It appears that Kara's time on earth is drawing to a close, and we ask you to pray for the Lord's mercy for and protection over Kara. Please pray for comfort and peace for Kara until it is time for her to leave us. Please pray that her pain can be managed.
Please also pray for the children, that the Lord will be with them through this difficult and confusing time for them.
Thank you.
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55 comments:
Dear Kara, Thank you so much for your beautiful note which generated so many wonderful other notes from dear friends and family. Thank you, Jean, for posting it and for posting today's progress report about our dear Kara and this most difficult part of her journey. Please know that our prayers go with you for a peaceful and painless and calm time as you prepare even more to return home; our prayers go with Matt and Emma and Luke, John and Carol,Aunt Lois, John, Jr. and Jean as you remember so many wonderful times with our dear precious Kara and as you accompany her now; our prayers go with all the Herynk family and all the church family and all the blog family as we try to give Kara our best support and most assurance that her miracle still continues for us all who have been blessed to be a part of Kara's life and journey. We know that He holds us all in His arms and continues to care for us and will never leave us especially at this time of greatest need and hope. Our Lord will provide and will take wonderful care of you, dear dear Kara. We love you and are so very very grateful for you and the wonderful blessing of you and your precious life. Aunt Betsy
We are praying for you my dear brother that you will have the wisdom and strength to care for all your resposibilities. God is choosing Kara's path and whatever he may choose, please remain strong in your faith. xoxo Jenny
Yesterday at Bible study, the teacher said God works through one person to reach many and Kara, you were the first to come to my mind. You have been an unbelievable example of faith and courage. We are praying for peace and strength and comfort for you and every one of your family members. Thank you for being a blessing to so many.
Kara,
Your mom was telling me how stories from our Joplin days were making you smile. Do you remember that party we had at your East 10th house? It was your family, ours and the Scruggs...parents and kids. Your dad made peach icecream and we jumped on the trampoline for what seemed like hours. We only took breaks to swim, play hide and seek and eat. I don't know why, but whenever I want to think about simpler times, I think about that party. It must have been a doozer of a peach icecream, Dr. Kelly! Maybe my memory is a recollection of several parties that I've put in one. who knows! I just remember all of us laughing, the bug zapper, diving contests, and trying to jump each other off the trampoline.
Hugs,
Kim U
Dear Kara,
Like so many in the past have said – YOU ARE AN INPERATION, HERO, AND SO MUCH MORE! Kara please know that we are pouring our prayers out for you and your family. In my thoughts and prayers I am holding you and your family very tightly, but know that God is with you doing that for so many of us who can not be there to say good bye. We love you Kara.
Laura
Well, that just sucks! I'm trying hard not to cuss on your blog! You've fought a really hard fight, and you've kicked a lot of ass (opps, the not cussing didn't work!) you've had a lot of treatments and used a lot drugs that some would say were experimental and that paves the way for better treatments for others. You truely are a hero and an inspiration; where my faith has waivered your's has held strong - keep up the good work. And really, in the long run we can all use an angle like you on our side.
As long as you want to hear old stories, remember the trip to Omaha and pioni park and we got matching blue and white strip outfits with flowers on the front. Or how about "the peanut man," John Jr. used to scare the crap out of us with that one - said he used to walk down the railroad tracks looking for little girls. I remember right after your folks built the new house and I came for KC to visit and we were in your mom's giant tub, which at the time seemed as big as a pool and we had more bubbles in there than seemed possible, in fact I think I could dig up a picture of that one. I remember in kindergarten when you and I got in trouble for convincing Shana that Jesus was The Savior even though she is jewish! I remember watching a lot of "little house on the prairie!"
Our love and prayers are headed your way. Much love, Sal
Dear Kara, I have kept up with your ups and downs over the last couple of years. I remember seeing you at storytimes at the library with your precious little ones. And, also, at church, when you addressed the congregation at the Christmas Eve service. You and your husband are such an inspiration. Please know that I pray for peace and comfort in your journey and that of your husband, children and family.
Kara,
Your life does have and has had meaning! You have been an inspiration to so many people. You are a wonderful mom who always put her children first. You are a caring wife who supported Matt as he earned his phD and post doctoral degrees in cancer research. You are the fun loving and patient daughter who enjoys spending time at the ranch with the family. You are the stable sister who is always there to listen and help as best you can. You are the loving, listening, and giving friend who has always been there for me and my family. I have enjoyed having the honor and privilege to bring my kids up with you and yours. Thank you for sharing your baby items and tips! Thank you and Matt for having us over for great games of dominos!! You are my chick flick movie partner! You and Matt were the ones so supportive of me when I was pregnant and when I found out that both my mother and brother had cancer. You are the friend who reminds me what is important in life and who brings a smile to my face--I will never forget during the flood of Hurricane Allison, when you were pregnant with Emma and your home flooded, and you were smart enough to raise up your washer and dryer with Slim Fast cans!!
Please keep the faith that there may be one set of footprints right now as Jesus is carrying you through this suffering. But, HE is there for you and your family. He will give you and your loved ones peace. He will protect you and your family, especially Emma and Luke. No matter what, they will always know what a wonderful and loving mother they have! Who knows, you may have inspired someone you may know (Matt, Emma, Luke, etc.) or someone you may not even know to work the long hours and strive to find the cure for cancer and save so many others.
O Virgin Mother, please pray for Kara and her family.
We love you and your entire family is dear to ours. You have angels all around you--your Mom, Dad, Matt, John Jr., and Jean who have unselfishly been there with you as you are carrying the cross.
Kara, your life has meaning and has touched so many! We all owe you a thank you for letting us have the privilege to have been a part of your life.
Love,
Megan, Eric, Bailey, and Grant
Across the street tonight there are 16 moonflowers blooming and they are all blooming for you sweet Kara. If anyone needs to walk in my garden and smell the sweet fragrance and see the beauty of light in the dark just come on over. I'd send you that light and sweetness if I could.
love debbie
Dear Kara, Matt, Emma, Luke, John, Jean, and all of your wonderful family: You are all in our prayers. Kara, you are such a beautiful person. All our love, Georgia, Patrick, Joey, Mary Caroline & Lilly Nolan
Kara,
I have kept up with your dynamic challenges over the past few months and am humbled by your perserverance, strength and kind heart! I will continue to pray for you and your family. My children are the same ages as yours. I cannot fathom explaining the path that you have been given. OUr childhood in Joplin brings me great memories! Someday I hope to meet your children and tell them what a wonderful friend you were to me when we were kids.
All my love,
Kristin Brandt Stovern
Hi Matt,
My apologies for not having been in closer touch
although we have followed Kara's updates closely with
the emails and blogs we are fortunate to get as part
of your church family. I pray for strength and peace
for you, the kids and for Kara everyday and keep
reminding myself that God has chosen Kara to work
wonders amongst us. I just want you to know there is
no shortage of prayers and love for Kara, you, and the
children.
Always, Phebe, Mark, and family
Kara, Matt, Luke, Emma, Mr. Kelly, John, Carole and Jean,
We are praying for your family. Thank you for allowing me to visit with Kara and tell her I love her.
Jean, your steadfast care of Kara's blog has allowed everyone to keep up to date on her progress. Thank you for being so devoted; you are a wonderful, wonderful sister.
My family and I will continue to pray for all of you.
Love and prayers,
Jen French and family.
Dear Kara, You have been so brave and so full of grace throughout your illness. You have shone with a light that can only come from God above. He has used you to uplift and inspire so many people: friends you know and so many that you've never even met. It is mind-boggling to think of all the people whom you have touched in the last few years and imagine how their lives may have been changed by their contact with you. I don't know why you were chosen to walk this path, but you have done so beautifully, with a faith and grace that can only be admired. It has been a privilege to have known you, and we will continue to pray that God hold you and your family tenderly in His hands.
With much love,
Jill Vaughan & family
Dearest Kara,
You are absolutely the best thing that has ever happened to Matthew. Together you made two of the most beautiful children on Earth. We are so proud of all that you have achieved together. Take comfort in knowing that you both are in the loving hands of God. Listen to His wisdom for your continued journey. Love Mom and Dad Herynk
Dear Kara, we have all been touched by the light of your faith. I watched Matt hold your beautiful children in church on Sunday and felt blessed to know you all. I hope each one of you feels God's love and the love of each of your friends and family, lifting you up and surrounding you with grace and peace.
Love,
Beth
Dear Kara, Matt, Emma, Luke and all of your extended family,
You are a blessing to all of us--to all you meet. I don't have words to express how I will treasure the time I have had to get to know you and learn so much from you. You are always in my thoughts and prayers; I pray that you can feel God's loving and comforting embrace.
Love,
Leslie
Dear Kara,
I too, among countless others, am inspired by your courage, strength, and unwavering faith during your journey in this disease. May you and your family find in each other the comfort, strength, peace, and Light of God.
Love,
Brenda
May God hold you in the palm of his hand every step of the way. I know he is with you by your eloquent thoughts. I will keep you in mine.
Dear Kara,
I read all that your many friends have written here over the past few days. I've cried, laughed and yet cried some more--tears of joy for a life so full of love.
One scripture keeps coming back to me-- "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righeousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
Kara, your course has been a difficult one. With love, faith and God's grace, you have "fought the good fight".
May the Lord be with you and your wonderful family and give you peace, comfort and strength for each day.
Our love to you all, Mary & Rodney Sullivan
Dearest Kara,
Thinking of you.
Praying for you.
Wishing you peace.
-Susan Emfinger
Dear Kara,
You have been in my thoughts each day during this journey. I have visited this blog just about every day the last couple of years to see how you are; it has become a part of my routine. When I think of you, I always go back to the time when you and Matt hosted Bob's lab's Christmas party. We brought our oldest son (3 then; 11 now) and you were so good with him and I was worried he was going to get into something! I have so enjoyed seeing the beautiful photos of Emma and Luke on this blog. Even though we are far away, please know that you, Matt, Emma and Luke and your dear family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. God Bless you, Kara.
Kara - thank you - and your wonderful family and friends, for sharing so much of your very heroic and personal journey with us for all of this time. We appreciate having this blog and follow the instructions for prayer requests carefully - always amazed at the power and reach of your own faith and love and that of your family and friends. Our prayers for your comfort and for Matt, Emma and Luke continue.
Kathy and Becky Mackintosh
Topeka, KS
My thoughts and prayers are with Kara and her entire family. I am heartbroken right now. Please know, Kara, that the strength and courage you have shown (and your family has shown) through out this entire struggle has inspired me and i am sure coutless other anonymous followers of your blog, of your life, across the world. I will always remember you and your beautiful faith. Truly, truly God bless you.
Kara--I am reminded of a line from a newsboy's song "Til he returns or calls me home, here in the light of Christ I'll stand." I know you are standing in the light of Christ and he will guide your way, your words. Peace to you and your family, you have and will continue to be a tower of strength.
Claire
My prayers are with you all. Prayers for Kara to be pain free and peaceful, Prayers for the family as you journey through the following time.
God is with you and Kara will always be with you, whether sitting at your side or at God's right hand--she will be there at your side also.
D'Auan McNeel
Dear Kara,
Your love of God, has profoundly changed me. Kara, I can't imagine the questions you must have know, but know God will be with you, Matt, Luke and Emma through eternity. Life on earth is so short and are true reward is in heaven. You are a wonderful person and I am proud to know you. I have So. California praying for you. May the Lord provide you peace and comfort.
Your friend,
Love,
Jacque Willardson
Kara,
I have followed your journey and you have inspired so many with your grace and courage. You have touched so many people in so many places. Thank you.
Dear Kara,
We don't understand everything but we know that you belong to the Lord and we know He is seeing you through according to His love for you.
"Our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body."
We love you,
Aunt Karen and Uncle Don
Kara & Matt,
You are both in my prayers so often. What an example you both are! I pray God's peace & love be with you both...always.
Kara, I will miss you...more than you know. You have given me an example on which to base my life...if only I can have such faith! God speed, God's servant...you are loved by so many.
Matt, take care of your precious kids...they are so beautiful. I know Kara will watch over them from afar...
God, please comfort Kara's family and carry them through this time. Let them know Your presence always.
Amen.
Shirley Lloyd
Matt and Kara:
Jan and I are always thinking about you, and if there is anything you need, all you have to do is ask.
-Gary
Dear Kara and Matt,
Your names bring to mind this passage from Psalm 27. What a precious testimony to a faithful life both of you are! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey and your love for our Savior Jesus Christ.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp agaist me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident. One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.
And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. "
Truly your "life light" shines brightly and lights the path for others to follow and to know Christ in a more personal way. God bless you in every way!
Love from your sister in Christ, Karen
Kara, you have indeed fought the good fight, and fought it with grace and dignity. You may have lost the battle, but you've won the war! You'll be with God in his love and peace, and in the twinkling of an eye, your children and all your loved ones will be there with you. There is nothing but good things ahead for you.
It's been a pleasure and an inspiration to know you.
Chris M
Hi Kara,
I pray the peace of God is just overflowing in you and your precious family. Even though we have not met, my love for you and your family is overwhelming! God is a great God, a God of mercy and grace! I'm still believing for a miracle Kara...still believing...
God has a plan for everyone...though we may not understand...His plans are good, working all things together. I've asked the Lord to give you peace, comfort...to keep all fear away from you. May the Lord receive all the glory through this time. To use for good what the enemy meant for evil!
We love you Kara..
Kara and Matt,
Kara, Matt and I went to graduate school together in Houston, and I've been keeping up to date with your amazing blog since I learned of it.
You are an amazing woman of God that has been so inspirational to me. Your friends and family are a true testiment to the faith and love that all of us should be striving towards.
May God provide you strength and peace that you need right now. May He provide comfort needed by those surrounding you. May He bless your two precious children with a full and wonderful life in Him.
Emily Van Laar
Dear Kara,
Your enduring faith and strength of spirit are a testimony to all of us. No one can fully understand what you're going through, but we cry out to God for His mercy and love to rain down upon you. May the Holy Spirit reveal deeper peace and comfort than you've ever known.
In every challenge, you have given God glory by believing in Him and trusting Him, proclaiming His truth even when you have been in the valley. This reminds me of how Granny loved Psalm 23 and how you love it as well. It is true for all of us every day of our lives. May those words nourish your steadfast spirit.
Much Love,
Gina and Curby
Kara and Matt.
Your CBS sisters continue to thank God for you both and the clear testimony of His Amazing Grace in you, despite these most difficult days. May His Peace and Strength fill you and your precious family. And May His Presence be so real to you all.
You are loved,
Diane Wells
BLESS U KARA!!!!!!!!
Once again, in your darkest hour, you have HUMBLY submitted to JESUS. GLORY TO HIS HOLY NAME!
Once again, He is using YOU to turn our eyes, our hearts; our heads upward to Heaven in GREAT anticipation of HIS IMMINENT RETURN.
http://www.lifetalk.net/2ndcoming/ee.html
Once again, He - through YOU - is fixing our eyes, our hearts; our minds on His Eternity.
JESUS - through Kara - is saying to EVERY person
Call upon My Name - JESUS
Ask Forgiveness for your sins
Accept JESUS as your Savior now
THIS MINUTE - Don't Wait
The Thief on the cross said to JESUS:
Remember me when You come into Your Kingdom!
JESUS replied to him:
I SAY TO YOU --
TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE!
Luke 23:42-43
FEAR NOT KARA!
I tell you - if our Lord - is calling you Home, it will be your sweetest hour.
He was ALWAYS with my Mom
He NEVER left her
For His MERCY on her; my brother -
I am FOREVER HIS!
Dear Kara,
It is so difficult to understand God's will in this kind of situation, but please know that your entire family is in our prayers, and that you are in God's precious hands.
Lori Myers and Family
Dear Kara and Matt,
We were so touched and amazed that right in the middle of your battle you both offered to help us with our child's battle with lymphoma. You gave us such peace and comfort. We can never thank you enough.
You and your extended family continue to be in our prayers. We pray for comfort and peace. We expecially ask God to watch over your precious Emma and Luke.
Love,
Doug, Olga and Dougie Ferrell
Dear Kara,
I had went to school with you and I am terribly sorry that I don't remember you very well. I remember your name. I just wanted to say that you are far too young to go now. But God has different plans. I will pray for you, but if it is God's will you will be home with him. You seem like a very strong woman i envy those who are that strong. My heart hurts to know that you have been struggling with this cancer. I will pray for you at Gods will. I will pray for a miracle as well.
Sisters In Christ,
Loveta
Kara,
You are an extraordinary example of a noble woman walking humbly with our God. You always give Him the glory and your hope rests on nothing less than our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. You have been such an encouragement to me as I watch you live your faith daily. You are creating a lasting legacy for many. God promises to work all things together for good for those who love Him and He has (and will) be glorified...even when we don't understand His ways. Your treasure is in heaven and although I will continue to pray for healing on earth, He is waiting for you with open arms ready to say to you...you have run the race well my good and faithful servant. We have hope and life in Him alone! I have loved getting to know you through CBS small group two years ago and being with you at the beginning of this year. You always put a smile on my face when I would run into you at gymnastics or the pool...your smile and joy is contagious. You are a daughter of our king!! We missed you today at CBS...you are in my prayers. Love,
Elise Mueller
Dear Kara,
I am deeply saddened to hear that you may be at the end of this struggle. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. You were the best Mom in our playgroup. You impressed me when I met you because even though you were a young Mom -- you thought like I did -- that toddlers belonged with their Moms. Most of our playgroup members put their kiddos in 5 day programs quite early and we were the only hold outs for quite some time. I was also quite impressed with the closeness of your family even before your diagnosis. Your brother would meet us at the library to spend time with his niece. Your sister attended playgroups with us. Others that met you later probably thought your family was just around to take care of you since you were sick, but your family has always wanted to be a part of your life and your children's lives and you are very blessed to have them. I also remember you telling me on your 30th birthday that Matt had gone out and bought you 30 gifts - one for each year -- and I thought how lucky you were to have such a thoughtful husband. I later learned first hand what a good guy Matt is when he helped take over the soccer team when my husband was ill. Thank you both for that. This community is filled with people who care about you and are thinking about you in this difficult time.
Hugs,
Crystal Williams
Dear Kara,
You and Matt have planted wonderful seeds of faith in Emma and Luke - through Sunday School, VBS, Bible study, and most importantly, through your example. Your children have seen you in prayer, have seen you in service and have seen your love. Rest assured, Sweet Kara, that there are many "waterers" in your family and among your friends who will continue praying for God to grow them into adults who love the Lord every bit as much as their Mom and Dad do.
Thank you for the example you have set, for showing them early the importance of hiding God's word in their hearts and for reminding them how much Jesus loves them. I pray that God's word will always be a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their paths.
Love,
Kim F.
Dear Kara and Family,
I have been so touched by getting to know you and your family. When the boys became friends it was such a comfort to me knowing that my son had found someone with a great Christian background, strong morals and a wonderful family to be friends with. Connor still talks about his conversation with you on where the best lemonade is.
Kara-you are a remarkable woman and have inspired so many people. You have an enormous community praying for you and your precious family. Your time here with all of us may be shortened but your memory will last a lifetime.
Love and prayers,
Emily, Patrick, Connor and Hannah Smith
To my best friend Kara Jean...I Love you. It's ok....don't be scared. You are a strong person. God's with you and your family. I thank you for all you have done for me. You've inspired me in many ways as well as you have others. Im not going to say good bye. Just doesn't feel right to me. I'll just say see ya later, girl. ILY!
My Dear Kara, Your gentle smile will live forever in my memory. We have had some wonderful talks, some great times together and we will continue to enjoy each other -our hearts and minds thankfully allow us to remember. ... like the day I gave you the flower that would never wilt.. You liked that and you very sweetly accepted that little painting as the token of love I wanted you to have.
You are my hero! A very famous person to many people but more than anything -- an exceptionally brave, marvelously special example of a strong Christian human being.
Thank you for being part of my life and thank you for all that you are doing in HIS name.
Love, Gem
Kara,
May the love in your heart shine bright and warm an everlasting light for your family and pave a glorious path to god.
Matt, Emma and Luke,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you each and every day in this time - we hope the joy of the time you have all had together help you to feel her love for the rest of your days till you all see each other again.
We love you all!
Chris, Catherine, Nicholas, Justin and Brendan
I believe that God has a purpose and that He requests that Kara come home sooner than we would want her to. If only there was a way to check in with her from time to time to say hello, having her go home would not be quite as difficult. Our prayers are for God to comfort her family, watch over her children and wrap her in His loving arms to bring her home in peace and grace.
Dear Kara,
I have the fondest memories of you... I remember watching movies in your basement and jumping on your trampoline. You have such a kind, sweet and gentle heart. You have the most amazing capacity to love unconditionally. I know that Luke and Emma will know what a wonderful woman of faith you are and how brave their mommy is. I am continually inspired by you and your absolute love for Our Lord. We can take comfort in knowing that it isn't "goodbye" but only "see you later!" My prayers will continue to be with you and your family.
See you later...
Lisa Gaydos Hogue
LOTS of love
Kara, you are such an inspiration to us all. We are praying for you and your family.
Kara,
We have followed your blog from the beginning of your ordeal. You are obviously an encouragement to many, as you have been to us. It has been wonderful to see the upbeat mother, wife, and christian that you have continued to be throughout your trials. Death is never easy to deal with, especially not with one so young and with so many years of hopes, ambitions and dreams ahead of you. We are certain that you have impacted Matt, Luke, and Emma's lives in a way that will allow some of you to shine through them throughout the remainder of their lives. In all things there are blessings, although it is very hard to see them sometimes. It is apparent through this blog that you are an impact player in so many people's lives. If we can all be so lucky to leave behind the legacy that you have, the world will truly be a more beautiful place.
A favorite scripture that comes to mind is: 2 Corinthians 5: 6-8 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord - for we walk by faith, not by sight - we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.
We will continue to pray for you and your family.
Love,
Jason and Sarah Giebler
Dear Matt and all Kara's family,
Our hearts are with you. The Lord is surely holding Kara in the palm of His hand and today she will dwell among the Saints and Angels. We thank God for the blessing of having dear Kara touch so many lives with her gentle sweetness, her amazing courage and her unlimited capacity to love.
Aunt Mary Mgt. & Uncle Gary
Dear Matt,
Your Kara was a jewel that was priceless and a treasure to us all. You sure knew what you were doing when you pulled out that ring at Chili's. Emma and Luke have been created by God using the bodies of two incredible people that were in love with each other, and, more importantly, in love with God. There is nothing to straighten out the road ahead for your journey as a single parent. But you will be blessed with huge bumper pads as you steer your children into the future. God is in each of you, and you will ALWAYS know His presence.
I'm a late comer to your family, yet Kara made me feel like a dear friend. You, smiled and waved to me as I climbed the stairs to the choir room to prepare for Kara's service. You BOTH ALWAYS showed that you CARED. A remarkable characteristic possessed by few.
I will continue to keep you in prayer, but I will offer up a little talent of my own. I babysit, and LOVE it. If you ever need help, I'm extremely good at playing silly games, reading books, coloring, puddle splashing, and my lap is best when there's a little one sitting in it for me to hug. I've even been know to pull down very tall young men (my sons) for a hug. Hugs are important and I have lots to give.
Yours in prayer, service and at any time you call.
Sandy Strauss
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