This is my last blog post here. I don’t know if I can express how much this blog has meant to me, and how much it meant to Kate. As I think back to when we decided to start a blog, it was more about survival than trying to reach people. When she was first diagnosed in Feb 2016, our phones were buzzing non-stop with friends and family wanting updates. I figured that it’d be easier to type it once and publish it than to answer dozens of calls and texts every hour. Of course, this turned into so much more. Your prayers and support have been truly humbling, and the stories you tell of people’s lives being touched by our story are inspiring. Thank you for being a part of our lives, and for your continued prayers and support.
I think it’s fitting to provide a brief update on funeral and burial costs, given your overwhelming financial support. As I type, the Funeral & Burial YouCaring site is at about $62k. That’s a rough number that includes all online donations, and all the offline donations I could remember to add to that total (if you sent a check, gift card, or gave cash, there’s a way for me to add that to the total without being charged their fee). The total for her burial and funeral will be $35k - $40k, after I purchase a grave marker. The remaining donations are going into a college fund for the kids. I am shutting down the YouCaring site this morning, and I ask that if anyone feels called to donate further, please support these two schools, both of which were very dear to Kate’s heart.
Franciscan University of Steubenville
The Saint Constantine School
As I reflect on our hope for this blog as it developed over the past year, our consistent prayer was that it would lead people to pray. More than hoping for a cure or healing, we wanted you to pray. Please let that be Kate’s legacy. You honor her by continuing to pray to God in whatever ways He leads you.
And so, as my final request, I ask that you join me in praying the Divine Mercy Novena for the repose of Kate’s soul. If you are on Facebook, you may have seen my short post a couple days ago to this effect. If not, feel free to join us now to conclude on Divine Mercy Sunday - a week from today.
The Divine Mercy Novena
Thank you once again. May God abundantly bless you, as He has abundantly blessed us through you.
Happy Easter,
David
Oh David, words cannot state how clearly the holy spirit is living within your heart. I and our staff at the office have been so inspired by your walk! This blog has been so inspirational. Through the ups and the downs, you have shown such grace. And as you write your last note, on such a sweet morning of Easter. We all know that Katie is sitting at our Lord Jesus' feet listening. Just as she did so many times in my office. She sat on the floor with your children listening to their needs. Katie is such an inspiration to me and my walk with the Lord. I am so sad for your pain today and am confident that we will see her again. Please reach out if there is anything we can do for you or the kids. With such loving memory of your bride, a phenomenal mother and amazing witness for the kingdom of God. Dee and the VIP staff
ReplyDeleteThank you for allowing us to follow your journey and pray for you! We will continue prayers for Katie and your family. As a mother of five young ones, I can't help but mourn for you guys.
ReplyDeleteThe Saint Constantine School looks like a wonderful school. From the beginning, we've gone the route of classical, Catholic education with our kids (ages 12, 10, 7, 3, and 3 months), so this model is near to our hearts as well. We can certainly vouch for the richness of this education. God bless you and your entire family.
I am just one of the thousands who have been touched by this blog.
ReplyDeleteA 70 year old Catholic woman who has fallen many times but picks herself up every day and will attempt to walk the walk till my last breath.
I pray to Katie every day.