Thursday, January 22, 2009

Our Beloved Ray

Loved Ones,

I am writing to tell you that our precious husband, father, son, brother and friend has finally been healed from cancer. Ray went to the loving arms of his father last night.

We are so very sad at the loss of our treasure Ray. We know though, that while our lives will not be the same without Ray here on earth, they are so much richer because of him. We are changed for the better. And his legacy, like our love for him, will live on always.

We are so grateful to you for all of your prayers, encouragement and emails. This was a hard fight -- and we know it was a little less hard because of your prayers.

We pray this day for strength and peace as we remember and celebrate our Ray. And for God's constant accompaniment on the new journey we are beginning.

"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins." Isaiah 40:1-2

not alone and not afraid --

kristin

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Our hearts are so very sad....Ray will remain with us always. How blessed we all are to have had him in our lives. He will be missed so very much.
Love Lori G.

Linda G said...

How sad today is here on earth, how happy heaven is that Ray is with God our Father. We are all so blessed to have had Ray in our lives. How blessed the angeles are to have him now. Ray...we will miss you so
Love Linda "G"

Whirl_Spin said...

My dearest cousin, our hearts ache already with how much we miss you. Your love, kindness, generosity and joy will live on in all whose lives you touched.

Gone, but NEVER forgotten...

Judy Smith said...

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Fitzgerald family. Your family has been an inspiration to so many on how to cope with the battles life throws at us. Ray will surely be missed but he is finally at peace and has left the world with a beautiful legacy. Love Judy S. and Family

Anonymous said...

Kristin,

My heart is breaking for you and the girls. I know that you and all of us are truly comforted that he is at home with God, and not in pain. Your faith through Ray's illness has been such an inspiration to me, and such an example of the comfort that God gives to his children. We will continue to pray for your family every day, and truly, if you need anything, never hesitate to call.
Melissa

COWolgies said...

Kristin,
Mary and I love you and surround you with our prayers of support and comfort. You have inspired us. Well done...my good and faithful servant.
Dan

Anonymous said...

Kristin,

I am so sad and sorry to hear this news. My tears and prayers are with you and the girls.

Love,

Randy

Anonymous said...

I am so sad and find this so unbelievable. My heart aches for Kristin and the entire Fitzgerald family. Your letters have benn an inspiration and reminder to never take life for granted. Thank you for sharing this journey. God be with youall Kim Brown Sirk

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. I read the news this morning and just sobbed... and I never met you or Ray (I'm a friend of Amy W.) I have prayed for Ray and your family. We do rejoice for Ray - but will continue to lift up your family in prayer.

Jack Clark

Derek said...

I don't have words Kristin. I'm so sorry - and also confident in God's provision for you and your girls. The love and prayers of the Sanford clan are with you guys. We love and miss you. - Derek

Anonymous said...

I will miss Ray personally and professionally. He was a wonderful person who touched all those around him. I offer my prayers and condolences and pray for your peace.

Best,

Mark Denzler

Sarah said...

Kristin,

My heart is breaking for your loss. I pray that even now in your time of profound sorrow that God, out of His glorious riches, "may strengthen you [and all of Ray's loved ones] with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Eph. 3:16-19).

Praying for you, dear friend,
Sarah Owen