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.
48 comments:
Our heartfelt sympathy to you, Dan, and to your family. Please know you have been and will continue to be in our prayers...Cathy was dearly loved by everyone! We know she's enveloped by the everlasting arms of her Savior now. With our love, Hal and Barb Wibling
Dan and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Cathy was much loved and made a difference in this world. In a world where this can happen so suddenly, it is comforting to know and see the effects of that love. May you all be comforted by your many wonderful memories of her.
Liz and Michael
You don't really know me, however I did meet you and Cathy briefly when you stopped in the bank to see where Christine works. I have been following your blog as Christine had shared it with me. I had to write to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let Christine know that if she needs anything to let me know.
Know that you are being thought of in Minnesota as you go through this loss.
Judy Petraitis
Dan,
My heart aches for you, Christy, and David. Cathy is much loved and has touched so many lives. Your victorious faith through this has been such a testimony. May God be blessed.
With prayers and love,
Barbara, Wade, and Alex
We had the pleasure of meeting you and Cathy several months ago at the church luncheon. It was obvious that Cathy was a beautiful sweet lady with a very warm smile and we anticipated getting to know her better but as the song goes .... "In the sweet by and by we shall meet on that beautiful shore". Dan, our prayers continue to be with you and your family.
God Bless, Wayne and Charlene
There are no words to express the sorrow and devastation I am feeling. Cathy added so much to this world. I can see Jesus with his arms opened wide to welcome her to heaven. His gain is certainly our loss.
Dan,
We are so so sorry for your loss. It is really shocking after seeing you and Cathy just a few weeks ago. You, David and Christy as well as Cathy's siblings, Linda, Pam, Bonnie and Karen will all be in our thoughts and prayers. I really wish we had been able to stop in on Sunday but God must have had other plans and didn't want us to interrupt your family time with Cathy.
Cathy is now out of pain and wrapped in the loving arms of Jesus.
Love, Dave and Beth Layden
Dan, David and Christy
We were very sorry to hear that Cathy loss her battle with cancer. While we have never met Cathy or you, David is a wonder young man that we have grown to love as one of our family. Our prays and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time and we know that Cathy has found peace.
God saw her getting tired, and a cure was not to be, So he wrapped his arms around her and whispered, "Come with Me"
With our deepest sympathy,
Michael and Sylvia Jones
Dan and kids, My heart is breaking for you. I told my kids what happened and reminded them who you and Cathy are from our short visits in Florida. Thank you for your testimony of Cathy's life and faith. I pray God grants you peace in this difficult time.
Your cousin, Beth (Brink) Timmer
Dan and family ~
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Cathy, but after following the blog and reading the many comments, have come to understand what a wonderful person she was.
You will all continue to be in my prayers and I ask God to carry you through this difficult time.
Love,
vivian
Dear Dan & family, Unbelievable. You summed it up well. How quickly our lives change. We are so thankful that we know The One who never changes and that Cathy is rejoicing with Him even as we are shedding tears of sadness for the loss we have experienced. Know that we are praying for you all.
Love, Steve & Karen Emelander
Dan, Christie and David,
Our family just learned of Cathy's stuggle a few days ago and now of God's answer to your prayers for relief from pain, nausea and wholeness. While your loss is hard to comprehend, her journey is complete and the testimony of her life will live on through each of you. Our prayer now is that He will wrap you in His love and provide grace for the days ahead.
Sondra and Arlan TenClay
Dan,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Call if there is anything we can do.
James & Lynette.
Dan, Joe and I want to tell you how sorry we are. We received a note from Anne Pitts yesterday, which had us remembering the wonderful times of prayer, bible study and worship we shared for almost 3 years in your home with the Hubers, Stewarts, Wilks, and Machirs.Dan, know that Joe and I are thinking and praying for you, Christine and David.
Dan, Christy and David,
We are so sorry for your loss. You have a wonderful family and we're so glad you had these precious last days together to share your cherished memories. Our hearts ache for you at this time.
Dear Dan, Christy and David. We are in shock hearing of Cathy's passing. You will remain in our prayers. What a testimony Cathy's life has been. It is such a comfort knowing she's now in heaven, rejoicing with her Savior, even though her passing leaves a great void here.
Love,
Gary and Sandy Plantinga and family
Dan Christy and David. I too am stunned. It is so hard to believe this has happened. My heart is broken for all of you and me...Cathy was the sister I never had growing up. I am so sad but know that God has won the battle. One day this earth will pass away and we will be gathered together, in this we can take comfort. Please know you are not alone in your tears...
Bless you Dan for sharing this journey with us and for putting Cathy's passing into words on your blog.I was dreading this moment of reality - a shared stunning across the globe.Oceans of shared tears too - tears that refused to be stemmed. As Kahlil Gibran said "And ever has it been that love knows not its own depths until the hour of separation". God chose you well for each other and this moment is one that comes under the category of 'indescribable':-(
Yet in the midst of our shared tears of loss and pain, deeper understandings of heaven, and the home that awaits us for all eternity, have been opened up to us. May those 'diamonds in the dust' of life's searing loss sparkle in your spirit as Cathy now sparkles in the crown of glory that is Her precious King's in heaven. Truly she is home and we will be too one day soon.Don't worry about all the snacks - just be sure to enjoy.For God ultimately holds our times in His hands and a few treats along the way are well in order.
MUCH love and HUGS hugs to you all. Sandraxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Our sincere heartfelt sympathy to you Dan and the family in your deep sorrow.. You will contiually be in our prayers. We give thanks for a wonderful wife,mother and friend who knew and is now with her Saviour and Lord
With our love
from your friends at
Fairwater Presbyterian Church
So very sorry to hear the sad news that Cathy lost her battle. She is now free of her pain and that must comfort you in these difficult early days. Ann Humphries WALES
It is simply not fair.
...nothing else I can say would be adequate.
Dan,
I am so sorry for your loss. Words are inadequate to express the sadness I feel for your family.
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Linda Haley
Dan and family,
As Sondra mentioned in her post, we only heard on Sunday, from your Mom, regarding Cathy's illness, and our prayers began in earnest. We then heard again last evening from your Mom, that she had passed away. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the whole thing. Please know that we love you and are lifting you up in our prayers!
Polly (Meyaard) & Charlie Roark
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family, you all remain in our thoughts and prayers. Bob and Erin
Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. Words really are inadequate. We count ourselves fortunate to have known her and you. All of my memories of her are pleasant ones - that's the kind of person she was.
Our hearts are broken for you & your children. John & I have been best friends for all these years & know what a rare & special relationship that is. The night ahead might seem long, but one morning you will wake & see her precious face again. God bless & keep you close.
Cathy was the light of your life. We pray that the Lord will alleviate your anguish with his peace.
Tim & Joan
Dan, I was remembering when we gathered together for the hymn sing before you and Cathy moved to Portland and I am comforted to know that Cathy is worshipping her Savior with much better singers than us! Know that we are weeping with you and rejoicing as well that "soon and very soon we are going to see the King. Alleluia!"
With much prayers Dawn & Dave Barrett
Dear Dan, Christy and David - I'm so sorry that Cathy had to leave you so soon. What a blessing that the four of you could spend some time together sharing precious memories of your life together. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. The Lord has her in his arms now and she is at peace with no more pain to deal with. Christy, I have lots of hugs for you when you get back to Minnesota. Love, The Champion Family
Dan,
My family is planning to meet at the 5th tree back, on the right side of the river of life, as we face the throne of Christ (see the link below).
We know that you and Kathy will probably be at one sort of Dutch get together or another, but we are hoping you can swing by the 5th tree.
Very soon there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain (Rev 21:3-5). Soon.
Chris and Jamie.
http://www.chrisbrauns.com/2009/09/06/5th-tree-back-right-side-as-you-face-the-throne/
Dan, Christy & David,
Thoughts and prayers for strength and understanding for the loss of your wife, mother and friend.
Dan, in the short time we time we shared together outside the office the deep love and passion you and Cathy had, not only for each other but for your faith was obvious. And now, in your time of great loss you continue to be an example of faith and grace.
May you each reflect and celebrate the joys of life and find comfort knowing all will reunite soon.
Prayers of support and with deepest sympathy,
Craig
Dan,
I am so sorry for your loss. I want you to know that our prayer community will continue to keep you, Christy and David in our prayers. Your faith has truly been an inspiration.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Dana Pearson
Dan, We just learned of Cathy's homegoing. For her it is all joy but for you and the kids we know there will be days of grieving ahead. You are in our prayers. May God give you all you need at this time. Love in Christ, Phil and Becca Smith(Rwanda)
I am so sorry on the loss of Cathy. Thank you for showing us all what a strong, loving relationship is.
My thoughts are with you all-
Aaron Erlandson
Dan,
I am so sorry for your loss of a beloved wife and best friend. My heart aches when I hear of this. My prayers are with you for the Spirit of our Lord to comfort you with his grace, that is sufficient.
I knew Cathy through church and through her work at Holbrook Farm. She was always so lovely.
I am grateful she is pain free and with our Savior.
Sincerely,
Joan Eden
May God be your comfort in sorrow and your hope
and strength in the coming days. Praying for you with
deep sympathy. Aida Toy
Dan, I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't meet Cathy but enjoyed hearing about your wonderful life with her and your kids. My heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family.
Regards,
Betsy Tuohey in Maine
Dan and family,
As word of your loss has traveled here to Indiana to many of your colleagues from the ol' days of Diagnostics, we are all sending you our heartfelt sympathy and promise to uplift you in our prayers!
Janine Simpson
Dan,
Our family prays for you, Christy, and David during this time. I can see both your and Cathy's sweet smiling faces saying Hello during times of Sunday morning greetings. Your walks of faith and perserverance are an encouragement to us all! Praise God that Satan has not won the battle! Please let your Yarmouth Church family know of anything we can do to support you more!
Lots of love & with deepest sympathy!
Rob & Jen Frost
Dan--We have been praying for you guys since we heard the news a few weeks ago about Cathy's cancer. Chuck's mom called Tuesday morning with the news that Cathy had passed away. We were just leaving for our vacation out west. She mentioned that she heard you had a blog, and we just found it now when we googled it. What a journey you've been on! What a comfort to know that our Lord is in control of all things and is with us always. We are sorry we won't be at the funeral since we're gone, but we will keep you all in our prayers. Chuck and Laurie
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids. Cathy was such a gem to serve with on worship team. She and Jon shared a passion for dark chocolate and would sneak some during our Christmas rehearsals/musical performances. I have so many fond memories of times we shared together in the "green room" at church. We Loved her.
Lovingly,
Jon, Jenn and kids (the Brittins)
Dear Dan, David and Christy,
It is my loss that I never had the opportunity to meet Cathy. She was a remarkable women who brightened so many lives all over the world. Through Jessica, my niece, I have met David and can see how Cathy's compassion and kindness made its way to him. We could all learn something from how Cathy led her life - selflessly and courageously. Know that my prayers are with all of you during this incredibly challenging time.
Suzanne Jones
Dan,
Joe and I are so very sorry to read of Cathy's passing...
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dan, Christy & David,
Our love and prayers are with you. What a sweet, gentle lady Cathy was. We will remember fondly our times together in small group. I remember the first time I met Cathy we were working in the Booster Club Booth at a BHS football game. You hadn't lived in Brookfield very long, yet here Cathy was volunteering. She was so giving. Our prayers are for God's strength and comfort to envelope you and His peace to fill you.
Cindy and Don Machir
Dan, Christie, and David,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will all miss Cathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michael and Janet Place
Dan, I am not sure if we ever met but I was one of the many people who crossed Cathy's path at Walnut Hill and though we were far from being close friends, her passing on to be with Jesus strikes me as a great loss for us who are left behind. I remember her kindness and gentle spirit and her love of flowers and of course her flute playing. My heartfelt sympathy and many prayers for you and your family's peace and comfort in the days to come.
Blessings
bizzy Bender
Dan and family, Your blog is amazing. I am SO sorry for your loss. Kathy was my mom's spirtual mentor and my son Teddy's teacher at AM/FM. They both loved her. My father also died of cancer about 2 years ago, not a fun thing to go through.. you are in my prayers. Sorry again for your loss.
With Love, Michele Roaan
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