Update from the Owen House

I want to say thank you all very much for the way you have supported and prayed for us through Cindy's illness and eventual passing. I have intended many times to bring everyone up to speed on how we are doing and have just not taken the time. I am finding life to be very busy at the moment. I have new found admiration and respect for single parents.

I think all in all we are doing well. Of course, we all miss Cindy very much. Although their is a huge absence in each of our lives I do see joy coming back into the boys hearts. God has been with us every step of the way during this painful journey. At times we may not feel or sense God's presence and yet I know he has been the one leading us, giving us strength, and sustaining us through the difficult months.

One of the blessings of being a parent is listening to your children pray. I learn so much from their tender and child like faith. About a month after Cindy's passing Trey would still pray for the Lord to "heal mommy." Even though he had attended the funeral and I answered many questions about death and where mommy was, it still did not register with him. Finally, after one of those prayers for God to heal mommy Reid said, "Trey, God did heal mommy! She's in heaven." And so now Trey will often thank the Lord for mommy "because she is now in heaven."
I am doing well. I have probably learned more the past year than I have in all my previous years combined. In another post in the coming days I will share some of the things I have been learning. I think I also at some point want to hear what God has been teaching you.

Your prayers and words of encouragement are still a constant blessing to us.

I love you all very much,

Kevin

Cindy Angel

I have been thinking lately about the future of this blog. I am wondering if you think I should continue the blog in some fashion. I honestly want to know what you think. I believe a sense of community has developed over the past few months and I am hesitant for that to end. If you do think the blog should continue do you have an idea about what it should be called? Please let me know.

While in Nashville I received a phone call from Chris Jones, a great friend from Albuquerque. He and his wife Susan who both work at their family owned jewelry manufacturing business had a neat idea. They were wondering if they could create and manufacture a Christmas tree ornament in honor of Cindy. They wanted to call it the "Cindy Angel." Of course I was incredibly honored and thought it was a fantastic idea. They have already begun to make them and they look beautiful. On the front is a singing angel. The back has her favorite scripture and three little stars representing the boys. If you would like to get one of these ornaments you may call 505-884-7926 and speak with Sandy. All proceeds from their sale will be used to cover Cindy's medical expenses and whatever is left over will be added to the boys educational fund. These ornaments will be available through the end of the year. We continue to be humbled and incredibly grateful by your love, care and generosity.

If you have an interest in hearing Cindy's "celebration of Life" service you may access that through the Montgomery church website. The address is www.montgomerychurch.org Just click on resources and you should be able to find it.

I am praying that God will bless you all with spiritual vitality, physical health, and a loving spirit in this holiday season. I am so thankful for you all.

Your fellow struggler,

Kevin

Grace and Peace

My words are not adequate to express our incredible gratitude for the outpouring of love you all have showered upon us. You have ministered to us in profound and meaningful ways during the most difficult season of our lives. I could not have asked for Cindy's Celebration of Life service on Tuesday evening to have gone any better. When I realized several weeks ago that Cindy's time on this earth would be short, I began praying that her service would honor God and be a blessing to our children. The service did both. Every person who spoke, I think had our children in mind. Our kids will be blessed for years by the sentiments that were shared. Though Cindy's life on this earth by many standards was short, her influence and legacy, especially in the lives of our children, will be enduring. And then on Friday afternoon when we arrived at the cemetery we were blown away by the number of people at the cemetery. It was an encouragment to our family to see friends and family from several states on hand to honor Cindy. My uncle said he had never seen that sort of crowd gather for a burial at our little family cemetery. Again, the words that were spoken were just right. Though it had rained and was dark and overcast the day before the service, Friday was a beautiful day as the sun peaked through the clouds. I somehow had the sense that Cindy is smiling up in heaven.

Today, I am writing these words from my sister's home in Nashville, TN. Before beginning the trek back across the country to our home in New Mexico, I thought it good for our kids to spend some time laughing and playing with their cousins. All in all the children are doing OK. The day after Cindy went home to be with God, Reid our 6-year-old said, "Daddy, I sure do miss mommy." I said, "I know son. I miss her, too." I know part of my job will be to keep her memory alive for them. We are already beginning to have conversations about mommy. I think this is all very positive and healthy. But, quite honestly it is difficult. And yet the gospel makes this impossible situation "doable." When you face a crisis of this order, one is faced with questions like, "Do I really believe the gospel? Will I allow God's glorious truth to make an appreciable difference in my life?" These few days have been very, very difficult filled with tears and memories and wonderful conversations. At times I find myself smiling and thinking about wht Cindy would say or do. At other times I cry because I miss her so deeply. I can tell you, however, the gospel does make all the difference. I really believe Paul's words in Phil. 1:21; 24"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain...it is better by far to depart and be with the Lord." Because of the gospel there is hope, there is life and there is an incredibly bright future for us. My precious bride just got to experience it a little sooner than the rest of us.

Someone mentioned something to me at the viewing that I think is a great idea. One brother said, "Kevin, ask us to share our memories of Cindy on the blog. This will be very helpful to the boys in the future." Great idea. So, I am asking you to share whatever memory you have of Cindy on this blog. At some point I will collect these and make sure they are kept for Chase, Reid and Trey.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! My prayer is that God will bless you abundantly.

Your fellow struggler,

Kevin Owen

Directions to graveside service in TN

Interstate 40
Exit 172

Travel Northwest on TN-46, approximately 5.1 miles.
Turn Left onto US 70 West/Henslee Drive, approximately .3 miles
Turn slight Right onto ramp on to TN-48 North. Continue to follow TN-48, 11.4 miles.
Turn Right onto Stayton Road. Continue to follow Stayton Rd. 4.3 miles.
(Stayton road will become Rock Springs Road)
Watch for Owen Cemetary immediately on left after 1535 Rock Springs Road.
(Signs will be posted at key turns starting at Stayton Road.)

All are invited to a reception for the family immediately following the graveside service at the Walnut Street Church of Christ in Dickson.

Cindy's Service Arrangements

There will be a visitation at French's Mortuary on the west side Monday, Novmember 13th, from 6-8 p.m.

Cindy's Celebration of Life service will be on Tuesday, November 14th, 6 p.m., at Montgomery Church of Christ, Albuquerque, NM.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 17th, 2 p.m., at the Owen Cemetary in Cumberland Furnace (outside of Dickson), Tenn.

Friends of the Owen family are establishing an education trust fund for Chase, Reid, and Trey. In lieu of any flowers, you may send donations to contribute to the trust fund or, if you would rather, to the Albuquerque Christian Children's Home (ACCH).
All donations can be sent to:

Montgomery Church of Christ
7201 Montgomery Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(Please be sure to write "Owen Education Trust Fund" or "ACCH on behalf of Cindy Owen" in the memo line of your check.)

Lila Earwood
for Kevin

The Steadfast Love of the Lord

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

This morning at about 4:15 a.m., Cindy walked into the arms of Jesus. Kevin and Rob (her brother) had been sitting with her all night, praying and reading scripture to her. Chase, Reid, and Trey spent the night near her, too, and she was able to share some special time with them.
Her parents, Bob and Barbara, were close by as well. She truly was surrounded by what was most special to her on this earth, her family. She had so much to live for on this earth, and while it was not our choice for her to leave us at this time, we trust in our Father, who is all knowing and ever faithful. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.

Kevin will be making arrangements this afternoon and I will communicate them with you as soon as possible. The family is setting up a trust fund for the boy's education and are asking that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent for the fund. More details regarding this will be posted, as well. Thank you for your continued prayers for our family.

Lila Earwood
for Kevin

Now My Eyes Have Seen You

My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. Job 42:5

Cindy is very close to seeing our Savior, Jesus Christ. She is peaceful, quiet, and her family is surrounding her in this time of bittersweet waiting. She knows that she is so very loved. She knows that she is leaving an imprint of Christ on her boys. She knows that she is going home to Glory and will wait for us there. I want you all to know that your prayers, cards, and encouragement have meant the world to our family. You have witnessed to us immensely. Please continue to pray for us in this time of transition.

I will post as soon as there is any change or news of arrangements.

Lila Earwood
for Kevin