You will see her again. On a tombstone there are 2 dates. What we refer to as the birth date and the death date but our life never really ends. The end date just represents the new birth date. Kim was created by God. God says before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Kim always was. She was with God before she was with us. Jesus said return me to the glory which I had with you before the world was formed. Anything created by God will last forever. Anything created by man will not last. God is the beginning and the end. God is eternity. Kim has returned to eternity with God, the new birth date, as will you! You will see her again.

Happy anniversary my love. I miss you.

Hi Kim, It took me a very long time to visit your online memorial. When I told you that you and Mike were two of my dearest friends, I meant it. I still weep over your passing from this world and I so look forward to when I can be where you are now. This darned old flesh just misses you so much. There are so many times I’ve wished I could talk to you. I miss and love you so very much. I’ll see you later.

MY GOODBYE DREAM
Hi Honey, it’s been two years since you left… to dance with Jesus. A lot has happened since then.

Just last week, I was speaking with Violet. You never met Violet; she is the young woman we hired to replace you as Creative Service Director with leadership Books.

Anyway, as you probably know she lost her 19-year-old daughter in a horrific crime incident. As you can imagine Violet is really struggling with her loss. She was telling me about her dream the other day, I called it a “goodbye dream.” It turns out that it is something commonly experienced by people who lose someone close.

I remember the night you came to me in a dream to say your final goodbye. We were in Oregon, near the beach, across the valley from one another. It looked like you were hiking up a little trail and the surrounding brush came up to your waist. I called out to you, and you turned back and waived that little wave you do. You know, the wave you use for those you love, lifting your forearm from the waste, then wiggling your fingers in your special way. I called out, but you just turned and kept walking to the crest of the hill into the setting sun, then you were gone. You never looked back, and never came back to me in a dream like that ever again.

In a way, that last dream was settling for me. I know it was from the Lord. I know, as I always have, that you are now with Jesus, and it was time for us to part. It was my “Goodbye Dream”.

Happy Heavenly Birthday Kimmy,
It’s hard to believe you turned 30 years old (again) today! I truly don’t know how you keep doing it.
I think of you often these days, actually, my thoughts are more like questions about heaven with you in them. I picture you in the splendor of the Lord, laughing and catching up with family members and friends.
I remember what you told me when camping, “when I get to heaven, I’m going to ask Jesus about mosquitos.”
“Mosquitos! Is that going to be your first question?” I exclaimed.
“Yeah, I mean what’s the deal with these stupid little bugs that suck the blood out of my body? Com’on Jesus… what’s the deal?” you responded in all seriousness.
I wonder what He told you and if that was the first question you asked Jesus. Did He give you an answer that satisfied?
I wondered the other day if you like your new body. I saw a young lady at the beach who so reminded me of you. She looked like she was 22-24 years old. I know you were getting tired of your old decaying body towards the end there. How’s the new skin look, how does it feel? I bet you look great.
Did you see your mom? Your brother Jeff? How about your grandma, –you loved her so much. Who else have you caught-up with? How about the Apostle Paul. I remember when we were doing our morning devotional from Randy Alcorn’s book Heaven, I said I would love to visit with Paul, and relearn the book of Romans. I hope you were able to meet him and tell him I am a big fan.
Then I was thinking about worship in heaven. I bet it is so sweet, so Holy. As a musician, did you play for your Lord? I can imagine Jesus, inviting you, shy little you, to that massive worship platform to give a recital that the Angels have never heard.
And then experience first-hand Jesus’ smile with loving approval of your performance.
Happy Birthday, my love. I look forward to being with you again soon.
- Mike (RHP)

Dear Kimmy,

Today is the one-year anniversary we parted, my love.

We had so many plans for these remaining years together. But God seemed to have rerouted those plans with new plans for us both, and for our boys and their families. I speak of you often these days, I try to tell stories, and share memories together with the littles (grandkids), we laugh and think about those sweet times, especially the summer camping we had together two summers ago, the day trips to the lighthouse, the river, the lake and boat docks. Those seem to be freshest in their little minds.

This time last year my heart was inconsolable. I tried the best I could to pick up the pieces of our life together and move on. But so much was dependent on “us” it just didn’t seem to be possible. After your Memorial, I went to Mexico as we planned, but alone. It was good for me, to worship, reflect and write. In my time of worship, I was crying out to the Lord over and over, “why, just why?” He finally replied, “For My Glory” That was all I needed, was a Word from Jesus. It’s funny how those three words didn’t explain much, but because they came from Him, they are enough for my heart to heal. And I have been healing ever since.

Over the summer, I worked on the house and trained to go on the hike we had planned, but I never could pull it off. The forest fires were just too intense. I went to Micah’s 40th Birthday and got to see first-hand what an incredible man he has become. They say you can tell what kind of person one is by the company they keep. During Micah’s party, I sat with his closest friends and just admired their love for him. They also were fine men and they told stories of Micah’s ministry to us all. You would have cried – I didn’t of course.

I also spent some time with Susie, Gary, Jessie, and their family in Idaho. It was great fun, but the fishing was lousy, too much snowmelt. Susie misses her best friend. She misses having someone – you – to talk to. Susie inherited all your winter clothing. It was neat… and a little weird to see her in your stuff. It makes me smile.

The Holidays were hard on everyone. The memories of last year were bitter. Knowing that you were going to be leaving soon and saying goodbye was painful, and there were too few smiles that year. But in it all, we did have some moments I will never forget. The walks we would take together while pushing your chair. The littles taking turns pushing you, the news of your brother and his wife, and how you cried out, NO! One of the last words you ever said. You and I decorating the tree together, yeah I saw you in your wheelchair, just wishing you could help me with the lights. I know… I never get those things just the way you like them. Did you know I saved the one, that last Christmas ornament, the one you placed on the tree? I marked it with your initials so we could always remember our last Christmas together.

This Christmas was the first without you and as Molly put it, we “just wanted more memories with you.” But we couldn’t, we just couldn’t, you were not there. So, in your honor, we made Gingerbread houses… yes, I did, you know how much I hate those little things, and I also know how much you loved building them with the littles, so I was sure to join in, in your absence. My gingerbread house came out as I expected – awful – I needed you to help me have the stick-to-itiveness for it. All the little designs and gumdrops are all too much for my big hands and little patience.

Then I traveled down to Sean’s for a week of guy time. I sat in the hot tub in the mornings and thought about how we loved to do that together. How we would talk about how we are so proud of him and what a fine man he had become. And commit time together in prayer for him and the family God has for him. Sean’s Christmas was a “bah humbug” Christmas as he put it. Not a decoration in sight. I laughed to myself how you would not have let that stand and would have strung up a string of lights or something to bring him into the spirit, even to his quiet objections.

For me, I am moving forward the best I can without you. I have fulfilled some of our plans together and have made some different ones. I will be writing more, as you have encouraged. Yes, I finished Ghost Patriot, and I am proud of it! I think you would have loved it. I am looking for an RV, like we planned, and taking my books on tour.
I wish you were here, but the Lord has His Glory in mind. I can trust Him for that, as I know you do.
When I catch up with you I will be cutting in to dance with you, the bride of my youth.

Oh, how I loved you, my sweet girl!
- Me (RHP)

PS: Did you catch up with my parents in heaven? They love you so much, be sure to fill them in on everything. Say hello to Luis, he got there just a couple of months after you did.

Happy Birthday my Love

Today is that special day (which you hate), the day we all wish you the best and celebrate the day the Lord brought you to earth to make our lives better. I know, I know, you don’t like the attention, the praise, the well-wishers. But you have meant so much to so many, we just can’t help it. Today is the day we return the love and service you gave to us all.

If you were here, today you would speak to our boys, Molly would have teased you about being Thirty-Nine AGAIN! and you would have listened to the little voices of our grandbabies as they wish you Happy Birthday. Today is the day I would make you breakfast, and although I would have tried to surprise you, I would likely fail in surprising you with a little something to show you how deeply I love you. Sometime today your best friend Wendy would have called, she never missed a call on your birthday. You were connected like that, more than sisters.

But by now, you know how much your life meant to us all, don’t you? I know Jesus met you at the gates of heaven and said, “Well done faithful Kim, I have so much to give you, to reward you. You can rest now. But first, let’s dance.” I wonder how long your dance was with Jesus? Is it still going on? I know it was a slow dance because that’s what you wanted, something to savor, something intimate.

I must admit I am a tiny bit envious that I cannot celebrate with you as you can there in heaven. I can only rest in the knowledge that one day we will all be together again. Until then, I celebrate your memory and can only miss you with all my heart.

I knew Kim well. Her relationship with God always came first. She loved her husband and children with every breath that she breathed. When everyone else was falling down around her, she remained strong. She never judged. She always displayed God's love no matter what. My heart goes out to her family.

Dear Stickler grandchildren. I honor your grandmother- my friend Kim. God proved her and measured her most importantly as a prize, a wife, a genuine woman of God for your grandfather- my spiritual father and friend Mike. This love is your legacy, your inheritance, your example. Soon it will be your turn. Do not forget! Lord Jesus give understanding and obedience to the Stickler grandchildren. Proverbs 31: 11, 12.

Kim, my dear friend, was a role model and a beautiful mentor to me. She is who I want to be like when I grow up! I met Kim through a church in Reno with Mike. I immediately loved her snarky, dry humor! But as we got to be close friends, I loved her for her Godly character! I remember being angry with Mike one day and I took it to Kim. She warmly laughed, winked at me and said, “ I will beat him up for you later when we get home.” I thanked her and we both laughed. She never, in the 20 years I knew her, spoke an ill word about Mike. No matter what trouble they were having, she always spoke highly of him. This made such an impression on me. I hope one day I can be as beautiful witness of a wife’s love as she was to Mike. I will forever miss you my friend! Fly high Kim and enjoy dancing with Jesus and the angels as you worship God around His throne! Save me a seat. I will be joining you there as soon as my name is called! Love you my dear friend!

I never got to meet Kim in person. But after Mike became my publisher and we developed a good friendship, we actually talked about visiting one another at our homes. But in spite of that fact that I didn't meet her in person, I did get to work closely with her since she did all of the technical work for my book. In my frequent interactions with her by e-mail and phone, I came to feel like I knew her, and every time I worked with her, she was a total gem. I deeply regret that our plans to meet in person were never fulfilled, but I deeply appreciate the fact that I have been able to get to know her some thorough Mike. I do miss working with her and look forward to more insight about her life as my friendship with Mike goes forward.

I was 1st Blessed with the experience of Kim's Wonderful & Selfless love When I met her husband Mike & their Boys Mikah & Shawn in the early 90's, I met mike through Men's Bible Study, When i was Attending Reno Christian fellowship Church. Our Study Leader Tony Slaven , Pared mike & I up , As my Mentor! (His Timothy) I had only been Studying with Mike for a couple of weeks when He invited me to his home, As i was Introduced to the family, Kim was the first to hug me & welcomed me to their family, I always remember the time with Her as a kind & gentle Presence in the Family. I was asked often to join them in what ever was going on! The Best memory i have is The way Kim Completed Mike, You could tell how much in love they really were! & how they modeled God's Love in their relationship! I am no writer by any means, but I had to share some Experiences of A truly Godly Woman! She Will be Missed! My Prayer is for her Grand kids To Never Forget That! <3

I haven't met Kim personally. But, been working with her for a long time. Kim was so professional yet open to their life. We both had a great time sharing our time together outside work and is very blessed to have Kim on my circle. I would really missed Kim so much especially her guidance to me, words of encouraging and love to our team. See you soon Kim and will forever be loved and missed here.

Much love and respect from your friend in the Philippines, Alfredo.

I didn't know Kim for a long period of time, but she was one of those special people who made you feel like true friends for years. Her hospitality was a trait that stood out to me consistently, whether on a safari or a trail in the Sierra Nevada wilderness. She will be missed, but not forgotten!

Dear Kim was a true gem. My acquaintance with Kim and Mike was brief, as we were in college down in San Luis Obispo. We would gather at times and celebrate a weekend. Kim was always lovely to visit with. As sometimes happens we loose touch, but the bond lasts, and don’t ever be afraid that it wont. I reconnected with Mike and Kim 40 years later and it was sad and good. We all miss Kims presence, but we cherish the memories we made together. In this life journey, its not always the job or career, the money or the stuff we accumulate that are anywhere as important as the relationships and bonds we make with each other. Love conquers so many things. Love deeply those you come across. In my mind that was Kim in a nut shell, she was a great example of that Agape Love that Jesus encouraged us to live out.  Me Ke Aloha Pumehana. (With the fondest heart felt Aloha)