The Spiritual Side of Blogging

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Blogging is an incredible tool, it connects people who would have never otherwise met. Most bloggers connect when they type something they are searching for in GOOGLE, or when they are browsing along the Internet and they see a word or image that they feel drawn to know more about and CLICK on it.

That simple request on GOOGLE or while browsing connects people.

Some say Blogging is for lonely hearts or people who are searching for something…. whether that is true or not it doesn't matter to me. Thank goodness the Internet connects people and allows them to feel "connected" to another.

What I have noticed is the power behind blogging, the power to touch other people's lives and at the same time to feel that others are touching my life… Feel good? Affirming? Giving? Yes and healing. Blogging can be as real as sharing a cup of tea with a friend sitting by your side. Someone you can share with and trust to feel understood.

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I have meet many bloggers and each time I feel I have known them my entire life. Those of you who write in the comment section of this blog (even if I do not write back) I feel a connection, a trust, a virtual community made real, because we share something beyond just words on a screen. "The something" that the Internet provides… a place to meet and share.

There are many stories on the Internet that have caught the attention of readers and because of that the a connection of caring has happened. With blogging anything is possible.

Never in a million years did I think I would be working with VICTORIA magazine, and yet without my knowing it the publisher was someone who was reading my blog. You never know who is reading your blog or what it gives to them.

My friend Shelley has receive many lovely gifts from complete (blogging) strangers, simply to encourage her and to tell her that her LIFE encourages them! Shelley spends hours reading blogs, do you know the gift that brings to her? Your blogging is a gift to someone who might never be able to tell you thank you.

A friend wrote to me about the NIE NIE Dialogs. The power of blogging, the attention one can direct to one another instantly, to help someone in need is amazing. Blogging can shape someone's life and help them to give of themselves to another… it is as easy as typing in, "I am here and I care." Nie Nie Dialogs gave many young mothers hope and in return she is receiving their hope back.

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When my father was in the hospital dying I wrote on my blog everyday. It was my therapy. It was my lifeline. Your comments, your attention, your openness to share with me about your sadness, your pain, your lost, your hope encouraged me. I saw that I was not alone, and that like you I would survive the sorrow the aching lost of a love of my life. My father felt your prayers too and it gave him comfort. I felt the spiritual side of blogging.

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Yesterday I received this comment and I had to share it with you… because I know you will be by Kris' family's side and that will give them courage and grace….

"Corey,

For sometime now, I have relished reading your daily posts and learned quite alot of interesting things. I like to pride myself on reading your daily posts and leaving a comment about the articles you write about. I've gotten so use to doing this that it feels weird if I don't. I wanted to let you know that I won't be able to read and comment daily as things in my life have turned upside down. My daughter-in-law passed away in a car accident Friday Sept.12th. A young lady 22 years old ran a red light and hit her. She died instantly. She leaves behind two children Joshua 7, Isabella 3, and my son Brandon. I don't usually write about such things, but remember how hard it was for you after your father passed away and I thought to myself, "Who could I write to about this that would understand the depth of my sorrow and the pain that I feel for my son, and grandchildren?" Then I thought of you and how open and honest you were about how you felt. I hope that in time I too will be able to release the sadness I feel just as you did. Thank you for letting me share this with you. I will try to play catch-up in-between caring for my grandchildren and son. Please keep us in your prayers at this most difficult time.

Thank you so much for lending me your ear.

Kris"

If you can please add a comment to Kris…I know she will feel your support and by it find strength.



Comments

110 responses to “The Spiritual Side of Blogging”

  1. Again, you’re a gem, Corey.
    To Kris – It’s hard to know what to say at a time like this. I know, because I’ve been in a situation like this before. All I can say is to reach out and hold on to the Lord with all your might and He will comfort you. Back in 1980, one of my dearest friends was killed in a highway accident, leaving his wife and 14 year old son. It was like having a hole torn in your heart all of a sudden. You wanted to be able to make it all better for them, but you couldn’t and it was a helpless feeling – especially since you are hurting, too. All I can say is that only God can make it bearable. Call out to Him and He will come. A big hug to you.

  2. Dear Corey
    Thanks for sharing this most touching soul sharing from Kris
    My love and prayers for you and your family.
    God bless you all.
    Please feel free to email me at any time you feel lonely or someone to reach out to.
    The blogging community has hearts as big as gold as you know from our dear Corey.
    Love and hugs and prayers for everyone.
    Be kinder than you can ever be
    as everyone is going through some kind of struggle in life.
    You may just never know.
    Love Jeanne

  3. For Kris,
    Please look into Grief Counseling for you, your son and the children. This helped me so much when I was going through the loss of my mother. When my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I began immediately with the counseling and it helps so much. Grief is a natural part of saying goodbye but it can be overwhelming and a monster at times. It helps to have a specialist guide you through the murky waters of all the emotions.

  4. You have group which encircles the globe, sending up prayers for you and your family.

  5. Dear Corey, I say blogging is for FULL HEARTS! You are the perfect example of that.
    We are a community who cares all the way from our houses, ready to touch others with words filled of meaning, intention,and openness. I think the spirit of bloggers is life changing-it reminds you of the power of community, how we are all connected, and different yet the same.And that is why Kris:
    Our prayers are with you, and I sincerely wish that maybe the support of our comments make you feel less lost and help you in this difficult time. Your sister-in-law lives in her children and everything she touched that lingers. Maybe her presence in everything around your family can be a source of comfort for your son and those sweet little ones, and give you an added strength and feeling that you are not alone. We are all there, praying and supporting you. Love, Isabel
    Thank you again Corey for and extraordinaire blog entry. You are a gem!

  6. Oh Kris-
    I came across your daughter-in-law’s blog last night. Read through the comments outpouring love and appreciation for her beauty and creativity. There is a great cloud of people grieving her loss.
    I pray that the same Love who gave her beauty, the same Love who gave her your incredible son, the same Love who gave her motherhood… will envelop you and your family, will comfort and in time bring peace.
    I am so sorry for your loss…
    xo

  7. Kris my love to you, your son and grandchildren. I will keep you in my prayers!
    Thanks for sharing Corey!
    Love
    x x

  8. I agree, TICA – blogging is what you make it. And a thought for your reader, Kris, who is facing such a sudden and heartbreaking loss:
    Each time we weep for a lost loved one, we make a little room in our hearts and minds for a happy memory to lodge there. Eventually our mourning stops and what we have left is a feeling of gratefulness. It allows the process of mourning to have its dignity and gives us a strong place from which to face the future.

  9. Kris,
    I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. My sixteen year old just got her drivers license a month ago. Her father and I are constantly telling her to be vigilant as she needs to think about the lives (outside of hers and ours) she will effect if she is not. I hate that you are living a scenario that we have used as an example.
    Please accept my prayers and know that you, your daughter-in-law, son, and grandchildren will be thought of daily.
    michelleb.

  10. Corey: Although I have not yet met any of my blogging friends in person, I still appreciate the connections that have been made. If bloggers are truly looking for something, I’m just glad there is a community that supports us on that journey and helps us pool our resources for the greater good.
    Kris: I’m so sorry for your loss. Each of us contributes in so many ways that others do not recognize, so I know that you and your son must be scrambling to plug all the holes that are appearing just now. Lifting up prayers to support all of you as you pull together to keep from falling apart.
    I have lit a candle for you here:
    http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=6752360

  11. Kris,
    How awful for you. I lost my only Aunt, who I am the spitting image of, in a similar accident. Hit head on, by a drunk driver who ran a red light in the middle of the day. She was just blocks from her home and was out shopping on a Sunday and was returning home. She died instantly, which I suppose is of some comfort-she did not suffer.
    It was one of the saddest times in my life. My father (her brother) was destroyed. I had never seen him like that.
    I just know that things will get better for you, one day at a time. Your daughter-in-law lives on in her beautiful children.
    Hugs to you.

  12. To Kris
    you and your family will be in my prayers and my heart.
    Thank you Corey.
    Love marigio.

  13. Dear Kris
    Such a terrible thing has happened to your family. Life is so very fragile. My Aunt was killed in a hit & run accident leaving four children. I was a child myself and cannot remember much but my father (Aunt Stella was his sister)helped my Uncle take the claim to the high court. The driver was drunk. Several times over the legal limit. He was drinking wine in the car and told the police that he was thirsty and was given the wine to drink by a stranger when he stopped to ask for directions.
    All four children, 3 girls and a boy are wonderful adults now all grown up with their own families. Two of them are currently working on our family tree. God be with you Kris, Julie.

  14. Leslie Garcia

    Dear Corey,
    I am so sorry for your friends’ unbelievable loss…it hurts so badly! Maybe if she just takes life 15 minutes at a time…and gives herself that long to feel all that she is feeling…and then looks up at the clock to see if she has made it that long…and then finds that she has made it 16 minutes…she will know that she is going to make it through this awful, heartbreaking time. I know it worked for me!
    God Bless Kris and her whole family…her son,and their children. Thank goodness they have eachother!
    God Bless you too Corey…you are magic!
    Love,
    Leslie

  15. Corey ~ Thank you for helping “strangers” become “friends” and helping us to be able to reach out to others.
    Kris ~ you and your family are on my heart and in my prayers. Wishing and praying that you find comfort and strength.

  16. Oh Kris – My heart goes out to you and your family – your son and his children. I cannot possibly know the pain you are all enduring and how this has changed all of your lives. I pray that God would overflow your heart with his love that you would be able to love those around you as never before. That when each of you receives a hug it will be the Father’s arms wrapping around you and you will all know you are not in this alone. He is there. You are all in my heart here in Texas. Candy
    Thank you Corey for lighting our path to Kris. Do you have a link for her?

  17. It has been over 30 years ago since a drunk driver snuffed out the life of my brother, also instantly!! It is one of the toughest things to go through, but with time, the comfort from the FATHER, and loving friends, etc. it will be easier. We will miss them forever, until someday reunited for eternity and with the Creator. I will pray for your peace and comfort. The greatest human comforters we had were those who were simply there and listened. They had no great words, mostly just silence and hugs…and some good food to offer. Hopefully you are surrounded by such. Blessings on you and your family at this most difficult of times!!

  18. Kris-I know, after the sudden loss of my 26 year old sister-in-law due to a fall from her horse, that there are no magic words I can type on this page to take away the pain. But I hope the thoughts and well wishes do reach you during a quiet moment and thta you feel a comforting touch in your heart or on your cheek from so many of us.
    Please know you will get through this as will your family. They will be changed, but with your support and guidance at the ready they will emerge able to relish the memories of her that they will treasure all their life.
    My heart breaks. also, for the other driver. A senseless mistake that happened in the blink of an eye has changed the world forever.

  19. Oh Kris I am so sorry for your loss and everyone’s loss who is associated with your daughter-in-law. What a horrible gut wrenching thing to experience. I hope you find strength in her’s and your son’s children. They are your lifeline to her. I wish you great strength to help support your son and your grandchildren. I can’t even imagine.

  20. Dear Kris, I’ve added a prayer for you and yours on the sidebar of my blog. Blessings to you all during this sad and terrible time. Annie

  21. For Corey — thank you for the many daily heart connections.
    For Kris — deepest and most heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your daughter-in-law. I hope you can feel the love and prayers encircling you.

  22. Dear Kris,
    I will remember you and yours in my prayers. God bless you with peace and faith in the difficult days ahead. Penny

  23. Kris,
    There are no words a human can whisper to take away the pain you feel. I lost a friend to suicide last month and only find comfort in my faith in God. As mortal humans we can never find the answers to why these tragedys occur. We can have the faith that our Father in Heaven holds us in the palm of his hand and will guide is through this time of loss. The poem below sums up the passing of loved ones for me. I hope it gives you even the slightest comfort.
    IMMORTALITY
    by Robert Hepburn
    Do not stand on my grave and weep…
    I am not there. I do not sleep.
    I am a thousand winds that blow.
    I am the diamond glints on snow.
    I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
    I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
    When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
    I am the swift uplifting rush
    Of quiet birds in circled flight.
    I am the soft starshine at night.
    Do not stand at my grave and cry…
    I am not there. I did not die.
    Carolynn

  24. Dear Kris,
    My heart goes out to you, your son, your grandchildren and the memory of your daughter in law.
    Be sure I will keep you in my prayers just like our dear Corey and her family during their hard times. I’ll pray for you.
    Love*

  25. Prayers and loving toughts. I am sure the hand you feel on your should is God’s loving hand holding you and your family up through this time of need and sorrow. Lots of love and blessing to your grandchildren and son. Yu are all in our prayers.
    Jeanette

  26. Dear Kris,
    Throughout all the sadness we experience on this earth, there is a God who never stops loving us and who will lift our spirits when we are ready.
    Much love to you and your family,
    Beachy

  27. Kris-
    Healing thoughts and prayers are with you, always.

  28. ‘Oh Blessed Kris, Brandon, Joshua and baby Isabella my heart is standing with you as you dare to imagine what your lives will be like now. I am praying that God will meet your every need, that He will send helpers to you in grand and in small ways to ease this burden. Thank you for your bravery Kris. Thank you for sharing your life with Corey so we too can connect with you and send you our prayers. I am so very sorry for your loss.

  29. Kris,
    Love of family and friends will be the comfort that wraps around you during this time of sadness. I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter-in-law. You will be in my prayers that you may find a respite from the sorrow that you feel.

  30. Ed in Willows

    It’s funny how you mention a Google search. That is exactly how I found your blog. I was searching for images of Willows and came across your site. I knew you through your dad and back when we were in school. At the time, I had no idea that you had been been living in France. Your blog has made it possible for me to re-connect with my past. Through your openness, you have also shown us how we can be better people. My sympathy goes out to Kris and her family.

  31. Kris, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you.
    xo,
    Lynda

  32. Dear Kris, what an awful, sudden tragedy for your family. How can one begin to comprehend this. I am so sorry. Please know I will add Joshua and Isabelle to my prayers, as well as your son. I wish I had some soothing words, I do not. All l I can do is offer my condolences and a prayer. Clarice

  33. My heart goes out to Kris and her family. That kind of tragedy is unbearable, but for the Lord’s grace. I pray for peace and comfort for them.

  34. Kris, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and sorrow you and your family are enduring right now, but I can and will pray for all of you.
    Corey, thank you for allowing us to be there for Kris. This is an example of the power of the internet used in the best possible way.

  35. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family during this terrible time, Kris. How tragic and sad for your son and his children.

  36. dearest kris- you are in my prayers- ask your angels for help and they will hold your hand…i will hold you and your family in my heart…kristine

  37. Kris,
    I read your comment late last night. I am so sorry for you loss. It hit close to home because I am a young mother with children close to the ages of your grandchildren. Only recently have I come to learn to trust God completely that if something happens to me, my children and my husband will be loved and cared for. He is taking care of them now, and He can take care of them without me here. I pray His comfort and strength for you because I know you will be an integral part of their healing and their care.
    Sincerely,
    Naomi

  38. So sorry to hear about Kris and her family.
    My thoughts and prayers will be with her.
    I’m so glad that she had you to talk to about her tragedy.
    Rosemary

  39. Kris — Last year, my then-19 year old son was in a car accident — he was driving drunk, had a friend in the car with him … speeding, lost control. In our case, David destroyed a block wall and half of someone’s carport, but his friend fortunately suffered only minor shoulder injuries, and David, though he suffered severe head trauma, has now fully recovered. I feel an animated grief for your/your family’s loss, & enormous frustration at the sudden end to the life of a woman, married, a mother … but also deep empathy for the 22 year old young lady whose poor driving choice has created consequences & results she cannot, now, ever undo. All warmth, embrace, shared tears AND shared mugs of coffee or tea extended to you, and your son/grandchildren are clearly fortunate you are there to enfold them with same.

  40. kris- i know not what you are going through for i’ve never lost someone so dear, but you are in my thoughts. xoxo

  41. Haley Stewart

    Kris,
    My prayers, hopes, and positive thoughts are with you and your family today. Your family is lucky to have you there and even though at this moment luck and good fortune seem a thing of the past.
    -haley

  42. Kris,
    I will pray for you and Brandon, Joshua and Isabella. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
    Corey,
    Your writing from Willows was inspired. I learned so much through the example of your family. Thank you for using blogging as your outlet.
    Take care,
    Diane

  43. It is a spiritual opportunity….. this community that has been created. An opportunity for others who have experienced loss to reach out to Kris. I do not understand how God blesses those who mourn but I trust and know that He does. I have experienced this comfort at times via the people He has placed in my life.
    May Kris receive His comfort and may her son and grandchildren also.

  44. Kris,
    I truly believe that when someone close to you dies, a piece of your heart goes with them. It is not something that can ‘heal’, but the pain does eventually numb and life goes on. Thank goodness for memories and Love. May you find small blessings and hope in the days ahead, and eventually find rays of sunshine through the clouds. You have a soul-mate in Corey.
    Blessings

  45. Cheryl Mohr

    Dear Kris,
    There is no way to make sense of what has happened. I just want you to know that when I read about what has happened to your family, I squeezed my eyes tight and willed the most love my heart could send your way. May you and your son Brandon find strength in some way every day. No matter how small, just a smidge if possible. And I’m sure those beautiful children Joshua and Isabella, your daughter in law’s legacy, will bring you and your son joy throughout this ordeal. God bless the little children, they really do show us the way. Sending love and strength your way Kris and thank you Corey for the honor and the opportunity to touch a wounded heart.
    Cheryl in Virginia Beach

  46. Dear kris,
    Hard to add anything . Just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in our prayers .
    Sometimes Life teaches us things we will never want to learn.

  47. Dear Kris and Corey,
    Your letter and post brought tears to my eyes. I often think that life requires us to hone the ability to emotionally surf, to ride the waves, the crises, the un-thinkables and un-bearables that swell and ebb uncontrollably as we go through our days.
    I hope you can draw as much comfort from knowing others are out here rooting you on, as I do from the human touch of your sharing. Thank you.
    ALS9
    http://www.wakingthebones.com

  48. Corey, thanks for allowing the circle to grow, expand and strengthen. . . .
    Kris, with no adequate words to share, I simply send you comfort, strength, hope, love, and eventually, acceptance of something beyond our limited understanding.
    Take care,
    Laure

  49. heartfelt prayers for all of you, Kris

  50. Corey,
    It’s your willingness to open your life and share of yourself to others that pulls us in.
    Kris,
    My heart goes out to you. I’m so sorry for your loss.

  51. Dear Kris,
    I am sorry for the loss of your daughter-in-law to you and to your family. Sudden and irrevocable loss brings its own set of seemingly unbearable challenges. It galvanizes at the same time that it derails, the human heart and mind. It can splinter and fragment a family due to the unique way in which each member of the family experiences the reality of the loss and then mourns it. One very small thing that can help, consistently over time, while traveling through the Land of Mourning, is to reinforce the symbol of surviving the loss as a team.
    Later, there is a very good book entitled “Motherless Daughters” by Hope Edelman that helps family members to help children through the loss of a mother, in particular. However, it could be useful to you as you help your son and both of this children through this terrible loss.
    The one thing that Hope Edelman writes that has always stuck with me is that it only takes one aware adult to step into the breach created by the loss to determine a child’s future. I suspect that you will be that adult.
    Amitiés,

  52. Dear Kris – After reading all the beautiful and heartfelt comments, not sure what I can add that hasn’t already been said. We don’t always have to understand things, but know that God will only give us what he we can handle. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as well as with the driver – she will have to live with this memory forever as well. I wish you all peace, strenght and healing.
    To Corey – Thank you for your beautiful blog

  53. Kris, I don’t know you, I don’t know Corey, and you don’t know me, but we are all connected here somehow…what is it they say..the kindness of strangers..here is one stranger sending love and hope to your family for your loss, my you find the strenght to come through it.
    Blessings to you Corey for your wonderful words.

  54. Those words could never be more true.
    And……….a blog can be the loneliest place in the universe.

  55. Dear Kris,
    I’m sorry for your loss. I have no words. I will pray.
    Psalm 34:18,
    The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
    And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

  56. I’m in tears reading this post and the comments.
    I’m so very sorry about your daugher-in-law. I am so very sorry.
    Kim

  57. The blogging community is very new to me but I feel like every time I open my laptop a new journey/friend/support system is out there waiting for me. I was directed to this blog by very close friends of mine that thought I would be interested in it. I have a passion for anything french. This probably comes from a young man that I met in California once who was visiting from France. It was only a week, but our connection was amazing. I have been hooked ever since. I wish I would have had the opportunity to experience his country with him. I guess I will just have to do so with my soulmate/husband. Until then, I will keep devouring your blog!
    Kris, your family is in my prayers. God bless all of you and keep you from any further harm or pain.
    V.

  58. Blogging has opened a door in my little studio and let in so much fresh, reviving air that sometimes the gusts knock me over.
    I read about the NIE NIE Dialogs this weekend and was knocked over again.
    We can reach out to others and touch and comfort and inspire in ways previously unavailable. The medium invites sharing.
    I wish I knew what to say to Kris.
    The Robert Hepburn poem IMMORTALITY above says it best for me, but it takes time to come to this awareness.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kris.

  59. Dearest Kris,
    words can not be said that will ease your sorrow but I do know God will be holding you up in the many dark times ahead and He loves you so much. Know you are being prayed for and that we are here to lend our hearts to you.
    thank you Corey for sharing I was in tears
    love and blessings

  60. Kris,
    I am sorry for your loss. Those words just don’t seem to be enough. Please know that I am sending you, Brandon, Joshua, Isabella and the rest of the family, thoughts of healing, love and peace. You are not alone.
    Corey,
    Thank you for putting into words what I haven’t been able to. I used to criticize blogs and then found myself reading them. The list of blogs I read every day grew. I could not put into words what it was that kept me coming back but knew it was something profound. I believe “connection” is what we spend our life trying to get. I now know that it really doesn’t matter how we achieve that connection but it’s crucial that we do. Here is a poem for Kris that I have had for years that has helped me many times.
    Cindy
    Immortality
    Annonymous
    I am standing upon 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 her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to meet each other. Then someone at my side says, “There, she is gone.” 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 weights to its place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her; and just at the moment when someone at my side say, “There, she is gone,” on that distant shore there are other eyes watching for her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes”……..and such is dying.

  61. Beautiful post Corey – you always know the right words to make us ponder both the good and bad in life.
    Kris – My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this terribly sad time. May you all be strong as you remember your loved one lost far too soon. I just know when you look toward the heavens each evening you will see a new star shining brightly.
    Sending you warm blessings, strength, and the knowledge that others care and are remembering you all in their prayers.

  62. Corey, the first time I found your blog and read some posts, I instinctively felt that you were a very special person. As I continue to read, that opinion has not changed; in fact, it grows daily.
    Kris, I am so sorry for your loss. Your son and your grandchildren are very lucky to have to to help them transition into their new lives. I will pray that you all can settle into an easy existence and that your memories of your daughter-in-law will help to keep her “alive” in the minds of her children.

  63. Dear Corey, thank you for allowing us the knowledge about Kris. Kris, I truly pray that the Lord will hold you all in His hands, and heal you with His gentle spirit.
    My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. Julia

  64. Thank you, Corey, for the beauty of your posts, even is the saddest times.
    Kris, our prayers go out for you and your family, for healing, courage, and the strength needed to do all that needs to be done.

  65. Dear sweet Kris,
    Please know I am so very sorry for the loss of this precious girl in your life, I will keep you, your dear son and their children in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for you all, the peace that passes understanding ~
    much love and hugs,
    Dawn

  66. Kris,
    I am so very sorry to hear of your loss, my family and I will be praying for you. Every evening we gather together for family prayer, tonight your family will be our main focus as we lift you to the Father. I will continue to remember you in the days to come.

  67. Kris, my heart goes out to you,your son and grandchildren during this terrible and tragic time. Heartfelt prayer and blessings for all of you. Rachael
    Corey, this post was beautifully written, thank you.

  68. Corey – thanks for sharing this and all that you blog about!
    Kris,
    I am SO very sorry for your loss, and for your son and his family. I will be praying for you all. I really know the power of prayer as a few years ago I nearly lost my only daughter in a boating accident. She survived against all odds, and I credit her survival to the Lord and the power of prayer.
    Take good care!
    Hugs,
    Rosemary

  69. Corey:
    Thank you for being the vessel to connect us to others.. Kris, I am so sad to hear about your loss and I ask our Creator and Father to be with you at this time and that you will feel HIS presence in your life to help you spiritually as you walk through this terrible tragedy that has happened in your life. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.

  70. My heart aches for you and your family Kris.
    I will keep you in my prayers.

  71. Dear Kris, I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter-in-law, and for the sorrow it brings to your family. We are never ready for tragic death or any kind of death of our loved ones. My husbands mother was taken from us that way, tragically murdered in her own home. Took our family a long time to recover from that and with the grace of God through friends and family we have survived. My prayers are with you and your family and I know that the Lord will hold your family in His loving arms and not let you go.
    Dear Corey, Thank you for your thoughts and words that guide us daily, this is truly a spiritual place you have given us to share all of lifes joys and sorrows, thank you, thank you, thank you.

  72. Oh Kris, I’m so sorry. I pray that God will give your family the strength it needs at this excruciating time. It’s so hard to say the right words when something like this happens. I know the Lord hears our prayers. And that there are countless tears that are being shed for your grieving family. God bless you all. x

  73. Barbara Sydney Australia

    Dear Kris,my husband was killed instantly in a car accident almost 19 years ago, I was 38 and the children 9 & 11years. I want you to know that we survived and thrived with much love and support from my family, my community and my faith. I know your son’s pain and loss is unbearable and life seems extremely bleak. I too felt all this but somehow through the fog of grief I made a clear decision that my little family of 3 would become a strong and formidable unit. We became each others strengths and not a day has passed that a reference or comment about their Dad has not been included in our lives. Today, they are both married to wonderful people, have successful careers but most of all they are happy.
    I promise you life will be good for you all again.
    God bless you all.

  74. Oh Kris, my heart just aches for you and your family over your loss. I will be sure to keep you all in my prayers, especially those little kids who have lost their mother. Sending big hugs and a shoulder to lean on during this most difficult time.

  75. Dear Kris,
    I sent you one of my e-cards today. May you be filled with peace. (click the link)
    http://www.banjobunny.com/viewcard.php?reqid=48d18edc32397
    Prayers of grace to you,
    Susan

  76. Kris,
    My heart burst wide open as I read your comment, and my heart is with you. I lost my grandfather ten days ago and my life has changed in little and not so little ways (we lived together), but I know losing your daughter-in-law before her time seems to go so against the natural flow of things that it makes it that much harder. I know you would gladly take on all the pain your son and grandchildren are feeling, but alas, you cannot, and so I hope you allow yourself to feel what you feel and realize it’s okay to not be “strong” 24/7.
    Sending love and prayers for healing your way.

  77. Dear Kris,
    There is a chapel near my home overlooking the ocean and I go in there to pray several times a week…I will pray for you and your family. God is there with you all…and we are too in spirit.
    Corey,
    You have been a part of my life now for 1 year. I had written you about getting one of those Mendo Birds for my daughter after your touching post and picture of your beautiful daughter holding one of the birds
    in her hand. Thank you again for your generous spirit and inspiration.

  78. Heavenly angels are around us and today they reach out to Kris. let them guide you through these trying times. your in our thoughts and prayers.
    Kelly

  79. Dear Kris,
    My heart goes out to you and your family.
    I pray that you will find some solace in remembering the love that your daughter-in-law brought to your family. God bless.
    Alison

  80. Kris,
    I am so sorry for you and your son and grandchildrens loss. When you lose someone so suddenly, it is so hard to find a way to deal with it.
    My thoughts are with you.
    Nancy

  81. Kris,
    I wish you the support and comfort of loved ones as you walk together during this difficult time. My heart goes out to you and your family – hug and hold one another. I know of no words to express the sadness I feel for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
    Corey,
    As always I find your blog rich with connections of the human spirit – the world is richer for your kindness and caring.
    Regards,
    Anna

  82. Dearest Kris,
    I am so very, very sorry for the lost of your daughter in law, mother to your precious grandchildren Isabella and Joshua and beloved wife to your son, Brandon. There are no words that can take this deep sorrow from your hearts, but I want you to know you and your family will be in my prayers. May you find peace in the beauty of her children, in the memories you cherish, and find strength and support in those around you.
    Bless your hearts, and again so, so sorry!
    With lots of hugs,
    Beth

  83. Kris, you and your family are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.

  84. Kris, Sympathy and hugs go out to your family, especially your son and his children.

  85. Dear Kris,
    I am at a loss for words… I simply wish you love and strength. I wish for your family to be surrounded by caring family and friends who will support you all through this terrible time. I wish for your family Peace of heart.

  86. CanadianCarrie

    Kris, I am so sorry for your family and your loss. I know that it seems hard to imagine laughing again soon, but it will come. My FIL passed away suddenly in May. Family and hugs is what pulled everyone through. My children are the youngest of his grandchildren, and my 3 yr old hasn’t gone many days in the last few months without saying something about “Grandpa Bill”. I’ll be thinking of you.

  87. Kris, Hope the other commenters don’t mind me saying that we all care about you and are sending comforting thoughts to you and your family at this very tough time.
    I found Corey via Kristin Espinasse’s French Word a Day. Both ladies have inspired me and been of comfort in good and bad times without them even knowing it. It is funny, never met them in person but I consider them dear friends. Especially my “little sister”.

  88. Kris, I know how hard this is for you and your family. My brother was instantly killed in a car accident at the
    age of 24. His son was just three years old. That boy is now 32 and has two sons of his own.
    Things will get better for your son, in time. I know how hard it is for your grandchildren.
    God bless you and bring you comfort in this time of great sorrow.
    ~elaine~

  89. Dearest Kris,
    I’m so sorry for your family’s shocking loss!
    I lost my young adult son four and a half years ago with little time to consider the devastation that was soon to follow for our entire family. I truly do understand how your family’s world has been rocked and you will all be in my heartfelt prayers.
    I’m so glad that your grandchildren have you in their young lives. As you’ve seen through Corey’s blog being surrounded by children somehow eases a little of the pain. May God give you understanding and bless you as you in turn minister to them.
    I also know how heart breaking it is to see your son’s grief for I saw it in my daughter-in-law. How one carries on in the face of such tragedy is a miracle in and of itself.
    May God bless you all and may he give you an extra ration of comfort, strength and courage!

  90. My love to you and your family. I am so sad for your loss. God bless you.

  91. Corey, and Kris, you will be in my prayers for continued healing and blessings. Kris, Corey has helped me in my transition, and is always there with her great big heart, and is a soft place to fall into for any one. A big hug for you both.

  92. Dear Kris,
    I couldn’t image the pain you are going through. I would like to send lots of love and support to you and your family during this hard time.
    Thank you Corey for sharing and allowing us to show support for Kris during this difficult time.
    Lots of love and support from Australia
    Debs

  93. Dear Kris,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that these words and the words of other caring ‘blog’ friends will help you to carry this heavy load.And maybe help to lighten that load just a tiny bit. Know that there are many of us thinking of you and your family at this sad, sad time.When you need a little encouragement, come to Corey’s blog…I for one will be looking for your name in the comments. Chin and heart up….and a heartfelt embrace for your son and grandchildren.
    Julie

  94. Dear Kris, I can only imagine the pain you must feel. It will grow less but never goes away completely. Your grandchildren will become the greatest comfort to you and your son. There are no other words but to wish you peace and send you love.

  95. Dear Kris –
    They say time heals everything. Your pain will be significant for some time, but the small joys that will creep in from a life of helping your son and grandchildren, will ease it.
    Many prayers are sent to you.

  96. Dear Kris, my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. May God send his angels to surround you to guide you through the days ahead as you care for your son and grandchildren, while you grieve your own loss. I am so sorry. I know that if it were possible, each person sending you messages would send you a cyber hug.

  97. Patricia Ginda

    Dear Kris,
    My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God bless you all.
    Pat

  98. Massilianana

    To Kris ,
    Nobody should ever hesitate to ask for help or comfort or a moment . In your grief , it is sometimes better to open yourself to a “stranger” , whereas in your family , you’d have a tendency to go and help others and not care about your own pain . So knowing there are no words I could say that will change things , I just want to add my good thoughts and sympathy , and send you hope and strength and big hugs . Take care .

  99. Dear Kris
    So sorry for the loss of your daughter in law. Such a waste of a young life. I lost two cousins (aged 20 & 15) in a car accident many years ago. Time does ease the pain, although forever one wonders what may have been…. if that tragic accident had not happened.
    May you be blessed with the strength to care for your son & grandchildren and to keep alive the lovely memories you have of your daughter in law.

  100. I am so sorry to read about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family at such a sad time. God Bless

  101. I have always loved getting glimpses into people’s lives, seeing lights on in homes at odd times, seeing how people keep their homes, and blogging lets you experience that on a larger scale. I found your blog completely by accident..I was searching for images of “antique books” for Mother’s Day, found your photo of some french antique books…and you blog. I’ve been reading ever since. Your life, your family, your photographs, your words and your home are all beautiful. Thank you!

  102. Dear Kris, i’m so very sorry for your loss. a very difficult time for you and your family. i’m at a loss of what to say and nonetheless i wanted to say something. sending you lots of strength and energy and hope you will find hope in the small things, erika from vienna

  103. First I want to thank Corey for allowing us to be a part of your life and now you are blessing us again with the opportunity to pray for Kris and her family.
    Kris, I don’t have any magic words that will make you feel better but please know that I am praying for you, your son and grandchildren right this minute and will continue to pray for all of those affected by this accident. I pray that God brings you closer to him and gives you the healing peace that only he can bring to you all.
    Thanks again Corey and may God Bless You for all you do for others!!

  104. Kris, I too check in on Corey’s blog on a regular basis. With this one I was reminded how fleeting life is. This is to let you know I take note of the passing of this mom, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, friend. No doubt she was all of these and more. Death is common to us all but especially cruel when it comes prematurely.
    Recently Randy Pausch, the professor, with pancreatic cancer died. He came to the publics attention with the posting of his “Last Lecture” on You Tube. In the midst of dying he had many insights in living. One was, ‘we can’t change the cards we’re dealt, just how we play the hand.’ Your family has been dealt a rough hand. There is a time to mourn but a time to rejoice will come again. Love, love, love in the midst. As a Mother and Grandmother I know you have much to give and in that giving of love you will find healing. Shalom and grace to your family in the midst of this dark night.
    Corey, thank you again for sharing this. It reminds me of really embracing this beautiful day because it can be taken all too quickly.

  105. Dear Kris,
    …If only we had words that could undo this terrible thing. My heart goes out to your family, and my prayers will be said for your son and the children. I wish it were more. As a mom of a son who is seven, and a girl who is four, this made me grab my chest…I am just so sorry. So sorry.
    I pray that God will give you the words YOU need, when you need them. If not, use your arms.
    Amber

  106. kris-prayers to you and your family. i am so sorry for all your loss.

  107. Kris,
    You are in my thoughts and prayers. Be sure to seek out the support you need as you support those you love. The journey has many hills to climb and valleys and twists and turns but gradually you all will make it through to a brighter day.
    It takes time, love and many open arms.
    Corey bless you for opening your blog world to Kris’s. Such a supportive community; truly amazing!
    Carol in Mass.

  108. My thoughts and prayers are with Kris and her family… what a tragic time with so much heartache to bear. I hope they find strength and support through the many comments left here for them.

  109. Dear Kris:
    My father passed away one month ago and I know all about the deep sorrow one feels when we lose a loved one. There are no words that take away the pain. But to be surrounded by love from family and friends and all the special things people say and do for you while you are grieving carries you through one day at a time.
    Just today I set up for a special mass to be celebrated for dad on Feb 14 Valentine’s Day because dad was about love and I liked the symbolism. But while doing it they asked me to spell dad’s name and I couldn’t get the words out because I started crying. The tears just rolled.
    My mother is like a bird whose wings have been clipped. A bird with broken wings hops around trying to be normal. My mother lost the love of her life after many wonderful yrs of marriage. The loss. The sadness. The emptiness. I asked my brother why is it so hard to say goodbye and he said because we loved dad so much.
    There are no answers just hugs and prayers and love. My heart goes to you and your family. Ann

  110. I’m so sorry for your loss! Prayers for God’s strength as you and your family pass through this time of sorrow. ((Hugs))

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