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

The last time I posted to the blog I mentioned the doctors were considering another CAT scan to check progress of Cindy's cancer. Of course we were hoping and praying another scan would give us good news and we would have even more reason for hope. Following the CAT scan we anticipated more chemotherapy. I'm not sure, however, we were prepared to hear what the doctor had to tell us a few days ago. Our oncologist said she did not see any reason to continue with the chemotherapy as it was no longer affecting the cancer. We have tried numerous drugs and drug combinations and nothing seems to be working to control the growth and spread. Her bilirubin count continues to spiral. This suggests the cancer is aggressively affecting her liver. Needless to say, this was not the news we wanted to hear.

Since last week Cindy has become increasingly more disoriented. We are told all of this is a by-product of her spiraling bilirubin. I will tell you my precious wife seems pleasant and does not appear to have any worries at the moment. She did tell me yesterday in a moment of clarity that she was feeling very weary and tired. I am amazed at how she has dealt with and continues to deal with all that is affecting her body. Cindy is an amazing and godly woman. She is teaching me how to walk through adversity with faith, hope and tenacity. She is showing our boys how to trust God especially when it is difficult.

This week I would ask that you remember Cindy's family in your prayers. Barbara, Cindy's mother has been a real servant, caring for her daughter during the entire struggle. She has been an incredible asset to Cindy and me. Her presence has allowed me to help the boys have some sense of normalcy. Through it all, it has been very difficult for her. No parent should have to witness this sort of struggle. Cancer is a hideous evil that thankfully we will not have to deal with in glory. I look forward to the moment when God gives all of us new bodies and we live together eternally in the new heaven and earth. I have found myself lately for the first time sincerely praying that ancient prayer, "Come quickly, Lord Jesus." I do long for His appearing. However, until God decides to send the Son we will pray and work and trust His sovereign will. Cindy's father arrived in town on Monday evening. I know this is a difficult time for him as well. He and Cindy share a special and extremely close father/daughter relationship. Cindy's brother and grandmother are also with us.

So, for now we continue to pray more fervently than ever for a miracle. Your prayers and words of encouragement on this blog continue to sustain and minister to both of us in powerful ways.

Your fellow struggler,

Kevin