Victory
Today, November 16th, at 1:05 AM, Kathy went home to be with the Lord.
She is no longer in pain. She is healed. Her battle is won.
Later this morning, we will be making final arrangements. I plan to post another update this evening with more details.
At this moment, I do not have appropriate words to share with you. Just know that the Brutton and Hessel families will be alright.
The following song has meant something to Kathy and I for many years and we wanted to share it with you.
Thanks for praying.
Gayle Wills said,
November 16, 2010 at 10:07 am
AMEN and AMEN
Tim and Lisa Jackson said,
November 16, 2010 at 10:13 am
Mike and kids,
Just wanted to let you know we are praying for your family. We attend FBCA and have been praying for your family over the last couple of months. The Lord had burdened us to pray for you many times. We rejoice with you knowing Kathy is with our Lord and she fought the good fight. We know this must bring you comfort. We also know with saying good-bye brings pain. Thank you for being real and letting God be glorified in all of this. What a testimony you have been to not only our little family, but many others. May the Lord wrap His arms around you and your kids. May you find peace and encouragement. I know we don’t know you personally, but please know the Jackson family will continue to lift the Brutton family up to the Lord.
God Bless,
Tim and Lisa Jackson
Trina Stephens said,
November 16, 2010 at 10:21 am
Heaven’s gain is our loss. I am so glad Kathy is enjoying her heavenly reward today instead of being in pain! I’m reminded of a poem I heard a long time ago:
Don’t weep for me. I’m finally free.
To run with the angels on streets made of gold
To listen to the stories of saints new and old
To worship our maker who loved me so much
Kathy is finally free of pain and is experiencing joy beyond our understanding!
Angie Chapman said,
November 16, 2010 at 10:25 am
Praying for you and your sweet, precious family. My heart aches and hurts for you and your family and also rejoices in kowing Kathy is in the presence of our Lord and Savior worshipping and praising Him along side my husband Charlie. Will continue to pray for God’s supernatural strength, peace and hope that only comes from Him.
Love & prayers,
Angie
Tara Helfrich said,
November 16, 2010 at 10:46 am
I don’t understand how I can be so sad and happy at the same time. I am so sad that Kathy is no longer with us. I wish I would have had more time to get to know her better. She was/is an amazing woman! And I am so happy that she is no longer in pain. She fought a long battle and deserves to be happy and pain free again. I am so sad for you, the kids and your family for having to go through this pain. I couldn’t imagine what it is like to lose a spouse or parent. But am also happy that you can help the kids move on to some sort of normal again.
I am always here and more than happy to help in anyway I can. You and the kids are always welcome in our house and our family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Elaine Paulsen said,
November 16, 2010 at 10:47 am
Your unwavering faith is truly inspiring.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL,
Elaine Paulsen
Vivian said,
November 16, 2010 at 10:51 am
My thoughts and prayers with you Mike and your children. I am very heartbroken but know she is with the glory of God…how precious!
Joy Booth said,
November 16, 2010 at 10:56 am
The Booths love you…
Greg and Ila Morrow said,
November 16, 2010 at 11:03 am
Mike and family,
These are two of the verses I cling to when I must face suffering and sorrow. I am sure you are already very familiar with them.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4
We will continue to hold your family up in prayer.
God Bless you.
Greg and Ila Morrow
Chrissy Cash said,
November 16, 2010 at 11:10 am
We are praying for your family! Our hearts are broken for your loss, but praising God that Kathy knew Him and is spending eternity with Him! She was an inspiration to everyone that came into contact with her.
Theresa Hitchcock said,
November 16, 2010 at 11:12 am
I love you all and will miss Kathy dearly!
Curt Sykes said,
November 16, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Mike,
First of all let me say how thankful I am that God brought you and Kathy into our little circle of friends, it was truly a God thing and one of many that we have had the priviledge of experiencing together. I am also so very glad we got to spend some great time together Sunday evening. I am grieving for the loss of Kathy and for the pain you and your family are experiencing, but at the same time I am rejoicing that Kathy is in no more pain.
I listened to the song this morning, and I smiled at the line – “earthly pain finally will cease…” It is so true.
We are all family Mike – do not forget that fact. We are here for you and the kids and will continue to pray that God continues to extend His grace and mercy until we all will see Him and Kat face to face!
I love you man!
Jamie Bull (Sisco) said,
November 16, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my family’s prayers!
Randy Swain said,
November 16, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Mike and family,
I do not “know” your family but just finished reading every blog from back in the beginning. My girlfriend Jessica pointed me in this direction. Quickly, I can relate in the sense I am currently losing my father to cancer and its a tough battle.
But this is about helping you and your family.
The strength,love and steadfast faith that you displayed in these blogs is Gods work. Sometimes he uses us as a tool to reach and touch others. To spread word of his undying love. Nothing I or anyone else can say will soothe the pain, but the thought that you have so many people who care about you all on top of gods love will surely carry you and your children through this.
This life is but a closed door…death opens that door to the next life. She sounds like she was very strong…even very happy until the end. Rest assured she is in gods presence right now…angels around her..smiling…….at peace and experiecing more love than any of us can comprehend. She is trully blessed.
This is one of my favorite scriptures from the Bible:
Isaiah 40:18-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
I pray for your strength. I pray for your families happiness. May god bless you all in this life and the next. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us and showing us your unblievalbe spirit and faith. Take care.
Elizabeth Hines said,
November 16, 2010 at 12:57 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Hold your babies tight and know she will always be with you.
Christin Hovis said,
November 16, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Love and prayers continue to come your way. I feel blessed to have known Kathy, even if for a little while. Heaven is definitely welcoming a special angel back home.
Heather Savory said,
November 16, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Thank you for sharing your story with everyone through this difficult time. What an awesome testimony. It will be a great tool for reflection for your family and others for many years to come.
God Bless,
Heather Savory ( friend of the Booths)
Linette said,
November 16, 2010 at 1:48 pm
I will always remember the girl with a smile on her face when I think of Kathy.
I will pray for strength for you and your family in times to come…especially here at the holidays.
Love and peace be with you.
Barb Hagler said,
November 16, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Mike and family,
Please know we are praying for all of you. Kathy lived her life as a blessing…may you be blessed by the Lord as you travel this new path. We praise God for having known her…our love to you and your family, Dan & Barb Hagler, Hope, MI
Josh said,
November 16, 2010 at 2:09 pm
I know that we don’t even know eachother, but I wanted to write your family. I’m so sorry for your loss, but I rejoice with you knowing that she is home with the Lord. I will be praying for you all.
In Christ, josh
Tiffany Palovick said,
November 16, 2010 at 2:24 pm
As I sit reading your blog and the comments from Kathy’s friends, the song “I Can Only Imagine” is playing on Joy FM.It brought tears to my eyes because Kathy doesn’t have to imagine anymore. She is walking by His side. She is surrounded by His glory. She now has forever to worship Him. How wonderful that she knew Jesus as her Savior and that you and your family knows that they WILL see her again.
I only knew Kathy through a mutual friend but I will continue praying for you and your family.
God Bless.
Marilyn McDonald said,
November 16, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Mike,
I am so thankful to have come to know you and Kathy during this time. At all times she has been an encouragement to me in this fight against this terrible disease. I pray that I can encourage others the way you both have encouraged me. My favorite scripture thru it all has been Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.”
Much love to your entire family.
Pam Brodwater said,
November 16, 2010 at 2:55 pm
As I received word of Kathy’s homegoing, I too had Joy FM on and heard the same song “I Can Only Imagine”. It brought tears to my eyes for her happiness but for your sorrow. We know that one day we will see her again a long with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our prayers are with you and your dear family.
Jim and Pam Zickrick said,
November 16, 2010 at 3:07 pm
We continue to pray for all of you….Kathy will really be missed. We are grateful to have known her and for the witness you have been to so many through your faith through the storm. The song is perfect…
Love,
The Zickrick family
Greg and Karin Kostich said,
November 16, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Dear Mike,
In the few short years that we have known you and Kathy, we have been blessed and so humbled. We are so comforted knowing that she is with our Lord Jesus and that she and Greg’s mom are praising God at His throne. You, Maddie, Sarah and Colin will continually be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
The Kostich Family
Karen Crews said,
November 16, 2010 at 3:22 pm
My heart hurts and rejoices at the same time. Rest in the comfort of knowing Kathy is free of pain and that you will see her again. Praying strength and comfort for you and the children.
Irma Greever said,
November 16, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Please know that there are many, many brothers and sisters in Christ praying for you and your dear family during this difficult time. My heart aches for you and your precious children. May God abundantly shower you with His love, grace, peace, and comfort…more than you could even imagine possible. He is our hope and peace, and He is sufficient.
Donna Byerly said,
November 16, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Mike,
I’m so sorry for your loss and will continue to pray for you, the children, John and Brenda, Kathy and Dnai. You and Kathy have been an inspiration and your continued faith is unbelievable. Her strength was so strong and such an inspiration to us all! I’m so thankful that her pain is gone!
May peace and comfort be with you all.
Donna Byerly
Connie Oestreicher said,
November 16, 2010 at 4:19 pm
I don’t know when you will have a chance to read this,but our family is praying for you. We have walked this road of grief. My heart breaks. I know that at the same time that Jesus filled the room with angels and rejoiced with Kathy as she entered His presence, He sat with you to comfort you. He is amazing in His grace and mercy to us. I know you are in a stage where you look at the world outside of yourself, as if in the third person. Praying for you and your children. My children were young as well and they are doing fine. I know God has his hand on you and your children. Hold on to hope and healing of your heart. He is there even in the loneliness of missing her. Blessings. Connie (grieveingwithpurpose.com)
Kristen said,
November 16, 2010 at 4:26 pm
I know you don’t know me, but I met Kathy at Lisa Hessel’s shower and we were both bridesmaids in Jon and Lisa’s wedding. I have been praying for Kathy and peace to come over your family and cried today hearing of your loss! I know that even though I only knew her for a short time, I still remember her smile and how much she lovedddd her family. PLease know that your message is so encouraging and I will be praying for all of you!
Erin Holtzclaw said,
November 16, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Kathy is having the best day ever. I can only imagine her joy when meeting Jesus today.
Praying for you and your sweet children. It will be alright – God is carrying you.
Chrissy said,
November 16, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Praying for your family. I’ve been following your blog for a few months. I attend FBCA as well. May peace surround your family during this time.
Amy Driskell said,
November 16, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Mike and kids,
I am truley sorry for your loss. Kathy sounds like a wonderful person that I wish I had gotten to know as an adult.
I know that you have all of the stregnth that you need to start the next chapter of your lives.
karen permenter said,
November 16, 2010 at 6:20 pm
rich & i have been fervently yet quietly praying for the Brutton & Hessels during Kathy’s journey. We celebrate Kathy’s promotion to heaven. We have been challenged & grown in our faith through your transparency. We continue to pray for you & your precious children.
Mrs. L. Bostic said,
November 16, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Praying for you and your family at this time.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 reminds us:
Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (NIV)
Praying that the Lord continue to give you a peace that surpasses all understanding. That you take comfort in knowing that Kathy is at home with the Lord. Thank you both for sharing your journey with us, and encouraging us through your faith.
God Bless You All
Judi Reece said,
November 16, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Mike
As so very sorry I am for your loss and the loss of your entire family I have come to know……..
my heart is doing the happy dance for Kathy!
Sheila said,
November 16, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Mike and family, I am so sorry. My heart is breaking for all of you. Kathy was such a doll. Her quick smile and the twinkle in her eyes are just a few of the wonderful things I will remember when I think of her.
Mike, you all have been such a blessing to me. Thank you for allowing me to share a part of this journey with you. I wish I could have done more for you and Kathy. I will continue to lift your family to God. I will ask that He put his comforting arms around you so that you may rest in Him.
JoAnn McGraw said,
November 16, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Mike, both you and Kathy have been an inspiration to all of usl. You’ve faced this with such grace and courage. What a testimony you’ve shared! As you’ve said time and time again, God has the plan, and even though this is a day of sadness, it’s also a day of great celebration. May God bless you always. Forever in my prayers.
Melissa said,
November 16, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Thanks for posting the beautiful song. Your family is in our prayers. Kathy was an awesome woman of God and will be missed. May God comfort and love on your family during this hard time. She has touched so many lives during her short journey on earth and is now beginning her eternity with the Lord.
…until we meet again Kathy…
Pam Jordan said,
November 17, 2010 at 12:41 am
My prayers are with you Mike as with your children and the rest of you family. I am truly at a loss for words. I was praying for a miracle and although Kathy’s passing isn’t what I had in mind it is what God had in mind and she is now miraculously no longer in pain. How glorious! You and Kathy have been such an inspiration to me as well as so many other folks and I thank God for that blessing.
Katlyn said,
November 17, 2010 at 1:22 am
May God bless you and keep you in this time. Kathy was and will continue to be an inspiration to me and many. Your family is such a blessing and will be in my prayers.