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Saturday, May 18, 2019

Safe

This week we've listened to one of Ed's favorite recordings many times. ("Heaven" by For Hymn) I don't know if he could hear or understand the words, but I could.

Today, in the early morning hours, I turned it on again. At 2:30 a.m. Ed breathed his last breath of earth's air while the song "Safe in the Arms of Jesus" was playing.




129 comments:

  1. I'm so glad Ed is safe in the arms of Jesus. And I'm sorry for you and your precious kids that you must say goodbye for now. I'm thinking of you and praying for you as you journey ahead. Thank you for sharing with us. May you be surrounded by love and filled with His grace and a peace that passeth understanding. Xo

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  2. O Gina, may you continue to find comfort in the arms of Jesus!

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  3. Oh, Gina, I am happy for Ed but so, so sorry for you, your children, and all of Ed's family and friends. He is safe in heaven while you are left to mourn and carry on here on earth. You will remain in my prayers. May God bless and keep you all, safe in the palm of his hand.

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  4. Oh Gina, what bittersweet news. You are in my prayers! May God hold you and your little ones close...

    Mary Beth Martin

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  5. I have rarely commented here but I have followed your blog for years and have been praying for you and your family. Everything you have written about your journey has been so beautifully poignant, honest, and faith-filled. So glad that Ed is safely home, and I'll be praying that God continues to carry your family closely through the days ahead.

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    1. Amen! Gina, we love you and our spirits go out to you, thanks for keeping an open heart even when life's hardest trials hit, we admire your courageous open spirit . . .

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    2. I am so sorry Gina, I also have been following your blog for years, and have been praying for you and your family. I will be praying for your continued peace and comfort.

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  6. Oh Gina I am so sorry that you have to go through this pain of losing Ed but I rejoice and the fact knowing that Ed is in the arms of Jesus free of pain. If you need anything please call.

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  7. Praying that God's comfort is found flowing alongside the mourning of Ed's traveling on ahead of you. Praying for your children to share openly what they are feeling and that God's grace just pours over your heart as you guide them.

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  8. Praying for your continued peace and comfort.

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  9. Oh Gina, I am so sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you.

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  10. Gina, thank you for letting us know as I have been thinking of and praying for your family. Ed is indeed safe in the arms of Jesus. May the Lord comfort you all during this difficult time. Big hugs,

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  11. So sorry, may our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you and give you strength and peace. Love, hugs and prayers sent your way.

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  12. My heart hurts for you, your children and all your family. May your faith in God and Jesus bring you peace and comfort in the days and months to come. Know that some day you will be with Ed again, he has just gone ahead of you. Prayers for all of you

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  13. Oh, Gina. So thankful that Ed is safely Home -- and what a comforting hymn to be listening to as he departed this life. I have been so blessed also to see how your family has come alongside and surrounded you during these last days -- instead of impossibly sad memories of this time, your children will be able to look back with joy at playing with their cousins, eating their uncle's omelets, and being surrounded with the love of family as their dad was in the process of leaving this life.

    May each of you sense God's loving arms around you at this time of loss. Be sure that we will be praying for you and the children in the days ahead. Please come here and keep us updated as you are able.

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  14. Praying for you, your children and extended family as you mourn the loss of your loved one. May God carry you through this coming week and in the months to come.

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  15. Holding you all in prayers!!!! So glad he's done suffering,but our hearts just break for you and your children navigating this hard, road.

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  16. Praying that you and your family find comfort in Jesus' love.

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  17. the warmfireplaceMay 18, 2019 at 8:52 AM

    There are no words enough for you and all you dear children and family, keeping you all in prayer in all the days and months ahead. Our dear Lord will strengthen you, he will be holding you. Ed is at peace and safe with God. Sue x

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  18. Oh Gina, I am so happy that Ed is safe in the glory of God and for Heaven to be welcoming such a lovely brother in Christ. But I am crying for you and your sweet children because there will be dark days while you mourn a dear husband and father. Know that your family in Christ across the world is praying for you and that God isn't blind to your pain and will offer succour in the coming difficult times.

    Much love,

    Heloise.

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  19. Well done good and faithful servant.

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  20. Praying for you and your sweet family.

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  21. God bless you and your children. May he comfort you and heal your hearts.

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  22. Sweet Gina, praying for you and your children this morning. What comfort to know Ed is safely and happily with Jesus.

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  23. My heart is breaking for you...there are no words I can say that you don't already know...but please know that I am praying for you and your family! Much love from a "lurker" who has followed your journey for years.

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  24. I have been praying for you and will continue to do so. I am so sorry for your loss. God's peace and strength be with you.

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  25. DESCANSA EN PAZ ED, JESUS TE RECIBE CON SU DULCE AMOR.

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  26. May Jesus wrap His loving arms of comfort around you and your children. Suz

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  27. Gina and children...weeping for your pain even as we celebrate Ed's victory. I think its beautiful that as you listened to "Safe in the Arms of Jesus", suddenly, gently, he was! I love to think of God welcoming him with open arms, and the relief of knowing all is well. But my heart aches for you in the journey ahead. One thing I know- God is for you and He is faithful. Love and prayers, like always.
    Sarah

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  28. Prayers for your family ❤️

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  29. God bless you, your children and family, continuing to pray for you all.

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  30. Praying for the LORD JESUS CHRIST to carry you and your children through this valley. That HE will sustain all of you through the years to come.

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  31. Gina my heart is so sad by I'm rejoicing that he is no longer in pain. Safe in the Arms of Jesus is a beautiful hymn. What a lovely way for Ed to fly into His arms. I will be praying for you all.

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  32. Long time reader but rarely comment. I'm so sorry for your lost, prayers for you and your children. My heart hurts for you all.

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  33. Your dear Ed is, indeed, safe in the arms of Jesus. May it bring comfort to you and your family in the weeks to come.

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  34. I prayed for your family a few minutes before Ed passed away, there's rejoicing in heaven today for him, but here on earth it's hard and we are continuing to pray for your family, and I'm praying specially for your children that they might find the peace and comfort from their heavenly father.

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  35. Oh Gina, I pray for you & your children that you will have God's peace & confort in your hearts & minds. It is such a blessing to know that Ed is safe with Jesus now. What a joy to know he has no more pain & suffering. You were the most wonderful & loving wife to Ed, that was truly a blessing! God be with you all.

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  36. Praying for you and your family today. May God grant you peace, strength and comfort in the days to come. May you rest in the comfort that he is safe and whole in the arms of Jesus.

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  37. Praying for peace and Gods Spirit to bring you comfort and love.

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  38. Thank you for letting us know. Praying about the life celebration service you will have in the coming days. His joy is our sorrow. Hurting with you, praying for you all.

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  39. Praying for your family. I'm so sorry for your lost.

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  40. He's Home!...Praying for you and the children, Gina. Beautiful song. Maranatha! Deb

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  41. Gina, Ed's journey on earth is over and no more pain or weakness. May God give you strength, grace ;and peace as you start this new chapter in your life. God deeply cares. Blessings. Tena

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  42. So sorry for your loss. Diane

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  43. This is life at its most real moment; its most raw emotion. You've all been on Holy Ground as you waited and watched with Ed through the past 2 years but especially this last week. Praying for continued grace for you and that you can have clarity of mind for each step as it comes. Also that you will have time and space to grieve as needed. Sarah, another mom of 6

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  44. Oh, Gina, I weep with you. Even tho' we don't know each other I feel like I know you. I found your blog right when your husband was diagnosed. May you feel God's comforting arms around you!

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  45. I was thinking yesterday what an amazing show of faith and trust your account of this journey has reflected. I know many have appreciated your sharing it. All this aside we are all grieving for you even though we don't "know" you. My husband said he feel like he knows you because I have always read bits and pieces of your blog to him and most of Ed's cancer journey. There are many others like us, I am sure, who wish we could be nearer to you to help in some way. But I know God is the only one who can handle your heart and soul right now in just the right way. We will hold you up to Him in prayer to be continually comforted, as well as your family and all extended family members.

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  46. Praying for you and your family. May you find peace knowing that he is Safe in the Arms Jesus. God Bless.

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  47. What a beautiful picture of being safe in the arms of Jesus! It makes me long to be in that safe place! I'm sure you long for heaven in a way like never before. So thankful for Ed's example of a life well lived, even though, humanly thinking, it was to short! Praying God's grace and peace upon you and your sweet family!

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  48. My heart hurts for you and your children ,Gina. May you feel God's arms of comfort in a very real way....through the caring and love of those that surround you!

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  49. Gina, I am sorry. Although I only know you and your family through your blog, I have seen the peace and light of Christ shine brightly through your lives. We are not meant for death, but for life. I am sorry for the pain of saying goodbye to Ed until you see one another again in our eternal home. I am praying for you and your family.

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  50. Deepest sympathy for your loss Gina. God bless you and your family. Praying for you all.

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  51. Heartbroken for you and your babies. I’ll continue to pray. May the Lord “bind up” your broken hearts.

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  52. I am so sad for your dear family. God Bless you all and may Ed rest in peace.

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  53. Continuing to pray for you during this time of grief & loss

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  54. Isaiah 43:1-4 Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you, when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God.....you are precious in my eyes, and honored and I love you. Gina we are praying peace and comfort for you and your precious children and extended family as we mourn with you. Hold onto His promises!! He will be faithful.

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  55. Keeping you and your dear children and family in prayer, may the God of all comfort, bless and strengthen you now and in the coming days

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  56. We're so sorry for the loss of Ed. May our Lord envelope you, the children, and all the family with His grace, mercy, peace and comfort as you grieve. God will continue to make your way straight as you follow Him faithfully on this earth. In Christ, John and Carol Lukaszewicz. New York State

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  57. Gina, I have followed you for about a year, sharing your fears, hope, and love for your husband and family. Now I share your tears. So sorry for your loss, but rejoice that Ed is no longer in pain and will you will be reunited someday. Your faith will carry thru this difficult time. Much love to you and your family.

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  58. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

    May these words comfort you as they did me and my wife when we lost our son.

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  59. Praying for you and your family.

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  60. There was a reason you have been on my mind these past 24 hours... ☹️ May peace and grace be yours as you grieve.

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  61. Praying for you, your children and extended family from Oregon. . .

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  62. Gina I have you and your family for years. What an amazing blogger u r!! I'm so sorry to hear this. I know u loved him so much. So thankful that u have Jesus to cling to in this hard time.

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  63. I'm so sorry Gina. I know God is holding you and yours in the palm of His Hand. Ed is home. Prayers continue.
    Love,
    Mary E Osborne
    San Pedro CA

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  64. I am so sorry. I wish I had something to say that would be of some comfort. I will pray.

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  65. So thankful that we do not need to sorrow without hope. Tears and prayers for you and yours.

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  66. You and your family continue to be in my prayers. Thank you for sharing.

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  67. Gina, please know that you and your children are in my prayers. I know that Jesus' grace will sustain you. Jill

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  68. Heaven, the place we all want to go to, but there's death between us and there... Praying that you and your family would feel God's everlasting arms underneath you!

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  69. GIna, I'm so sorry for you and your children's loss, but rejoicing that Ed is ineed, safe in the arms of Jesus. May you feel His arms around you now and in the days ahead.
    Love and Blessings,
    Betsy

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  70. Yes, he's safe in the arms of Jesus. I have enjoyed reading your blog and following your family. I have prayed for your family every time I read it. I lost my dear husband almost 10 years ago. May God give you comfort.
    Susan in North Carolina

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  71. May God Bless you and your family and give you the strength you need.

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  72. We are praying for you and your family. May the peace of God cover you in the days and weeks ahead. Also praying that the Lord gives you strength to be there for your children as you mourn the loss of your beloved husband

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  73. I started following your blog long before Ed received his diagnosis and have continued during your journey facing cancer. My heart breaks for you and your children. No one expects to lose a spouse at such a young age. I can't imagine your pain and sense of loss. At the same time, I must say that you have been an incredible inspiration to me, as I've watched you walk this path. The way you have repeatedly turned to the Lord and clung to him, rather than becoming bitter, has greatly strengthened my faith and desire to trust the Lord with all of my heart. I pray you and your children will sense the Lord's comfort in an amazing way in the days ahead. May the memories you were able to share with Ed warm your heart and ease your pain.

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  74. May the LORD come to you and your lovely family and bring you all the comfort that only HE can give. You are in my prayers. Blessings.

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  75. So much sadness, so much HOPE. So much grief, so much GRACE. I'm so glad that I know you are in the care of the Gentle Shepherd through this valley. "PRECIOUS in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."

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  76. I am so very sorry to hear of Ed's passing. My heart breaks for you and your children. I pray that God will hold you close during the days, weeks, and months ahead, and that He will fill you with His comfort, strength, and peace.

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  77. I sincere sympathy at your loss. May God give you the strength you need. Will keep you in my prayers.

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  78. Oh Gina I am glad Ed is now home with our Lord and that your family was able to build so many happy memories even as he declined. I am praying for you and your children as you heal from your loss and adjust with him in your heart and mind not in your home. Love and hugs.

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  79. Gina and family. I don't have words.

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  80. So very sorry. Praying for you and your family.

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  81. Gina, I am more sorry than I can say for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family; may the Lord be with you.

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  82. I've been praying for you all daily and will keep doing so. I have no words. Love and prayers to all of you.

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  83. I am a longtime reader who remembers the births of your last two children. I have come to feel close to your family through your blog. My heart is heavy and I am full of sadness at the loss you and your children are facing. I have wept, as Jesus wept upon hearing of the death of Lazarus, even though he knew he had the power to return life to him (John 11:35). Death is indeed our enemy, but Jesus still has the power to restore life to those who serve him! Please know that the prayers of many are with you, your children, Ed's family and friends. Our hearts are broken for you and we pray for your comfort and peace.

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  84. So many people are praying for you. Prayers and love from Alabama. We are so sorry

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  85. With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of your servant Ed, where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sighing, but life everlasting.

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  86. I have followed your blog for years and although I haven't commented before I want you to know that I have been praying for you and will continue to pray for you and . I your children. I have found so much inspiration through your words, stories and recipes. I find myself here every week to find a recipe I make regularly or to check in on the home page for updates. I cried like a baby at 7am this morning, before the rest of my house was awake, after reading your post. You are a faithful servant, Gina. And I know God has bigger plans for you than you could ever dream of. Hugs to you, from Emily in Minnesota.

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  87. I will continue to pray for you and your family.

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  88. Praying for you and your family, dear sister. May God comfort you as only He can.

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  89. I've read your blog for several years but have never commented. May you find comfort in knowing that the Arms of love that now hold your dear husband are the same Arms that are underneath you and your precious family.

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  90. Thinking of your family at this time Gina. Sending love and prayers. Caroline

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  91. Once again love and prayers are sent to you and your beautiful family. So sorry for the loss of your husband, stay strong for he is in a better place.

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  92. I am so so sorry for your loss.

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  93. I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your dear husband! We just said goodbye to my sweet Grandma on Mother's Day. Only minutes after her passing we were greeted by a beautiful double rainbow, which reminded me that God is faithful and keeps His promises. May our loving and faithful God sustain your precious family during this difficult time and flood your hearts with HOPE and PEACE that passes all understanding! I will be praying for you!
    I have heard and read so many quotes and verses about dying this week that I will share with you:
    "It's not goodbye, it's I'll see you later."
    Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. John 11:25
    We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8
    After losing several loved ones, I have found reading the book "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn to be very comforting as it reminds us what scripture says about heaven and the hope we have in Him.
    https://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Randy-Alcorn/dp/0842379428/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=HEAVEN+RANDY+ALCORN&qid=1558232602&s=gateway&sr=8-2
    Also, the very best devotional on grief I've ever read can be found here: It's written by a Christian lady who has lost 3 close loved ones in a very short amount of time.
    http://www.vision-publishers.com/index.pl?linkid=item&bookid=734&title=Reflections%20of%20God%92s%20Grace%20in%20Grief%20-%20Revised%20Edition
    You have been so faithful to love, support, and care for your husband! What a precious gift you have been to him! So thankful for that "blessed hope" we have in Christ. May you find comfort in His precious promises to carry your through these difficult days!

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  94. Love & prayers for you and your family. God bless you all.
    Denise

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  95. May the peace that passes all understanding fill you and your family's hearts during this time. I've read your blog for years now and have anxiously followed your cancer journey these last years. Your faith and confidence in the Lord inspires me spiritually but also has helped me keep my focus on my blessings rather than the struggles. Despite differences, our husbands are a blessing from the Lord and thank you for helping me keep that perspective. Our prayers are with you today and the days and weeks ahead. Psalm 23

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  96. Dear Gina and the family, we offer you sincere condolescences. We are from Russia. How unfair the life can be! Such a good family, with young people and babies, is thrown into the depth of such an overwhelming grief! Dear people, we cry with you and hug you and cry again... Kate and family.

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  97. Met you at Penn valley ladies seminar in sept '16. You inspired me with your topic then and I've enjoyed reading about your life since on this blog. So sorry for your loss but heavens gain! May God give you special strength for the upcoming days. So sad for you and the children to face the death of a dear husband and father but Ed is finally free of the cancer that wracked his body for the past 2 yrs. so glad for those special times you all had as a family. God bless!

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  98. Gina and family, I've followed you for quite awhile. You, Ed and your precious family have been in my prayers. Celebrating Ed home in the arms of Jesus is an honour for him. I want you to know that my prayers will continue for you and your sweet family as you mourn the loss of your beloved husband and your children's father. Warm hugs and much prayer for you sweet one. ��♥️��♥️��

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  99. Your faithful testimony as you traveled through this valley, has a been a blessing to me! May God continue to be with you all, prayers for you and yours continue to rise from our home.

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  100. So sorry for your loss! We are praying for you.

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  101. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God hold you very close through this time. ((Hugs))

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  102. Ed belonged body and soul, in life and death to his faithful saviour Jesus Christ. What a comfort to have this knowledge. May God continue to comfort your family and grant you His peace during this difficult time. Love from Western Australia

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  103. I'm glad that he is safe; and so sad for your family's loss.

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  104. Praying for your family as you face the days ahead! So sorry for your loss.

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  105. Prayers for you and yours in this time. My you be held in the loving arms of Jesus.

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  106. Gina, you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.so very sorry for your loss.

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  107. Sending you prayers and so much love. I cried yesterday from both sadness and relief when I saw that he had passed. I've been reading your journey for many years and I'm so grateful to you for sharing your heart and your life with us. You are so inspiring in so many ways! Many blessings for your future, and for your beautiful family.

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  108. Gina, I wanted to add my name to the list of people praying for you and your family. I've never commented but I've been following your story and praying often for you and your family. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. May God comfort you.

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  109. I'm so very sorry to read this news. I have read your thoughtful, beautifully-written blog for a few years now but have never commented until today. God bless you, your children and all others who loved Ed.
    Kate

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  110. my family has yours in our prayers. So sorry for your loss.

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  111. You are all in my prayers. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  112. So sorry to hear of your loss, Gina, but glad your husband can be with the Lord.
    ~Susan Burkholder

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  113. Gina, I am so sorry for your loss. I am a long time reader of your blog, and wish this could have turned out differently. But God is beside us in our grief, and promises to go through the deep waters with us. I am praying for you and the children and family.

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  114. I have followed your blog for a long time and your journey with Ed's illness. So sorry for your loss but so happy for Ed's gain. Safe with Jesus. Nannie

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  115. Ed is healed at last! I am rejoicing with you in this knowledge, but send heartfelt condolences on your great loss. God bless you and keep you all as you walk through this valley.

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  116. I'm sorry for your loss - many prayers for you and your children. I find your faith in such circumstances an incredible witness to Christ.

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  117. I only found this out now. May God be with you and comfort you. I cannot imaging....

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