It's a brand new year full of brand new things and brand new beginnings.
My new beginning will be learning to live in a world without the Captain.
Andy went to be with Jesus at 8 am on December 30th 2014.
I was with him, as were his parents and his sister Elizabeth... who summed it up nicely when she said, through tears, 5 minutes after he passed "I miss him already."
And I do. Miss him. With my whole heart I miss him.
Every time I think of him being gone... not being able to see him again here... my brain can't make sense of it.
But even through my heartache, I can tell you one thing I know to be undeniably true. At 8 am on December 30th 2014 my brave husband opened his eyes and beheld Jesus, our risen Lord and Savior. He walked that morning... he talked that morning... I'm sure he sang. And I'm even more certain that he beheld the Glory of God and is now perfect. Andy is whole and glorified and already spending eternity with Christ and my sweet Caden.
Kinda hard not to be a little jealous.
He is out of that dumb bed... he's not in pain...He is fully healed... he is in Glory with God.
And I love the Captain with everything I have... So I do not want him back. I want Him right where he is.
I'll go to meet him one day. He just beat me there... which is so Andy... He was so competitive.
I have much, much more to say... but because of time constraints this week (and exhaustion) I'll save all the other emotions and facts and details for future posts.. written by future Cari. She seems like the kinda gal that can handle all of that.
Service times:
Visitation: 4-8 pm Friday January 2nd at LifePoint Church
8540 Combs Road, Indianapolis, IN 46237
Funeral: 11 am January 3rd at LifePoint Church
8540 Combs Road, Indianapolis, IN 46237
In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the
Andrew D. Chastain Sole Benefit Trust
8063 Madison Ave. #352
Indianapolis, IN 46227
...........................................................................
A few things if your new.
You can find our full story here.
A BIG, GINORMOUS thank you to every single person who has prayed for us, to everyone who has called, texted, emailed, commented, messaged, snail-mailed, brought by dinner, flown in, is flying in, has hugged us, cried with us and loved on us. I feel incredibly loved and cared for.
Thank you.
17 comments:
Cari, our mutual friend Ellen posted the news of Andy's home-going on the morning of the 30th, so I already knew before reading it here. I continue to ask our Father to hold you and the boys ever so tightly. And although I know that you do not grieve as those who have no hope, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Love you, Cari! Consider yourself hugged by me.
SUZANNE B.
Hi Cari,
A friend from church, Bethany, asked us to pray for you and your dear family. I have been praying for you and thinking about you since she sent out the first email. I also found your blog and have been reading your story. Your amazing, heartbreaking, beautiful, God-honoring story. After I heard that Andy is home in Heaven with Jesus and Caden, I waited anxiously for an update to your blog, just to hear from you. To know how you are doing right now. Your post brought much peace and joy. Sadness too. But it is a post that will bring you peace in the future. And your boys too. Please know that you are being prayed for by so many who don't know you personally. By so many you don't know. And loved.
Cari, my heart breaks for you and your family with the loss of your husband. My heart rejoices with you knowing he is now healed and in the presence of the King and living with your baby girl! Though I don't know you,I have been reading your blogs, and I am in awe of your strength in the midst of so much tragedy. Your total reliance on the Lord is not only inspiring but has made me look honestly at my relationship with Jesus; THANK YOU for that! Please know my family is lifting you in prayer.
Only true love and deep faith can say in such a moment, "I wouldn't want him back". You have the heart of a lion and I will pray for you. I will also pray to my own daughter to comfort and watch over your sweet boys. She is also safe and sound in heaven. I wouldn't want her back either.
Praying for you & your family...
May God Bless and keep you. I too am traveling your road. I hope to be like you when my husband passes. Thank you.
Although we have never met, I have followed your blog for many years now and I am so sad to read this news, yet I rejoice that Andy's race has been won and he is basking in the glory of the Lord.
You and your boys (and extended family) are in my prayers constantly as you begin this new year.
I don't know you but I've been following your blog and I wanted to offer my condolences. I am so sorry you and your family are going through this right now. I cried when I read what you wrote. Your strength and faith is beautiful and inspiring. I hope in the days and weeks to come you and your boys find peace and comfort. - Janine
Your faith and strength are amazing! I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelley
My heart breaks for you. I am praying for peace for you and your entire family.
I've been following your blog since sweet Caden went to Heaven. My daughter and I have cried with you, rejoiced with you over the birth of your boys and enjoyed reading your blog - through the good times and the really hard times. I'm so happy that the Captain is now pain free - and with Caden and Jesus. I'm so sad for you and your boys. We will continue to pray for you and your family as you find your "new normal". Praying peace and comfort. Love Debbie B.
I am praying for you and your family! You and your story has really helped me view the big picture-of Heavan and earth and the true goal we all should strive for! May you find peace in the fact that you are changing lives by spreading God's word.
My friend posted on Facebook about you and your family asking for prayer. I'm sorry for your loss :-( Thanks for sharing your family's story, your faith and strength are amazing! My thoughts, love and prayers are with you and your boys xo
Cari, I'm praying for you this morning. I wanted to come today, but I had to fly back home on Thursday. May the peace of Christ rule and reign in your heart this day, and tomorrow, and this coming week, and forevermore.
~ Jody Byrkett
I am so sorry for your loss! I am praying for you during this tough time, especially for strength that only God can give.
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