We have had a sad week this past week, as Mark’s family lost a bright and beautiful light. His younger sister, Kim, lost her battle with cancer last week and we had the memorial service on Friday. It’s so hard to see a beautiful life be taken too soon and that’s how we all feel about Kim. She was a sunny, happy person who loved her family deeply. Leaving behind her husband to her 3 adult children (plus one grandson & another granddaughter on the way), they were a tight knit family, as is Mark’s entire family. It’s so hard to lose a family member especially way too soon. Since I share family things with you all, it’s only fitting to tell you about Kim’s passing.
Her stomach cancer battle started 2 years ago with stomach issues and once diagnosed, she began chemo treatments which of course affected her quality of life. This year as she was starting to further weaken in her health, she really wanted one last beach trip with the whole family, so everyone rallied and made it happen. We got most of the family together for one last hurrah with Kim at St. George Island. She was 67, the same age as me. That sure hits home.
Everyone is so glad they made the effort to make it happen. I shared that trip with you here with more pictures, but of course it’s bittersweet. These memories will last a lifetime.
They rented the house you see for their family and Mark and I stayed with 2 of his girls (and families) in a house just across the street. It couldn’t have worked out any better. We all knew it would be the last beach trip together with Kim and we made the most of it. But it sure doesn’t make it any easier to lose her.
I shared Kim’s beach house with you a few years ago and two years ago she invited me to go with her down there for a few days and I thoroughly enjoyed that trip. We would have loved to have more time to travel with Kim and David. We were the same age and had a lot in common with fixing up houses and thrifting for fun things at the thriftstores and antique shops.
We had a wonderful time in her beach house, walking along the beach front and catching the sunsets. Kim was such a sweet soul and will be missed by everyone who knew her. It’s hard to say goodbye. Life is so short as all of us who are getting older know. It sure hits close to home sometimes. We can’t take it for granted and we aren’t promised tomorrow, so make the most of the life we have left on this earth. We know Kim is a Christian and she’s in a better place now, free from pain and suffering.
having lost so many of my family members to cancer, I can empathize with your comments about the quality of life that goes with the treatments. Ironically my daughter husband left with the same diagnosis my mother left from. Pretty challenging to lose your granny and short time later your husband is diagnosed with the same.
It seems this ugly disease can tackle so many many different systems in our bodies.
Gods greatest blessings for your and Marks family as they deal with the loss of such an important to all.
So sorry for the family’s loss my Aunt went thou the same as you said free from pain is what I focus on and Heaven….
As I ponder my own issues (bad back and knee that needs replacing) I am grateful that so far I have been spared from cancer. But ive lost some good gfriends from it, amd always is brutal. Condolences to you and Mark! 💛
I am so sorry for all of you. Cancer is such a life thief. It is so sad to watch the decline of a loved one, knowing there is nothing you can do except be supportive.
God bless you as you all move forward. May the happy memories of her life fill you heart and mind.
Blessings- Diana
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss, Rhoda. Kim was blessed to have such a close, loving family, and you all were blessed having had her in your lives. May God’s comfort and peace be with you all.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your lovely sister-in-law and Mark’s sister.
Thank you for sharing some of your memories and sweet memorable pictures. I remember reading your column when you visited her at the beach house a couple years ago and I thought it was so cute.
May God comfort you all.
Rose
May God hold you all close and comfort you.
So sorry for your loss. Thankful you have so many precious memories to cherish. Prayers for comfort and peace for the families.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your much loved sister-in-law, Kim. I’m glad everyone had the change to connect at the last beach trip — life is short and moments like that are so special.
Thank you for sharing with us. Hugs to all of you. So glad you all had the chance to share those special days together. Hold them in your heart forever.
So sorry for the loss of Mark’s precious sister. I pray the love you all had for her and the beautiful memories will sustain you all. I lost my beautiful sister in December to pancreatic cancer. My heart still hurts but I also have so many wonderful memories. Prayers for comfort and peace. 🙏
I am so sorry for your loss.
When loved ones passes due to cancer, I like to remind myself that their soul goes on while the cancer dies and ceases to exist.
So sorry to hear about Kim, may God wrap all the family with Love and Peace in these sad hours. Thank you for sharing… I feel like we’re all family!!
Rhoda and Mark, I’m so very sorry for your loss. it sounds as though Kim handled her illness with grace. I can’t imagine losing my siblings, but I know those times will come. I am the youngest of 9, so my chances of experiencing this kind of grief are high. I send you my sincere condolences.
My condolences to you and Mark and her family. She sounded full of life and very talented. My heart hurts for you and Mark as it is so difficult to lose someone like this that you are so close to. I am so sorry!
So sorry for Mark and your loss. I know you made memories to always hold on to but that is bittersweet as we’d always prefer our family member with us. Praying God covers the entire family with the comfort and peace only He can give. 🙏🏻❤️
Oh Rhoda, my heart breaks for all of you. What beautiful pictures and stories you have shared. Cancer is a horrible disease. I have lost so many friends and family. Lost my oldest brother at 72 and youngest sister at 64. I myself am a 16 year survivor of Uterine cancer. It took two years of me being checked and told it was menopause messing with me. I am convinced that I would not be writing this if I had not pushed for a biopsy and I see some pretty amazing Docs. Loosing parents is so life changing as you know and I have shared with you before my losses. When it starts to loosing siblings it has such a different feeling and impact. I am one of six and our youngest brother only 63 passed three months ago from COPD attributed to his work as a plumber. Three siblings in less than 5 years has been so difficult to move forward from. Sending prayers of comfort to your entire family. ❤️🙏
Heartfelt condolences! ♥️🙏🙏🙏
May her memory be eternal ✝️
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved sister -in-law.
My deepest sympathy to you and Mark on the loss of his dear sister. I pray that you and Mark will feel God’s comforting arms wrapped around you at this sad time. You will both meet her, one day, in Heaven. What a reunion that will be! Hold on to all those precious memories of Kim as they just become more precious as the days go by. How nice that you were all able to get together with her before God took Kim “Home” to be with Him. We will keep you and Mark and Kim’s family in our prayers.