WE DID IT!! Yesturday was the most beautiful celebration for our Colin....it sounds weird, almost wrong to talk about a funeral like that, but i really didn't see it as a funeral, it was exactly what we wanted, a celebration of his amazing life. I am just so honored to have been a part of that life for as long as God allowed us to be together! My only desire in life was to fall head over heels, deeply in love, and God granted me the desires of my heart! How blessed i have been! Our families were so very honored to have each one who could attend our celebration and even those who coudn't, thank you for your thoughts and prayers and well-wishes! I am a hugger, and i sure got my share at the BBQ, thank you to each one who waited to speak with me, i was so overwhelmed with your support and blessed beyond measure through your words!
When i got to taste the BBQ beef, MAN, THAT WAS GREAT!!!! it was a good day, not what i expected to be honest....i mean, it was difficult, but so positive, i didn't feel the devastation i thought i would. My heart still has that familiar ache, as i'm sure that's not going to go away for a long time, but i guess it just takes some time....most of family has already packed up and gone. Colin's parents just packed the car and now they are on their way as well. It's gonna get pretty quiet pretty fast...but i guess there's no time like the present to start learning how to do this, getting a hold on our new normal and trying to establish some stability and routine....oh man, i'm glad i'm just working on a few hours at a time, God will carry us, i'm trusting HIM for that!
Today, my cousin Steph helped me declare a "BRAIN SHUTDOWN DAY", haha, sounds funny, but it's exactly what i'm gonna do, just be....and enjoy the simplicity of life today....love and laugh with my boys and enjoy being a full-time Mommy...something i have dreamed of doing for such a long time....Thank You Lord, that You have promise to comfort and heal and restore us, too, not just Colin, but for us still here on earth! I'm gonna hold Him too that promise, that's for sure!
this afternoon is quiet, not sure what to think of that yet, i'm almost afraid of the quiet....but just breathe, the rest God's gotta do for me right now!
ok i should go cuddle with my Corban!
happy Saturday, and thank you again for supporting us yesturday, you all were apart of making it the most amazing day to be apart of! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!!
Love, Melissa
Dear Melissa:
ReplyDeleteIt was such a beautiful ceremony. Very sad to say goodbye to Colin, that is for sure. The police presence was amazing, honor guard, etc. Colin meant so much to a lot of people; he was such an inspiration.
I had a chance to speak with both your mother and father yesterday, and that was nice. I am glad that you and I were able to speak yesterday too, as you were swamped with everyone wanting to say something to you; thank-you for your kind words!
I will think of your family often, and if you are ever in Calgary, please call us.
All my love,
Aunt Debbie
Hi Melissa:
ReplyDeleteWhat a Stellar celebration of life that was for Colin yesterday! I too loved the whole police presence...guess cause I used to be one of them too. Your dad did an amazing job of honoring Colin as did the pastors and when you got up to speak....I was totally amazing at your grace...you "knocked" that one out of the park..I am sure Colin was smiling down from heaven...he would be so proud of you. I don't know if you got to meet Tanner Hanson, he is a Lethbridge police man who was in Colin's class in training. I was shocked to see him cause I didn't know he was a police officer. I have known him since he was a small child and I used to be a school resource officer at his school when I was pregnant with my son. I had a contest with the kids to help me name my baby...but when I met Tanner Hanson; I was so impressed with him I told him that if I had a son I would name him after Tanner. Well I did have a son and named him Tanner after Tanner Hanson. What a thrill to see him and to see what path he chose as well as a police officer. he had such kind words to say about Colin. It was kinda funny cause he said he decided to become a police officer because of the impact I had on him when I was at his school. Isn't it funny how life turns out; and we impact people we have no idea we touched. It's just like you and Colin...you too will hear in years from now how you impacted people's lives across this nation through your blog and the way you shared your journey with cancer and your love with each other and of course your amazing love for Jesus! It was an honour to be with you yesterday...a day I won't soon forget. You are an amazing Woman of God Melissa and God has big plans for your life! i can't wait to see how this journey and the next chapter of your life plays out. God bless you sweet girl and I want to encourage you that your best days are still ahead of you!
Love Darla Christianson
Melissa
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome to hear how well you're doing. I know by the grace of God :) Things might be tough as things get quiet and as people go home. What a blessing that your parents live close. I will pray that you find peace in the stillness. I supposed it will only get so quiet with your boys. I have 2 boys as well and there's not much stillness at our house :)
I was reading the program from the service and saw the name Eberl. And then I saw Andrew Eberl outside after the service. I used to live in Clareholm and my dad was the pastor of the Baptist Church there. Also my Auntie Gina sang in a group with Andrew. Is Andrew your uncle? Small world :)
Praying faithfully
Michelle Isaak
isaakj1@telus.net
Missy,
ReplyDeletei'm so happy to hear yesterday was a great celebration and that you made it though. I was praying for you all. Your in my prayers :)
Missy
ReplyDeleteThe Celebration yesterday was beautiful. I wasn't able to come to the bbq after, but hope to meet up with you one day to give you a BIG hug!! You have, and I am sure you will continue to inspire so many people with the your strength and love.
Take Care
Thinking of you always
Holly Scahill
Such beautiful words were said about Colin, Missy. What an amazing man! Your boys have such an amazing role model to follow in his footsteps for a life well lived! There are so many loved ones to share countless stories in the years to come to keep Colin close to us. Yesterday blessed everyone that came. I think no one could leave unaffected. What a hero. I see so much of Colin in Corbin. Not just in looks but in heart. What a legacy.
ReplyDeleteIts a blessing to know you all!
Love you!
Chelsey Welwood
I feel privileged and honoured to know you Melissa and to have known Colin. You are a pillar of strength and your amazing journey has touched so many. Colin’s celebration of life was awesome and so were you. The poise and grace you demonstrated was extraordinary. Be so very proud of yourself! You are a fantastic mother and your boys are so richly blessed to have you. I need you to know that you have so greatly impacted my walk with our Lord. Your family was the first Christian family that I would call friends. God had his hand in my job at Reinhardt’s and working at the golf course with you. I am so thankful for you, Colin, and your parents. You are an inspiration and someone who I truly admire. I will continue to pray for you, your sweet boys, and your family as you adjust to your new normal. Love, Amanda Finke
ReplyDeleteDear Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI count it a true privilge to have been a part of Colin's Celebration service! How blessed you are to be a part of such a large family. You brought great honor to God by sharing Colin's journey. I am sure that He will bless you for that. Who knows, maybe someday you will be writing a book about your journey together to encourage others who are going through the same thing. Or maybe you will be a special encouragement speaker! You have already blessed so many, may you be blessed in return. I will continue to pray for you, for we know the road ahead will have it bumps, but you will make it! You are not travelling alone. Have a good night, resting in God's loving arms. With love and prayers, Pat H.
Wish we could have been there to celebrate Colin with you all! Missy, you and your boys are still in our thoughts and prayers. Make sure you let us know if there is anything you need!
ReplyDeleteYou did an awesome job, and the celebration was beautiful. A perfect way to say goodbye to our friend; Colin would have loved it. You guys continue to amaze me with your strength, courage, and faithfulness.
ReplyDelete