In Memory of Carissa

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day…”

2 Timothy 4:7-8a

Friday, October 14^th at noon, Carissa ended her earthly battle and entered into heavenly rest. We’re so sad that she’s gone, but we rejoice that she is now at peace. For Carissa – beautiful, sweet and gentle Carissa, there will be no more pain. There will be no more tears, no more struggling to breathe… Carissa is whole and healthy now.

Her story kept getting more and more amazing. Her life proved again and again that love was bigger than hopelessness, and miracles more effective than the knowledge of doctors. When it seemed like there was nothing more that we could do, Carissa got better. When the doctors were out of options, Carissa grew strong. And then, after she had shown us time and time again that God is the Greatest Physician, Carissa went on to receive her crown. She fought. There was not a minute of a day that Carissa did not fight for her life. Her physical heart was so broken that all we could do was love her, love her dangerously, and that love has changed us.

We grieve our loss, because we loved her. Every time she looked into our eyes… every time she smiled… every time her eyes closed in sleepiness… there were miracles in those moments. And we’re so blessed to have shared those moments with Carissa.

Her last moments were spent in the arms of those who loved her. She died peacefully, and though our hearts are broken, her's is now healed.