A simple thank you is not enough, but the gratitude in my heart is overwhelming. I’ve been humbled by the generosity of friends and strangers over the past year. There is no doubt about it, my family could not have endured this trial without the support of the Prayer Warriors. Every kind thought, every silent prayer, every gesture (no matter how large or small) has uplifted my family.
It has been huge transition to our new reality at home. There have been some sad days… but God’s grace has helped us move forward every single day. We find a new level of “normal” every day. Mostly it’s full of happy memories and plans for a bright future. During this transition, it has been comforting to resume our daily routine. We have been busy with the normal tasks of living: homework, play dates, school events, baths, dinner time, etc. Again, I thank all of our friends and neighbors for their help with coordinating childcare so that I can run errands or have some “alone time.” And the kindness of the folks up at our neighborhood school has been tremendous. I cannot say it enough - thank you!
But most importantly, it has been amazing to watch God’s miracles continue to unfold. From the gorgeous pink sunsets that just don’t seem to end…to finding a special Bible study with Stephanie’s handwritten notes tucked away in a drawer….God continues to bless our lives each and every day.
I am so grateful to our dear friends Troy and Jennifer who helped care for Baby Gracie during our absence in Rochester. They created a warm and loving home for our sweet little girl for many weeks. And as God continues to work miracles, Troy and Jennifer now live in our neighborhood - right down street! This blessing will allow them to continue their relationship with our family and help with childcare needs as I am back to work. If you trust in the Lord, things really do seem to fall into place.
It would take pages and pages to thank each person who has helped me throughout this journey, but I must single out one remarkable woman: Brooke Frost. She was worn so many different hats during this difficult time. She has gone above and beyond offering her love, wisdom, resources and time. Thank you to the entire Frost family for wrapping your arms around me and my kids. Thank you for all that you have done. You are amazing.
Our blog master, Kim Casey, also deserves many thanks. The communication tool that she created and maintained proved to be a tremendous source of inspiration and strength for me. And judging by the many comments made by others, it served as an amazing informational and inspirational source for family, friends, and complete strangers. Kim’s dedication and contribution will forever be appreciated!
To the staff at Mayo/Methodist: Thank you for your love and care - we will never forget you! What you do each day is amazing!
To Stacy Psyches and staff of Hands of Compassion: Thank you for your loving support through visits, prayer, and hospitality - you are a true blessing!
To all of the new owners of pink laundry rooms and other tributes: Each of your tributes to Stephanie are amazing! What a great way to honor a great woman. She would absolutely LOVE every single one of them - she loved little details! Thank you.
To all of the folks that have provided food: Thank you! Your gift of food was WAY better than what I usually prepare (PB&J, nuggets, etc).
To all that contributed to organizing events on Stephanie's behalf! Absolutely incredible! I can't thank you enough for honoring Stephanie's life with such great events! We plan on continuing events in the future to honor Stephanie's life and help others through a few foundations. We'll keep you posted.
It's probably impossible to thank every single person for everything that has been done for us over the past several months... Please just know that we are absolutely thankful for everything, and thank God for each of you every day! My continued prayer every day is that God blesses you all with closer bonds with family and friends and most importantly, with God! I also continue to pray that one good thing happens each day as a result of Stephanie's battle... this blog has been an excellent source to prove that great things happen every day.
Although the resource (blog) will be gone, I know in my heart that many good things will continue to happen daily, in each of our lives, because we shared the beautiful life of Stephanie Renee Krider Vest!
My initial hesitation in writing a post was perhaps a survival mechanism. As I work through the grieving process, I have found comfort in looking forward rather than dwelling on the past. I love this blog and the wonderful friends who have supported our cause. Forgive my delay…it’s not that I didn’t want to communicate, or that I wasn’t appreciative of the support that you all offered through the blog. Basically, the fact that “thanks” didn’t seem like enough, caused the delay in saying anything at all. So, please don’t mistake it for being rude – certainly not my intention.
With all that said, I have made the decision to end the personal updates on the blog with this last post. There are many reasons for this. I would love to provide regular or even periodic updates on how the kids are doing etc., but leaving this as a possibility naturally allows people to set specific expectations as to how often that should occur. The purpose of the blog in the first place was to support Stephanie in her fight for life. In the interest of preserving those precious memories and with respect and dignity, closing this outlet seems like the best thing to do. I hope and pray that each of you will understand. We invite you to share our story with others and to return to this website to reflect on memories.
There will be some foundations for Stephanie set up in the near future. So we will be able to continue celebrating her life through these foundations as they benefit others.
We made efforts to have the service posted to share with those who were unable to attend…but technical difficulties prevented that. But we have included a link to one of the slideshows that was presented at Stephanie’s memorial. It was a beautiful slideshow created by Steph’s dear friend Janelle Ringgenberg. We hope it offers your peace and closure. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvGZyQ6JQkk
One last time… Much LOVE to the prayer warriors! We BELIEVED IN and SAW many MIRACLES!!! I will always treasure the thousands of comments shared on this blog – absolutely incredible!
Always praying, and wishing the best, for all of you.
Make it a great day!
Eric
Thanks for the update, it is nice to hear news.
I hope there will be a chance to buy more of those lovely chandelier ornaments or something like them. I found the site after they were already sold out, but I *loved* them.
Blessings on each one of you,
Karen
Posted by: Karen | March 16, 2009 at 03:13 PM
What a wonderful LAST post. I must say that I worry daily about you and your kids Eric. Everyday that I drive to work and pass your house, or see you picking up Zach at school or outside in the yard, or all the cars parked at your house here and there, I just think....GOD please let him be ok.
I don't know you personally, nor have I personally met you, but living in your neighborhood and my sons being friends with your son in school, makes me care!
I hope you will forever be ok. If you ever need additional help...I'm here. I have four kiddos, and am forever in love with baby girls. I have one that is 19mo and will always be there for babysitter needs.
Take Care Eric, thanks for the last post and take care of those beautiful kids. Stephanie would be nothing but proud of you and your strength!
Rachel (neighbor-condos)
lovefor9.blogspot.com
luvfor9@gmail.com
Posted by: Rachel Dominguez | March 16, 2009 at 03:20 PM
You are amazing.
Posted by: anonymous | March 16, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Beautiful words E- much love.
Posted by: Curt | March 16, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Thank You...for letting us be a part of your life. I don't know you all, but learned of Stephanie thru Shawndra Turners blog. I must say...you are a truly amazing man. May God Bless you and your wonderful children.
Allyson Ellis
Posted by: A | March 16, 2009 at 05:09 PM
Eric-
So great to hear from you. You continue to be in my prayers. God Bless you and those beautiful children. Thank you for sharing Stephanie with all of us.
Posted by: Kelli Scott Gallemore | March 16, 2009 at 05:41 PM
Stopped by to get inspired and saw your post Eric, what a perfect ending to a beautiful love, life and journey.
You and the kiddos will continue to be in my thoughts, prayers and in the way I live my life.
God bless!
Deb (LSMO)
Posted by: Deb Petschel | March 16, 2009 at 09:00 PM
Much love and admiration for you and your beautiful family. Best wishes as you continue on God's journey. May you always know that you have been an inspiration to so many. Your story has forever changed me as a person and it came at the perfect time in my life. I am a much better person because of you and Stephanie. Thank-you!
Posted by: Allison Roth | March 16, 2009 at 09:23 PM
Isaiah 40:18-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Thank you to you and your family for being who you are. I am so blessed and thankful to have come to know you and especially little Coley. Every day I draw inspiration from your family, from the wisdom you've shared; the positivity you posess and put forth; and the strength, faith, and grace you all have. I feel so lucky to be able to witness even just a portion of the miracles that are occurring around you guys, and I thank God for the light Cole and your family brings into my life. The wonders of God are so deep and the miracles we see are just the tip of the iceberg. In my own life huge miracles have taken and are taking place just by watching and knowing you guys, and I know the same is true for many, many others. You guys are my heroes. Thank you for being here in all of our lives and sharing your lives with us. I know and pray that you guys will always remain in the sacred light of the Lord and therefor you will have a wonderful life. You are too wise, strong, blessed and faithful for anything else.
Friends,
do not be afraid to lift up your sadness, your worry, your anger. Do not forget to also lift up your happiness, your gifts and your love. God wants to share it all with you, and when you do you are blessed.
Sending wishes of peace, love and happiness to all
Claire
Posted by: Claire | March 17, 2009 at 01:54 AM
Hey Eric: Haven't wanted to intrude on your family time but the waves from driveway to driveway have been nice. Please know that all you have to do is knock on the door and we are there for you. Every time I see the boys out back playing I smile seeing how God is blessing your lives - that you are moving forward. I know Stephanie is smiling down on how well loved you and the kids are.
Love, Carol
Posted by: Carol Clark | March 17, 2009 at 07:20 AM
Speaking of the slide show, my favorite quote of course was the last one by Stephanie. Just one more thing that has made me feel a connection to her. Then when I found out we were born on exactly the same day...wow!
Eric, you are a wonderful man.
Posted by: Melissa Hoff | March 17, 2009 at 08:32 AM
Eric - thank you for the final update. I'm happy to hear that you are doing okay with your "new normal" life as I call it. My husband died suddenly in August and I am learning to live this new life with my 2 young girls - they are my greatest gifts from him.
Posted by: Deb | March 17, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Thank you for sharing, Eric. We continue to pray for comfort and peace for you and your family.
Posted by: Ann Hendrickson Lawrenz | March 17, 2009 at 09:43 AM
Eric,
I am touched that you have kept the blog in your thoughts and that you are still taking the time to thank so many others. You always seem to be thinking of others, no matter what, and it is an inspiration.
I know that the kids are blessed to have you and that you are doing amazing things with them. Thank goodness for your great support group so you can keep leaning on others as you all move forward. I am glad you commented on looking into the future and not going backward - I think that is a great message for anyone, no matter the situation.
Everyone has done an amazing job of keeping this blog going. I hope for everyone to have some closure with this change. I know Stephanie's legacy will continue live on through other mediums in the years to come.
We love you and continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Erica & Jason
Posted by: Erica Roberts | March 17, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Beautifully said, Eric. I wish you and your children nothing but peace and happiness in the years to come.
Posted by: Bridget | March 17, 2009 at 01:57 PM
Thank you for the post Eric, I can understand that the final post would be full of anticipation and emotion. I wish you and your children a beautiful life together living in the light of the Lord with the protection of a sweet angel named Stephanie.
Posted by: AFeatherston | March 17, 2009 at 02:10 PM
Thank you Eric for sharing your story with us. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you and the kids a life full of peace,love and happiness.
Posted by: Gina Medley | March 17, 2009 at 03:36 PM
May God lift you up and bless you and your family forever. Your dedication to Stephanie is so admirable...bless you, Eric.
Posted by: Aimee | March 17, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Eric,
The Lord's grace upon your life is seen in your daily walk and in your words of gratitude. I feel so blessed and honored to hold you and the kids up in prayer each and every day. The strength and courage that Stephanie showed in her trial is absolutely a daily inspiration to all of us that loved her and prayed for her healing. And she did receive a healing as she entered the gates of Heaven and met our Lord and Savior.
May God continue to lead you and bless you, I pray that His hand of peace and comfort is with you and Zach and Cole and Gracelyn and that you feel His love overflowing each day.
And I pray you see pink sunsets every evening from now 'til forever!!
In Christ's Love,
Heather Flood
Posted by: Heather | March 18, 2009 at 09:38 AM
I continue to pray for you and your beautiful children. Thank you for sharing your family with all of us prayer warriors. May God give you strength in all that you do. Always remember, When someone you loves becomes a memory, The memory becomes a treasure. God's Blessings!
Posted by: Vickie Pritzel Zavoral | March 18, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Eric~
I can't thank you enough for sharing your life with us. You will never know what you and Stephanie have done for so many people. But, the Lord knows and He is pleased. I have never met you or Stephanie but I feel as though I know you both. I am currently in a Bible Study class about Esther and many times I have thought of Stephanie during my class. Most recently I thought of her after I read this and wanted to share it with you. "Any time God calls us to die, His purpose is to reveal larger life." (Beth Moore)
I believe with all my heart that Stephanie was called to die to reveal His Life and save others. I also believe that when she saw His face she heard Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:21
Eric, I will continue to pray for you and your family. Thank you for your last post. You didn't have to write again, but you did and I am thankful. I pray His light continues to shine through you. You and your family are a blessing to all of us. I pray you always feel loved and supported.
Friends in Christ!
Posted by: Colleen | March 18, 2009 at 02:17 PM
Continued prayers and wishes for you and your family.
Posted by: Jennifer | March 18, 2009 at 03:24 PM
<3 all your faces Eric...think about you all often *hugs*
Posted by: MandyS | March 18, 2009 at 06:09 PM
Your strength, love and courage is an inspiration to us all. May God continue to watch over you and bless you as you and your children move forward on your journey together. God Bless you all!
Posted by: Anonymous | March 18, 2009 at 08:26 PM
Your story has truly been an inspiration to us. It has really helped us put our own life into perspective. We continue to keep your family in our thoughts & prayers. We wish the best for you & your beautiful young children. God Bless you all.
Lisa & J.R. Light
Posted by: Lisa & J.R. Light | March 19, 2009 at 02:12 PM