Running The Race
I love this picture taken at The Torrey Pines Inn. Nobody was ready for the shot. Look at Char and Nancy trying to organize the troop. Me reading to Kyle. Life is a lot like that. Never organized. Never ready for the next moment.
Nothing has changed. We aren't ready to let Val go and lose the privelege of her company for the rest of our journey on Earth. But let go we must. She is Heaven bound and nothing will stop her. I do still pray that God has it on His radar screen to return her to us at the last moment.
Val and I ran together a lot over the years. I was pretty fast but she was always faster. One summer day we were cranking up Teepee Hill in Escondido. I was pushing hard but she smoked me. We ran a lot on Black Mountain in Rancho Bernardo. I got in the habit of memorizing scripture while I run. I also like to say it out loud. One day, I was in Phillipians and got to the part where Paul said, "watch out for those dogs." Val jumped into my arms thinking we were under attack! Another time, we were out in an area with bee hives. She sucked one in and got stung on the lip. Char was telling me about a run with Val at her home in Colorado. Elevation 7,000 feet for you sea level wimps. Anyway, Char mentioned that one of her neighbors was a nudist (she lives in a very rural area of the mountains). I don't think Val believed her until they ran past a naked guy watering his lawn.
Like the Apostle Paul, Val has run the race. She has finished the course. Listen to Paul's words. There is nothing new under the sun. The same apply to our beloved.
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Physically, Val continues to decline. She is on a pain pump. The nurse added an oxygen tube to her nose today for comfort. She is also on a ??? suppository for stress. Everyone who loves her is around. I think she most likes the holy whispering from her mom into her ear. Paul is coming over tonight. Julie is coming down tomorrow. Nancy's sisters, Janet and Judy, are flying in tomorrow. Osil's husband has been kind in sending a limo (from his business) to pick them up at the airport. Jeff is coming from Alabama in the next couple of days. He is an F16 Squadron Commander being deployed to the Korean Peninsula in June.
Val is enjoying christian music from Nancy's IPOD into her ears.
Godspeed
posted by McCrea Family at 1:20 PM
19 Comments:
I am so happy that Val is listening to worship songs, she loves worship! When she was starting to not do very well a while back, and wasnt able to attend our Life Group at Don and Sharon's house, she would say "If I could only make it for the worship, then I would be OK"... I used to look at her in church raising her hands and worshipping her Lord with all her heart, even with everything going on, and I would think how pleased God was at that moment looking down at His daughter. The song below is one that we didn't get to sing together too many times, but it stuck with me, cause when the worship band would start playing it, we would look at each other and say "It's our song!!" It's a real celebrational Irish style Worship song. So as you read the words imagine Val hooting and hollering true Val style!
"Sing a song of celebration Lift up a shout of praise
For the Bridegroom will come, The glorious One
And Oh, we will look on his face
We'll go to a much better place.
Dance with all your might Lift up your hands and clap for joy
The time's drawing near, When He will appear
And Oh, we will stand by his side
A strong, pure, spotless bride
Chorus:
We will dance on the streets that are golden
The glorious bride and the great Son of Man
From every tongue and tribe and nation
We'll join in the song of the Lamb
Sing aloud for the time of rejoicing is near
The risen King, our groom, is soon to appear
The wedding feast to come Is now near at hand
Lift up your voice, Proclaim the coming Lamb
Someday soon we'll be singing together again, Val!!
All my Love, Osil:)
This is sacred and precious time. From birth to passing, life is a gift. I am thankful that you are able to have this experience AT HOME...intimate, personal, quiet, reflective and connected. My heart aches with you yet soars as Val is preparing to take flight!
With Love,
Terri Ensor
Heavens Bells are ringing I can hear them in Georgia! Rest my sweat friend. I love you! Valerie Persichetti
Val, you have touched my entire familiy's life and we love you very very much. I believe that we moved across the street and met you for a reason over three years ago. You are a true inspiration to all that know you and love you.
We have had so much fun together the past few years and I will cherish all of those memories. The river trips with the kids and Cabo last year was the biggest treat of all. I think last year in Cabo was an awesome experience for us. I will never forget our many talks about life, kids and family. You make me want to be a better person! There is nobody in this world like you Val. I knew that the day you knocked on my door.
My heart is breaking right now..
Love, Kelli
My love to all of you. Though you don't know me I feel to know you so very well by watching your blogs along the way.
At one time I lieved in Encinitas also.
My husband has passed away February 7th from the very same disease, just 10 months after diagnoses. Val has been such an inspiration to us as have you, the family, with your devotion and total commitment to Val's fight against this horrible cancer. As I say when asked, my heart is broken but my spirit will continue to stay strong. Val is in our hearts forever, we are so grateful to her for having touched our life.
From the bottom of our hearts
Love to Val and all of you
Marion Schwartz
Thank you for the updates I check on the blog numerous times through-out the day praying for a miracle. Nancy-thank you for the call this afternoon, my heart hurts knowing how difficult this is for you. You have been so strong and encouraging for your daughter and I know how much she loves you, how much she LOVES! She loves with a heart of gold and what a blessing to have shared time with her. You reminded me of the day when you both came over to my house, the morning I phoned Val to let her know I was pregnant. She was so excited for me, and you both showed up with the perfect bouquet of pale pink roses that afternoon. What a special memory I will always cherish. Valerie loves babies and she helped me along while becoming a new Mom. She made sure she was there at the hospital soon after my son arrived and she cried as she held him in her arms.
Richard and Nancy thank you for raising a beautiful, loving, Godly daughter. What a pure blessing she is to so many!
Deanna
Richard & Nancy,
Val has touched my life like you will never know. Although I never got to know her really well, she was always kind to me. When I did have the opportunity to sit and talk with her, I was amazed to see a side of her I did not know right away. And that was the Love she has for her boys. We talked alot about our children together. Everytime she mentioned their names, she always had a bright smile on her face, her love shone through like a beacon! I am so glad that I have had the privledge to get to know Val. Over the last 18 months I have learned alot from Val: don't take life, or family for granted. Life is short and you never know what will happen, so live your life to the fullest, and let your friends and family know how much you love them.
You have raised a remarkable woman. Her love, compassion and beauty will live on in her children. I pray that Val is at peace and comfortable as she makes her way to our Lord. God Bless you all in this most difficult time.
Chris,
My heart goes out to you and your boys. I know that this is a very difficult time for you. I pray that God watches over you and the boys and give you comfort and strength. Val's beauty, kindness and Love will live on thru Ryan, Gavin and Tyler.
Thank you again for your ministry. Though I do not really know Val, she is an inspiration to me as is your whole family. Thank you for sharing this private journey with all of us. It has been a priviledge to pray for and with all of you. I will continue to pray for strength and peace for you all.
Val - I wrote on this blog about a year ago shortly after I met your mom in Prattville Alabama at a swimming pool. I was going through chemo at the time for breast cancer and she appraoched me, we talked and she prayed with/for me for my healing. I was so touched by her words, her spirituality, and her care for a total stranger. I have followed your blog ever since that day as I felt a connection to you as we are the same age and have kids the same age. I have cried, and smiled and reflected on my life this past year going through treatments while reading about your fight. You have given me strength on my bad days and helped me remember to cherish each day with my kids and my husband. I wish I could have met you, you seem truly extraoridnary. I am so happy you are surrounded by your equally amazing family right now and pray that you will live out your days painlessly and with the knowledge that you are loved by so many...even total strangers. Your boys have been blessed to be loved by someone like you.
Mr. Sloan
As always thank for your beautiful updates.
Dear Val and family,
I remember a very poignant conversation about God over a glass of wine at Bunco no less.... I remember Val asking me if God was in my life. I remember thinking what an important, yet very personal question..... In the typical Val style :-)... It jolted me to think about my relationship with God. For this I thank you.
I remember responding to you in some kind of ....well do you really need a relationship with God at church every Sunday to be spiritual?! Isn't being a good person all week long good enough? Oddly enough, my own answer today shows me how much we have grown with you over these 18 months.
I want to thank you and your family for sharing so deeply your very personal life with all of us. You have honored yourself and God with such grace.
One little side note.... the Easter Bunny brought my daughter our very first Bible into our home. Thank you for sharing your life and your love for Christ. It has changed us.....forever.
May you continue on your beautiful path Val.......
Love, Jen Gaetani & family
Val,
What a journey this has been for you. Thank you for letting all of us be apart of your very personal walk in life. As you can tell by your blog, you have touched so many people. Your faith in God has been so inspiring. You have got one of the most beautiful families I have ever seen. I wish I could of been a closer part of that, with you, but because of my own dealings with life I didn't let myself. But I promise you,you were always on my mind. I will never forget you. I will never forget the strenghth of you and your family. I will never forget the most beautiful spirtitual writtings I have ever read. The way everyone was able to write so elagantly about God and their undying faith in him. Because of all of you, I too have a more profound faith, that I don't think I had before.
Trust me when I say this; Your boys are in the best of hands, they will know who you are. They will never forget you, or what kind of person you were. Your love for them will live on forever. And your love for God and life will live on inside them.
So rest now my friend...Feel comforted full heartedly that all is taken care of here on earth
Fly free precious Val, fly free.......
Love C.
We are praying for Val and for stength for you Mr. Sloan as you write these updates with such special words of love.
You and your family have become a part of my everyday routine. Wake up, check the web site, get home check it again. Even though I don't know any of you I have been forever changed watching your story unfold. We never know what God's will will be, but as you have taught us, we have to trust that. Valerie is a special person that gets to enter heavens gate without worry. That is what we all have to strive for. Being better Christians, friends, parents, spouses, neighbors etc. I will be forever thankful to you all that have written such beautiful words. It has helped more than you know.
Val - God has looked around his Garden and found an empty place.
He looks down upon his earth and sees your loving face.
He will put his arms around you and lift you up to rest.
His Garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.
He sees your path was difficult, He will close your tired eyes,
He will whisper to you "Peace be Thine" and give you wings to fly.
You will leave us with precious memories, your love will be our guide,
You will live on through your children, you will always be by our side.
It breaks our hearts to lose you, but you will not go alone.
For part of us will go with you on the day God calls you home.
Rest in peace Valerie.
I am praying for all of you at this very spiritual and emotional time. (Utah)
Dear God,
You know that a deep hurt has come to the McCrea ~ Sloan family. Their hearts feel broken and their spirts are crushed. We can't make sense of anything. Should we pray for a miracle? For peace?For understanding?All our longings lie open before you (Ps.38:9). Out of the depths, we cry to You ,Lord(Ps130:1).
Be close to us, Comforter, as You've promised. Intercede for each of us (Rom.8:26-27). Thank you that You do draw near to us when we pray to You(Deut.4:7;Ps.145:18). Come quickly, Lord. You are our only hope(Ps.40:17).
Because we believe in You, we cling to Your promises. We know that not one of the good promises You've given this family has ever failed(Josh.23:14). You have said You will deliver us, and we trust You now(Ps.34:19).
How we long for the day when You will release us from our sorrow so that we can come and go again with joy and peace(Isa.55:12).
"I am close to the brokenhearted, and I save those who are crushed in
spirit(from Ps.34:18). My favor last a lifetime;weeping my remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning(Ps.30:5).
Thank you lord.
"God cares about all my troubles"
(1Pet.5:7)
When I must leave you for a little while Please do not grieve and shed wild tears And hug your sorrow to you through the years. But start out bravely with a gallant smile; And for my sake and in my name Live on and do all things the same, Feed not your lone-
liness on empty days, But fill each waking hour in useful ways, Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer And I in turn will comfort you And hold you near; And never, never be afraid to die, For I am waiting for you in the sky!
I still pray for complete healing for Val. But I found these words comforting after the loss of my own sibling.
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