December 29, 2014

A Final Journey and Farewell



St. Jude Children's Hospital Donor Appreciation Luncheon
Knoxville, TN
November 13, 2014

My dear, sweet Jim (aka, Mr. Jim) fought the good fight. And I stood by him every step of the way on his final journey. He earned his angel wings on the morning of December 26, 2014, and he was laid to rest this afternoon. The world lost a truly wonderful man. However, God decided it was time to call him home.

I am relieved that Jim's suffering is now over, but deeply saddened that he is no longer part of my everyday life here on earth. My heart is broken into a million pieces. Now I will begin to figure out how to find my own way, until I get to be with him again.

His obituary is published on two web sites: Knoxville News-Sentinel and Woodhaven Memorial Gardens.

In the days and weeks ahead, I will share some of what transpired in the past five weeks. As always, I am most grateful for my blogging buddies and all of the prayers you have offered on our behalf.

47 comments:

  1. I love you, and will be here for
    you as best I can. May Mr.
    Jim rest in eternal peace and
    the Lord bless you, my friend.
    xoxo

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  2. Such a loss! Keeping you tucked into my prayers. Will stop by again soon.

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  3. Oh I am truly sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how you feel. Please feel free to lean on me/us, I'll be as supportive as I know how to be. Sending you a big Hug, and my deepest condolences.

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  4. bless you, dear donna. and bless mr. jim in his new-found freedom.

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  5. I am so sorry for your loss, Donna.

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  6. Oh dear Donna, words can not express how truly sorry I am for your loss.You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. May Mr Jim rest in peace.

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  7. My husband and I are both very saddened by your loss. We have kept you both in our prayers. I know it will be a hard time for you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. With love, Diane

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  8. Sad news Donna and I am heartbroken for your loss. May you find comfort in happy memories of Jim when he was well and full of adventure for photography trips together.
    You're in my prayers dear blogging sister.
    Hugs,
    Judith

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  9. Oh no Donna, I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Jim's passing. I will definitely be keeping you and your family in my prayers.

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  10. Donna, I've written you this evening. We were greatly saddened to hear of Jim's death - he fought so hard. Know that you remain in our thoughts and prayers.
    Love, Mary

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  11. Dear dear Donna, you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. I am so very sorry for your loss of your dear Jim. Cherish the memories of good times together. I understand how hard it is to lose someone at this time of year. Both my parents died at Christmas, 9 years apart, and my father-in-law just died this Christmas Eve. Heartfelt condolences to you Donna.

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  12. Your words, My heart is broken into a million pieces," go straight to my own heart. I am so very, very sorry for your great loss. My prayers continue for you...

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  13. So sorry, Donna. All this is made even harder because of the time of year. I am at the 3 year mark on January 1st. Take your time dealing with it all--I will keep you in my prayers.

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  14. I am sad to hear that you have lost your dear Jim and I am praying MUCH for you, dear friend. Thank you for sharing him with us through the years. And thank you for sharing your heart in this post.
    Sending hugs and a lot of love,
    ~Adrienne~

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  15. Oh dear Donna, I'm so sorry.
    You were a tower of strength to Jim through his huge battle, an ordeal for both of you.
    I'm praying that you have support to comfort you through this very sad time.
    Take care dear Donna
    Sending big hugs and blessings across the sea
    love
    Shane
    PS What a beautiful photo of your dearest love.x

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  16. Bless your heart sweet friend..... I am SO sorry for your loss. May God Bless you and Jim. I am here for you, sending love, prayer and hugs....
    (((((Hug)))))

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  17. I'm so sorry Donna! He did fight hard but cancer is a wicked beast! You are in my heart as you have been since I have known you. May you find peace and cherish the memories.

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  18. Dear Donna, I am so saddened by the news. My heart is breaking for you, but glad that Mr. Jim is no longer suffering. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  19. Donna, I am so very sorry. Yes, Mr. Jim is in Heaven and at peace. He had a wonderful wife in you and was blessed to have you by his side. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers daily.

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  20. Donna, I am so very sorry about the passing of your Mr. Jim... I can only imagine the heartbreak. May God sustain you during this time and give you a peace that surpasses all understanding. Please know that you are in my prayers....God bless you, friend.

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  21. Donna, I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Jim. What a great testament of love you have shown each other. Love you sweet friend and praying for you...

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  22. Dear Donna, I'm so very sorry for your loss of your beloved Mr. Jim. I have been thinking of you this past week and 'wondering' and praying for you both. May you find comfort in your memories of your blessed life together. And, may God bless you with His peace in the days ahead. xx Pam

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  23. Even though I haven't know you for a very long time, this makes me so sad. It has to be hard to watch your greatest love go through this kind of illness. I dread the day when this happens. Yes, you will be with him again some day. It has to be hard to move along. Just know that your bloggy friends will be there to help you. HUGS

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  24. Eu envio um abraço carinhoso e amigo para você! Peço que os anjos de Jesus envolvam você em uma nuvem de carinho e conduzam o Sr. Jim nos novos caminhos.

    I send an affectionate hug and friend for you! I pray that the angels of Jesus involve you in a cloud of love and lead Mr. Jim in new ways.

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  25. Dear Donna, I was so sorry to hear about your beloved, Mr. Jim. I have been thinking of you and wondering how things were. You will both be in my prayers. Take care.
    Mary

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  26. Oh my dear friend... Life has led me away from so much blog-reading, and I was not able to keep up w/ with you and others. I just stopped by tonight to check on you & Mr. Jim, and found this sad news. PLEASE know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. What a comfort it must be to know that you will be reunited one day with your sweet baboo! (I couldn't help but notice your post "tag.") Thinking of of you with love & much admiration for the journey you've been on! xo ~Sally

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  27. Hard not to cry, Donna. Although I have never had the privilege of meeting either you or Mr. Jim I feel like I've gotten to know you just from what we've shared from blogging. What a wonderful, adventurous life you have both shared, so many memories to cherish.
    You remain in my prayers. I will be checking back with you soon.
    Hugs-Kimberly

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  28. Dear Donna, I'm so sorry to read this news about the loss of your beloved Jim. You have been much in my thoughts and prayers and those will continue in the days and weeks to come. May God's loving arms of comfort help you through these days.
    Lorrie

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  29. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and I promise to continue to hold you up to our gracious Lord for all the days ahead. I cannot imagine your grief but I know your beloved Jim would not want you to suffer unduly or grieve too hard. He was a kind and precious man whose loving generosity will never be forgotten by those of us it touched. God bless you my friend.

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  30. Dear Donna, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear Jim. Prayers for you and your family. xoox

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  31. I'm so sorry Donna. I loved reading about your adventures and building your new home. Take care kiddo.

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  32. I'm not sure my comment went through, so I will try again. I am so sorry for you, Donna, and heartbroken along with you. I will keep you in my prayers and please know that I am here for whatever I might be of help to you with. I'm sending love and asking God's blessings on your life. (((((((Donna)))))))

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  33. I am so sorry Donna for your loss.

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  34. Donna when you're ready I hope you will read my personal tribute to Jim (and you) posted on my blog today. May God bless and be with you every moment my friend. xoxo Jenny

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  35. Bless you Donna. ..wish i had more to say to comfort you and distance fails me being able to hug you and assure you the sun will shine again slowly but surely...RIP Mr Jim so brave and courageous til the end xx

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  36. Oh Donna, I am so very sorry. My heart aches for you so badly. I love you friend and am here for you. :-(

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  37. Donna, pray God comforts you and the family during this time.

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  38. So sorry for your loss Ms. Donna. I know you will miss him terribly. May you find comfort in the days ahead.

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  39. Thinking of you, and praying you find some peace in time.
    Love you.
    xoxo

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  40. So, so sorry for your great loss! Sending warm hugs and prayers!

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  41. Just checking in to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Donna ♥

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  42. Donna-- I'm so very sorry for your loss-- I can not imagine your grief. You have been such a steadfast caregiver and support to your husband throughout this long journey. In addition to your grief-- you must also be so exhausted. You've so many friends here to offer YOU love and support. My prayers are with you--
    Vicki

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  43. He was such a cutie pie...and I can't even begin to imagine how one gets thru something like this. Bless his heart...he is walking and talking with our sweet Jesus and Jim will NEVER hurt again.
    I remember asking for your mailing address but don't think I got it....would you kindly send it to me thru email.
    bjconklin2@gmail.com

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  44. Sending you hugs and smiles sweet friend...
    (((((HUGS)))))

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  45. Sorry for your loss Donna. God Bless You. I stumbled on your blog today. I will be visiting again and again. Hugs

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  46. My heart and prayers go out to you. There is so much I want to say but I am sure know and have heard them all. So for now I want to say praying for your heart to mend.
    When I changed computer some how it eat your email address and I can not get into the forum. If I had not seen this on facebook I would not have know. I am sorry I have not been able to stay in contact with you. I miss you. LenZie

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  47. My heart is broken for you, while still knowing how all of Heaven rejoiced, when they welcomed your Mr. Jim home. Saying farewell is one of the hardest things we are called upon to do, so I continue to pray for peace, for strength, and for new joys to grace each day of your journey.
    Love you, my dear friend.

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Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!