Kari has been in many hard places. Over and over, she has come through life-threatening illnesses. This time, she will not recover. For weeks, there have been signs that are clear to us now.
In the heart of covid, we nearly lost her, but God brought her through and gave her five more years of life. And we received the gift of a diagnosis, learning that no one in the world is known to have lived as long with her genetic deficiency.
It has been hard to accept the reality that we are coming to the end. We’ve been delaying this news until we are completely certain. It is extremely hard to let her go. But we can’t keep her here. It is the end of this journey, but not the end.
We’ve always wanted to care for Kari. And we couldn’t see her outliving us. And so, we take comfort and encouragement in God’s answering our prayer, that we could see her to journey’s end.
Joan and I have needed time to come to accept and begin to process this reality. Now that we’ve broken this news, this will be the place where you will find updates. Thank you in advance for your prayers, compassion, and comfort. We will welcome and treasure every expression of care. We will respond as we are able.
* * *
Some of you are familiar with Alfred Tennyson’s poem, “Crossing the Bar.” The following are similar words about anticipating death.
Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You have come to journey’s end
Sleep now
Dream — of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You’re only sleeping
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come
To carry you home
And all will turn to silver glass
A light on the water
All souls pass
Hope fades
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
Don’t say
We have come now to the end
White shores are calling
You and I will meet again
And you’ll be here in my arms
Just sleeping
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come
To carry you home
And all will turn to silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass
Into the West
(“Into the West,” by Fran Walsh, Howard Shore and Annie Lennox)
joyinaforeignland.com 
My heart is breaking. We are praying! I am so sorry.
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My prayers will go with you as you go through this sorrow and loss. Praise the Lord you can look forward to seeing her again up there and completely whole!
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Dear Joan and Ron, Such sad and hard news. Kari’s life has touched so many lives!!! Our prayers are with you and the family as her journey on earth ends. Blessings, Susan and Scott
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Father, we praise you for Kari’s life. For the precious gift she is to her family and friends. We praise you for Ron and Joan and the amazing, unconditional, selfless love they poured into Kari and all their family. We pray that as Kari’s earthly life comes to an end, she and her family will not just know your Presence, but feel you holding them too. In the powerful, mighty, comforting name of Jesus. Amen
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Oh friends, we’re so sorry. We send our love and hugs and care to you all. Please hug each other close. Kari, you are so loved by so many. We think of you often and love you still even though we haven’t seen you
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Ron and Joan our hearts hurt for you! Kari has had the best parents a girl could ask for! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time as you release her into the loving arms of Jesus! May you feel God carrying you through these days! Praying for Matthew as well as he loves his sister so much! Hugs to all of you!💕
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We care.
Prayers abound.
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Please know, I am praying for your family. I haven’t connected with Keri since I was a child, but am looking forward to meeting her again, in Heaven, in God’s glory. I imagine her singing and dancing in the presence of our Lord. I can’t wait to be there, right beside her.
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You are in our prayers.
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Any words I offer will never be enough. My heart is breaking for both of you, Ron and Joan, Matthew, Jeremy and Sarah and their girls. May Kari find peace and may she run into the arms of Jesus.
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Love and prayers dear friends 💗
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I have been praying fervently for your family. For peace for all of your family and for wisdom on how to explain things to Matthew. I know there are complicated emotions dealing with the death of a child. Thank you for sharing this difficult news. Sending hugs, Margaret Bechtel
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This news was difficult to hear, but we are filtering it through our loving Lord’s plan and timing. Oh, that every child could know how very much they are loved and treasured as much you have shown Kari and her siblings.
We are praying you and your family.
Linda & Rob
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O Lord God, who art light eternal, in the brightness of whose countenance is day that knows no light, and in thy protecting arms all quietness and tranquility: Whilst the darkness covers the face of the earth, receive our body and soul unto thy care and keeping; that whether we sleep or wake, we may rest in thee, in thy light beholding light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Jeremy Taylor)
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Oh friends, we’re so sorry.
We send our love and hugs and care to you all. Please hug each other close.
Kari, you are so loved by so many. We think of you often and love you still even though we haven’t seen you in so long.
I can’t wait to see you in heaven someday and hear of the incredible greeting you have with Jesus. He’s so excited for your hug (someday), I bet!
Love to you and prayers for you, Joan and Ron, Matthew, Jeremy and family.
With joy and sadness,
Jen
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