Saturday, December 11, 2010

Fought a Good Fight

2 Timothy 4:7
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"

This is the second time that I have posted on Krista's behalf and it may be the last.

Thursday night we read scriptures with Jacob and Emma, had family prayer and gave the kids a kiss and a hug good night. That was the last memory they would have of their mother. Krista passed away Friday the 10th of December 2010 at 3:15am. She went quickly with minimal pain and suffering. The doctors at the ER did all they could but it was her time go. I was able to hold her hand at the end and with Bishop Moon at my side was able to offer a prayer releasing her from this mortal world to return to the care of our loving Heavenly Father. She has truly fought a good fight and kept the faith until the end. She has been an inspiration and comfort to many. She has mourned with those that mourn, comforted those that stood in need of comfort and stood as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places (Mosiah 18:9). All this she did while she stood in need of comfort herself. She was a remarkable woman and I am honored to be sealed to her as her husband for all time and eternity. I know she will be missed by many.

Memorial services for Krista will be held on Thursday December 16th at 11:00am at the LDS Church at 2401 Legacy Dr, Plano, TX 75025. A public viewing will precede the services at the same location from 9:30am till 10:30am. All are welcome to both the viewing and the services.

I would like to thank all those who showed support and love and offered many hours of service to Krista and our family. We couldn't have made it this long without your help. I would like to thank the doctors that treated Krista over the years, especially Dr. Karen Fink and her wonderful staff. They have given us over 4 years that we didn't expect to have together. They have been the best years that we have had. And I would also like to thank the endless procession of "Angels" - as Krista would call them - who have lifted our burdens and allowed us to fully enjoy the last 5 years. We love you all.

Jared

43 comments:

Mom said...

We were sorry to hear about Krista's passing our thoughts and prayers will be with you. It it so hard at times like this but it is such a comfort to know that life is eternal and you will be able to be with her again. She is truly a wife to be proud of, she persevered in the face of great difficulty.

Aunt Linda

M said...

I am so very sorry for your family's loss. I have been thinking of all of you. What a huge loss too for the LDS infertile community. Your wife and mother was and will continue to be a huge blessing and comfort to many. May the Lord bless you with peace and may you feel joy again when you feel ready.

Sus said...

Your family has been an inspiration to me. Krista's faith and trust in the Lord during this trial has strengthened my faith and helped me to push through the challenges in my own life. I know you will miss her terribly until you are reunited one day, and there are so, so many others who will miss her, too. She truly blessed my life. God bless you and your little family.

Kat said...

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. You don't know me and I've never commented on the blog before, but I've followed it for the last year or so. I lost my mother to cancer when I was 8 so my heart especially goes out to your children, but this I know. The Lord will be on your side. Wishing you peace and comfort.

Linda said...

Jared, I have been reading your beloved wife's blog for nearly 3 years now...found it right after my mom was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Krista had an amazing way with words and she never failed to inspire me, to lift my spirits and to renew my faith. I will continue to pray for you and your 2 beautiful children. My deepest and heartfelt condolences, I feel as if I have lost a friend even though Krista and I never met, we did email a few times back in 2008 and I will miss her terribly.

Kate said...

I first 'met' Krista through 2ofus4now about 7 years ago . . . and am grateful to have been one of the ones whose life she blessed. I will miss her very much.
I just wanted you to know I cried for you tonight. My the peace of our Father in Heaven be with you in this time of sadness.
Kate from Alberta, Canada

Anonymous said...

Dear Jared & family,
I am so sad to hear this news. I only commented a few times on your sweet wife's blog, but I read it faithfully. She is such a positive person and I am grateful for her example to me of enduring to the end! May Heavenly Father watch over you and yours and bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Andrea

Mary said...

So sorry for the loss of your sweet wife and mother. I have read Krista's blog I guess for the past 5 years. Not very many things have taken my breath away - but I can honestly say that this post did. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Mary Eagar

Faith said...

Jared, Joe and I are so sorry to hear of Krista's passing. Krista touched our hearts deeply, and her friendship helped me get through some very difficult times. We mourn with you and your precious family.

Lana said...

Jared, I have loved you both since we met many years ago. What an inspiring couple you were to me. My husband and I are both really sad and heartbroken for you and your children. He heard me talk about her many times and the way that you always celebrated your 'monthaversaries'. I love Krista, and I was always so uplifted by her blog posts. I will miss her words so much. My heart and prayers are with you.

mE said...

Our prayers are with you and your family, Jared. Krista blessed many lives and I am sure she will continue to do so in Heaven. Thank you for sharing your wife and mother with us.

May God bless and keep you!

Erin

Mari said...

I have been following Krista's blog since I stumbled across it right in the beginning. She inspired me to have more faith, to do better, try harder, enjoy more - essentially how to better live this time in probation.
I feel honoured to have known of Krista and to have been influneced by her example. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children at this time!

Kari said...

My prayers are with you, Jared, your two beautiful children, and Krista's family. She had an optimism that was unsurpassed. I believe that is what kept her living beyond anybody's expectations. May you feel the comfort that can only come from our Heavenly Father during this difficult time.f

Cynthia said...

As one of many 2ofus4now members, I am struck with sudden grief. Countless e-mails of advise and comfort that she would write to us individually, yet all of us were so blessed to read her touching words. She truly lighted my burden of grief at times when it was desperately needed. My families prayers will be with your dear family. May you be blessed with peace and comfort during this painful time.
Fondly,
Cynthia

Gemma said...

I came across Krista's blog at the end of 2007, when my beautiful mum was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Krista gave my family hope, and she was the inspiration for us to fight as hard as we could. I know that it is because of Krista that we had Mum for as long as we did, and I cannot thank her enough for that. I hope the two of them get the chance to meet each other somehow. Krista was a friend to so many, in person and over the internet, and she will be missed terribly. I wish you and your lovely children all the courage and luck in the world with coping with the next stage of your lives.

cojoki said...

I was concerned that Krista's silence was a bad omen. I have followed her blog for the last year or so. I am a brain tumor patient who is LDS, and her accomplishments and optimism have inspired me. I am sorry that you and the children won't have her daily presence. The Gospel is true; you will be together again. I'm glad I had a chance to be inspired by her words and experiences.

Judy said...

Dear Brother Oakes,

I was so shocked to learn the news through Nancy Roger's Facebook page. Tim and I are sad for your loss. I feel very touched to read that you wrote about what you did together the last night with kids. You and Krista are such amazing parents. I will miss Krista and grateful forever for the supports she had given me. I miss her forever brighten-up face and smiles. She is my hero and good example. Please take good care.

Love,
Tim and Judy Sharp
(from Shanghai China)

Krista said...

Jared, I send my heart-felt condolences and love. I had a bond with Krista, even though I only knew her through the blog. I am LDS, had infertility and we adopted and identified with her in other ways as well. She was a pillar of optimism and I am so glad the Lord gave you all these extra years and memories with her. This year she will be singing Handel's Messiah with the angels! Krista was so personal and open with everything that unfolded with her life, so those with GBM can know what to expect. I miss knowing the final days that we could have prayed for her, but we will now for you and your family to find great comfort that the purpose of her life has been fulfilled and she will be waiting on the other side for you!

Alan and Abby said...

It's amazing how many lives Krista touched, including my own. She helped me heal from the pains of infertility. This wonderful woman was and will continue to be an inspiration to me.

Debbie said...

Jared - I was saddened as I read your post today, but I also know what a strength and light Krista was to so many of us. She (and you) were instrumental in our years, pondering adoption. We learned much from your words and experience with FSA. I will keep you and your sweet children in my prayers as you go through upcoming weeks of challenge. Know you are loved and will be watched over.

Anonymous said...

Jared,

I never knew Krista, but I stumbled upon her blog while I was researching GBMs since my husband was diagnosed last year. What an amazing and uplifitng person she was. I absolutely loved her gift of writing with her humor and wit. She also gave me a calmness about death and how it is not the end, but the beginning. I came to look forward to her blog because it was so uplifting. I have such a heavy heart right now because of reading this last blog, but I also know that she left this world calm and confident about her life with God. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful person with us!

Anonymous said...

Jared, I am so terribly sorry to hear this news. I just chatted with Krista a couple of days ago and although she said she 'felt like she was coming down with something' - she was her usual, chipper self. I could not have asked for a better friend and colleague for the past 25 yrs. My love and prayers to you and the family.

Dawn

Rachel said...

I have read this blog since 2007, I believe, and I cheered each time Krista celebrated one of her monthly anniversaries with a post. I hoped I'd never read a post like this one. Her sense of humor and faith in the face of such a horrible prognosis are such a credit to her. I have no doubt that she touched many with her lovely spirit. I am so sorry for your family's loss.

Real said...

Your wife touched my life. I have loved the faith expressed in her blog for the past four years. I am sorry for your loss.

susannelpeterson said...

Dear Jared, Jacob & Emma, Our hearts are heavy at this news - but we know that Krista is at peace. We're so grateful for her magnificent example. The blessings of the temple and the love that you share are the cornerstones of your eternal family, and in a future time Krista will welcome each of you home with open arms. You are in our prayers. Much love, Carwin (Pete) & Susanne Peterson

Angela said...

I am so sorry for your family's loss. I met Krista nearly 10 years ago on the 2ofus4now message boards. Her wisdom and inspiring words led me through the depths of infertility grief and the joy of three adoptions. I never commented much. Just silently read and was amazed by Krista's way with words, her faith, and understanding of our Heavenly Father's plan. She was amazing and kept me coming back to read long after I felt "healed" in my infertility struggles. I owe much of that healing to her wonderful insight.

My prayers are with your family and your sweet children. I have shed many tears tonight over a woman I have never met but touched my life so deeply. She will be so missed.

Thank you and may the Spirit be with your family.

Angie Jackson

natesarah2@msn.com said...

Jared, I just had to tell you that your wife helped me, just by words of comfort, so much while my husband and I struggled with infertility. When I heard of her passing, it brought tears to my eyes. When I woke up this morning to greet our 2 year old triplet girls, I smiled and thought of how grateful I am to have communicated with your sweet wife via the yahoo group,and how grateful I am to have our triplet girls, even though most days are exhausting, I wouldn't have it any other way. I know that she is watching over you and your two little one's. You and your sweet children will be in my prayers, may you find comfort and solace during this trying time.

Sarah Thorstrom

Brenda said...

I've never met Krista but have been a blog reader for at least 2 1/2 years. I began reading her thoughts long before my own personal life-threatening health issue began. Numerous times I have reflected on her example, the principles she bore witness of, and how she graciously lived her life while facing uncertainty. I once posted a comment on her blog sharing my appreciation and thanks to her. I'm glad I did. I'm glad I was able to tell her that she touched me, taught me and uplifted me. And now I want you and the children to know, too.
Warmest regards and deepest sympathy,
Brenda Kay

chrisandlaura96 said...

Krista changed my perspective of adoption in so many profound and positive ways. She was the first person who helped me see what adoption could really be like and now two children and two adoptions later, I will forever be a different and better mom because of her influence in my life. Thank you for that. Your family has been and will continue to be a part of my prayers.

Rachelle said...

I am so sorry to hear about Krista's passing. Krista touched my life first through the 2ofus4now yahoo group many years ago and then through her battle with cancer. I have always been touched by her faith and strength. She was an inspiration to so many, some of us she never met face to face. I am grateful I had the chance to "know" her, even if it was only through words. My prayers are with you, Jacob, Emma, and all her extended family and friends during this time.

OUR HAPPY FAMILY said...

I am so sorry for the loss of Krista. She will be greatly missed!
She literally had a huge impact on my life for the better. When I was struggling with infertility, ttc, hoping to adopt, being childless- she helped me through every step. She truly "mourned with those who mourn" and "comforted those that stand in need of comfort." even though those who she comforteds problems were insignificant in comparison to what she faced in her life and her struggle with cancer. I was just one of MANY that she impacted. She gave me somewhere safe to go when there seemed to be no one else who understood with her 2ofus4now group. She wrote a book when there was none like it yet a great need. She related stories from the scriptures to me that I had never known related to me. Her example showed what a wonderful thing adoption could be. She taught me great joy can come even during our struggles- and from our struggles.
I know how much she loved her husband- her eternal companion. Jacob and Emma- never forget that they were the answer to her prayers and her greatest joy in life. She loves you immensely and will be watching over you.

Kristin said...

Krista amazed me with every post I read since last May when I came across her blog. Your family is insipiring and a beautiful light to the world of faith in Jesus Christ. Thank you and I pray you find the comfort and strength you need at this time.

gastric bypass surgery Los Angeles said...

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Cindy said...

I was so saddened to hear of Krista's passing. Her faith has been such an example to me. And her work with 2ofUs4Now has been so important to so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of y'all.

Colette said...

Jared,

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I know Krista from my time at Epic Medical when she was my co-worker and at one time my boss as well. I remember her as a sweet caring person, although I have not been in touch with her over the years. I live in Luxembourg with my kids now and I read Krista's blog occassionaly. She was one amazing woman and gave so much to so many. I am proud to be able to say I know her and I am very sadened to hear that she has moved on to a better world for her. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jacob and Emma. From the distance I will be with you for the memorial service.
God bless
Colette & kids

Anonymous said...

Dear Jared and family, I am so sorry to have heard about krista's passing. You and my family will be in my prayers. I know she is going to be missed by so many people in the community. She was a very friendly and vibrant person. I use to help her with yo pack and know she will be greatly missed at mathews elementary.

wendy Mcrell

Unknown said...

Thinking of you and your sweet family. Krista and I worked together at LDSFS with FSA and was a small part of our adoption story. I cannot help but think of her when I remember each of my children's adoptions. She radiates the Savior's love and all who knew her were able to see it. Love and prayers to you, your children and her family and friends.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss, but am so very thankful for the inspiration Krista was to many people. I have followed Krista's blog for 3 years - laughed, cried, and prayed as I read her posts. Ironically, I came to read today because I just needed a 'boost' - Krista had amazing faith - she always made me re-think things. She truly was one of God's faithful servants. I am saddened to hear of her passing and my heart aches for all of you and I pray that our Heavenly Father will hold you all in His arms of love.

Julie

Christina Birch said...

Krista is a light in my life as well, even though we never met and we didn't know each other. Google searches after my mother's GBM diagnosis turned up her blog and I've been following her story ever since. She had hope and fight where other GBM patients do not. I'm so thankful to Krista for that.
With great sympathy,

Unknown said...

Dear Jared and family,
I just got the news from my sister about Krista. I read your blog and you and everyone who's life she's touched has been blessed beyond measure. I am so thankful to have Lynn as a neighbor, otherwise I would have missed out on the unbelievably beautiful posts by Krista and of course her book. Your family's faith is so willingly shared and I feel lucky, as many do, to witness it. Love to all of you,
Suzi C.

Unknown said...

Dear Jared and family,
I just got the news from my sister about Krista. I read your blog and you and everyone who's life she's touched has been blessed beyond measure. I am so thankful to have Lynn as a neighbor, otherwise I would have missed out on the unbelievably beautiful posts by Krista and of course her book. Your family's faith is so willingly shared and I feel lucky, as many do, to witness it. Love to all of you,
Suzi C.

kaz said...

Jared - I'm so sorry to hear about Krista's passing. I'd often run into her at the FDA-Industry Coalition meetings, and we'd always catch up. A couple of years ago, I sent her a panicky e-mail needing some regulatory consulting in a hurry. I'm humbled by the fact that with all she was going through, she responded quickly and thoroughly. You and your children are in my prayers. – Kaz

Evamarie said...

I'm sorry to hear about Krista's passing. I met her once when I bought her book. She has been such a tremendous help to many and will be missed
Evamarie