The memorial service for Kara will be held on Wednesday, October 10th, at 3:30 p.m. It will be held at the Bellaire United Methodist Church. A reception for friends and family will immediately follow in the fellowship hall.
We appreciate all the kind comments that people are posting to the blog. We are looking into a way to archive the blog so that it can be saved for Emma and Luke. Please continue to add your remembrances of Kara -- she was loved by so many people, and it will be so special for Emma and Luke to have your stories and memorials to Kara, forever.
Emma and Luke saw this rainbow in the sky this evening, and Emma said that it was a present for them from Mommy from Heaven. They're calling it "Mommy's Rainbow."
Thank you.
In February 2005, Kara was diagnosed with a rare form of metastatic brain cancer – large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. She is a devoted mother of two, and a caring and generous wife, sister and daughter. This blog was started to keep family and friends informed of Kara's progress. The thoughts and prayers Kara has received through this blog have been an unending source of hope and inspiration, including many kind and encouraging comments from people she has never met. We thank you all.
44 comments:
Dear Herynks and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
I remember meeting your family at Lafayette Park when our girls were about one year old. Mary and Emma were instant friends, and have remained so. I remember Kara's gentle encouragement of Emma - "Emma, be sweet!" Emma always has been sweet - due in large measure to her terrific role model - her Mom.
I have so much respect and admiration for your family, your parenting, and your faith. We are praying for you and wishing you peace and love.
I told Mary today of Kara's death, and she has spent the afternoon working on a picture for Emma. It is a picture of Emma giving her Mommy a big hug - decorated with lots of hearts, musical notes, and a big rainbow. I'll include the picture with a card to the family.
I look forward to having Emma in our Daisy troop, and doing everything possible to be supportive. Unfortunately, we have a long-planned family trip, and will be out of town on Wednesday for the funeral. Our thoughts, prayers, and best wishes will be with you.
Deepest sympathy to your whole extended family. Kara was a pillar of our community, and we will all miss her, too.
Love, Meg Ferris (and Chris, Mary and John Ferris)
I wish I could be there, but I will be there in spirit. Godspeed, Kara, your loved ones remain in our prayers
Dear Herynk Family: You do not know me, but I am a cousin to Jim Herynk. I have been believing for a miracle for Kara, and praying for you all. My heart and spirit go out to all of you who are left here to remember and miss her. I pray that our Lord Jesus will comfort you, in your need.
Sincerly, Oretta Murphy McMillen
Kara is with God. Our thoughts and prayers continue for all of you in this hardest of times.
Kara was such an inspiration of faith to me and she amazed me with her strength and kindness. Last year when I shared with her a difficult time that I was going through she immediately sent to me a beautiful card and a long list of inspirational verses. I will never forget that thoughtful gesture and I have shared this story with many people. Through Kara I felt touched by the hand of God. Even with everything she was going through at the time she found the time to send me words of encouragement and a hand-written note that she had obviously struggled to write. I can't tell you how much that meant to me.
The world was a much better place with Kara in it and I will never ever forget her.
We are thinking of you all and praying for comfort and strength. Recording the content of this blog as a way for Emma and Luke to later be able to see is a wonderful idea - I think they will be amazed to see how many people were following her journey, adding prayers to those of your community of family and friends.
Kathy and Becky Mackintosh
Topeka, KS
W - O - W!!!!!!!
I can see Kara smiling from ear to ear over this! Her heart pounding to think how much Emma and Luke LOVE HER to associate the love between them in God's Gift of a rainbow. So beautiful.
W - O - W!
THE BOW WILL BE IN THE CLOUD;
I WILL LOOK UPON IT,
I WILL REMEMBER THE EVERLASTING
covenant between God;
every living creature.
Genesis 9:16
O Father, give me the faith of a little child.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kara and her family. She has left blessings in youth here and we will always know that Emma and Luke will have their mommy angel by their sides.
With sincerity and sympathy,
Kristin Stovern(Brandt)
Emma & Luke - Your Mom told me that she would always be praying for you from up in Heaven. She'll continue to love you with ALL OF HER HEART from Heaven. Nothing can ever stop her from loving you. When you miss her, ask Jesus to give her a big kiss and a hug and tell her it's from you. Remember, Jesus can tell her anything you want her to know.
-Barbara
Words are inadequate to express our deepest sorrow for Kara's homegoing. Yet we are also joyful that Kara is now with the Lord, and we join with so many who celebrate her life and her profound faith in her Lord and Savior.
Thank you, Jean and John, for sharing Kara's journey of faith and final victory. The pictures have been so very special. The rainbow photo is such a beautiful reminder that God keeps his promises and remains ever faithful. Praise God for Kara's life and legacy.
We love you and lift you up in prayer during this time. May you feel the Lord's presence and peace today and in the days to come.
Love and prayers, Mary & Rodney Sulivan and family
When I come to the end of the day
And the sun has set for me
I want no tears in a gloom-filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone,
It's all a part of the Maker's plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss me, but let me go.
We love you so much and will miss you so much, but we will let you go. The children and Matt will be in our prayers every day. Prayers for strength and faith. You have
taught them well, our Dearest Kara.
The Herynks, Jim, Diane, Jenny and Todd, Samantha and Heath, Katie, and Jamie
Dear Matt,
My mind wanders back to a day before Kara’s diagnosis when I saw your family walking home from Evergreen Park – Luke in the stroller, Emma bouncing along side with those beautiful curls bouncing too, and you and Kara, strolling home, smiling and chatting. I thought what a beautiful family this is. I am so thankful that you have had these past two and a half more years together as a family to make wonderful memories, ones that you and your children will have forever.
To Kara’s whole family,
Thank you for allowing us, Kara's church family, to be a part of your lives as you walked this difficult journey with Kara. I know the Holy Spirit is real because I feel his presence every time I visit Kara and Matt’s home. I know the importance of family because I’ve watched you love each other as I’ve read Kara’s blog from the beginning. The outpouring of love and hope and encouragement from around the country is heart-warming - a testament of God’s love.
Dear Sweet Kara,
You lived your life here on earth with beauty and grace and a positive outlook that is so inspiring to me. Your joy and trust in the Lord is contagious. I will never forget you. I know God is holding you close, forever.
love, Liz Atkinson
Dear Matt and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am a 1st year student at GSBS who had begun to doubt my future in the field of cancer research. On Friday, Oct. 5, Dr. Gary Gallick began the class with a heavy heart, telling your story and offering to email us the link to the blog. I contacted him for the link, and have been moved in a powerful way by your story. My passion for cancer research has been renewed, and I have been reminded of why I chose to go into the field. Moreover, the testament of faith presented in this blog is extraordinary, and my wife and I have both been encouraged by it.
I am writing to give any form of encouragement that I can. I wanted you to know that your wife's story and struggle has meant a great deal to a young researcher and brother in Christ.
Grace and Peace be with you,
Matt and Brittany White
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Joyce Forsythe Gathright
Parable of immortality ( A ship leaves . . . ) by Henry Van Dyke - 1852 - 1933
I am standing by the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a peck of white cloud just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, 'There she goes!
Gone where? Gone from my sight - that is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the places of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says, 'There she goes! ' There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout : 'Here she comes!'
I remember the first time I met Kara. We had gone to KState with Jim and Diane to visit Matt. He took us to meet his very special girl friend, Kara. There she was smiling and happy and welcoming in her beautifully kept condo with her dog, bird, plants and she even had her horse safely in its stable. It was evident even then that Kara would make a wonderful homemaker and mother. Matt beamed with pride as he introduced me, his Aunt Mary Margaret and his cousin Ann. We all knew that Matt was a most lucky fellow to have found this remarkable woman.
Their love for each other was truly unconditional and an example for all of us about the real meaning of marriage. Kara will live on in her two beautiful children Emma and Luke. There is no greater gift that she could have given to the families.
We have been blessed to have had Kara as a part of our family. She will always have a place in our hearts.
The McCarthy-Herynk Family
Dear Matt, Emma, and Luke
You don't know me, but my twin sister Leslie Piggott is in your Sunday School class. I met Kara only once, but months before I met her she sent me a card in the mail. I was pregnant with my second child, having a difficult time physically but especially emotionally. Leslie had asked your Sunday School class to pray for me during that time. Kara was already struggling with her cancer at that time, but in her note she encouraged me to have faith, to trust in God's plan, and to stay strong in the Lord. As compared to Kara, my burden was light. I should have been rejoicing in the gift of life growing inside me, but in my selfishness was bemoaning the coming of another child. Kara, in her selflessness, reached out to me (someone she didn't even know) with encouragement and Christ's love. I was truly overwhelmed by her kindness, it was extremely insprirational in my time of need.
I hope that this memory will be special for you - for your wife/mother was truly a special person. I know that she is now home her Jesus.
In Christ's Love,
Marie Henderson
There is no doubt in my mind that Kara sent that rainbow...may she rest is peace.
Dear Matt and Kara's Family,
You are definitley in our prayers at this time. May the Holy Spirit be your comfort and strength.
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 2 Corinthians 1:2-4
In Christ,
Peter and Irma Davis
Hello Matt,
I am so sorry to hear about Kara's passing. It must have been such a long duration of months for you...and I feel for you. I can't describe how the past seven months have been for me, but I appreciate your support when you provided it in March and April.
If I can return the favor, please don't hesitate to let me know. From me, I hope that you know that means so much.
Take care of yourself and your children.
Sincerely,
Sarah
Sarah Wenstrand-Moore
email: swmoore13@msn.com
webpages: http://home.earthlink.net/~swmoore13
http://web.mac.com/sarahwm
What a beautiful story! Thank you for lifting our hearts, Emma!
May God and the Holy Spirit shine through you and your brother!
Kara we see you brightening our lives through your children!
Megan, Eric, Bailey, and Grant
Dear Matt and Kara's family,I want to express my deepest sympathy to you all. I went to school with Kara in Joplin for many years. She was such a great friend and fun, eneregetic person to be around. What a beautiful person she went on to be. Her children will shine from the light of their mother's LOVE. My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Regan Seward (Graham)
The Kellys and Herynks--You are in our thoughts and prayers today. May the Lord strengthen, comfort and sustain you today and the days to come. We tried to find a way to be at the service today but were unable to make arrangements. We are with you in spirit and hold you close to our hearts. Give our love to all.
The Sullivans
Matt, Emma, and Luke:
I am so sorry for your loss and I can't imagine how difficult this is for you.
Kara struck me as a very kind, gentle, genuine person. She always seemed very grounded, very strong, very steady.
I am heartbroken for your loss, but I am also grateful to know that Kara's suffering has ended and that she is at peace. She will always be around, we'll be able to see her in Luke and Emma.
She fought hard, and you sent her out with love. She has left a legacy of courage, faith, and two beautiful children.
Please know that I am here for you.
Love,
Celia
Dear Matt and family,
A dear Christian neighbor of ours upon our return from yesterday's graveside services there in Houston reminded us of these verses in I Thessalonians chapter 4:
"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall sleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him....
And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words."
We continue to pray for encouragement and comfort for each of you.
Much love,
Aunt Karen and Uncle Don
The service was great - we are sooo glad that we were able to attend. Kara made such a difference in so many people's lives. She lives on through all those that will never forget her. And like I said before, we can all use an angle like her on our side.
I have been praying for Kara and her family throughout her illness and am sorry to hear of her death. I did not have the opportunity to ever meet Kara but knew her father through work. My husband died of a brain tumor and I now feel a special bond with anyone who is fighting brain cancer.
It is obvious that you all have a deep faith in God. I trust that you will continue to love and lean on Him. He will continue to give you peace, strength, and comfort always.
It is very comforting to know that Kara is now with our Lord. But, you will miss her forever more. I think that maintaining this blog in Kara's memory, especially for her children, is a wonderful idea. It will help keep her spirit alive.
I would also encourage you to work through your grief, which really is hard work. You might benefit from subsribing to daily emails at Griefshare.org, taking some grief recovery classes or reading some books. Of course, reading His word in the Bible is also a must.
With love in Christ,
Kathy
To the Herynk and Kelly families:
I knew Kara growing up in Joplin, and though we hadn't seen each other since graduation in 1992, I am deeply saddened to learn of her passing.
The comments on this blog are a testament to the kind of person--strong, selfless, loving, beautiful--Kara was. It's obvious that she touched a lot of people's lives.
My thoughts and sympathy are with you all at this difficult time.
Kelly (Simpson) Atwood
Dear Families of Kara,
From the first day in Kindergarten, (Eastmoreland Elementary School in Joplin, MO.), when Kara came up to me and offered to play with me. There was something special and Christ-like that shown from her. Her friendship, caring and consistent Godly example has always impacted me, even through the years until now. I have been daily praying for her and following along on this beautiful blog. I am so sorry for your loss. I KNOW Heaven has gained a PURE soul. Kara always had her "own way" of reaching out to others selfLESSly. Even though our hearts are saddened - in Ephesians 6:22 it says, ".....and that He might comfort your hearts." When we are the weakest that is when HE is the strongest and HE will be our strength -even when it seems difficult to go on.
Kara, this next verse is dedicated to you from an old friend who still remembers you with JOY, LOVE and lots of SMILES. Philippians 1:3 - "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."
Please know, I will continue to call out your family in prayer. God bless you all and comfort you at this time. You have been a TRUE example of faithfulness. What we can't understand here on Earth - we will, someday on the other side. "God's ways are not our ways." Peace and strength be yours now and always.
Thank you Jean for your lovely and eloquent way of sharing Kara's testimony and beautiful story with us all. May God put HIS angels and arms around you this day and embrace you with HIS Love. I know Kara's legacy will only continue to grow and live through the lives of her own children.
Blessings and Prayers,
Kimberly Hall
Dallas Metro Area
Dear Matt,
I just heard about Kara's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. Have comfort in knowing that so many of us are continually praying for you and your family. May the peace of God be with you and may His spirit strengthen you during this time.
This testament of you and your family's faith in God and His will will forever be remembered. I never met Kara, but from what everyone has said of her, she was truly a servant of God who ministered to so many people. I'm sure you and your family is proud of that.
Take care! God bless you!
Nikesha Harrington
Dear Herynk and Kelly Family,
Although we only knew Kara as a little girl and then saw her again at her wedding,we were always struck with her kind spirit. She showed such love and courage through all of this. We will always keep her in our hearts and will keep you in our prayers. We know God is keeping you close by His side.
Love,
Curt and Linda
Matt,
My thoughts and prayers are with Emma today. Give her an extra hug for me.
Kim F.
Dear Carol,
Unfortunately, I've lost your phone number. I'd really like to talk to you. If you'd like, you could send it to my email address: LLLaetz@gmail.com. I've been praying for you and the whole family.
Love,
Linda
I never met Kara or her family but was cleaning out old emails and came across her announcement in the Bellaire Young Mothers newsletter from November. I went to the blog and when I saw the rainbow I started crying. I have a daughter and son the same age as Kara's kids and I can't imagine how hard it is for Kara's whole family to face a future without her. Bless you all so much.
Lynn Chorn
Dear Matt:
Planet Cancer is putting together a book, and there is a post of yours -- speaking about your wife -- that we'd like to include. We were very sad to hear that your wife lost her battle, but we'd like to include your words about her to memorialize her.
If you could contact me, I can fill you in on the details. Thank you very much, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
Tom Whiteside
(917) 304-6455
tom@planetcancer.org
Dear Kara,
You are still so much in our hearts. We had a BBQ at Robbie's over the weekend. The kids had a great time. Sharon, Liz, and I all learned that we regularly check this blog, and we decided to say Hi to each other via your beautiful spirit. I still can't believe you are not walking with us on earth. The sign in you pink bathroom made me think I could walk out into the bedroom, and you would be there...
Diane
Hi Diane (and anyone else who may pop in). When the three of us mentioned that we still check Kara's blog it really struck me that Kara may not be here on earth, but she certainly is here in spirit. So many of Kara's friends at church think of her and pray for her family regularly. And seeing Matt and Emma and Luke faithfully attend church and seeing them surrounded by so many who love them is heart-warming.
With Mothers Day coming up, I imagine it might be a difficult day for Kara's whole family. Please know that you all are in my prayers. Liz
Mother's Day is around the corner and I can't help but smile as I remember all the lessons Kara taught me about motherhood. I'm not going to divulge Kara's secrets to success, but I will say that when listening to another mother's "motherhood bumps", I get joy out of remembering Kara and my conversations and then I'll share some tidbit Kara shared with me starting "My good friend Kara told me once..." - Robbie
Once again, Kara,you are in our hearts forever. We went to church in the Smokies last Sunday and Amazing Grace, your choice, was a hymm that was sung...still a sign that your are with us. We walked out of church and looked at the mountains. Please be with us, dear child of God, Hi to all who miss you. Love, Diane
Dear Kara, Did you hear Samantha calling you last night? We were trying to find fire flies, and Sam was waving the flash light in the sky so that you could see where she was. She wanted you to help her find the fire flies.
Love, Diane
I never met Kara, but I am missing her today. Emailing back and forth with her mother-in-law about her husband and kids getting settled into their new home in February 2011. Wishing Kara could see her children's strength. Wishing her husband had her love and support as he starts his latest job. Wishing for things that can't be. Wishing that life were more fair than it is. Thinking that Kara must have done many, many, many things well since her family clearly understands that they were loved; it's obvious that they still feel the love.
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