Happy Birthday Ken

Today would have been Ken’s 61st Birthday. Celebrating Ken’s life without him here gives me some perspective on how God works through my life in big and small ways. God blesses me and reminds me that He has a plan, no matter how many speed bumps or potholes I encounter along the way. And some special surprises too. Today also marked my dog Kippy’s 3rd birthday (I got him months after Ken passed). Having Ken and Kippy’s birthday on the same date is just one of those not-so-coincidences of God’s blessings that make me smile.

Three birthdays that would have been celebrated by and for Ken have passed since he took his last breath in March 2021. But no doubt he is celebrating life anew and not at all concerned about his ‘birth’ day on earth. And I, too, celebrate the fact that I was blessed to share 35 of Ken’s 57 birthdays with him and am confident of where he is now.

---

Today our daughter Christine shared about her Dad, which I am sharing with you here along with a link to her Facebook page for you to read and comment there if you like. Her words touched my heart and soul today. I pray that you, too, will be encouraged and blessed.

---

Christine Gustin Facebook Link

Today would have been my Dad’s 61st birthday.
This is the last picture I took with him, just a few days before he died from brain cancer at 57 years young.

This life is so short, friends. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how healthy you are, what job you have, what you eat, how nice you are or where you live—none of us are promised tomorrow.

Sometimes when you see a story like this, you’ll hear sentiments like, “hold onto your loved ones a little tighter today”… that’s sweet, but that’s not what I want to say. If I could leave just one impression upon you it would be this:

Hold onto JESUS a bit tighter today.

He is the real deal. He is the truest friend, the risen Savior and He loves you more than you know.

The moment that I took this photo left a permanent mark on my soul. It wasn’t mark of sadness, but of indescribable peace.

I had been praying for my Dad as he slept in agonizing pain. He had deteriorated greatly in a short time and spent most of his days confused and in agony. But in that moment as he slept, I experienced the peace of God in the most tangible way. It felt as if time literally stood still and the presence of God filled every corner of that room.

I sat there in awe as I got a glimpse at the homecoming that was awaiting my Dad in eternity. With each of the final breaths that he took, he was also taking a final step toward the finish line where he would meet Jesus face to face.

Life is filled with beauty and also with pain, friends.

Jesus changes everything.

He turns our mourning into dancing. He leans in and holds us in our brokenness. He gives hope and peace and joy in all circumstances. He changes everything now and in eternity.

If you’re still reading this and want to hear more, just message me. I could talk about this for days

HBD, Dad. Thanks for showing me how to run and finish the race well. Until we meet again

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

---

Thank you Christine for giving me permission to share your heart and wisdom with us today.

May we all affirm with you to “hold onto Jesus a bit tighter today” .

God bless you my friends,

Pati