Bad news today

[Mike Vande]

I got word today that Michelle Johns, my ex-wife, passed away after a protracted siege with pancreatitis. She had been in KU Medical Center, and following surgery to remove the majority of her pancreas, suffered complications that resulted in multiple organ failure. Her family decided to pull the plug on life support,and she passed away yesterday.

I had been thinking about her in the last few days, I guess I know why now. We hadn't been in contact for 4 or 5 years, and I didn't know she had been ill until today, so to my regret, I didn't have the opportunity to speak to her before she passed.

I spoke with her sister Teresa a little while ago, and asked where she thought Michelle was in her relationship to God. She said her daughters had downloaded music by her favorite Christian artists into an I Pod, and though unconscious, she raised her hands to praise God when she listened to it. She took that as a hopeful sign that she was right with the Lord Jesus, as do I.

Please pray that God will bring comfort to her daughters and family, and to me as well.

[rough_rider]

Praying for her family, and you too Mike...So sorry for your loss.

[Susie Hamilton]

Sorry for you Mike. May God bless and be with you and her family at this time.

[Mister Ed]

Remembering you and family in thoughts and prayer.
___________________________
Charles Barnes

[dolfan]

Mike, my prayers are with her family, children, you. I do take that story you shared about the iPod as a hopeful story.

[MacUser]

Sorry to hear this Mike..

It reminds me of my Grandmother. When she was unable to communicate any longer with us essentially.. the one thing she could do that sent a clear message to us.. was raising her hands in real worship.

God Bless.

[Pastor Gary]

Mike - I know you must be filled with so many mixed emotions today... such a complex relationship and so much history.

I join you in the hope that Michelle found her way home to the God who loved her with an everlasting love, and that, in her final moments, she was at peace in her soul.

[Pastor Don]

Mike;
I know we have not had very many interaction here on Jude 2 and we have never met in real life, but I felt compelled to share my thoughts with you. First, I know your grief is real and there are emotions aplenty that are running through your mind. For that I pray for the Comforter to still your mind and give you peace. I truly feel for you in this loss.

My second thought is a bit different. I have dealt with many people who suffered through divorce as I am sure all of the minister on the forum have. There have been many that all but rejoiced at the demise of their former spouse. A great many more have been totally indifferent and uncaring in this situation. Few, very few indeed have had the response of care, compassion, and love that is evident in the words you have shared with us your J2 family. For that reason I felt compelled to share my thoughts with you.

Mike thank you for having the integrity that so many in the world today lack. I admire you for your display of genuine love and compassion. I am sure that you will see your reward one day as you stand before God but I felt it important to let you know that your integrity has truly blessed me. I am praying for you firend; may the peace that passes all understanding be with you today and through out your time of reflection and grief.

God bless and keep you

Don J

[Pastor Gary]

Mike thank you for having the integrity that so many in the world today lack. I admire you for your display of genuine love and compassion. I am sure that you will see your reward one day as you stand before God but I felt it important to let you know that your integrity has truly blessed me.

Amen! Well said, Don.

[Mike Vande]

Thank you all for your kind words. I am still in shock over it. I suppose I'll start weeping sometime today. As usual, too little and much too late. I took responsibility for her and her kids before God when I married her, and I failed to do what I promised. If I had been a better Christian and husband, maybe she'd be alive today, maybe not. She bears responsibility for her own choices, but her responsibility doesn't negate mine, may God forgive me. I fear her blood is on my hands.

[mavislb]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.