Things will never be the same

Greetings!

Now that things have settled down, I have some time to reflect on the past week or so. All I can say tonight is Whew….This has been such an emotional and exhausting time. I have never experienced anything that has worn on me more and I know I am just beginning the next leg of this journey. I feel God is holding me close through all your prayers, but I know it is not going to be easy. Christy was my best friend. We did everything together. So, I definitely have a large adjustment to make.

I can tell you that I never imagined the love I felt for Christy was even possible. In her last week, I felt closer to her than I ever had. As I held her, read to her, prayed with her and sang to her, I loved her so very, very deeply. She couldn’t open her eyes or talk or show any response, but I just loved her more and more. When she took her last breath, I was relieved for her, but my heart felt like it would stop. My life would never be the same.

At the viewing, I experienced an incredible peace. I hugged and spoke with so many who Christy had inpacted during her lifetime. What amazed me the most was the impact she had and is making in her sickness and passing. People’s hearts have been changed. Family and friends alike are finding healing through the love of Jesus exhibited in the life of Christy Joy Ellis! God has and is working hugely through her beautiful story of love. Yes love, LOVE has indeed won!

At one point on Monday after quite a few people had come through, I couldn’t help but notice the joyful atmosphere. As I was being consoled by so many, I thought of Christy as she was being welcomed in heaven. What a beautiful time that must be! We can only imagine, but our imaginations can’t even begin to capture the beauty and excitement of that experience. WOW!!!

Writing this entry helps me, but I can tell you honestly that my heart aches. I miss my girl terribly. I promise all of you though, that I will choose life and I will choose legitimate and postive outlets for my grief. I thank all of you for your prayers and support. I know you are holding me and my family close.

Love to all,

Doug

Today has been a strange sort of day. Waking up without Christy is going to take some getting used to. I know though that God will provide what my broken heart will need. I am trying to keep my eyes on Jesus as I know in my soul that is where I will find peace, hope and assurance of the love of God. It just really hurts right now. Please continue to pray for our family as we will need all of you to help us get through to the other side of our grief.

We made the arrangements for family and friends as follows:

  Viewing: Monday, Feb 22 from 5:00-9:00 P.M. Gephart Schmidt Parramore Funeral home in Miamisburg.
  
  Celebration service: Tuesday, Feb 23 from 3:00 – ?? Apex Community Church, 5200 Far Hills Ave. Kettering

Please come and share in Christy’s passion for Jesus as we celebrate her beautiful life that we were so blessed to be a part of. 

Love you all,

Doug

Our Christy has made the final leg of the journey! She is now dancing with Jesus, smiling, laughing and free from the cancer, the drugs, the pain, the tiredness. She is FREE! FREE! FREE!

Thank you Lord for the happiness and joy Christy Joy brought to my life. I am so thankful for the time you blessed me and so many others with in this short time. She is leaving an incredible legacy of love that has positively affected so many.

I will miss you my love and I will love you and hold you close in my heart forever. Until we meet again in the heavenly home. Well done good and faithful servant!!!

Grateful for each moment Christy my love!

Love to all,

Doug

• Saturday, February 13, 2010 6:12 PM, EST

Dear ones,

Christy’s status has changed dramatically since the post earlier this morning. Her brain is shutting down and the time is quite near for Christy to go home. She is comfortable at this point, but not very responsive. We don’t know how long she has. She is surrounded by family and tremendous love. We’ve prayed together for Christy and for one another. Continue to pray for us as this is so difficult. Love to all.

Doug and Christy

• Monday, February 15, 2010 8:59 AM, EST

Christy is still with us, but systematically progressing toward home. Her blood pressure has dropped and her pupils are just slightly responding to light. Our hospice nurses have taken great care of Christy and she is comfortable. We have been truly blessed.

The family has stayed close and we have supported one another through the pain and through the tears. We are sleeping in shifts and every corner of our house is a potential bed. We have felt your prayers and appreciated the gifts of food and service. Keep praying and provide as you feel led as we have need of ongoing food to keep us going. We need you and love you all.

Doug, Christy and Family

• Tuesday, February 16, 2010 4:52 PM, EST

Christy is still with us. We are keeping her as comfortable as we can. She is well loved by all. We pray for her to be free, but God is still using her in her current condition, prompting a song written on scrap paper and sung in person, a gift of foot washing delivered in tears touching our hearts deeply. God, we are in your hands, awaiting your perfect timing.

Doug and Christy

• Wednesday, February 17, 2010 5:27 AM, EST

A new day is here and Christy is still with us. She is such an amazing person. I love her so very much. I prayed with her this morning asking God to allow us to be his servants today and shine his light through us and glorify him, whatever way that looks. I know everyday she was able, she would open her eyes and see that God had granted her a new day and she would praise him. She can’t open them now, so I will do that for her and praise him with her for this new day.

Christy is breathing easy this morning and looks very peaceful and beautiful. Oh, did I say I love her so very much! The house is quiet and peaceful. I feel God’s presence holding us close. Loved ones have had to go back to work as the world goes on. Please pray for them as it is so hard.

We love you all so much. Updates to come as able.

Doug and Christy

• Thursday, February 18, 2010 8:27 AM, EST

Thank you Lord for this new day! I pray for your light to shine brightly through us today. Christy and I are fully trusting you this day to provide our needs.

Christy, I miss your smile, but I know you will be smiling bright again soon. Rest in Jesus today my love. Know that we will love you fully through this time of transistion. Heaven is on your horizon. What a glorious day.

Thanks you all for the blessings you continue to provide us through this difficult time. We continue to be uplifted by God’s presence being shone brightly through the agape love of his saints. Act as God prompts you. Never question his love. Love is why he created us, so love big and love hard.

Doug and Christy

• Friday, February 19, 2010 7:12 AM, EST

I don’t know how to describe the difficulty of watching my best friend in this state of transistion from this world to heaven. This has stretched my faith further than ever before. I’ve felt close to breaking serveral times, but have pulled out from under the weight of the darkness each time. I have relied heavily on the prayers and support of family and friends. I see so clearly that we were never meant to take on life’s challenges alone. We so need one another!

We were blessed with such an exceptional nurse this past evening. She has really helped get Christy as comfortable as I’ve seen her in the past few days. Thank you Jesus!

I’ve prayed this morning for continued peace and total trust in God’s timing. And thanks to all who responded to my request for peace on Facebook last night. God is good!

We have been blessed by so much good food, gift cards and the visits. We do so appreciate the support.

Love to all,

Doug and Christy