a long battle’ passed away. This was not the case with Cathy. Her first hint of an issue was only 8 weeks ago. A few days ago, we were talking with the doctors about weeks left. It quickly turned into mere hours. Now, I have lost my wife and best friend. Incredible. Unbelievable.
I am thankful that Christy was able to fly in to spend time with her mom. I am thankful that David was able to drive back too. We were all able to talk about happy times and to say goodbye. Family is important and we have a good one. Cathy and I are proud of our kids.
We as a family are so very thankful for the love and support that has been shown to us over the time of Cathy’s illness. Cathy, the kids and I have been blown away by the number of people who have left us notes, comments and emails. We are continually amazed by how many lives Cathy has touched and how much love there is for all of us.
Our humor for today is that Cathy is so loved and cherished that even Massachusetts has gotten into the spirit. They may have meant to wrap Cathy in a bow before her journey to Michigan. But they have gone out of their way to wrap and entangle Cathy with red tape. For this reason, I cannot yet tell you about any funeral arrangements. I expect to be able to communicate this tomorrow.
I would like to leave you with a thought. Cancer won this battle but Satan will not win the war. Cathy’s faith can be summarized in the first question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism.
1. Question. What is your only comfort in life and death?
Answer. That I, with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who with his precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, wherefore by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.
I personally want to thank all of you again for your prayers and expressions of support.
I am thankful that Christy was able to fly in to spend time with her mom. I am thankful that David was able to drive back too. We were all able to talk about happy times and to say goodbye. Family is important and we have a good one. Cathy and I are proud of our kids.
We as a family are so very thankful for the love and support that has been shown to us over the time of Cathy’s illness. Cathy, the kids and I have been blown away by the number of people who have left us notes, comments and emails. We are continually amazed by how many lives Cathy has touched and how much love there is for all of us.
Our humor for today is that Cathy is so loved and cherished that even Massachusetts has gotten into the spirit. They may have meant to wrap Cathy in a bow before her journey to Michigan. But they have gone out of their way to wrap and entangle Cathy with red tape. For this reason, I cannot yet tell you about any funeral arrangements. I expect to be able to communicate this tomorrow.
I would like to leave you with a thought. Cancer won this battle but Satan will not win the war. Cathy’s faith can be summarized in the first question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism.
1. Question. What is your only comfort in life and death?
Answer. That I, with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who with his precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, wherefore by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.
I personally want to thank all of you again for your prayers and expressions of support.
Monday, August 30, 2010
August 30, 2010
Cathy’s aggressive cancer continues to progress. Cathy’s kidneys have stopped working and now the key goal is to continue to keep her pain free and comfortable.
It was really nice that both Christy and David were able to come to Boston yesterday and talk with Cathy. We had a nice time together talking and we took some long walks down memory lane. We talked about fun travels and laughed together. We will likely do some more of that today too.
It was really nice that both Christy and David were able to come to Boston yesterday and talk with Cathy. We had a nice time together talking and we took some long walks down memory lane. We talked about fun travels and laughed together. We will likely do some more of that today too.
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