Remembrances
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posted by David at Tuesday, June 07, 2005
393 Entries:
You often go through life wondering why you made certain decisions or arrived at a particular destination. I never imagined I would ever end up to Texas - little did I know that decision would render one of the most rewarding and special periods in my life. I met and became friends with David and Kristen. They have had such an impact on me and have been some of the people I admire most. Their love, faith and courage will always be in my thoughts. My thoughts and prayers are with David, Sam, the Stones and the Hartlands.
I remember meeting up with Kristen and her mom, and my mom (being a breast cancer survivor) at Panera the summer of 2002. As we talked, Kristen's main concern and prayer request was that she and David would be able to have children one day. That was what we prayed tirelessly for. Kristen was there to watch my belly grow with my first baby and I just knew she and David were cut out to be parents! Yea God for Samuel. HE gives good gifts.
Kristen was a member of a group of young survivors called the BooBees. We cherished her and are all devastated. There are about 60 of us worldwide who she touched. Being in Texas, myself and another "Boobee" are fortunate enough to have had the privilege of meeting her. She made a great impact on me. She had a peace about her...and the coolest eyes. We will all miss her in our group, but are comforted knowing she will greet us in heaven one day....probabbly with a big boombox blaring U2 songs, next to a TV showing reruns of LOST (we used to talk about that show all the time.) WE LOVE YOU KRISTEN! All of us at the Boobees are inspired by her fight and will continue the fight for ourselves, and our other sisters who are stricken with this horrible disease. God bless David and Sam.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. I am so very saddened at the loss of your wife and mother of your beautiful little boy. I am so thankful though to have heard that you all are believers and have such peace and rest through the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am a member of "The Boobees" and I had the honor of knowing Kristen, even if it was for a short while. Looking at her pictures it is obvious that she was a special girl who was loved. I will miss her.
Lisa Shipes
To look in on Kristen's world from the outside, she was a beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with David, Sam, the Stones and the Hartlands. Kristen is with her Savior.
I can't think of anything to say right now. The only thing I know is that Kristen is with the Lord right now. He will be your strength and rock during this time. It saddens me because my husband and I have been trying so hard to make Kristen's wish come true. I'm dissapointed because we weren't able to help in time but, we've been praying that "not our will but, the Lord's will be done", everyday.
Thank You Kelly for all the work you did, I appreciate you letting me become a small part of it.
To Susan, I love you girlfriend.
To David and Sam, may God bless you both. Take comfort in the Lord right now.
And as I told Susan, "His Mercy Endures Forever".
We are all so sad at this horrible loss. All of us at the Young Survivors meetings were pulling for Kristen. She was so healthy and vibrant at the October Race for the Cure. It is impossible to believe this horrible disease has taken her so quickly. Kristin was very kind to correspond with me after I was dx to calm my fears. God Bless you and your beautiful baby boy. My heart goes out to you and to Kristin's mom who I had the pleasure to meet at the race. My thoughts are with you, Jenee Bobbora
At this particular time, there are no verses that would give me peace or comfort. I deeply saddened by Kristen's death and enraged at how unfair and treacherous cancer is. What an incredible loss and I will have to cry it out. I had a chance to communicate with Kristen via e-mail several times. She was my chemo bee. What amazed me about Kristen, is that at her lowest point, she was so incredibly thoughtful. She wanted to ensure I knew how much she appreciated flowers. She was one of the most selfless people I have had the privilege of communicating. Always down to earth, loving, and never bitter, never preachy. And she knew the secret, she remained Heartshine till the very end. I am sure she gave Sam so much love in her short time to equal that of a lifetime. Little Sam will be in my thoughts and prayers, he got the best start with the best mom.
I do belive Kristen is an angel. Yet, I will miss you so much heartshine....
Ella
I never know what to externally do or say when I lose a person dear to me. I know we cry and we get mad, we get lonely even in a crowd. It is because one of us is not here anymore. When I got the news it was all that, and it will be for too long a time.
Although Kristen is not physically here she is in my heart and my memories. God wanted her up in heaven for some reason, I feel it was because she was such a wonderful person and that would just make Heaven a better place with her there.
Kristen blessed me with her encouragement when I was first diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She helped me achieve a sense of peace with my disease and I am devasted by her passing.
My prayers and thoughts are with David and Sam (who were the loves of her life) and all the Stones and Hartlands.
Cheryl
My name is Lia and I met Kristen on our support group the boobees. I feel so blessed to have known her. She has been an inspirtation to me, and she never juged. I look at her pictures and know that she truly is an angle. My prayers are with David, Sam, and her family and friends. Kriten the impact you had on me will last a life time. I love you. lia
I had the extraordinary privilege of getting to know Kristen this past year in MOPS at Cypress Bible Church. She was a loving mother who never took her tiny one for granted. She was beautiful from the inside and out, and radiated her natural, wholesome beauty with, or without hair. Her enduring, unwaivering faith inspired so many of us who were blessed enough to know her...and she has impacted the lives of many in a powerful way. My only regret is not knowing her better, as there are so many wonderful things to know about Kristen. My heart wells up with a mixture of sadness at the loss of such a godly and loving young woman, and joy that she brought Christ's light to shine around her wherever she went. Our family's prayers are with David and little Sam, the loving and devoted parents, and all the friends and loved ones who covered Kristen in prayer during her fight. God bless you all.
My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you and your family. After reading your webisite - i know that you have been a blessing to kristen and the rest of your family.
God bless you.
I didn't know Kristen and only stumbled across this site today, but I'm heartbroken for your family. She was obviously a very special person, and I know she'll be greatly missed. My prayers are with your family, with David and little Sam. May God comfort you all through this difficult time.
David and Samuel..and family
my heart goes out to all ofyou...You are in my thoughts and prayers..
I just recently came on to the "Boo-bees" site but have read about Kristen. Everything I read made me think that she was just such a strong person and it was so encouraging to see that kind of strength, to know that it exists.
I am really saddened by this situation, but I can tell that Kristen will live own in the hearts of those who loved her forever.
May God forever be with you and comfort your hearts with the memories of Kristen's life and love.
Johnny and I were praying and praying for a miracle right until the "end." It is not really the end for Kristen at all. Death still tears us apart here on earth but death has been conquered, the ripping of our hearts shall pass. Kristen is now in the glorious presence of our Lord Jesus and through my tears tonight I am in awe - she is Home. I remember the first time I met David and Kristen - they sat at my lunch table for the new members of St. John the Divine and they made me laugh - they told us how they met and their love was so evident, they balanced each other so well. Kristen was always consistently peaceful, kind, funny, and beautiful in every way the Bible describes beauty. Even at her most sick moments her beauty never, ever faded and she shined the Lord's light brilliantly.
David - Johnny and I will not cease to pray for you, Sam, and the whole family. We love you and ache with you - may God be right next to you and comfort you, bring you His peace, and soon bring you His joy. Tonight we thank God for Kristen's great life, all of her created to bring the Lord God GLORY.
I got to know Kristen through our online support group, the Boobees. She was a wonderful, strong, inspiring woman who was dear to everyone who came in contact with her. I can't imagine the loss that David and their families must feel right now, and that Sam will someday know. She will live on in our hearts forever, and I know she will watch over everyone who was dear to her. My thought are with you all,
Charlene
I am also an acquaintancee thru the Boo-Bees. I am also a stage 4 cancer survivor. Kristin reached out to me when I had no strength and encouraged me. She is a beautiful person inside and out and I am deeply saddened by her passing.You are better because you were touched by an angel. I will thank God for having braught her into my life. Do remember that He blesses those who mourn. Thank you for sharing her with me. You will be in my thoughts and prayers daily.
I met Kristen online in the BooBees group. She was always upbeat, supportive and had a great sense of fun. She inspired us, supported us, and laughed with us. All of her pictures show her goodness, she glowed. She will be desperately missed. My thoughts and prayers go out for David, Sam, and the rest of her family.
My heart goes out to David and little Sam. May the Lord give you a peace that passes all understanding. I can't wait to meet Kristen in heaven...she is a beautiful girl with such a vibrant smile!
I didn't know Kristen, and I only heard of your family this morning. I thought of and prayed for you all throughout the day. I was very sad to hear she'd passed. I know there is nothing I could say to bring comfort, but I will pray.
I remember when we met Kristen's parents in our Sunday School class at Cypress Bible Church. I couldn't get over her mom's big eyes and dimples. Then I met Kristen and there were those big eyes and dimples repeated!!! We have been praying for Kristen, David ,Sam and Kristen's family too. We will continue to pray for you all. May the Lord bless you, comfort you and give you peace.
In Him
My heart goes out to David and the entire family. From the first time I saw Kristen and David together at their wedding I knew I was witnessing something special. True soulmates. Then came the "miracle baby" Sam. This was what the true definition of family was supposed to be. When David and Kristen traveled with "our Administaff" family to Atlantis in the Bahamas this past February one could never tell the physical,as well as mental pain and anguish Kristen and David had to be enduring. David, not only are you a role model for your son Sam, you are a role model for all of us in the workforce as well as in everyday life. Kristen may be physically absent but she will always be in our thoughts. Thru David and other family members Sam will in fact grow up with a mother that he will always be proud of. Sam had a mother that accomplished so much in so little time on this earth. On behalf of Kim, Kyle and my mom we pray for David, Sam and Kristen's family. Sincerely, Norm Rosenfield
After reading these tributes to your family, I thank my God and Saviour Jesus Christ for how you all have demonstrated His grace and love to many many people. Oh that the seeds planted with such suffering and sorrow would take root and grow!! May God's grace carry all of you through this in the days and years to come. I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep you until the day you meet again.
kristen made such an impression on me, i've felt a connection with her from the start. I know her online, but know her heart and soul as well. I don't know why, maybe because we are both teachers, or maybe it's because she was the first sign of hope I felt when dx a yr ago w breast cancer- I'll never forget that day when i saw the picture of her in the white tshirt that said "F*CK CANCER!" I thought, there's hope!
I hsve prayed and used the pager throughout the past month, and will continue to. I love the U2 picture, that's one wonderful way I'll remember her. I do believe she is an angel, and we are blessed to know her.
Love and peace to all
Nicole
from
Seattle
It is so clear that God used Kristen to reach out and touch so many peoples lives. I consider myself so blessed to have gotten to know her through David. My thoughts and prayers are with David and Sam at this time. Praise God we will be reunited with her in Heaven!!!!
1Cor2:9 says "Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him". Kristen knows things we all long to see. I am grieving your loss with you yet praising God that He has conquered death and sin. Not a life cut short as the world might see it, but a life transplanted to high ground. May God now give you that peace that passes all understanding....the peace the world knows nothing about. The website and the photos and the glimpses into her life as a young woman were really amazing as I have not seen her since she was a teenager .... I can still see Kristen rollerblading down my driveway in Cypress with Alana...dimples and smiles and vibrant life and love...what a girl, what a joy to so many. Thank you for sharing her life with all of us...we are all changed. Still praying for David, Sam, the Stones and the Hartlands.
Kristen was always in my thoughts and prayers. I kept on praying for a miracle and her passing away was a very sad news for all of us at the YSC. I didn't know her, but I can tell she was a beauty inside and out.
She is now with Our Lord. I pray that Sam and David and all of Kristen's loved ones be blessed with the grace of strength and peace during this time.
Althought I just came "to know" this family through an email for a prayer request, I feel like I know you all through your story. For many years I was a mom of three little girls whose husband died at a very young age. My children kept my husband alive in my heart for many years to follow. God became my husband and my best friend until He saw fit to bring another. I pray you allow Him to do the same during this time. My prayers are with you, David. Kristen is not sick any more.
At their rehersal dinner four years ago, David and Kristen encouraged me to read the Bible daily by giving me a leather bound copy of The Daily Office. I could not have been more pleased. They somehow know what we who know them need. It is never about them. It is always about somebody else. When someone is with them, one realizes afresh that SOMEONE is with them. It was therefore with some anticipation, when I heard yesterday afternoon from a friend that Kristen had passed away, that I opened my lectionary to the scripture for last evening: It was Psalm 4.
I did not know Kristen but have read her posts through the YSC. It saddens my heart to know that such a inspiring young mother has passed but her spirit will live forever through her husband and beautiful son. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kristen was one of the most selfless people and truly an angel. Her strength and courage was so inspiring and will always continue to be. My son is so lucky to have two wonderful people with such strong faith serve as his Godparents. I will always cherish Kristen's friendship and especially our last visit. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with David, Sam and both families. Love always, Morlley
I didn't know Kristen personally, but I wish that I had. I've been praying for her for the past couple years as I've received updates from a friend of mine who knew the Hartlands from church. I have never been so blessed by the beautiful life of someone I've never met. My heart literally aches as I sit here and write this - and I know that's because of the bond we have in Christ with our fellow brothers and sisters. Reading the above entries, I can see that Kristen was a caring friend, loving mother and wife, but most of all, a daughter of Jesus Christ who showed us all what JOY through suffering really is. Kristen's life has humbled me and driven me to the feet of Jesus, and I can't wait to worship Him with her one day in Heaven. Thank you, Lord, for the life of a woman who was truly after Your own heart.
It is hard to find the right words to say at this time, simply because God's Word is the only true comfort in times of struggle and loss. I prayed continuously for God to "beat" the cancer through a miracle, and He has. In the most miraculous way...holding Kris in His's arms, taking away all her pain, and sharing with her the Kingdom of Heaven. My prayer for Sam is that he comes to know what an amazing, godly woman Kristen was...and that he grows to be a strong man both spiritually and mentally. Blessings to you all.
I have never met Kristen but learned about her through the YSC. I feel that she was a kindred spirit, as I also am a young mom diagnosed with this terrible disease. Reading about her on this website has touched me deeply. It is obvious that she was a strong, vibrant, courageous person. My heart aches for David and Sam and the rest of her family. This website is a beautiful tribute to Kristen's life. God bless.
I remember when Kristen first made contact with the Young Survivors, of which I am a member. I am deeply sorry for your loss and know that G-d is with all you.
David,
May God give you strength and peace! Please know we are thinking of you, your family, and the Stones.
I didn't get the pleasure of meeting David or Kristen; however I did get to meet David's sister Hannah. From knowing her, I can only imagine what wonderful families come out of the Hartland's and the Stone's. I have prayed for your families for a few months now and having been through something like this with a family member, I know how much it hurts. All we can be thankful for now is that Kristen is not hurting anymore and she is in a much better place than ALL of us. May God be with you all during this time of sorrow and give you strength to bare this loss. And I look forward to uniting with this beautiful young lady that EVERYONE speaks so highly of. God Bless you ALL.
Gracy, your friend and sister in Christ,
I am certainly saddened about the news. I still can not believe it is true, even though ,I had good picture of her condition from the card she had given to me.
Kristen, I thank you for allowing me to be with you , in prayers.Many times, we may not see our purpose in life on earth ,but God knows it all with out spot or wrinkle.
You are a special girl in my heart and eyes. God loves you. I miss you.
David and Sam ,may our good Lord comfort you and richly bless you with better and deeper things in life,it may be certainly different.He is the creator, we are just the creation of His.
Kristen's mother and father,
No word is there to comfort you.My thoughts and prayers are with you now and forever, because, I will be rememering Kristen rest of my life.
All things are with Him, Through Him, and by Him.Love in Christ.
Your wonderful website was sent to me by a coworker. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Celebrate the wonderful times you had together, teach Sam to respect life as his Mom did. God be you.
Kristen was such a beautiful, solid soul. And she was this way BEFORE she had to fight the cancer. I so admired her for her extreme strength of character and her wonderful and natural ability to mother. Her spirit will stay with me forever.
David, our prayers are with you and little Sam, we love you!!
Jen
I too met Kristen through the BooBees site. Her login there was Hart Shine, and never was there a more appropriate name. What a beautiful spirit. She inspired us, made us laugh, she supported us, and she gave us the greatest honor and gift - she shared her journey with us and allowed us to be there for her. The strength and heart it must have taken to do that is something that will be with me forever. She has touched all of us in a deep and profound way. She will be desperately missed and is very much loved by so very many people.
Though my heart aches for David, Sam, the Stones, the Hartlands, and all of the family and friends who love and will miss her, I know she lives on, and she lights the way for the rest of us.
With much love,
Suzanne Murphy
New York City
I remember meeting Kristen on our first Missions Trip to Mexico...she became a great friend from the start. She is a beautiful person inside and out, and I will always cherish the times that we had together. Through our high school years and going back to Mexico 2 more times....we had a blast...from the building of a fort out of bricks around us, to the paint war in the church we were supposed to be painting, to finding a gym to go workout at with David and John....
all my memories are wonderful of her.
She once wrote her favorite verse(the version of her bible) in my Bible and signed it with a heart, Krissy Stone....
it is Romans 8:18..."For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us"
That verse speaks volumes to me, and I will always love that verse because of her!!
Sam....you mother is a wonderful beautiful person and I hope you will always remember her and how special she has been to everyone.
David, Sam, and Families- my heart goes out to all of you and you are all in my prayers.
Although I did know Kristen personally as a member of the Administaff family we all have a sense of family connection and I am sad to hear of your loose. May HIS strength and peace see you through. What an awesome testimony of faith, strength and love is shown by this website. She was truely a blessing to all those who she encountered!
I only knew Kristen through YSC discussion boards, but I can tell you that she touched me and so many others in such a way that she will live in our hearts forever. I know that this time is so very hard for her family, but know that she if free of pain now and that she loved you all so much. Hug Sam one extra time each day and let him know it is from the most special person in the world!
Praying for you always, Jenn
My June 8th Daily Inspiration read:
"I have tried and I cannot find, either in Scripture or in history, a strong-willed individual who GOD USED GREATLY...until He allowed them to be hurt deeply."
Charles Swindol
It is so evident that Kristen's life was used greatly by God in such a short time. Her place now is in the arms of Jesus, she so richly deserve it!
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families. May God use you greatly too as you hurt so deeply.
I never knew Kristen.... my best friend who is a breast cancer survivor sent me the link to her site Monday. I have prayed for her and she has been on my mind ever since. I am a mother of three small boys so Little Sam will be in my prayers as will her husband and all of her loving family. May God bless and be with you all.
In Christ,
Leigh Ann Adcock
North Carolina
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kristen,her family, and all those who knew and loved her. God Bless Kristen, and each of you.
The Daleo Family
June 8,2005
Thoughts for today come at a loss. Waking with thoughts of the loss the family must now endure. Thoughts that Kristen is no longer having to wake to her shattered life, fears, and pain ~ but is now partaking of Paradise as promised to her by her God of hope and peace.
Throughout Kristen's battle with cancer God gave me a love for her that I would not otherwise have had through three years of constant prayer. And by His Spirit this cup of burden now overflows with prayers for the loss and sorrow of David and Sam, and for the Stone and Hartland families. May the emptiness of your hearts experience the abudant filling of God's mercy and love promised to you in Psalm 23.
These words and thoughts are weightless in the overwhelming heaviness of Kristen's life which goes on without us now. We are created to live eternally and Kristen has faced her final enemy unto victory. She would not have chosen God's way nor God's time anymore that any of us; especially for those she loved and cherished with all of her heart. But, eternally we thank God that she loved Him more than life so that she would never lose her life and so spend it forever with all those she loves who are in Christ Jesus.
We too weep and mourn as ones who share in the love of Kristen with you. To pray, and in whatever other way we can, our family reaches out to you in the embrace of our Father's everlasting arms and in His everlasting love.
For the Beaty Family,
Bonnie Beaty
I never had the please of meeting Kristen or her family. A friend told me of her plight and I started praying for her immediately. That was a long time ago and I have prayed for her everyday. Tonight I will no longer need to pray for Kristen and that makes me very sad.
God bless the loved ones she left behind. May he give them the strength to carry on.
I am so sorry for your loss. Kristen will always be with you and Sam. Hopefully through the years, it will bring you comfort to know that you and Sam will always have a guardian Angel right next to you. My prayers are with David, Sam and the families. God Bless you all and may peace and comfort be in your hearts during this most difficult time.
I met Kristen through friends that knew the both of us. Unfortunately we had been mis-diagnosed by the same radiologist at Cy-Fair Hospital. It was January 2003. I was 28 & had just started my first round of chemo & Kristen was about to start radiation. I cannot tell you how much she helped me through those sickening, painful days. If I ever had any ?'s about what was happening to my body or what to expect next, Kristen had an answer that calmed me. I'm forever greatful that she came into my life. My prayers are with little Sam, David, the Stones & Hartlands. God Bless.
Christ proclaimed that the LORD is a GOD of the living and not the dead. I rejoice that Kristen has eternal life. I feel very sad in that we will all miss her beauty and grace. David, we were all blessed to have known Kristen. Our prayers are with you and Sam.
I am a 30 year old member of the Young Survivor Coalition. I never met Kristen but I have heard her about her from our other members. I also knew about Kristen on the BooBees web postings that I post on. I have been thinking non stop about Kristen and her family the past few days. The one thing that comforts me at a time like this is that I know Kristen is with the Lord and she is in an awesome place right now. This is such an incredible loss and I am sad I never got to meet her. I read about how strong she was during her entire battle, and that helps me as I battle this diease myself. God bless David, Sam and your family during this time.
Karissa Ma-
David
Phil and I wish you the utmost strenght in your time of mourning...Please know that you and your family are in our praayers....Kristin was an amazing person...
praying for you all
David and family,
I became aware of Kristen's battle with cancer 2 years ago, and it has been my joy to pray for you these last 2 years. David, I will continue to pray for you and Sam and your families. My heart pains at the thought of all you have gone through. You are loved!!
I have had the privilege to get to know Kristen, David and Sam these past couple of years. Kristen is my hero because she showed me that life is so precious. Every day for kristen was one of Joy and she never took that day for granted. She would always have a smile on her face and would invite anyone into her life. Even thru all of her hardships with cancer Kristen remained strong. She has taught me so many times that friendships are not to be taken for granted and that life is meant to be lived to the fullest as God desires us to live. Every time we would hang out she could not hold back her smile and some of my greatest memories of her will be when we would laugh so hard at ourselves Kristen would snort through her nose.
I first met Kristen and David in early 2003 at Church youth group. I really got to know Kristen while attending the youth group beach retreat that summer. I remember sitting on the boat talking with kristen about her life. I was drawn to know who she was and the life she had lead - I learned about her battle with cancer and how she was cancer free at the time. I wanted to ask her all these questions about her life... I wanted to know about how her and david met, about her growing baby in her womb, and her beautiful spirit. I knew then that I would become very close to Kristen and David. God had blessed me with news friend that summer.
I will miss her presence on this earth but her spirit will always remain close to my heart. I am also blessed to have captured her sprit in Photographs through these past couple of years. The memories that her entire family will cherish. The memories of Kristen that we all knew dearly. I love you Kristen and hope that you know how much you have touched all our live. David and Sam...I love you!
Brooke
I feel saddened by Kristen's leaving, yet I am rejoicing in where she is with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Kristen is in a place we all long for no pain, no sorrow, no hurt. What a beautiful testamony Sam will be able to read about his mother for years to come. He will be able to see how many lives she has touched and how special she was to so many people. I have prayed for her many times. I have enjoyed getting to know her mom over the years. I will continue to pray for her little one, husband and family during this difficult time. That there will be many years of fruit and blessings from this beautiful women who know is in Glory. May God richly bless you with strength and love long after the immediate time when all is done.
Love
Heather
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You have friends and family who love you and you have faith to get you through this. I can tell it's been a hard couple of years and the future will be hard too. It's a blessing to have your faith and your family and friends, they are priceless. Lean on them, don't try to be brave alone.
I give my best to the family, David and Sam, for i know in the time i have know the Hartland family, that the bond this family has is very special and would be damn near impossible to match. I am pleasured to have had the opportunity to meet your amazing family through my friendship with Hannah. I i extend my reguards over the next few months or years of which will see the best of times and worst and will keep you guys in my prayers. If there is ever anything i can do Hannah can reach me. You are extraordinary people, David, Sam, the Hartlands, and Kristen's Family, God bless you all.
I had the pleasure of meeting Kristen last year. She was the first woman I had met who was diagnosed at my age......and she inspired me with her grace and gentle humor. She touched the lives of many people with her beautiful spirit. Kristen was taken from us much too soon, but she will not be soon forgotten.
Love to her and her family,
-Katie
David,
We are so sorry to hear about Kristen. You have both battled this tremendously over the last 2 1/2 years. You and Samuel are in our prayers. We pray God's blessings over you both in the time ahead.
I first met you and Kristen through the Hemati's. Your arm around her waist and hers around your neck. Love at it's finest. My thoughts and prayers at this time.
I was blessed to witness her beautiful heart during a thanksgiving dinner at the Hartlands. It was her first Thanksgiving as a mother in 03’. As everyone sat at the table, we individually gave thanks as a testimony to God’s goodness. With tears, Kristen thanked God that He had allowed her to live long enough to be a mother. I will never forget the fruit of her lips on that day because I have kept it as a conviction upon my heart. Glory to God for the beauty of her heart and soul!
I met you and Kristen just once between Christmas and New Year's in 2002, when I was visiting Susanna and Scott. You might not remember me, but I remember you and the kindness and hospitality you extended to me in that brief encounter. I pray that our Father will give you strength in this difficult time...
I am so sorry about Kirsten. I did not know her, but I read some of her posts. My prayers and thoughts are with your family, david and sam. Lauren
What is there to say when someone who was loved so much is lost so soon. David, may all her memories that fill your heart help to bring you comfort and peace. Know that no matter what, her love is eternal. Kristen lived life as a true example. She was a loving mother, wife, daughter, and friend. Her amazing strength and faith will always be a true aspiration for she left her hand print on every soul she touched. She will be missed but NEVER forgotten.
I got to know Kristen thru the MOPS program at Cypress Bible. I was the mentor mom in her group. Her faith and peace just amazed me, she truly was a strong testimoney to us all.....Lord bless you David, Sam , Stones and Hartlands....
Donna Huffman
Hello. First off let me say that I am so very sorry for your family's loss. You don't know me and I didn't know Kristen. I came across the link to this website from a friend and was touched to read about such a lovely, lovely woman. I wish I would have gotten the chance to meet her. She was a beautiful soul, truly an angel. God be with you during this time. I know Kristen will be watching down on her family now. That said, I love the front page website picture. It's almost as if she is standing outside of regular world we live in now, smiling in approval of your gorgeous son and being with you always.
--California.
I met Kristen a couple of years ago. She came back to teaching and I was blessed to be her partner for a short while. She radiated life and love, especially carrying Sam. She was so excited to have him.
I am so blessed to have known her, even if for just a short while. Her strength, courage and faith is inspiration to all.
Dear David and Sam,
I am at a loss for words, please accept my sincerest condolences.
I truly believe that your beautiful, caring wife and mother will always be with you both.
Laura
Dearest Darla, John, David, Erica and Sam,
I have been praying for you all continuously in the last several months. I have nothing to add to what is already written in the Remembrances.
Something that came to me today was that nothing can ever hurt Kristen again. She is in the best place of all, where no cancer, sadness, pain, illness, death or tears exist. The curse that is on the world will not affect her in any way. Now her pain is over and it is our time to grieve, to cry, to mourn her death and remember her extraordinary life. She will live on in her son and in the precious memories of David, John and Darla, Erica, and the many people who loved her and in whose lives she made a difference.
Please accept these inadequate words of sympathy. I wish there was some way to help you get through the grieving process a little sooner, but I guess to do that would cheat you out of a necessary part of recovering from these last few unbelievable years.
Please know that Bill and I love you so much and will continue to pray for all of you.
May God bless you all, strengthen and comfort you and hold you close to Him during this very sad time.
Love,
Karen Bores
As a Christian, I am comforted that Kristen resides with our Father in heaven now. I know she will watch over all of us. As a mother, my heart aches for Sam. As a wife, my heart aches for David. And so I make this promise to Kristen...."I will thank God every day for the health of myself, husband and child. I will take great joy, even when she tests me, in my child. I will do my best to live a life that honors my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." And I pray when I die that people remember me with at least half the grace, dignity, spirit, and selflessness of Kristen Hartland.
David, I pray my unborn son grows to be a man of your faith and character. Kristen and Sam are blessed to have you. Remain strong in HIM, we will all continue to pray for you.
I never knew Kristen and had never heard of her until a friend on a message board posted this website.
My life has changed in one day! I will never take life for granted. My heart goes out to your family and I am praying for you all.
God Bless.
The photo of Kristen and Sam shares the Komen Calendar fold with my daughter Alison Evers and my granddaughter Sarina. I often thought as I looked at those two pages, which is where I keep my calendar open all the time, that Kristen and Sam look so much alike and so full of joy and life. Alison shared the sad news with me today, and I am so sorry to know this awful disease took Kristen from those she loves. God bless you, her family, as you grieve. This web site is such a wonderful tribute to her.
David, Sam...
Words can't describe the heartbreak you must feel right now.. Kristen is a beautiful, brave, mother and wife. She fought the most couragious of fights at such a young age. My wish now is that Sam will someday grow up and understand just how much strength and love his parents possessed when they brought him into the world. Kristen will always be in our hearts, and we will always be reminded of her Spirit.. everytime we see Sam.....
Miya
i just learned of your loss and although I have not ever met Kristen, I am deeply moved. May you find comfort in your many happy memories together. My prayers are with you and your family.
May you feel God's embrace on you and your precious Sam. So sorry for your loss.
What a legacy of Love, Faith, and Hope Kristen gifts to you, David and Sam. We know she is dancing with the Angels as now we mourn her passing. May God's arms surround you as our thoughts and prayers are with all of you David, Sam, the Stones and the Hartlands.
Dave, Sam and family,
Please know we are thinking of you at this time. We thought the world of Kristen and are so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend. She will be greatly missed.
God bless you,
Courtney and John
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom when I was three and my heart breaks for little Sam.
Your story is so heartbreaking, but so beautiful. I just found your site yesterday and you have been on my mind and heart every minute.
Kristen was so beautiful and I know I will learn from her how to be a better mom.
You are in my prayers.
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Kristen as a school teacher.She really loved her students and did whatever it took to help them in their learning and lives. She became very close to her students and they loved her!!
I am very glad that she and David were able to have a child of their own. I know that she gave all of her love to Sam and David. Sam was very lucky to have such a wonderful mother.
Even when she was at her lowest point, she never failed to send thank you cards to everyone who showed love and prayers to her and her family.
It was an honor to be her friend. I know that Kristen is now with our savior. May God bless her and the family. I love you Kristen with all my heart. You'll always be in my daily thoughts. Thank you for being my friend.
I did not know Kristen or her family. I only heard about her story through a friend. As I sit here reading her story on this website, I am weeping. She must have been one amzing young woman and I admire her perserverance. My heartfelt sympathies go out to her family but especially her husband and baby boy. It seems as though she loved both of you with all her heart.
You are mourning now, but Christ has gone before Kristen and has prepared a place in heaven for her. Her body is now perfect and cancer free. She has served whatever purpose God has for her here on Earth and now she is resting in the arms of her loving Heavenly Father. She will forever be smiling down on the ones that she loved. Thank you for sharing her amazing story.
Be still
And you will hear me
Whispering windy messages
Blowing butterfly kisses
Raising rainbows to light your way.
Be still
and I shall shine on in you.
~Peace be with you all at this time~
Brooke Cheeseman
I became aware of Kristen and her story through the YSC. I'm newly diagnosed and comb the site constantly for information and reassurance. Kristen's was a voice of compassion and intelligence. I have been thinking constantly of your family through the last few days and am saddened beyond words. May her memory bring you strength and comfort throughout the rest of your life.
Kristen was one of the original Boobees an extraordinary group of young women supporting each other and living through cancer She was always so funny and I also will never forget the F*CK CANCER shirt that she wore in a picture she posted The saying gave me hope and strength to fight She gave me inspiration and made me feel alright I am amazed at how quickly things went poor Just a few days ago she posted that it would be several weeks not just a few days I cry for Kristen for I loved her so much and for David and Sam you should know she always gave her best She loved you two more than anything I know she will be watching down on you from heavan and loving you so much May you remember how great she was in life and let it lead your heart through the rest of your lives For David and Sam you surely have an awesome angel looking over you God Bless Love Always Nadine
Wow--to read all of the stories and see the number of lives that Kristen touched is amazing. Kristen is truly an inspiration and blessing to everyone because of her unwavering faith in Christ. Never once did we hear her say a discouraging word or a complaint about her incredibly difficult situation. She always had a smile on her face, and to watch her with little Sam was breathtaking. She loved God so much and truly was an example of a young, godly wife and mother. We are so saddened by this loss, but also know that she is no longer suffering and has a perfect body free from any disease. We look forward to the day when we can reunite with her in heaven. To David, Sam, and the rest of the family...may the mercy and strength of our Lord Jesus carry you through this incredibly difficult time. May God bless all of you. Sincerest regards, Kasey and Wes Mathew
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Kristen, I felt like I knew her through the many wonderful stories I have heard through David's sisters. My heart goes out to you David, as well as to Sam and both families. Your faith will keep you strong, David. I will certainly keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
David and Sam,
Kristen is with our Lord God and free of any more pain. She is watching over you. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dearest David, Sam, Darla, John, and Rebecca,
I weep with you. I love you. You are in my prayers for peace and for the kind of mourning that yields to joy in the proper time. Most of all, I pray that you will be HELD tightly by Christ himself and by your brothers and sisters in Christ in these impossible moments. Nothing is impossible with God. Friends are friends forever, when the Lord is Lord of them. Peace be with you.
We didn't know Kristen, but know John and Darla--precious people. We're so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter but just praise and thank our Saviour for the reunion that awaits! That's the one thing that makes these times bearable. All praise to Him who reigns above!
There are no words to express the impact that Kristen's story has had on my life in only the past two days. I work with one of David's sisters. I knew of Kristen's illness, but did not know Kristen personally. My heart aches for all of you---as a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a sister. May God comfort you and give you peace as only HE can at such a difficult time. I continue to pray for your family--for strength and courage. THANK YOU for sharing Kristen's beautiful story with us via the website--I am forever changed.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints...Ps.116
I remember Kristen as My Best Friend's Wife. David and I were room mates when he and Kristen began dating. I have so many memories of those days and many of days beyond those days. I guess one thing that really sticks out in my mind is that Kristen never let me feel like a third wheel when I would tag along with her and David on trips and dinners and plays. Kristen loved to have fun. The three of us went to a U2 concert here in Houston on their previous tour. We bought tickets for some seats way up high, so we snuck down to the really good seats. One of the most recent memories was going to the U2 concert in Arizona on their current tour. My fiance and David and Kristen and I hung out all day in line waiting to get into the show. We had a lot of fun. The coolest thing was looking up at one point at the big tv screens and seeing Kristen up on the screen just enjoying herself and having a great time.
We will miss her so much.
David, Sam, Hartlands, and Stones
My love, thoughts, and prayers go out to you, and as always if you ever need me or anything never hesitate to call.
Love,
Josh
Praying for such an amaizing woman and family has truly changed my life. I feel so very privladged to have had a chance to get to know Kristen and her Family through emails and prayer. I will continue to pray for God's unfailing love and grace to surround you all every moment of every day.
Our love and Prayers continue,
The Nichols
You will continue to inspire and me through out my life. Thank you Kristen.
Unfortunalty I only got to meet kristin one time, but The emotion I am feeling for her and her family is overwhelming. I learned of her fight through her friend and my sister-in-law Stefanie Marcus, who also fought breast cancer, and I know that Kristin was a huge help for her. Thank god for strong, wonderful people like her, and Hopefully her son will know what a terrific mother he had. My thoughts and prayers for her family.
Dear Kristen,
While I only new you briefly, and most definitely not as well as I would have liked to, I knew you well enough to know that you embodied the traits the world needs so much more of. As a young mother and wife myself, I am heartbroken for your having to leave those dear to you and for them, losing you. I cannot begin to imagine the issues and thoughts that would have plagued your mind at times over the past 3 years, but by all accounts you faced it all with a grace and strength that I can only strive for. Your life touched so many, so profoundly that your memory will live on long past a "lifetime"...
Anonymous :
Ok, my friend told me to look at this web page and bring a box of tissues. I am balling. I am so sorry for you and your family and can't begin to understand your pain, but most of all your incredible spirit through it all. Sam, you are so lucky to have a Mom who wanted you so badly and she will be your guardian angel forever. David I don't know you but I know Kristin is so proud of you and I am truely a better person for reading your story. Take care and God bless you.
June 08, 2005
Anonymous :
Sam, I hope that one day you will understand how much your mother loved you, how she prayed for you, how she wanted you. My heart breaks for your loss, but always remember, she was an angel.
June 08, 2005
Allan Lusky :
David,
I am Jessica Evans' father. You met Jessica at Women's Hospital, she's a Socialworker, in NICU. I am a 9 year Grade 4 brain tumor survivor, diagnosed in 1996.
I can't tell you how my heart aches for you,
Kristen was such a beautiful woman, and Jess tells me she was just as beautiful on the inside. What a trooper and devoted Mother she was until the very end! My deepest sympathies go out to you, please know that my wife Nancy & I are here for you if ever you need to talk or just vent.
With sincerest condolences,
Allan & Nancy Lusky
June 08, 2005
silky :
I was on a chat bc chat site and was asked by a friend of your wifes to view this sit,I can from my heart say I am truly honoured to have read your words and seen the pictures a truly beautiful family,this is so trgic for you all and I like anyone else reading this site am weeping for your lossmay god be with you allfor every tear you shed you have a thousand beautiful memories,these will always be with you although no concolation that your darling wife and Sams wonderful mummy wont be in body,she will always watch over you,love never leaves...Love hugs and prayers always
June 08, 2005
Suzanne :
Our prayer group has prayed through the years for Kristen. Our prayer was for God to heal her perfectly and completely. God answered our prayers, only not exactly in the way we expected, but in his perfect way. Kristen saw Sam turn one year, enjoyed imprinting her special personality on him and will now watch his growth and development from a divine & perfect perspective. My prayer will continue to be that little Sam's grandparents and father see more and more of Kristen in Sam as the years go by and praise God for the window he has opened as one door was closed. We will all see Kristen again when we get to heaven. Meantime, we sorrow, but not as ones who have no hope.
June 08, 2005
erin scott and connor :
I will always remember the day I met Kristen.It was at Julie's wedding this past October, and Julie turned to see Kristen there in the hall at the church.Julie's eyes got so big and shiny,she couldn't hold back her tears as she was so excited to see her. She immediatly introduced Krissy and me, and I felt a rush of love when she hugged me that first time. Aunt Darla,be strong and know I think of you daily.Keep those smile dimples coming! Dave and Sam, I will continue to keep you in my prayers.Kristen,I keep the picture of you,erica,julie and me where I can see it. I will always be grateful that we got to meet,I just wish I could have seen you again.
June 08, 2005
Anonymous :
I'm truly sadden and sorry for you lost. May God lift your spirits and I pray you will be able to rejoice in his name knowing that she's in a better place.
This website was sent to me from an online friend. Kristen is bless with many friends and family that loves and adore her. I'm so sorry for your lost. My thought and prayers are with the Stones and the Hartlands.
This website was refer to me from an online friend. Although I've never met Kristen, I feel bless to have gotten to know her through this website. I can see that she's a beautiful person that touches many people lives online and as well mine. Kristen will be remembered.As you share the stories and the memories of how she lived her life and how very much she meant, may you find comfort- and, throughout this difficult time, may you also know the deep sympathy and concern that is felt for you and all your family.
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long. "Where is your God?" These things I remember as I pour out my soul; how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:1-5
We give thanks to God for Kristen and David. For the beauty, grace, strength, perseverance,and love they continually showed us. May God's peace be a comfort to you, where man fails.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this trying time.
Kristen was such a beautiful person. I have been looking at her pictures in my scrap book and I will always remember her as an energetic, thoughtful, and kind person. She was such a wonderful mother to Sam and such a great wife to David.
It does make me feel better to know that she is in a much much better place right now. She is with our Lord and free of pain.
I will miss you so much, Kristen.
Sundays will not be the same without you...
To all of Kristens family I would like to say that while working with and getting to know Kristen at Horne I was always touched by her thoughtfulness and beautiful spirit. My life and outlook on life truly changed because of her. She is a role model to many. My thoughts snd prayers are with you and your family,
To know the Hartlands is to love them. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
David, you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Stratton
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
David, my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Mary
David and Kristen are so pure and upstanding and it seems unreal that they have had to go through such a difficult challenge at such a young age. I pray that everyone who has been a friend to them during this time will be blessed with a new awareness of how fragile life is and how it needs to be cherished.
But Not Forgotten
I think no matter where you stray,
That I shall go with you a way.
Though you may wander sweeter lands,
You will not forget my hands,
Nor yet the way I held my head
Nor the tremulous things I said.
You will still see me, small and white
And smiling, in the secret night,
And feel my arms about you when
The day comes fluttering back again.
I think, no matter where you be,
You'll hold me in your memory
And keep my image there without me,
By telling later loves about me.
Poem by Dorothy Parker
As Kristen's Best Friend, I hardly know what to say at this time. ...That I love her and miss her doesn't seem enough.
We've been friends for twelve years. All of the years that are most fresh in my mind are with her. Tears, heartaches, joys, adventures across the ocean , across the continent, across the country . You name it, We did it. We had such an awesome friendship. Such a deep connection.
I am a new mother too, And Kris and I would talk about our love for our sons and how indescribable it was. How we didn't know God would bless us with such a love. I am so thankful to God for fulfilling her dream of motherhood. It made her even more beautiful and gave her such hope for each day. Sam your mother, was amazing, so beautiful, joyful, fun, smart, gracious, godly, brave, and always a loving friend. Even through the miles that have seperated us these last couple years, we stayed close. I miss her now, I'll always miss her.
I look forward to what I know will be an even better friendship in heaven. Even deeper. We'll do all the things we loved to do here, but they will be so much more fulfilling with our savior in heaven.
David, I love you too and Sam, my Godson... I'll always see your mother in you. My Heart cries with you both. Jon, Darla, Erica and Rebecca, I love you all and feel like a part of your family... my heart aches with yours. My thoughts and prayes are with you now and always.
Love,
Nicole
Lamentations 3:22-24 "The Steadfast love of the Lord never ceases..."
Sorry to hear about this. My thoughts and prayers are with you. She was an inspiration.
I had the fabulous opprotunity to work with Kristen at Horne in Cy-fair. She had students with special needs. Kristen was a wonderful role model for all the children she touched. I will miss Kristen, but I will always remember her courage, strength,love, and faith that she shared with all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with her parents, David and Sam.
Linda
David - I'm very fortunate Todd and I had the opportunity to experience the Phoenix U2 concert with you and Kristen, and with Emily and Josh. It's an experience we'll always cherish. I was amazed and inspired by the zest for life you and Kristen showed, savoring every moment. Your energy and enthusiasm is inspiring - I've never had such a good time waiting in line all day - you two radiated a wonderful spirit. When Bono dedicated the song "Miracle Drug" and acknowledged those attending that evening, who are enduring a life-threatening health condition (along with family, friends, medical research, care takers), I knew the work of the U2 Project, headed by Kelley Corwin and others, saw the fruits of its labor. We knew Bono was speaking to Kristen, David, and all of her friends. In his tribute, Bono also reminded us all that we're here on Earth in "transition." David - please know that you, Sam, and your entire family and friends are in our prayers. Todd and I are inspired by the strength and grace that you and Kristen demonstrated.
God bless you, Sam and all your family and friends.
-Ana Ferragut
It has been a privelege to know David when I was selling books in college and I am looking forward to worshipping Jesus with her in heaven. Jenny and I along with our Sunday school class have been praying for Kristen, David, Sam and the rest of the family for the last three years. Last night, the deacons at our church prayed for you and we prayed for you at the Tuesday morning prayer breakfast. David, No matter where life takes you, Jesus will always be there for you to lean on as your steady rock. Here is a verse I read and wrote down recently. It is Psalm 62:6 "He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken". Hang in there, David. We are praying for you.
Thank you for sharing the joy that is Kristen. May every day bring you wonderful reminders of the way she changed our world.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Teresha Thames
It has been a privelege to know David through selling books in college and I am looking forward to meeting Kristen to worship Jesus in heaven. Jenny and I along with our Sunday school class have been praying for you during the last four years. David, here is a verse I read recently. Psalm 62:4 "He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken." Jesus is our rock that we can lean on, no matter what. Hang in there. We are praying for you.
has been a privelege to know David through selling books in college and I am looking forward to meeting Kristen to worship Jesus in heaven. Jenny and I along with our Sunday school class have been praying for you during the last four years. David, here is a verse I read recently. Psalm 62:4 "He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken." Jesus is our rock that we can lean on, no matter what. Hang in there. We are praying for you.
I am the adoptive mom of Erin Thorpe and she has often told me about what a wonderful person Kristen was. Reading the stories about her I also agree. We had a good cry Tuesday night abouat the wonderful accomplishments she succeeded in over her much too short life.Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers .Love and tender hugs to all of you from Mary Bunday
We haven't met you but have been thinking and praying for you these days. Our son is Calvin McAlister who is a good friend of the Corwins. They have kept us up to date with Kristen and we have been praying!!
We will continue to pray for you and your little guy..what a blessing he must be!!
I grieve for your pain and for the loss of your wife. I was 22 when my breast cancer was diagnosed. There is no rhyme or reason to this horrible disease.
I never met Kristin, and came here today as directed by another survivor on the YSC board.
Know that all survivors everywhere mourn the loss of another sister to this horrible disease, and praise God that she rests now, healthy and whole in the arms of her savior.
I will meet her there one day.
David and Sam,
We just wanted you to know that we're praying for you and your family.
In Christ,
Ryan and Angela Cochran
I knew Kristen through MOPS at Cypress Bible Church. She was a joy! Your loss is great. May the peace of God surround you and may His love and comfort carry you as you have never been carried before.
It has been over five years since I last saw Kristen and David, but the one thing that has stuck with me when I think about Kristen is just how warm and so truely nice she was to me even before she knew me. I remember that no matter what we were doing (going to the zoo, hanging hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights, swimming at their apartment, going to the Houston Marathon) no matter what it was Kristen's main concern was always making sure that everyone was happy and having a good time. David's main goal was always making sure that Kristen was having a good time (which I think was probably a pretty easy job since she always was happy). As a punk 17 year old trying to be a man I remember thinking to myself how much I wanted to be like Kristen and David, their love radiated out to anyone that was around them.
While life may have moved me away I will always remember how much I looked up to Kristen and David back then, and now how much I still look up to both them. I will never forget the two years or so I was able to spend with the Harland family, I truely felt like family, and I will always love all of you.
Today I feel lucky to have had a chance to know such a wonderful woman.
I am SO sorry for your loss. I don't know what to say. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Although I didn't know either of you very well (youth group at Cypress Bible) - after browsing the website, she seems like a wonderful, brave, godly woman. It is so comforting to know that she is with the Lord now, where there is no pain. It is a blessing that she was able to leave a part of herself behind in Sam. He is a beautiful baby. I am just So sorry.
The Hartland and Stone families are in our prayers.
God Bless your family and hearts during this difficult time. I did not personally know Kristen. Some friends at my church in El Paso, the Smiths, have been requesting prayer for Kristen for months. She sounds like a wonderful God fearing woman, and although death is painful for us I believe that it's a joyful experience to be with the Lord.
From what I've read on this website, Kristen Hartland will be dearly missed. But she had accomplished more than many people do in a lifetime. Servant of God, wife, mother, and friend. That's what makes life worth living.
It is tragic that someone so young has to face adversity such as breast cancer. I'll be praying for all of you who are dealing with the loss of this special woman.
-Jennifer Steffen
El Paso, Texas
I never knew Kristen personally, but have been praying for your family for these years during Kristen's sickness. Calvin and I were thrilled to learn about Sam being born - God's special gift.
As the Corwins kept us posted on Kristen's condition, we were so very sad.
Today was the first time I actually saw her picture, and oh my, she was certainly beautiful!! Please know that our hearts ache along with yours and we look forward to meeting this wonderful lady in heaven someday.
Just to know that your best friend has met Jesus face to face! How marvelous!
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your family through prayer.
Jenny McAlister
Hickory, NC
I was fortunate enough to meet Kristen's mother in a Bible study this past year. We continually lifted Kristen and her family up in prayer at the end of each study. I thought about her almost everyday. As I received updates on her struggle, I kept thinking how is it that I never met this woman? I am her age; I used to live in Naperville during my youth, and yet I never met her. Yet, even though I never met her, her life has changed me so much by reminding me everyday how precious life is, what true gifts from God children and the short time we have with them are, and especially how the life we live will have an impact in the Kingdom of Heaven for eternity. My prayers are with all those who love and miss Kristen and my joy goes to the angels singing with her in Heaven now.
Dave & Sam,
How great is God's kindness to you that he should give you such a wonderful wife and mother! That he should bless you to have woman loved by God, full of faith in her glorious savior, a glorious glimpse of his infinite goodness! Kristen knew herself to be loved by Jesus in this life, and knows now in full what she only knew in part while she was with you. Her deepest longing for both of you has always been for you to know Christ's love that surpasses knowledge, and that you would join her in heaven - where every tear will be wiped away - forever rejoicing in his kindness to sinners for whom he lived and died and rose again. The very God who made her so precious claimed her as his own, and took her to himself. It is because she is so precious that your sorrow is so great. It is because God's gift to you was so wonderful that your loss is so overwhelming. God is good all the time, even at this time. Kristen is so happy now, even happier than you are sad. May God comfort and sustain you with the same mercy with which he gave her to you for a time. May you be able to trust him who now has her in his everlasting arms.
My thoughts and prayers to all of the family and friends of Kristen. After being told about this wonderful angel that I never had the pleasure of meeting, her website has touched my heart. I am also a member of a family fighting the horrific life of "cancer". The going and coming, the ct scans, results, radiation, chemo therapy, etc... a journey that has been given to us and we as the family are there to support the detours it takes us through. Life is a journey and her journey has taken her to the best place ever to be with our savior Jesus Christ. May God BLess the enitire Hartland and Stone family.
David, Sam The Stones & Hartland familys, I offer you my heart felt symathy.
To us at the Boo-Bees Kristens passing has truly rocked our foundations. We are all in shock & deeply upset.
Kristen was truly a special person, she offered unconditional support to all of us, even whilst still fighting her own battles, with much compassion and humour.
I hope that your faith provides you with some peace and understanding in this tragic time.
My thoughts are with you,
Kim Seamons
As a mother, I always tried to keep an eye on who my children, Todd and Emily, chose as friends. Never did I realize that one day I'd be blessed and strengthened, at the deepest personal level, by their choices -- you, David, and your beloved Kristen among them, shining as the brightest of stars.
Every good parent wants to see their child find a special place in the world, and leave it better for having been here. Every good husband wants his wife to know she is loved and cherished. And every good mother is to be admired, emulated, and never forgotten, woven into the fabric of who we are. All these are true of Kristen Stone Hartland, one beautiful woman of God.
You weren't here long, Kristen, but you were here 100 percent. To God be the glory.
Connie
I met Kristen through our online chat group, the BooBees. I hope that you know how much Kristen touched all of our lives and how her kindness and generous spirit helped to lift up other women with breast cancer. When I met Kristen and heard her story it helped me to be less afraid of what was ahead of me and to know that I was not alone. Kristen's fighting spirit will be with all of us. There are no words that can truly convey how sorry I am for your loss. My heart goes out to David, Sam and your entire family.
Jenna Glazer,
New York, New York
To David, Sam, and family.. You are in my prayers. I am so sorry to hear about Kristen.
David and Sam,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Stone and Hartland families. Kristen was truly a beacon of God's light and an inspiration to all those whose lives she touched. She was beautiful inside and out. We are so thankful that we had the opportunity to know her, if only for a short while. May God bless you both. We will continue to pray for you and your families.
Jeff and Alley Thomas and family
Kristen was my sister's best friend, and I really appreciate her and God for giving my sister such a great companion at such a deep level, and I was therefore thankful to have another younger sister. It is hard to loose your little sister. Thanks God for all you gave her, and the great family and friends she shared it with. My wife Anna and I will miss Kristen very much. Our hearts ache and mourn with David, Sam, the Stones and the Hartlands. I am so thankful that Jesus wept when Lazarus died, He truly was one of us even though He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead. He weeps with us also, even though He now holds her in His arms in Glory.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. May you find comfort in the miraculous peace that only comes from our Lord and Savior and may you find blessed assurance in the knowledge of the eternal life that we know we truly have in Him. God bless you and we sorrow with you. Love - Pam, Beau and Hallie Dollins
Dear David, Sam, and the Stones and Hartlands-
I never had the pleasure and joy of meeting Kristen (I met you, David, about 2 or 3 months ago at St. John the Divine), but all of us at SJD prayed mightily that God would heal Kristen completely, that he would comfort all of you.
I know he has healed her, but those of us who remain on earth are brokenhearted.
As a mother, I am devastated for Sam. I know he will grow up knowing that his mother was a wonderful, Godly woman who loved him dearly.
David, your love for Kristen is so evident, and your grace and strength through adversity is an inspiration. May God blanket you with his peace now and always.
God bless you all.
We didn't know Kristen but had been praying for her! Please know our prayers continue with you, David, and Sam. What a tremendous tribute to her on this site! Carry Strong!
Kristen and I were next-door neighbors for a few years when I was young. I lost touch after we moved, but I still think about the Stones frequently. I remember playing with Kristen and Erica all the time. We would have slumber parties on our trampoline. Once we created a huge theater in the back yard with sheets and rope and put on a play for our families. We would go snail hunting in the mud. Once, Kristen told me that when a fly lands on anything it poops, so to this day, if I fly lands on my food, I think of her and then throw the food away. ;) lol! I also remember wrestling with Carl in the yard on several occasions. When I think about Houston, I don't have many memories because I was just a small child, but of the memories I do have, the Stones are in 98% of them. My prayers and thoughts are with the Stones, and with Kristen's husband and beautiful little boy.
Dear David, Sam, and all of Kristen's family and friends,
I'm also a member of the Boobees and I want y'all to know that my life has been touched by Kristen. I first met her through the YSC boards where she helped me cope with my many questions and fears. Later, through the Boobees chat group, Kristen continued her support, but added to that was her humor, strength and love--these are things that I will always remember and will cherish Kristen as one of those truly special people.
Kristen, I miss you.
Love,
Ricki
Ricki Moskowitz
New York City
David,
I never had the chance to meet your family, but nevertheless share your loss. Life is not without grief and pain, but it is our Creator and Lord that makes it all clear to us when it best suits Him. Know that your suffering is not in vain, and Kristen has entered into a place that knows none. Expect that God will comfort you during this time and will continue to do so always.
No one can ever understand why God does the things that He does and why He chooses some and not others for certain tasks. However, there is one thing that is certain; every one of God's children must suffer in this world in order to perfect us and qualify us for the Kingdom of God. It is in suffering that we reach out FROM ourselves to the one that is responsible for our life. It is only in our pain that we can find the need to seek the GOD that allows that same suffering to exist in the first place. Furthermore, HE is the one that ordered it. Otherwise, without the trial, we would never seek to find the GOD which made us for HIS good pleasure being quite preoccupied with our own self seeking lives. It is only in our pain that our wills are crushed in order to destroy the greatest evil of all; self.
-Nick
David,
I never had the privilege of meeting Kristen, but your love for each other is very evident. I know that your life together was beautiful and your son is evidence of that.
I know we have not seen each other in a while, but as we have been married about the same amount of time, and with sons almost the same age, my heart weeps with you.
You and Sam are in our prayers.
In Christ,
David, Lydia, and Joshua Tate
My heart is with all Kristen's family and friends today. I heard the viewing was beautiful~ I am a Boobee from Seattle, WA
I was, and will continue to be there in spirit with you. I am burning a candle for our angel now.
Love
Nicole
Hello,
I didn't know Kristin personally, but through the YSC, and this website my life has been affected. She made such a wonderful example of how to live and love the Lord when you suffering. I pray that you all feel the loving arms of Jesus as you grieve for her.
Lori Fish
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Kristen's family.
God saw you were getting tired
and a cure was not to be.
So he wrapped his arms around you, and whispered "come to me".
You didn't deserve what you went through,
So he gave you rest.
God's garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best.
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
I feel for you and relay my thoughts. There is nothing anyone can say that will ease this pain. It hurts so much when amazing people are taken so young. Im very saddened and with the family my best.If i could offer more, i would.
To: Family of Kristen Hartland
May Jehovah God give you comfort and strengthen you in coping with your grief. For at Psalm 34:18 - God is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. My prayers are with you.
Kristen,
My world is a better place for having known you. You had more heart and courage in your little finger than most people have in their entire body. I am blessed to have called you my friend.
Lori
Kristen lived a beautiful life of beautiful witness to her Lord and it was a great joy to know her.
Rarely have I seen such a picture of heaven as her radiant face right after bringing Sam into this world. Now that radiant face is in the radiant presence of God, and I am so happy for her.
blessings,
Bill+
The Rev. Dr. R. William Dickson
Associate Rector
St. John the Divine, Houston
There is nothing more comforting than knowing our eternity will be spent with Jesus Christ. I take comfort in knowing, without a shred of doubt, that Kristen is with the Lord. Praise God for everyone He revealed Himself to through her life. He has a special plan and purpose for each of us. We cling to that promise of purpose for everyone close to Kristen during this time.
Deut. 31:8 For the Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
David,
I was so heartbroken to hear of Kristen's passing. I only met her one time, but she touched my life none the less.
She had a sweetness about her which made her likeable immediately.
I can only imagine your saddness, and I know there are no words that offer comfort.
So, you will be in my continued prayers during this difficult time.
I remember Kristen as someone who was kind. She had a gift for treating people like they were worth knowing and relating to really without regard to who they were or weren’t. She was truly a person in whom God’s simpler, humbler beauty is made obvious as it rises from the inside.
David, like you, God has blessed me with a wife beyond my wildest dreams. I cannot imagine what you are feeling, but please know that today I am reminded to more seriously treasure each day that I have with my wife. I am praying for you.
To David, Sam, the Stones, and the Hartlands:
My deepest sympathies.
I knew Kristen online at YSC and as a Boobee.
I will remember how Kristen touched other people and made a difference in their lives. It would have been difficult NOT to notice how supportive Kristen was to the other girls looking for advice. She also was so open about her own experience with breast cancer, which can be very difficult to overcome.
I remember when she made sure to uplift a fellow Boobee by telling her how brave she was, and how she just RAVED about her husband, David, and how she was pleasantly surprised that her father wanted to accompany her to chemo one day.
She made such an impression on all the Boobees. I remember her warmth, humor, and vibrance and her deep love for Sam, David, and of course her other family members.
She will be missed by all of us, but will remain in our hearts and minds forever.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie
VA
Thinking of you and your family...
A Young Survial Coalition Member
Our dear sister Kristen is now in the heavenly court among all the great saints past.Most of all,she is now in the presence of the Almighty in glory forever and ever.She is smiling down upon all those whom she left behind in this life.She gives a great Thank You for all who helped her run the race to the finish.Now the crown of glory will be placed upon her head to the tune "Well done,my true and faithful servant."I was indeed blessed to having known this living saint during the course of my college years.May her love accompany us unto that great Reunion of saints!A most fitting legacy.
As we look back on the last three years of our lives here in Houston, we cannot help but thank God for the precious friendship that we developed with Kristen and David. We still remember the time when we served our Lord together in the youth group. Whether it was kickball, playing on the mud slide, or taking a break in the counselor's room in Florida from hundreds of kids, Kristen and David, you were such a blessing from the Lord to us and to the youth group.
We will always remember our special Bible study and prayer time on Thrusday nights. We will never forget the time when we talked and laugh so loud during Kristen's Chemotherpy that we were afraid that they might kick us out of treatment room. we will surely miss Kristen's laughter, her snort, and her special way for saying "David!" when David was about to engage in one of his crazy acts. But most of all we will miss Kristen, a loving, gentle sister in the Lord.
It has been an honor to stand beside you in fighting this battle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you.
Kristen will always be remembered as a gentle, caring, kind, determined person who had the most unbelievable courage and desire to share her life with others. Everyone she met was touched in a special way. Kristen taught us to care about the important things in our lives, to look at the positive, and to stay true to our beliefs. Sam will be blessed in more ways than we can imagine because of the thousands of prayers she's sent to heaven for him and his life. We love you Kristen and will miss you. God Bless, protect and show favor to your family.
"May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24. I am so very sorry for your loss. I have enjoyed "meeting" Kristen through the web site pictures and video.She was absolutely beautiful and her faith encouraging. I have known Paula for 25 years and she shared her concerns for Krissy so I have prayed for her and for all those who love her. May God provide for all that you need to endure and persevere according to His riches in glory in Christ. May He make the rough ways smooth and light the dark paths and show you the way.
In Christ's love and mercy,
Kristin Smith
David, I thought about Kristen all day today. I am so sad. I didn't know her but read her posts on the YSC board. I was dx at 31. I love the website you have of her. she is so beautiful.
I can't stop crying and i didn't even know her, but you made me know her through your pictures and writings.
Kristi Anastasi Collins
"May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24. I am so very sorry for your loss. I have enjoyed "meeting" Kristen through the web site pictures and video.She was absolutely beautiful and her faith encouraging. I have known Paula for 25 years and she shared her concerns for Krissy so I have prayed for her and for all those who love her. May God provide for all that you need to endure and persevere according to His riches in glory in Christ. May He make the rough ways smooth and light the dark paths and show you the way.
In Christ's love and mercy,
Kristin Smith
I didn't know Kristen all that well, but she still had an impact on my life nonetheless. She was involved as a leader in the Youth Group at CBC when I was in high school. I went on a mission trip to Mexico with her and I remember her being such an athletic, funny, and very outgoing person. I remember her writing me an encouragment note in Mexico one day and leaving it in my assigned envelope-- I thought it was so special that a "cool, older leader" would take the time to write me an encouraging note. I also remember climbing Mt. "Bob" with her in Mexico...she always beat everyone to the top because she was so athletic.:)
A lot of times we wonder why God chooses to take certain people Home when He does, but His divine plan is so much bigger than ours and we don't always understand His ways. Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord, As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
I know that Kristen's life touched many people and will continue to touch many lives. The joy that she radiated and the selflessness she always showed towards her family, especially David and Sam, has really caused me to appreciate every day with my husband and children and to cherish the moments we can spend together.
Kristen was a true example that we all should follow. She fought a tough battle and yet through it all she still seemed to have had a positive attitude. She has really taught me to be thankful in everything for the gifts that I have and not to grumble or complain when little trials come my way.
We will continue to pray for you and your loved ones and that God will give you His abundant peace during this difficult time. Take hope that Kristen is in the presence of the Almighty God and is in no pain and that you will see her again!
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
I NEED to know WHY! WHY a beautiful soul, a young girl, a vibrant spirit, a loving mother, a passionate wife and godly woman had to suffer and die?!
Please! Please tell me why? I need to know now...I can not wait until heaven, so please, for those who have personal, concrete evidence from their experience with Kristen...what would justify her suffering so and dying so?
Desparate for answers,
GRIEVIOUS!
David and Kristen have a love story that most never see or experience. Thier love was a love through Christ. They are an example to the world what true love looks like. David was a Christ-like man who took care of his bride every moment. Krissy constantly told me stories of the way David made her dream come true on earth. That He was her true love and kept all his vows to her.
John and Darla raised a strong woman of God who wanted to make a diffence and DID. Their precious daughter is a gift to everyone who met Krissy.
our prayers and love are with all you- the Kovals
There are no words to possibly describe the sadness in my heart over the loss of such a great joy in my life. Kristen was the epitome of life and beauty. She had so much love for everyone around her especially David and Sam. The look in her eyes when she would look at him or speak of him was one of such unconditional love. It was the most beautiful relationship between a husband and a wife. Kristen was a wonderful mother and I am so blessed to have witnessed the incredible love for her little boy. But what really stands out when I think of Kristen was her love for her Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks to her testimony I know that one day I will be with her again singing praises to our King! I will miss Kristen so very much! She was always the first person I would call when motherhood seemed so hard. She always have such great words of wisdom for me and I will treasure them always. David, I love you more than you could possibly imagine. My heart aches for you and Sam. I will be there whenever you need me. John, Darla, and Erica I love you and I am so blessed to have you as a part of my family. I will be praying for all of you.
David & Sam,
I can't wait to meet Kristen in heaven. What a powerful life she lived! She finished the race winning her prize! We ache and grieve with you now, but take comfort in knowing you will spend eternity together.
I will continue to be on my knees lifting you and Sam up to the Lord. We will contine to petition the Lord on you and your family's behalf.
Love a sister in Christ - kristi
David,
I was fortuante to have put a name and face after hearing so much positive press and stories of you from Dillard & Corndog. The only memory I have of both of you was sharing breakfast in Houston while meeting Hemati in Summer 03. Both of you were glowing with news of Sam's upcoming birth. She was a beautiful mother to be, she is all the more beautiful now in the presence of the Father.
I have been praying for you and yours for a few years now. I praise God that she is in HIS capable hands with no pain. We won't grief as those without hope in Christ...instead celebrate her life as sister, mother, and wife.
With Love,
I taught at the Frazier at the same time Kristin was there. Even though our grade levels kept us apart, I recognized the irridescent angelic glow of this young teacher. Her love for her children radiated. We only meet a few angels in flesh on this earth, and I am privileged to have met this one and look forward to see her dancing with the heavenly ones one day! He will never leave us or forsake us. He is right there with David and Sam through it all. Just look up. Lisa Branon
I never met this beautiful, vibrant and stunning girl, Kristen...I am so blown away by the beauty her legacy portrays. I am so sad today because of this tragedy...my diagnosis is so very similar and I have 4 very young children. My heart is breaking for little Sam but I know that you serve a great and mighty God and that HE will carry you and your little son always. The pain of your loss remains great I know but please put your heart in the Masters hand and let Him keep you.
I have never had the pleasure to meet Kristen personally. I read her story on the YSC Board & we, my husband & myself, have been praying for her & her family ever since. I am so saddened over the death of Kristen. There are so many things in this world that I don't understand, & this is one of them! Being a cancer survivor with a 3 & a 1 year old, her case cuts to my heart. I truely believe that there are often not earthly reasons to explain such a tragedy loosing such a wonderful, beautiful person, but there must be heavenly reasons. I am so sorry for your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around her family, friends, David & Sam providing them a undescribable peace, comfort & love.
Stephanie
Sam- Your mom was brave, and strong, and beautiful. In the words of her life story you are her hero. Many of us will think of you and your mom and dad everytime we hear a song by U2-that's cool. I wish you and your father well. Stay strong -Linnea
Although I have never met Kristen in person, I feel like I knew her. Kristen was a YSC Member and I have been reading her posts on the YSC Board. I have been praying for her constantly for the last few months. I still can't believe she has left us. We will all miss her.
May God be with David & Sam.
David,
I know it has been more then a few years since I have seen you but after learning of you and Kristen finally getting married and then hearing of Kristen's diagnosis and just this week hearing of her going to be with Jesus, please know that I have prayed for you all often. For you and Sam, to live is Christ but for Kristen, to die has been gain.
I am crushed at the news of your great loss. I heard about Kristen's illness about 2 years ago at a Bible study and we were praying for her. We were so encouraged by her successful pregnancy and childbirth. What a wonderful gift of God that was. I know this blow that has been dealt to you now is very shocking and does not seem to make sense. Sometimes with God "clouds and thick darkness surround Him." But in the end I know He will show Himself to be good and righteous.
I can't fathom what you are going through. But I am praying for your complete emotional healing and that God would be glorified in this somehow. I pray that God will bring his people alongside you to minister to David and Samuel and of course Kristen's first family. My heart goes out to you. God must have some special purpose for that precious little Samuel! I pray that through this you can come to know things about God that you could never have known otherwise.
May God hold you up, David, Samuel, John, Darla, your children, and all you beautiful Hartlands and carry you through this and may He heal all your wounds. I love you.
I only know Kristen from a few brief occasions. I remember the first time I met her, Sam was only a few months old. She was so beautiful and glowing. The last time I saw her was at our Sales Convention this year and she still looked beautiful as ever. I remember thinking that she has such strength that I don't think I would have in her situation. She is an inspiration to us all in everyday life. She was and still is such a beautiful person. So unselfish and giving.
You go through the everyday rush of life and don't take the time to stop and see what God has given you. Kristen never took for granted her beautiful son and her wonderful husband. I strive to have a marriage as loving as her and David have. And I now feel guilty for the years that I have taken for granted the fact that I have my beautiful babies.
David, Sam, the Hartlands, and the Stones, you are in my thoughts and prayers always. She is now a guardian angel, always there with the joys of her life.
God Bless,
Rayshelle
David,
Thank you for the new photos of Sam and Kristen. They are wonderful. The Lord has put you on my heart. Her absence, even though I never met her, sometimes feels like the oxygen has been removed from the air. Her absence is so tangible to me. I am sorry for your loss. I think of you all day long. All the people that write to you to tell you of their saddness at Kristen's passing are a reflection of the fact that God knows your hurts at this time. Each person who writes is God coming down in human form to pat you on the shoulder and say, "I know this hurts. I am listening. I am here with you. Be not afraid." The Lord knew that Lazarus would be raised again, but He cried because of the saddness of His friends. I pray that He will continue to shower you with the comfort that you need to know you are not alone and that He loves you dearly.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Numbers 6: 24
Love in Christ,
Kristin
May God bring you His peace that passes all understanding. I will continue to pray for Sam the rest of my life. That the Lord Jesus bless and keep him, that he may walk closely with the Lord and be a man after God's own heart.
David,
We never actually met Kristen but felt like we knew her as we are good friends of the Corwins and received updates all the time on your situation. Praise God for the peace that only those who know Him can have in times like these. We have prayed for you both over the years and want you to know that we will continue to keep you and Sam in our prayers. May you and your family be showered with mercy and love as you move forward with your lives. Although discouragement and emptiness I am sure will come your way.....keep fighting the good fight as from what I know of Kristen this is what she so desires for you as she looks down from Heaven. God's grace and peace be with you, Sam, and your family and know that you will be in our prayers.
God Bless
Ps 91:1-2
David, Barbara at Gulf Freeway called me and told me of your loss. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. I am praying for your strength to pick up the pieces and move forward with your life. You will never replace Kristen.
Don't hesitate to call me if you just need to vent some time.
With deepest sympathy,
Bob Bannon
David and Sam: I am a stranger to you, but my maiden name is also Stone.Your friend Robert Kincannon is a friend of mine.
"Life is eternal; love is immortal. Death is a horizon, and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight." by Fr. Jarrett Beebe
from Pam Stone Stroup, Lafayette, LA
Today is the 20th. I can't believe it has almost been 2 weeks since Kristen's journey home. I pray for David and Sam every day. Yesterday, as I was singing "Blessed Be Your Name", I was thinking of how to praise God during this time. I have no problem praising him "when the sun is shining down on me and the world is all as it should be..", but its all the other times that I struggle. However, just by opening the Bible, I can see many times throughout history where people went through suffering and God was glorified through it. If Kristen's life and death has caused God's children to get on their knees...He is glorified. He promises we will see her again, but until then I will remember the lesson God has taught me through this...life is precious and I should spend time on my knees and in the Word striving to live a Christ-like life...as Kristen so vividly displayed.
A piece of my heart broke today. I had never met Kristin personally, and had only met you David a few times through Administaff. I feel, however, your family is a part of my life. I avidly kept up with Kristen's progress through Morlley, and she was always in my thoughts and prayers. My dad was diagnosed with cancer last month and I felt an even closer connection to your family since now we had this most unfortunate common link. I saw Morlley for the first time today after being out of the country the last few weeks and asked about Kristen and got the heartbreaking news. I am so sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to David, little Sam and Kristen's entire family. She truly touched people's lives even though she may have never met them and for that I am grateful. May God bless you.
Alana Norcross said...
My dear friend Kristen, I ache inside for not getting to say "goodbye" to you or giving you one more hug. Three years you fought this horrific fight and yet your life ended so ubrubtly, so suddenly. I thought I would have more time to share with you all the memories that the 12 years of friendship have stored up in me and played a part in shaping me into the woman I am today. But you are gone and I miss you so. This sight is a means for me to have some sort of closure I guess and for that I am thankful. You hold such a dear place in my heart and I will forever smile and even laugh at all the joy you brought to me. You were such a thoughtful friend and always making me laugh. I always loved your company. Thank you for all the video's you and Nicole made for me while I was away at bible school. I will cherish the hours of footage I have of you. I didn't know at the time how much those tapes would mean to me. Thank you for hundreds and hundreds of memories I have that are full of laughter, fun, Christ's love, silliness, partriotism, music, rollerblading, horseback riding, dancing, skits, sleep-overs, inside jokes, road trips, traveling across country together and even beyond its' borders abroad, and so much more. I am so content and filled with joy in knowing that you are now in a place that is free from pain, free from disease, free from worry or fear, and in the very presence of your God and Savior; the Lion and the Lamb! I rejoice in knowing that one day I will see you again and we will share tears of joy and not the tears of sorrow that I feel now. I love you my dear friend. I love you so very much. I will miss you until my dying day. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for being all the things that made you you. Thank you for making me feel like such a treasured friend. Thank you Krissy. I love you so very much. I'll see you later; and I'm looking forward to that day.
June 07, 2005
I am a friend of Tiffany Ristroph's...Tiffany shared with me this sad news, and told me about this website. I have never met either of you, but after reading about Kristen, I felt compelled to leave a few words...
Kristen seemed like such an inspiration. Her characteristics seemed to be positive, cheerful, and charasmatic. She seemed so passionate about life. I am so glad that you have your Baby Sam. This website has reminded me to not take life for granted. Please know that a girl in Mississippi is thinking and praying for your family...God bless you!
To David:
Your devotion to your sweet wife by creating this website has, I think, helped in my getting back to my family who stood by me during my cancer. As you are a godly man and husband, so is my husband. I think I took many things for granted and still do to this day. I could have never made it through without my rock of a husband. Thank you for opening my eyes to something that was right in front of me this whole time. I thank you and at the same time offer my most sincerest condolences. I know your little guy will grow up to be full of compassion, devotion to others and his God and most of all, his daddy's best buddy. I thank you again, and vow to make the most of my life with my husband and boys. Thank you, God, for this site.
Bob & Kim Slie
David,
We haven't seen you since the days of Forest Glen (9 or 10 years), and we heard of your loss today from some old friends from FG. We are deeply sorry for your loss, and can only say that we will pray for you and Sam. We've been reading the site and are sorry to hear of such a long battle. Praise God you were given a son to always have a part of Kristen with you. God bless you and Sam. We will pray for you.
DARLA JOHN DAVID & SAM
I have been trying to think what to say.. words just don't have enough impact.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS
love,
mary & jack
June 21, 2005
Just thought I would let you know that I am thinking of you right now.
Blessings,
me
I was just informed today of your loss today, and of course words cannot express my feelings about your loss.
Jesus said "Come unto Me and I will give you rest" - Matt 11:28.
We will pray for you and your family that God will bring some rest to your mind and that the Holy Spirit will lift you up in a way that will allow you to make it through this.
Dave,
I miss her so much now.
Through this all, God is training my heart to turn to him.
I continuously lift up you, Sam, and your family to him.
His mercies are new every morning.
Dave,
I miss her so much now and can't imagine how increasingly difficult this time is for you.
Through this all, God is training my heart to turn to him. In my prayers, I pray that God be ever closer to you, Sam, and your family.
In His Love
I know the "Hartland kids' from Awanas at Berean and am saddened to hear of your loss. As a mother I understand, feel and know the pain of your loss of Kristen. My daughter's life on earth was interrupted by leukemia at the same age, leaving a husband and baby boy. With God's love and blessings we find our own way and time to mend and eventually heal from a loss of this magnitude. The website is a wonderful legacy for baby Sam. This precious little boy will depend on his Daddy and grandparents to tell him the story of his Mommy's life as he will have no memories of his 'own'. Remain strong and faithful in the Lord. Kristen will remain alive in your heart and mind and every time you look at Sam you wil see her, i.e. until the moment you meet once again and embrace the arms of our Savior.
Blessings of healing to you all.
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