Monday, November 13, 2006
Journey's End...
This morning I awoke at 5:40 am to Amy’s breathing…raspy…gurgling. I turned towards her and said, ‘Amy…Amy, you need to cough honey.’ Her weak attempt did nothing to clear what I perceived was a clogged throat and I knew it was more than just a simple phlegm issue. I got up and called my sister and her husband (who is a physician) who are staying here, into our room. My brother-in-law confirmed my fears, Amy’s lungs were filling with liquid. They asked me if I wanted to call Hospice and I told them yes and asked if someone would call them for me. I tried to get Amy’s attention again and asked her if she was in any pain and through the bubbling in her throat, she said no, she wasn’t. Hearing the audible results of her lungs filling up, I pressed her and asked if she wanted some Morphine and she answered by saying ‘No Morphine.’ I had my brother-in-law call Amy’s mother, who was staying at the hotel and tell her she should come soon. After Amy’s mother and older sister came, tears were shed and words were spoken to Amy; words of love…words about happier times. Brittany and Trevor were called down and they sat with her for awhile and Brittany read to Amy from the Bible. Trevor decided to go to school and Brittany wanted to stay with her mom. We sang hymns to Amy and around 8:05 am, Amy’s breathing changed. It became shallower and each breath was spaced out longer. We stopped singing and I leaned in close and told her; ‘Amy…I love you…I will ALWAYS love you! It’s OK to go to Jesus…The kids and I will be OK…’ She took two more labored breaths and she was gone…
My heart is crushed…I miss her deeply and but for God’s providence, friends and family I truly do not know how I will go on without her. I know now what it means when the scriptures say; ‘..and the two shall become one flesh.’ She completed me and I her. There is a large part of me that is gone and I ache. Her laugh…touch…tears…voice will not be experienced again this side of heaven and the world is less bright because of it.
I truly take comfort in the fact that I know I will see her again someday in heaven and that prompts me to ask, if any of you were to pass away tonight, are you confident of where you would spend eternity? Are you comfortable with your answer? I’m not here passing judgment or pointing fingers, but if you’re not confident…if there’s any doubt, you can be sure. John 3:16 says: ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that who so ever believeth in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.’ …if you’re not sure, do not wait…life is fleeting and no one is guaranteed a tomorrow.
While Amy’s earthly journey has come to an end, I do intent to continue with this blog at least for a time. Where I go from here and what I will relate has yet to be determined, but the richness of Amy’s life and the experiences we have shared have not even begun to be tapped.
This is Amy's story as seen and told by me – V
My heart is crushed…I miss her deeply and but for God’s providence, friends and family I truly do not know how I will go on without her. I know now what it means when the scriptures say; ‘..and the two shall become one flesh.’ She completed me and I her. There is a large part of me that is gone and I ache. Her laugh…touch…tears…voice will not be experienced again this side of heaven and the world is less bright because of it.
I truly take comfort in the fact that I know I will see her again someday in heaven and that prompts me to ask, if any of you were to pass away tonight, are you confident of where you would spend eternity? Are you comfortable with your answer? I’m not here passing judgment or pointing fingers, but if you’re not confident…if there’s any doubt, you can be sure. John 3:16 says: ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that who so ever believeth in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.’ …if you’re not sure, do not wait…life is fleeting and no one is guaranteed a tomorrow.
While Amy’s earthly journey has come to an end, I do intent to continue with this blog at least for a time. Where I go from here and what I will relate has yet to be determined, but the richness of Amy’s life and the experiences we have shared have not even begun to be tapped.
This is Amy's story as seen and told by me – V
# posted by Vince @ 11:18 PM 
Comments:
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Our prayers are with you and your family in your loss.
Oh, Vince. I am so sorry.
Laura Runkle
Oh, Vince. I am so sorry.
Laura Runkle
# posted by 
: 1:08 AM, November 14, 2006
: 1:08 AM, November 14, 2006
Oh, Dear Vince and Children,
I cannot even imagine the heart wrenching pain that you must be experiencing....and yet your faith is shining as the sun in its splendor. The fact that, in the midst of your greatest trial, you are concerned for the salvation of others is evidence of the Holy Spirit working in and through you and this whole journey God has taken you through. I have been so edified and encouraged by your posts throughout this journey. God has clearly been faithful to give you all that you need when you have needed it...and He will continue to do so.
There are no words that can convey the depth of my sympathy for you all, and yet there is a joy and peace at the same time...knowing that Amy is with her (and our) LORD and is free from sin and its consequences and knowing that you and the children are in the loving care of our Heavenly Father.
I am praying for all of you...even now at 2:00 in the morning. ( I have been waking up in the middle of the night this past week and just know that I need to be praying for your family.) I will continue to pray. If there is anything we can do, PLEASE let us know. Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us...I know it has changed many lives...and I know that God has and will continue to use this experience for His glory.
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. -Numbers 6:24-26
We love you all.
Linda Camarillo (and Family)
I cannot even imagine the heart wrenching pain that you must be experiencing....and yet your faith is shining as the sun in its splendor. The fact that, in the midst of your greatest trial, you are concerned for the salvation of others is evidence of the Holy Spirit working in and through you and this whole journey God has taken you through. I have been so edified and encouraged by your posts throughout this journey. God has clearly been faithful to give you all that you need when you have needed it...and He will continue to do so.
There are no words that can convey the depth of my sympathy for you all, and yet there is a joy and peace at the same time...knowing that Amy is with her (and our) LORD and is free from sin and its consequences and knowing that you and the children are in the loving care of our Heavenly Father.
I am praying for all of you...even now at 2:00 in the morning. ( I have been waking up in the middle of the night this past week and just know that I need to be praying for your family.) I will continue to pray. If there is anything we can do, PLEASE let us know. Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us...I know it has changed many lives...and I know that God has and will continue to use this experience for His glory.
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. -Numbers 6:24-26
We love you all.
Linda Camarillo (and Family)
# posted by : 2:39 AM, November 14, 2006
: 2:39 AM, November 14, 2006
I love you Amy. You are safe for you are with Jesus. Someday we will meet again and we will get up early and go for a morning jog :) Vince and family, we love you and may God bless you always...
Paula and Kevin and kids
Paula and Kevin and kids
# posted by : 3:16 AM, November 14, 2006
: 3:16 AM, November 14, 2006
Vince,
I stand in awe as to how you have showed all of us how to support our families thourgh the hardest of times. In your pain you continue to minister to us.
I pray that you will feel our love. Know that we your church family just want to support you, hold you up in prayer and will do whatever we can to help.
Steve& Teri U.
I stand in awe as to how you have showed all of us how to support our families thourgh the hardest of times. In your pain you continue to minister to us.
I pray that you will feel our love. Know that we your church family just want to support you, hold you up in prayer and will do whatever we can to help.
Steve& Teri U.
# posted by : 7:57 AM, November 14, 2006
: 7:57 AM, November 14, 2006
Vince and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. You have touched so many with your words and love for each other and it is a comfort that you will see her again! She has touched many hearts and my memories of her will always be so very fond. God bless you and give you strength. We will continue to pray for you and your family.
# posted by : 8:21 AM, November 14, 2006
: 8:21 AM, November 14, 2006
Vince and Family-
Chuck and I have been praying deeply that God would give Amy the strength to go on, but it was not his will. Now our prayers turn to you and the kids to find the strength and courage to move on and remember Amy in her happiest and greatest of times. Being a mother I can only slightly imagine how painful it was to leave you and the kids knowing she would not be there. But have faith you all now have your own guardian angel to call on of your very own and she will be there always for every game, concert, graduation, wedding. I always told my kids since they were little that eventhough mommy wasn't always right there with them I really was all they had to do was hug their heart and they would be able to feel my love. Know that Amy is no longer in pain and she will watch over all of you until she can see you again. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Chuck has a very special place in his heart for Amy and always will.
Our prayers and love to all of you,
Chuck and Heather Malek
Chuck and I have been praying deeply that God would give Amy the strength to go on, but it was not his will. Now our prayers turn to you and the kids to find the strength and courage to move on and remember Amy in her happiest and greatest of times. Being a mother I can only slightly imagine how painful it was to leave you and the kids knowing she would not be there. But have faith you all now have your own guardian angel to call on of your very own and she will be there always for every game, concert, graduation, wedding. I always told my kids since they were little that eventhough mommy wasn't always right there with them I really was all they had to do was hug their heart and they would be able to feel my love. Know that Amy is no longer in pain and she will watch over all of you until she can see you again. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Chuck has a very special place in his heart for Amy and always will.
Our prayers and love to all of you,
Chuck and Heather Malek
# posted by : 8:27 AM, November 14, 2006
: 8:27 AM, November 14, 2006
It is so difficult to accept that your Amy is gone. Her vibrance and love for all will be dearly missed. Vince, your strength and faith in writing this blog is so beautiful. You are to be commended for speaking the word to all who may falter in their search for the Lord.
Dear Lord:
Thank you for this beautiful family. May your love endure all of them through this difficult time. Dearest Amy, thank you for being such a good friend. God Speed and I know you flew up to him on Angels Wings. You are whole again, free from this disease, free from all pain. I know you are in the heavens praising AMEN as you did down here on earth.
Many prayers and hugs to you.
The Penzkovers
Dear Lord:
Thank you for this beautiful family. May your love endure all of them through this difficult time. Dearest Amy, thank you for being such a good friend. God Speed and I know you flew up to him on Angels Wings. You are whole again, free from this disease, free from all pain. I know you are in the heavens praising AMEN as you did down here on earth.
Many prayers and hugs to you.
The Penzkovers
# posted by : 8:31 AM, November 14, 2006
: 8:31 AM, November 14, 2006
Vince...
Amy has touched so many lives and so many people have loved her.
I am so terribly sorry and cannot imagine the anguish you and the kids are going through. Know that you are all in my thoughts & prayers. May memories of the days on this Earth that you had together ease your sorrow and time help mend your broken heart.
Your writing has spoken to me in ways I cannot put in words myself. Thank you for sharing this with us, Vince. You are an angel.
-Anne B.
Amy has touched so many lives and so many people have loved her.
I am so terribly sorry and cannot imagine the anguish you and the kids are going through. Know that you are all in my thoughts & prayers. May memories of the days on this Earth that you had together ease your sorrow and time help mend your broken heart.
Your writing has spoken to me in ways I cannot put in words myself. Thank you for sharing this with us, Vince. You are an angel.
-Anne B.
# posted by : 9:31 AM, November 14, 2006
: 9:31 AM, November 14, 2006
Dear Vince and Kids, so much love and prayers abounding. love you all, cindy, your cousin in phoenix.
# posted by : 9:40 AM, November 14, 2006
: 9:40 AM, November 14, 2006
I have had glorious visions of Amy entering heaven. I picture her awestruck face as she looks around in wonder and thrill. I see her running up to others, shaking their arm and exclaiming "Look at this place - isn't it awesome!" She exudes a mixture of excitement and unbelief at the glorious splendor that completely surrounds her.
I miss her so much. Vince, my saddness and heartache are a fraction of the pain you and your kids are experiencing. You have lost your beloved partner of 20 plus years. Your marriage went through its ups and downs as in any marriage, but you and Amy had a closeness and a bond that few marriages ever truely achieve. I'm sure there are no words to describe, or way of understanding your anguish. I think of you all the time. I think of Amy all the time. I am so sorry for all that you have had to go through. Vince, you are truely amazing. The strength you have shown over these months has been a real inspiration. You have allowed God to carry you as you walked through the valley. My prayer is that you will continue to allow Him to carry you as you struggle to figure out how to carry on without Amy. Thank you for sharing yourself with us all through your ongoing blog. I'm pleased to hear you will continue it.
We love you and your children and cherish our friendship.
Love,
Sharon Vegter and family
I miss her so much. Vince, my saddness and heartache are a fraction of the pain you and your kids are experiencing. You have lost your beloved partner of 20 plus years. Your marriage went through its ups and downs as in any marriage, but you and Amy had a closeness and a bond that few marriages ever truely achieve. I'm sure there are no words to describe, or way of understanding your anguish. I think of you all the time. I think of Amy all the time. I am so sorry for all that you have had to go through. Vince, you are truely amazing. The strength you have shown over these months has been a real inspiration. You have allowed God to carry you as you walked through the valley. My prayer is that you will continue to allow Him to carry you as you struggle to figure out how to carry on without Amy. Thank you for sharing yourself with us all through your ongoing blog. I'm pleased to hear you will continue it.
We love you and your children and cherish our friendship.
Love,
Sharon Vegter and family
# posted by : 9:50 AM, November 14, 2006
: 9:50 AM, November 14, 2006
Vince and Family
I'm so sorry for your loss. From all that I've read on the blog about Amy, I can tell that she was a very remarkable woman, a fantastic wife, mother and friend.
She is not lost forever, but just for a while. You'll meet her again and experience that smile.
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Treasure all your memories.
Michelle Treloar
I'm so sorry for your loss. From all that I've read on the blog about Amy, I can tell that she was a very remarkable woman, a fantastic wife, mother and friend.
She is not lost forever, but just for a while. You'll meet her again and experience that smile.
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Treasure all your memories.
Michelle Treloar
# posted by : 10:03 AM, November 14, 2006
: 10:03 AM, November 14, 2006
Vince,
My heart is aching for you and your family. Thank you for sharing yourself through your blog. I have laughed with you, cried with you, and praised God with you. You and your family will continue to be in our prayers. May God continue to give you strength in the days to come.
My heart is aching for you and your family. Thank you for sharing yourself through your blog. I have laughed with you, cried with you, and praised God with you. You and your family will continue to be in our prayers. May God continue to give you strength in the days to come.
# posted by : 1:14 PM, November 14, 2006
: 1:14 PM, November 14, 2006
Vince and family,
Jennifer, Audrey and I are deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I know our families did not get enough chances to visit and spend time together but I can say for sure Amy helped cultivate and nourish a beautiful, loving and faithful family.
I have had a chance to read your daily entries and your family is definitely an example for everyone to follow. I admire your strength, faith and love through this time and I can only imagine that is a reflection of Amy her personality and commitment to family and faith.
Again, we are deeply sorry and please know we love you all. God Bless.
Love,
Jim, Jennifer and Audrey (the "Zecks")
Jennifer, Audrey and I are deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I know our families did not get enough chances to visit and spend time together but I can say for sure Amy helped cultivate and nourish a beautiful, loving and faithful family.
I have had a chance to read your daily entries and your family is definitely an example for everyone to follow. I admire your strength, faith and love through this time and I can only imagine that is a reflection of Amy her personality and commitment to family and faith.
Again, we are deeply sorry and please know we love you all. God Bless.
Love,
Jim, Jennifer and Audrey (the "Zecks")
# posted by : 2:15 PM, November 14, 2006
: 2:15 PM, November 14, 2006
I am so sorry, my prayers are with you and your family.
casondra schaffer
casondra schaffer
# posted by : 7:08 PM, November 14, 2006
: 7:08 PM, November 14, 2006
Lord, you have flown Amy home...
Oh, Thank You.
It'll some day be our time to come.
Your time will do.
For now, give us strength to carry on doing Your will.
Your will we'll do.
For now, give us peaceful thoughts - to be still...
to carry through.
We understand we must toil away -
faithfully for You.
Till one day, we get to come and say -
we're Home in Heaven too!
Lord Bless this family - as they have richly blessed us all.
Oh, Thank You.
It'll some day be our time to come.
Your time will do.
For now, give us strength to carry on doing Your will.
Your will we'll do.
For now, give us peaceful thoughts - to be still...
to carry through.
We understand we must toil away -
faithfully for You.
Till one day, we get to come and say -
we're Home in Heaven too!
Lord Bless this family - as they have richly blessed us all.
# posted by : 12:36 AM, November 15, 2006
: 12:36 AM, November 15, 2006
Vince, Brittany, Trevor, Vinny and Hopie.
I love you all so much!! Your mom was an incredible mother, friend, daughter and sister. I miss her with all my heart and soul. She was one of my best friends. I loved that I could call her at a moments notice. I called her on the way to pick up Maddy every day. I will miss those conversations that we had. I will miss Christmas shopping with her this year. I will miss her smile and laugh. Believe me I wish I could have her back as my heart is so sad without her. The one good thing about her going to heaven is that she will be able to meet Grandpa Kelly. Like I said before and I will say it again I love you all. Bridge
I love you all so much!! Your mom was an incredible mother, friend, daughter and sister. I miss her with all my heart and soul. She was one of my best friends. I loved that I could call her at a moments notice. I called her on the way to pick up Maddy every day. I will miss those conversations that we had. I will miss Christmas shopping with her this year. I will miss her smile and laugh. Believe me I wish I could have her back as my heart is so sad without her. The one good thing about her going to heaven is that she will be able to meet Grandpa Kelly. Like I said before and I will say it again I love you all. Bridge
# posted by : 12:37 AM, November 15, 2006
: 12:37 AM, November 15, 2006
Vince and Kids,
Your mom and wife, touched our families hearts and many other people around her. I feel very blessed for knowing her and having the opportunity to be her friend. Have comfort in knowing she will have the same impact on those she has joined. We will miss her greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please tell Hope I miss her and I am thinking about you all. Shannon and Rick Munch and the Hart Boys
Your mom and wife, touched our families hearts and many other people around her. I feel very blessed for knowing her and having the opportunity to be her friend. Have comfort in knowing she will have the same impact on those she has joined. We will miss her greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please tell Hope I miss her and I am thinking about you all. Shannon and Rick Munch and the Hart Boys
# posted by : 8:25 PM, November 15, 2006
: 8:25 PM, November 15, 2006
Vince and kids,
We cannot imagine what your family is feeling, but know that your love for each other will carry you through. Amy will be present in our lives forever as she was one of a kind. We pray for you everyday, and know that we all have Amy waiting for us in heaven and cheering us on everyday.
The Crakers
We cannot imagine what your family is feeling, but know that your love for each other will carry you through. Amy will be present in our lives forever as she was one of a kind. We pray for you everyday, and know that we all have Amy waiting for us in heaven and cheering us on everyday.
The Crakers
# posted by : 7:59 AM, November 16, 2006
: 7:59 AM, November 16, 2006
Dear Howard Family,
We love you so much. We have traveled with you throughout your journey and have been so inspired by your love and trust for our faithful, loving Father. I praise God for the faith He has given all of you and for your willingness, in spite of your pain to share that faith with all of us.
I know Amy's heart was, to be a Kingdom builder, and she did that in life as well as in death. Her desire for everyone to know and love the Lord was so strong. Many of us reading this right now, might know the Lord, but how many of us can really say we LOVE the Lord??
When I first became a Christian I struggled with this, but then God gave me a thirst for the His written word, I began to read His word and soon I began to have a personal relationship with Him, my heavenly Father, and as we got to know each other better, I began to love Him. This would be Amy's desire for everyone.
I look forward to meeting Amy again in the place God has prepared for us. That will be a glorious day.
Mark & I and family are here for you and the kids. We will pray for God's leading......
In HIS Peace and Joy!
Pink
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We love you so much. We have traveled with you throughout your journey and have been so inspired by your love and trust for our faithful, loving Father. I praise God for the faith He has given all of you and for your willingness, in spite of your pain to share that faith with all of us.
I know Amy's heart was, to be a Kingdom builder, and she did that in life as well as in death. Her desire for everyone to know and love the Lord was so strong. Many of us reading this right now, might know the Lord, but how many of us can really say we LOVE the Lord??
When I first became a Christian I struggled with this, but then God gave me a thirst for the His written word, I began to read His word and soon I began to have a personal relationship with Him, my heavenly Father, and as we got to know each other better, I began to love Him. This would be Amy's desire for everyone.
I look forward to meeting Amy again in the place God has prepared for us. That will be a glorious day.
Mark & I and family are here for you and the kids. We will pray for God's leading......
In HIS Peace and Joy!
Pink
# posted by : 8:37 AM, November 16, 2006
: 8:37 AM, November 16, 2006 << Home
