Thank You

Colossians 3:1 (Whole Chapter)
[ He Is Your Life ] So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. [the Message]


Message from the family:

Dear friends,
We are overcome by the number of you who went out of your way to give us comfort and honouring Colleen both collectively and individually. We would like to extend our sincere thanks for the tangible help you have all so graciously and generously provided and are humbled by the outpouring of love and continued support. May God bless you in every way, for you went far beyond kindness. Through your many prayers we have found much solace and peace.  Yours truly in Christ, the Fox & Mills families.

 
We are collecting stories about Colleen to put in a binder for Emily, Ian and Holly for when they get older and view life differently (university, married, first child etc). If you have any memories, they would be greatly appreciated. Kindly send to: encouragement@millsmills.ca
 
Thom generously captured the service on video, we hope to have it posted in the near future.
 
We celebrated Mom's (grandma's) 75th & my brother Jason's Birthday last Friday at Ma & Pa's with the whole gang, we have quite a few in Feb/Mar, but with a large family, there's always a birthday close by. It was nice to be together again, singing our wacky birthday song under Alec's maestro music conductor skills.

~~~

Thank you all for your patience and understanding, and for taking this journey with us.

It was nice meeting you, to those we saw in person. Words seem to run away and hide when I’m one on one. Talking seems to be better with my fingers on the keyboard than in person - they don’t seem to get to my vocal cords. (my apologies, I was extremely nauseous on the morning of the “service”, and was taking stuff to keep my insides… well… inside)

I couldn’t imagine going through this without hope – in every phase.
With prayer, at least there’s a chance. No prayer = likely no chance. It keeps the focus on the positive. The alternative is angst and worry. I’d rather have prayer, no matter how slim the chances.

I wondered if God simply found Colleen irresistible, and kept her for Himself.

We could physically feel the prayers for the family. We truly had “the peace that surpasses all human understanding”, the peace that makes no logical sense, but it feels nice in a yukky situation, so we’ll take it; after all, that’s what it’s for.

I still have hope, because with our faith, we get to see our see our sister again… and that gives me great solace and peace. I couldn’t imagine if that was it, finito; in that scenario, it would be too much to bear. At least this way, she’s just arrived at the ultimate vacation destination {resort} of heaven a little sooner, and at some point we’ll each check in when it’s our time. Sure I miss her, and there are definitely lots of tears for that, however, I get the sense she doesn’t want me to be sad either. Rather, that she's graduated.

Over the years, I have read many books on heaven, those who have been there and come back, others who have seen visions. Such a magnificent place.

If you’re asking the “I don’t get it” question, you’re in good company, as I’m hearing many are subscribing to that train of thought.

Somehow I believe there’s a much bigger purpose in all of this, one that we may not see from our vantage point. The opportunity for trust in Father presents itself once again…

It reminds me of a short parable:

A man is sitting in a room, and a bright light and God shows up and asks the man to push against a huge boulder.
Day after day 8 or more hrs, the man pushes against the boulder… year after year, for many years.
Finally the man becomes frustrated and gives up, saying what’s the use, the boulder has not moved even an inch!
The same voice replied – It is more about making you stronger, and less about the distance of the boulder…
The lesson is in the possibility of a different perspective of things…

“A woman is like a tea bag- you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.” Eleanor Roosevelt
 
I realize that quote is for all people, not just women, use the opportunity at the present to find out how much more there is to learn and grow… 

The beautiful display of unity throughout this I’m sure is a sweet aroma to God, to see the best of each one of you, from all walks of life, ages, occupations, rise to the surface and rallying together in kindness and love. Maybe there’s a miracle in that alone.

Colleen made the most of every moment of every day for the last 9 years. Colleen has incredible love, genuine authenticity and gentle passion for Father (as she affectionately calls her Lord), which poured over into mankind, and all whom she met. If there is at least one thing to gather from this, maybe it’s to have that same kind of passion.

Your fellow sojourner…
Warmest regards
Sylvia