Godspeed Beloved
Our beautiful girl left us for Heaven's bright shore tonight at 10:00 PM. She has joined that great cloud of witnesses that surround us as we run the race that is set before us. We loved her with an everlasting love. I whispered to her that I have always been with her and will be with her forever. I will never leave her. She is my beloved and I have been so blessed to have her in my life. She has been a light to me and to many others. I count it as one of the highest privileges of my life to have traveled with her on this 18 month journey into darkness. Through it all the Lord Jesus Himself has been a light unto our path and a light unto our feet.
Godspeed Beloved Richard
Godspeed Beloved Richard
posted by McCrea Family at 10:48 PM
76 Comments:
I am with you and your family in prayers tonight. She is looking to you from Heaven, and is now your guiding light.
Claire
We prayed for you at Grace Fellowship Church today, a place you never visited, but where your journey was shared with our congregation.
Richard, as a father with two daughters I have grieved with you as you walked through the valley of the shadow of death with Valerie. More than once your deep emotion and unfaltering commitment to God's sovereignty bouyed my personal faith.
This evening I will be praying for God's grace, a resource that God promises to be enough for every trial. I will pray, as well, for the comfort He bestows in concert with Paul's statement, "God is the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our sorrows..."
Thank you for sharing Valerie's journey with us. We are glad she is "home".
May God provide strength and courage for your family at this difficult time. Take comfort in the fact that your beloved will always be with you.
Much love to you,
Tricia in NY
God Bless you all.
Fly free Val.... Fly Free....xoxo
Val will always have a special place in my heart. I loved her very much.
Sarah
Val fought to the end, but is in a better place now. Chris and family...you gave it your all and left No Stone unturned in searching and providing her treatment and comforting her to the end. For that we are proud to know you and witness your unwavering courage! Val we Love You!!!
The Lawrence's
Val has left our earthly world for a better place. Rest in peace, dear Val.
When you walk through a storm hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark,
At the end of the storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on,
Walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never walk alone.
McCrea and Sloan families,
I pray that you feel the loving, comforting arms of God wrapped tightly around you. In the days and years ahead, know that Val, in her perfect, heavenly glory, will be walking along side you, every step of the way. You'll never walk alone.
Thank you for sharing this journey with us. Val, you and your family have shown us great courage, strength, unending love for each other, and tremendous faith and love for the Lord. Another Saint has entered into His kingdom. God Bless you Val.
The Lovisa Family
Dear Richard, Nancy and Chris and dearest Valerie,
She fought so hard and for long. Her will to live unwavering. She is perfect now and healthy in the presence of our Lord. She is watching over you and her boys and will always be with you in Spririt.
I am so saddened by her leaving us so soon, it hurts to let her go, for she is so young. I can only be comforted in knowing we'll see her again! She is an Angel now.
I am praying for you all for comfort and strenght in the next process of things coming in the days ahead. I will continue to pray daily for this family and the boys always. I wish I could be there physically to offer my condolences and see you all again.
I will always remember Valerie and all the fun we had growing up. I wish I weren't living so far away. Please know that we are thinking of you.
God Bless Valerie, she is at peace.
Love,
Mike & Cher
David & Clara
Dear McCrea and Sloan Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I have been following the blog since last October. Val was an amazing person with an extrodinary faith. God bless you all during this difficult time, especially her three boys.
Sarah Garica
Your family has truly been a light to so many. You have honored and brought Glory to our Lord in countless ways over the last 18 months. I'm sure when the Father welcomed Valerie into Eternity He said "Well done, my good and faithful servant, well done." She has no pain, no worries, no stress. She is living in eternal, perfect joy - She is home.
I will miss the closeness that I felt with Val and your family over the last 18 months through this blog. I had not seen Val in 3 years since moving away, but the short time that we were friends will always remain a blessed time in my life. She will never be forgotten. Thank you, Richard, Nancy, and Chris for sharing your Beloved with us.
Laura Paczewitz
Precious family of Valerie,
May God wrap you in His loving arms and give you each His peace that passes all understanding. I am so very sorry.
With heartfelt love and prayers,
Ginny McMillan
To Val's Family, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for providing us with all the most personal and precious moments over the last 18 months! It has been a journey and a journey well fought. Bill and I will miss Val. Those Boys couldn't ask for a better Father than the one they have so dearly in Chris. You are an amazing Dad and they know it! Bill and I send our love to you all! Peace be with Val.
To the McCrea- Sloan family,
Thank you for sharing Val with us, and letting all of us witness her journey over the last 18 months. although I did not know her well, I learned so much from her. May God give you strength, peace and comfort in this most difficult time. Val is in good hands and will be watching over all of you. Tyler, Gavin and Ryan have an amazing family to help them thru this. Val will shine thru in the heart of those boys. Godspeed Val on your journey to Heaven. We will miss you.
Thank you for allowing me to walk this journey with you over the past 18 months. I too feel it a priviledge to call Val my friend. Through sickness and in health she was always an inspiration to me. Val always had a light around her. She was bigger than life. She had an enormous capacity to live her life with goodness and caring. She was a good friend to me and I shall miss her terribly.
I feel comforted that she is at peace now. She will watch over Chris and her boys from Heaven.
Chris is a wonderful father to Ryan, Gavin and Tyler. He will make certain that those boys remember what a wonderful mother and person Val was. She will live on through her boys. They will carry her memory with them always.
To Richard, Nancy, Char, Jeff, Paul and Julie my heartfelt sympathy to you during this difficult time. Your loss is felt by everyone who loved her.
I miss you Val,
Love
Marianne
Chris, Richard, Nancy & family - No words can express how sorry we are for your loss.
You all have welcomed us into your homes during this very difficult time and we thank you.
May you find peace and comfort over the days to come knowing that Valerie is with you always.
Love, Lara & Patrick
Dear Sloan & McCrea Family-
You are still in our thoughts and prayers, and now you have a special angel that delivers them from our lips to God's ears. Val will surely be missed here on earth but has been called home to serve you all better from above. God rest her earthly shell and find hope knowing she is free from disease and healthier than ever.
God Bless!
Dear Chris,
I am so saddened by the loss of your beautiful wife! We had so many great times together! I agree with all that Marianne said..."she WAS bigger than life" I too will miss her!
Thank you for allowing us the priviledge to watch those beautiful boys yesterday! It was so fun to watch Ryan climb this giant boulder and state he was "king of the world" Gavin is so sweet and precious! I pray for your sons daily and will continue to be there for them whatever the needs are!
Richard, Nancy, Chris, and Julie & Brothers (Char too!) Thank you for designing this blog! It witnessed to so many as you shared your ups and downs with Vals journey! I know in my heart that there will be more angels in heaven one day as a result of reading this blog! You brought so much glory to our Lord and Savior through this journey! What an example! It makes me want to NEVER take my eye of Him The one who shed his blood so I could have new life!!!! It also has reminded me not to take those we love for granted...EVER.
"Lord, I just lift up all who loved Valerie today! Let us not be sad but let us remember that she is by your side in perfect peace. Lord thank you for the opportunity that we all had to be touched by her at some point in our lives! Lord, let the boys ALWAYS know who she was and the God she stood for! Lord, give Chris all of the strength and courage he needs to continue to put one foot in front of the other in the days to come!
In your Sons Heavenly Name.
AMEN"
In Him,
Mary Lockrem
and Family
May peace be with you all.
My heart and prayers are with all of you at this time. Val fought the good fight and now has found her peace. May god be with you.
Joel Lester
Chris & Boys
Richard, Nancy, Jeff, Julie & Paul
Our family prayers are with you this morining and will be always. I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Valerie. I know she will be always with you all and guiding her lovely boys from heaven. Her presence has been a light for many people all throughout this country. We have all been blessed to walk this journey with her and your family. Thank you all for opening the door and sharing your faith and trust in sweet Jesus. Peace be with you all this day and every day to come.
All my Love
Heidi DeuPree & family
Chris, Ryan, Gavin, Tyler, Richard, Nancy, Jeff, Julie and Paul,
Somehow in the midst of heartache and tears, my heart is feeling a peace that can only come from the Lord. There is great security and hope knowing that Val is now wrapped tightly in her heavenly Father's arms, experiencing no pain, no tears, no fear. What a blessed assurance.
I lift each of you up in prayer, and those prayers will not cease. I know that the pain you each feel is very real and that your earthly minds, like mine, wonder why Val had to go. But, as Richard wrote some time ago, something bigger is happening here. God's plan is never short of perfect. He will certainly bring good from this. And as the simple hymn states, we must "trust and obey".
Valerie was such a significant part of my growing up years. The memories we share will never fade. One of my favorite memories of Val was her trying to teach me her "low laugh". She would get her face into a funny position, press her chin way down, and let out this low pitched laughter. She'd make me laugh, and tried to teach me, but I could never replicate it. It was her signature laugh.
Val left her signature, in one way or another, on each one of us. She had her way of doing things. She had a special way of making us laugh. Thank you, Val, for being my "berry" friend. You will always remain close to my heart.
I celebrate your life, admire your wonderful family, and will take to heart all that you have taught me through your journey.
Love,
Christina
McCrea and Sloan Family,
You are in our special thoughts and prayers. Valerie is watching over you all now and she is at peace. She will always be in the hearts of those she touched. You have all touched our entire family in a way which cannot be described. Your beautiful angel is at peace.
Love,
Maricris, Virgil, Donovan, Ike, Maxwell and Ava
We will continually surround you with prayer. I pray God will continue to be your comfort and strength. All our love!
Dear Chris, Ryan, Gavin, Tyler, Richard, Nancy, and really everyone,
We are sorry for your loss. No words can ease the sadness you are going through now. Only faith can soften the pain; faith in that she is finally out of pain and is in the arms of God, flying, running and waiting to see you all once again when the time is right.
Jim recently lost his Great Uncle Keith Parker, and in his Journey of Remembrance the words below were shared. When I read them, I was reminded of Val, so I modified them for her. May they bring you some comfort.
With Love,
Merry, Jim, Bailey, Parker and Riley
"God saw she was getting tired and a cure was not to be,
So He put his arms around her and whispered, "Come with Me."
With tearful eyes we watched her suffer and saw her fade away. Although we love her dearly, we could not make her stay.
A beautiful heart stopped beating, determined "running legs" to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best."
--author unknown
God be with you Valerie!
To Val's loving family,
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt words and allowing us all to witness God's presence in your lives. Val has been an inspiration to so many across the miles and here at home. I consider my time with Val an amazing gift from God and will always be thankful for every single moment we spent together.
Val's memory will live on through-out my lifetime till we meet again and are able to share treasured moments together in heaven.
There is a sun-room in our house that Val was always after me to complete. Steve plans to go out and buy a beautiful tree in honor of Valerie and plant it near the opening where the sun shines every morning. It reminds us both of the beautiful light that God placed in Valerie and how she brightened everyones day.
My heart goes out to each and everyone who has traveled this journey with Val and loves her.
Chris, Ryan, Gavin, Tyler- may God give you strength and surround you with people that can help during this difficult time. I ask that you wrap your loving arms around Val's boys and show them the love that their mother gave them. Val loves you all so very much!
Richard, Nancy, Jeff, Julie, Paul, Char and everyone within the family circle I ask that God gives you peace and comfort. You planted the foundation for your daughter and she now is living in perfect peace.
I miss you already Val.
Deanna
She is a star in the sky!
She is the scent of a rose!
She is the road we walk upon!
She is a warm summer breeze!
She is everything, she is everywhere and we will continue to honor her life on earth by keeping her light alive through the memories that she created with all of us.
Our hands are forever extended to you should you need to reach out for help. We leave you with these words..."How can we serve you?"
LOVE,
The Ensor's
Dear Famiy,
Val fought the good fight all the way to the end with dignity and grace. It is a privilege to have been a witness to her strength and faith as well as to the love that richly dwells in your family. We pray the Lord will comfort your hearts during this time, for this life is temporal and we have eternity to look forward to. Val is dancing with our Almighty God, worshiping and praising Him!
Love & Prayers...Apodaca Family
Dear Chris, Boys, Moms & Dads, Brothers and Sisters --
Your Val is such a huge inspiration and Godly Motherly witness! She did indeed fight the fight that was set before her, and now she is reaping her reward.
Our prayer has been, and will be ever so now, that our Lord God will hold you all very close in His loving arms, and the Holy Spirit guide you through your time of grief.
You all have been and are such a tremendous, strong, faithful family and witness of our Lord. Thank you for your continual words of faith, prayer, hope, support and trust. This journey that Val, and you, have been on, has and will touch so many for our Lord. Thank you!
God Bless You!
Here for you in Christ,
Bob & Alice Sarazen
You have our love, thoughts, and prayers, McCrea family. Our hearts grieve and ache for. To God be the glory.
Chris, Boys, Mr and Mrs Sloan, Julie, Jeff, Paul....
I am so sorry for your loss...I can't imagine how Heartbroken you all are...There are no words to say...Just prayer to uplift all of you and especially Val's incredible Boys...
As Val sat at my Restaurant when she and Christina suprised me...She told me "I am not Sad for myself I am Sad for My Boys, My Husband, My Parents and My Brothers and Sister." Typical of Val to think of others...I know she fought till her body couldn't anymore she couldn't bear to let you all go...
May God comfort you all give you Peace and Hold you in his Loving Arms (as if they were Val's Arms full of Love) through your next Journey of Life....
I will keep her smile in my heart forever.
Thank you for sharing your Journey with all of us..
Love,
Pat
"If you could see me now"
Our prayers have all been answered
I finally arrived
The healing that had been delayed
Has now been realized
No ones in a hurry, there's no schedule to keep
We're all enjoying Jesus, just sitting at His feet
If you could see me now
I'm walking streets of gold
If you could see me now
I'm standing tall and whole
If you could see me now
You'd know I'd seen His face
If you could see me now
You'd know the pain's erased
You wouldn't want me to ever leave this place
If you could see me now
My light and temporary trials
Have worked out for my good
To know it brought Him glory
When I misunderstood
Though we've had our sorrows
They can never compare
What Jesus has in store for us
No language can share...
Love you all of you who shared
Valerie McCrea's Journey to Heaven..........
Do not stand at 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 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 stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Val is now at peace but her indomitable spirit will live on in her boys, in Chris, her family, friends and all those whose lives she has touched...
God bless you all.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Danielle
May God bless your family today and the days to follow with His peace,His love and His comfort.You all have been an inspiration to many of us on what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. For us that are left behind when a love one leaves us, the pain is great, the sorrow is great, but thru Him, we are comforted. Our prayers go out to your entire family and may you find peace knowing that Valerie is finally free of pain, flying high with the angels and looking down on all of you with that beautiful smile!!! God Bless you all.
So very sorry for your loss, but happy for the peace Val has now found after fighting such a long and tough battle. May Val's family and friends find comfort and strength in your memories of Val and your faith that she is now in a better place free of pain and watching over you all. Take care
Brittney K
Mccrea and Sloan families,
I am so sorry for your loss. Have great peace in knowing that Val is in the presence of our Lord right now. We are praying for your family.
Heather and Dean Harris
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I didn't know how you feel, but I do too well. May the comforter be with you through this time of grief. I am grateful for the comforter in my life and the peace I have been able to feel even through the sorrow. I pray you will have it with you as well. For even in the joy of Val's return to heaven, those left behind still have a hole in their hearts that will never be filled.
I truly am so sorry for your loss.
Marianne Clements
Patrick, Chase, Tess & Lucas
Dear Chris, Gavin, Ryan, Tyler, Richard, Nancy and to all of Valerie's family-
Thank you for letting us into your lives. We were truly blessed to know Valerie. She has changed our lives forever. You are in our daily thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sandy Jones & Family
Chris,Ryan,Gavin,Tyler,Richard, Nancy and family: Val will be truly missed, But never forgotten. I pray for healing for you all. You are all in our hearts and prayers.
Much love to you all
God bless
C.
Dear McCrea and Sloan families -
Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you. Val was such a warrior in her fight...now at peace, she rests eternally. Your website has been so inspirational, and I thank you for your unyielding belief and steadfastness in our Lord. May God hold you very close right now.
Joni Craighead
Dearest McCrea and Sloan families and Val's loved ones,
I wish I could make the world stop and acknowledge the enormous loss of Val, your most cherished one but most of all, God's faithful soldier.
Thank you for sharing your family's love and dedication to God with us.
I pray you find strength and peace and comfort in God's shoulders during this time.
Please accept our sorrow.
Sincerely,
Sonja Olson and family
God Bless You Valerie. Though I only met you once, this blog and your messages and the messages from your family have been truly inspirational to me and my family. You touched the lives of so many you knew, and so many you did not know. Life is so precious and you all reminded us of that so well. I will certainly feel more appreciative and blessed by my own family because of you. It is comforting to know you are in the hands of our Father God, your position in heaven assured.
With Warm Comfort,
The Goodwin Family/Stone Canyon
I pray that God will be near, when you just can't understand "why?" and that He will help you to surrender to His love, which is so difficult to comprehend at times like these. As you have shared your very personal struggle for all of us to see, we have gained an amazing example of how to live by faith. I will continue to lift your needs to the Lord in prayer.
Love,
Monica Wilson
Hi McCrea family, I just wanted to let you know that you guys are so close to our hearts and minds right now. As we grieve for our loss of Tim, we grieve for your loss of Valerie. We are praying for you guys. Love, Jim and Kristi Rider
God Bless you Valerie, I am glad you are at peace and free of pain. You are with God and will watch down on us, but especially of Gavin, Ryan and Tyler. You will be missed by everyone and anyone that has ever known you. your strength, courage and determination was an awesome thing to witness. You have opened my eyes and made me see not to take life for granted. Our time on earth is determined by God and we never know when he will call us home. I pray for your family to find strength, peace and comfort. I will always keep them in my prayers. Godspeed on your journey home to heaven. We will miss you.
As I read over past posts, I am so impressed with how strong and faithful you all have been, Val included. We all need to remember that example of love and praise for the Lord. We don't know why we have to face these trials, we just have to go on faith and your family is a tremendous example for all of us. Thinking of and still praying for all of you. So sorry for the loss of a great mother, wife, daughter and friend.
I want to extend my sincerest condolences. I have learned alot from your family through the last year. Your family has shown so much love and caring for each other, it breaks my heart to see Val go. Please know we will all be praying for you.
Hello Beautiful family,
My heart aches for you all and yet it feels so full with love. Ironic, isn't it? I keep trying to make sense of all this, struggling to understand the universe's plan.
It seems unfair that your trials continue to strengthen those around you--reminding us all about the preciousness and fragility of life. Our senses are heightened with purpose to love more deeply and live richly in faith. But why is it that we humans seem to learn so much clearly through loss?
I believe Val's departure will in time strengthen your family as well, endowing each of you with conviction to live the rest of your lives purposefully in persuit of happiness. You will undoubtedly share that strength with others and enrich the lives of everyone you touch, just as you have so far.
Though I am certain this offers little comfort to you now, it is the only peace I find. I'm sure if we could instead choose a lifetime with Valerie here on Earth, we all would. It doesn't seem like a fair exchange, does it?
I just want you all to know that my family and I will try to always remember your incredible lesson and live our lives fully--as you have inspired us! We are so sorry for your loss and wish you continued strength and peace.
Gratefully,
Maria Serpa,& Serpa family--
Joseph, Mara, Payton and Ethan
Dear Chris,
I am so sorry to read that Valerie lost her fight with cholangio. My mom lost her battle 11/15. I wanted to again thank you for all that you did to help me guide my mom's battle with cholangio. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and going forward as you mourn the loss of your wife.
Cathy Johnson
We will always love and miss her!
Marc, Stephanie ,Sean & Sammi
Our deepest sympathy at this time for all of the Sloan/McCrea family. If I had but one wish it would be you feel Val's loving sprit in your heart every day, as you go on with life..... here on earth. That is what she would want. She inspired so many and loved so wholly. She was a gift to all who knew her. Be at peace and smile up at her knowing that she is no longer in pain, she is no longer suffering. May the peace of the Lord be you now and always. In his love,
Michelle & Paul Schueren
I have only known Val through this journey of faitn and love her family has so generously shared. My heart aches and my tears have not stopped. Val is a person whose life I shall celebrate. She gave me a faith in God I had not known in so long and an ispiring belief in family and friends.
To Chris, Ryan, Taylor and Gavin, It may feel like your journey has just begun. Heaven isn't as far away as it might feel. Look around at the stars in the sky,flowers of the earth and the waves of the ocean, she is everywhere.
Praying for your whole family during this difficult time. May you find peace in knowing that you will one day see Val again. This song came to my mind today...
Homesick
by: MercyMe
You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again
And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
Your have our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beauitful Val. We all feel tearful over this. We also know that this is not goodbye...it is only temporary...you will see Val again...happy, healthy and full of life. I was praying for you all at 10 pm. I felt the need to pray...God loves all of you and he will comfort you......
We love you all,
Your family in Christ, Gary, Kay, Andrea and Jennifer Dale....doggies too!
Death is nothing but a moment's rest
Until the Second Coming of the Lord
When He shall gather to Him of the best
To take them to the place of their reward.
I've felt the power of Jesus in my soul
Shining like a golden sun within,
Melting my hard heart to make me whole,
Burning out the remnants of my sin.
I've felt Him work within me, so I know
The glory that will come when I awake.
I'll sleep just like a child who'll homeward go,
And in my dreams of love great pleasure take.
So do not mourn my death, and do not grieve.
The Lord will come for me: This I believe.
God looked around his garden,
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you,
And lifted you to rest;
God's garden must be beautiful-He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain;
He knew you would never get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
And hills were hard to climb
So he closed your weary eyelids, and whispered,
"Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone,
For a part of us went with you,
The day God called you home
McCrea and Sloan Family,
There are no words to bring you comfort at this time, but God's peace, which passes understanding will be with you and give you the comfort and mercy that you need during this time. Just know that this blog and all of your faith during this time have been a tremendous testimony and I know many people have been brought to Christ because of Val's awesome testimony! You are in our hearts and prayers at this time.
Dear McCrea and Sloan Families,
We are so sorry to learn about Valerie's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God give you peace during this difficult time.
The McClendon Family/Stone Canyon
Dearest McCrea and Sloan families,
I am deeply sorry for your loss of beautiful Valerie. words seem so inadequate at a time like this. Yet reading what so many others have shared has brought a beautiful closure. I hope somebody will print up a copy of this whole blog for the boys to read someday.It truly is a love story.
I believe that God needs young mothers in heaven to help with all the young children and babies in heaven. He picked a very special mom!
Dear McCrea Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I have follwed Val's journey on a daily basis. I lost my dear sweet mother to this monstrous disease. She was diagnosed just before Val - September 28th 2005- and we lost her just 11 weeks later. She was 67. Val put up a brave and worthy fight. I prayed that God would spare her and we would find a way for people to survive this cancer. God Bless you all and may He bring you the comfort that I know you need. I will keep you all in my prayers.
McCrae and Sloan families,
I am so sorry about the loss of your beloved Val. She fought so hard to stay on this planet with all of you. If anyone could have beaten this terrible disease, it would have been Val. As I and so many have said, she was strong and determined and taught a lot of us about courage and dignity. Be at peace knowing her spirit will be with you always.
I read this poem and thought of Val. She was a true fighter.
MAY I GO?
by Susan A. Jackson
May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.
Dear McCrea and Sloan families,
We are so terribly sorry to hear about losing Val. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you all during her long and brave fight, and they will continue to be with you all.
Val was a brave, amazing and beautiful person. We are so lucky to have been blessed to know her.
We will always be here for Chris and the boys.
Sean, Nicole and Jack Anthony
Laguna Niguel, CA
Dear McCrea and Sloan families,
You have all been constantly in our prayers since the first diagnosis for Val - when it all seemed so incredible and that if anyone could fight such a terrible foe, it would be Val. Well, she did, and she was not alone.
We were all praying for a miracle, until the end, and that it would be God's will that Val would find a way to stay with her family. But it was not lost on us that there was, in fact, a miracle surrounding Val and all who loved her so deeply.
For 18 months, we have witnessed a tremendous outpouring of love and support for her and her family - from family members, friends and others. In the face of adversity and setbacks, there was more love. Last Easter, our lesson was about the parable of the loaves and the fish, and all I could think about was that the story was also about the McCrea and Sloan family, and the miracle of the love they were giving in the face of such trial, and the love that kept growing and growing to feed a multitude until there was even more love left over.
As parents, there is nothing better we can do than give all the love that we can to our children, with the hope they pass it on to their own family. Certainly, Val was filled with love, and we know that love has been passed on to Chris, Ryan, Gavin and Tyler. They are truly wonderful boys, and there are so many here in your neighborhood who care about you all and are ready to support you.
I take comfort that at least now Val has the understanding as to why this was the path for her family, and must surely be blessed by the knowledge of the beauty and love she has given those around her. What a gift she has been.
I pray that we can all remember and follow this example of love, and the endurance of love and faith.
We will miss Val, but not forget.
Michelle, Alix and Jamie
GOD,
You are The Everlasting God, The Strong Tower, and Comfortor of our hearts. You have your child, Val, sitting at your feet now, never to be in pain again. But God, it does not always seem fair that your children here on earth have to endure such pain. I know that with Your plan there is ALWAYS a purpose. Heavenly Father, please give this family time to greive together and greive alone. Hold the little ones closer to your heart and give this greiving husband and family wisdom, moment by moment!!
"You've kept track...each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book."
May God hold you close and breathe on you. We are praying for your family,
Hope Church
Dear McCrea and Sloan Families,
We are so very sorry for your loss of an incredible woman, mother, wife and daughter. Your unwavering faith in God has brought so many together and helped us not take life for granted. I wish we could lessen your sadness. Val's love for God, her family, friends and anybody she met were truly inspirational. Val will be the brightest star in the heavens to help guide and comfort you. Let us know how we can help during this difficult time.
Love, Lisa and Vlasi
There will always be a special place in our hearts for Valerie. Much love to Chris, Ryan, Gavin, and Tyler. We love you all.
Chuck, Jody, Westin and Reece
Dear Chris, boys, and the Sloan family: I, too, consider it a blessing to have had Val in my life for the brief time that I did. She was a great friend: fun, smart, beautiful, and a devoted mom and wife. What she displayed over the last 18 months was how strong and dignified she was, how much she loved the Lord and her family, and put them first always. I pray that He will give you all peace and comfort at this most difficult time. I like the idea someone else had about keeping the blog for the boys to read someday. They will know how wonderful their mom was and what a testimony and example of faith she was, as well as the true meaning of family.
Much love,
Michelle Greer
It's hard to know what to say. I grieve your loss and rejoice in Val's going home. Oh how sweet the day will be when we catch up with her and the saints who have gone before us. I loved Val and although it's been years, I still see her beautiful smile and hear her infectious laugh. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his godly ones." Love, Gabriela (Ortiz)Rosenthal
Thank you for sharing (what could have been) very private thoughts and experiences through this blog. You have no doubt been used by the Holy Spirit to bring glory to God and lead many to Christ. What a blessing to all of us and a testimony of faith in every word you shared!
I am so sad for your loss and am praying for your strength, comfort, and peace.
Dear Nancy, Richard, Chris, Ryan, Gavin & Tyler, Dawn, and the many other caring family members,
A few years back Nancy sat and shared a very meaningful verse with me. Today I would like to share the same verse back to each of you.
(Matthew 6:26)
LOOK AT THE BIRDS OF THE AIR
THEY DO NOT SOW
OR REAP OR STORE AWAY IN BARNS,
AND YET YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER
FEEDS THEM.
ARE YOU NOT
MUCH MORE VALUABLE
THAN THEY?
Val KNOWS the full meaning of this now. She is in the very presence of Jesus! Today it is my prayer that each one of you will feel and know how valuable you, too are to God. That you will sense His care.
-------------
This week my Sarah is here in Denver as we make preparations for her wedding. Sarah and I both have been checking the blog for news of Val and you all. And each of us have prayed. Your family and Val mean so much to Sarah, Ryan and Gavin and Tyler warm her heart. I wanted to thank you all for how Val and each of you have touched Sarah's life.
In May I am coming to Escondido, and would love to reach out hugging arms to you. Tonight I send a "HeartHug" and a prayer.
I do hope this blog will continue with news of you all and the growth of Gavin, Ryan and Tyler. You will be in our prayers.
Louise Richards
We are so sorry to hear about Valerie, but she is in Heaven now with the angels. Our prayers are with your families. The Feldmans
Dear McCrea/Sloan Family,
I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Val was beautiful, smart, funny, kind and faithful. I strive every day to be more like her. She lived her life with so much grace and passion. As a fellow mom of three beautiful little boys, I can't imagine how difficult it was for her to go through all of this. But she displayed courage and faith through it all. My prayers will continue to be with all of you always. Val and Chris' boys will carry Val in their hearts always and she will live on forever.
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