Author Archives: rkdenlinger

Translated into modern English: “May God grant you (cause you to have, continue in) peace and happiness.”   The three of us “resting” during an Endless Mountains retreat – a getaway to grieve. We treasure all the cards and letters we’ve been receiving. They bring comfort and joy to us. Receiving a mixture of sympathyContinue reading “God Rest Ye Merry”

A dear relative, after reading our most recent post, wrote to Joan and me: “Your family’s experiences over the last week are too hard and sad.” It does feel that way! It makes me wonder: Are we in a good place, a safe place, when the trials compound and feel like too much? There wasContinue reading “Subscribe / Unsubscribe”

He wraps Himself in Light, Love and Hope and in our darkness, He wraps us with these attributes that keep us from falling into the abyss of depression and despair. Advent is soon here- reminding us that we are in the dimmest hours before the Light will come.  Soon we will be wrapping presents, readyContinue reading “He wraps…. We wrap”

Before I (Ron) get into the reason for the title of this post, this update… This afternoon, we pass on Kari’s “party bus” to a local family who has a son in a wheelchair. That came together quickly as did the purchase of a minivan for our second vehicle. We already think of this asContinue reading “Works of Art”

So many of you have gifted us with being there for us (your attendance this past Friday), words of encouragement, prayers, flowers, memories, meals, hugs, and so on. Each of them help – a lot! This morning we received another wonderful gift from a dear friend – an amazing writer who has given a lovingContinue reading “Precious Gifts Amidst the Pain”

For those of you who can’t make it on Friday to Kari’s celebration of life service, we want to let you know that Calvary will be livestreaming it. This can be accessed at the Calvary Church webpage, at https://www.calvarychurch.org/memorial-service/.  Please note that if you log on early (prior to 11:00 on Friday, November 7) you mayContinue reading “Livestream Info”

Each of us is responding to Kari’s loss in his own way. Matthew, last evening, wished Kari’s stuffed animals a good night. Our granddaughter, Elia, informed her dog that Kari had died. Bailey seemed sympathetic. As for me, beyond the shock, tears, and waves of deep sadness, I process. And as I do, there isContinue reading “Thoughts about “Life””

A viewing will take place 9:30 to 10:45 am, followed by the funeral at 11:00 am on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. Interment will be in Paradise Mennonite Cemetery on Friday at 2:30 PM. You are invited to any / all the above including lunch followingContinue reading “Celebration of Kari’s Life”

She left us just before 8 this morning. Jeremy was here with us. Her passing was as peaceful as death can be. Though we begged God that he would call her soon, we can’t stop crying. Thank you for all your prayers. We’ll let you know about the celebration of her life. Check back here.Continue reading “Kari is in heaven”

Each moment with Kari is precious. And yes, she is still with us. She is comfortable, which makes things easier for all of us. Joan was able to sleep. Matthew is also more settled and expressing more thoughts and feelings about losing his sister. Today is Matthew’s birthday – he is now a big teenager.Continue reading “Precious Days”