He will have no fear of bad news, his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:7

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Craig Merimee

The greatest man I ever met, went on to his Home this afternoon around 1:15. Doors away from the room he was diagnosed in, he passed away surrounded by family. It was truly an alpha and omega moment as the same nurses and staff that took care of him in October 2010 helped keep him comfortable in his last moments of this journey. We can't thank the nurses at Norton Brownsboro enough.

Overwhelming feelings of relief, happiness, sadness and disbelief are on our hearts today.

Please pray for a restful night it has already been a long day.
Arrangements to follow.

63 comments:

Anonymous said...

My heart aches for your family. Will continue to pray for you.

Anonymous said...

I learned of your family through a friend and have been praying for you every day. I grieve with you for the loss of this wonderful man. You have inspired us all with your courage. I will continue to pray for you and your family during this time. You have your faith and the prayers of all of us to sustain you. God bless you.

Anonymous said...

I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss doesn't even come CLOSE to the expressing how I feel, Michelle. While I am thankful an relieved Craig is no longer suffering the physical pain he has been in for so long, my heart hurts for you and your family. Keep the faith, Michelle. Now, more than ever, may you feel the prayers and love from all the friends and family in your life.

Jenny Graff

KentuckyDG17 said...

Please know that myself and my church family are praying for strength for your family. Please know that we are also rejoicing that he is at home in heaven.

Anonymous said...

I will continue to pray for you and your family!

Nikki said...

Michelle, we are all grieving the loss of your wonderful husband and partner with you. I pray that you may feel the peace of the love being sent by all your friends, near and far.

ITB always.

sara said...

Craig Merimee is one of the greatest men I have ever known. He had the kindest, most gentle soul - he will be missed by SO many. While I am very thankful that he is no longer in pain and has rejoined both his earthly father and heavenly Father, I'm beyond saddened by the loss of such a wonderful human being. I love you all so much and am so immensely sorry for your overwhelming loss. Michelle, we have you and the girls surrounded in prayers and love.

Mindy h said...

Take care Michelle. He will get you through this

Roberta S. said...

Your strength and unending love carried Craig to his final home. You are a blessing and now have an amazing angel to guide you through life. You and your beautiful girls are in my prayers now and always.

Anonymous said...

Michelle your courage and strength amaze me. Craig is now free from pain and cancer. I pray for you and the girls that good will watch over you and bring you peace in your heart. Much love. Craig was an amazing Christian man and he was so very lucky to have you by his side.

April Brannon

Anonymous said...

Michelle,
You and Craig have been such an inspiration to me through this journey. Thank you for sharing the ups and downs of this battle through your blog. You will continue to be in my daily prayers. May God Bless you, Craig, Emily, Morgan, and Hannah and all the many others whom Craig loved.

Jennifer Vittitoe

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! May Craig's soul rest in peace.

Merv and Dee Huber

Anonymous said...

My husband had the pleasure of knowing Craig through Lambda Chi. You all have been in our thoughts and prayers. Our entire church family has been praying as well. We called our Pastor to inform him and know that everyone is praying for you and the girls and that you all will find comfort and peace in the Lord. Blessings.

Donna Buchino said...

MIchelle, I cannot even express how sorry I am for your loss. Craig was an amazing person who will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to you and your girls. Stay strong during this difficult time. I'm here for you if you ever need anything.

Kelly Hylton said...

Michelle,

You and your girls are in our prayers! I found this song by Sovereign Grace Music on YouTube, ... I hope it is encouraging to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWsIFbbkuJQ&feature=related

In Christ,
Kelly Hylton

Christina Riesbeck said...

Michelle, I am terribly sorry for your loss. I've been honored to be able to read your blog over the past months, and that you and Craig have shared your story with so many. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all! I will be praying for you and your girls during this difficult time. God bless!

Megan Snider said...

Michelle,
My heart is so very heavy for you and the girls. I pray for strength and comfort for you know, knowing that his pain is over.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and your family. Have faith that he is free from pain and watching over you now. God is lucky to have such a beautiful soul joining him.

Anonymous said...

I am a friend of a friend and I want you to know that prayers are being lifted up for you and your family in your time of need. The father above is watching over you and your family and know that your husband is safe in his arms and at peace.

Anonymous said...

rtpraying for your family. I am incredibly sorry for your loss and hope you can find some strength in the days to come.

Anonymous said...

Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss. Craig was a wonderful man. You have More strength and faith than anyone I know. I will continue to pray for you and your girls.

Rick Blair said...

Craig was one of the best kids I have ever been associated with as a teacher and coach. His smile was simply infectious and he was one of the nicest guys around. I have been truly blessed to have spent some time with Craig. You and the girls now have a saint in heaven.
God Bless

Anonymous said...

I know it has been a very long year and a half and although Craig's physical pain has ended I know that you and your girls are hurting deeply. My heart breaks for you all.

I have always loved the Beatitudes- Mark 5:4 reads "God blesses those who mourn for they will be comforted." May you find comfort in God and in those who love you (which are so many!)
- Liz

Anonymous said...

"Peace is flowing like a river, flowing out through you and me. Flowing out into the desert, setting all the captives free." As I read your recent status posts the past few days this hymn kept playing thru my mind. I am so terribly sorry for your family's loss but happy he has found peace. Strength, peace, and love to your entire family.

Karen Schuler Ising

Anonymous said...

We have never met - but thru friends of friends I learned of your family and like all the others, your lives have touched so many. I hope there can be some comfort in the fact so many over cities and states are lifting you and the girls up in prayer. I will never stop praying for all of you.

emilyadams710 said...

You are the strongest woman that I know Michelle! You have an army praying for you and those sweet, sweet girls. God bless you.

Tammy Wilson said...

Oh Michelle I have such a heavy heart. I feel as if you became family while reading your Blog. I never heard much about Pancreatic Cancer until I was diagnosed in 10/10 also. Then when I was diagnosed I became to realize how common it actually is. I pray for you and your family. I know you are one strong woman and I know that strength comes from Jesus Christ. I want to thank you for helping so many through this Blog because it gave awareness and knowledge for those that are fighting or just heard of pancreatic cancer. God Bless

Anonymous said...

From one mom to another...I send my love to you and your family. Although I have ever met you or Craig, I am touched by your story and hope you find peace in his passing.

transPARENT real MOM said...

i am friends with shannon brumfield. she has asked me to pray several times over the last year or so for you and craig. i'm heartbroken over your loss, and yet relieved for him that his struggle is over. prayers for you, your girls, and your family as you journey on without him. may you sense God's presence, peace, and provision every step of the way.

Carrie Baird said...

I've never met you or Craig (but went to UD with Janelle & Mark) but my heart breaks for you and your girls. I can't imagine the pain you are going through here on Earth and "I can only imagine" Craig's awe upon entering heaven. Continuing to pray for you during this challenging time which I am sure is full of so many mixed emotions.

Roy said...

Craig fought the good fight and Our Lord was at his side from the very beginning. I know that Our Lord met him when Craig crossed the threshold. I know Jesus welcomed him and said "Welcome good and faithful servant. Come join us". I pray that Our Lord will comfort you and the children and fill you minds with the thoughts of Craig resting in Our Lords arms.

Roy

Keisha said...

I learned of your family's story from a friend who requested prayers for your family. I have been praying for you and I want you to know that I will continue to pray for you and your precious girls. I also want to say that you are an inspiration to me and I am sure many others with your faith and your love for your dear husband. Praying for strength for you and understanding and strength for your daughters.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for the pain and loss that you and your family are going through. Your story is heartbreaking, but your faith and your love for Craig is truly inspiring. I hope you find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and in the arms of our loving God. I will keep you and your beautuiful family in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all.

Anonymous said...

Prayers are with you and your family. Reading about the strength of your's and Craig's faith during this unimaginably difficult time is amazing and truly a reflection of God.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. We are praying for you and the girls.
Bill and Elizabeth Ellis

Unknown said...

There are no words.... my heart aches for you and your family. I will fight for you all when I go to Washington, DC in June.... Craig, RIP and have a cold one with my sweet Edward in that great concert hall in the sky!

Anonymous said...

My prayers continue for you, the girls, and Patti during this difficult time. Craig will be missed.

Meri Lou Gonzalez Mattingly said...

I remember you from high school as I am an fellow AHS alum and you graduated with my sister in '96. I know that there are no words to ease your pain and there never will be, however please know that I have prayed for you and your family, and will continue to do so. May God give you strenght and bless you!

Becca R. said...

Michelle, in 2 Timothy 4:7 Paul writes "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." I cannot help but think of Craig when I read those words. Know that the Robsons praise God for Craig's life -- so MANY other lives will be forever changed (immediately and eternally) because of his. The Christ-like example he set for how to live on this earth while gracefully preparing for forever is absolutely undeniable and we will be continually encouraged by that as we move forward in "the race" ourselves. We praise God, too, for the faith, strength, and hope that are so present in YOU as a result of Jesus! Your words and witness are more powerful than you know and I am confident that God plans to continue sustaining/ equipping you to reach others. Today, we pray for His comfort and for the rest that you so desperately need. May His love be overwhelmingly obvious to you and the girls as you navigate the next few days of funeral arrangements . . . and always. We love you.
In Christ --Becca R.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss and I admire your courage and strength. I will continue to pray for you and your family over the coming days, weeks and months.

Anonymous said...

Michelle,

You and your family have been an inspiration to me in the short time I have been following your family's story. I am so heavy hearted to hear that craig has passed on. Having watched my mother suffer through cancer at a young age, I know how long of a battle and deteriorating it can be. I hope knowing that craig is now cancer free and at peace will get you through each day! I have been praying for your family's strength and courage and will continue to do so. The love and strength you have had for craig and the girl's is admirable! May God and that sweet angel in heaven bless your beautiful family!

My sincerest condolences,

Anonymous said...

Michelle,
Following your family's story has been the most heartbreaking but uplifing experience. Although I did not know Craig personally, I know he was a wonderful man who touched so many lives. Thank you both, for sharing your story and reminding all of us what is truly important in life. I continue to think and pray for you and your family daily.
Erin Bukowski

Unknown said...

As a friend of Craig's sister, Kristen, I have been following his story, and I just wanted to express my sympathies to all of you. Please know that I am keeping all of you in my heart.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry, Michelle. You have all been a great inspiration on your blog and I hope you know you have a lot of people thinking about and praying for you and your beautiful girls. The world gained an amazing angel.

Christi Breehl Diaz

Anonymous said...

Words cannot express how saddened I was to hear of your loss. I'm not sad for Craig as much as I am for you and your girls. Craig is in a much better place and is no longer suffering from the cancer. He's rejoicing at being with his father's up in heaven. The days ahead will be bittersweet for you and your girls. The relief of knowing he's no longer suffering countered with the knowledge that you must move on without him. My prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless you.

Anonymous said...

I am a friend of a friend and don't know you but just read some of this blog. May God comfort you and your precious girls right now. Our lives here on earth are just a blip on the radar. You all will be reunited with Craig in heaven some day. God bless.

David Yunt said...

Thank God for His Grace. My prayers for peace are with you.

Abbe Nolan Dunaway said...

I cannot imagine what you and your family are going through. My prayers are with you and your family.

Elizabeth said...

You and the girls continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.I am so sorry for your loss.

Robyn Doiron said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for your strength during this time and for the future. God will give you the courage you need and will provide. Stay strong. In the bonds~ Robyn Holt Doiron

Carol & Tim Neichter said...

Michelle, our hearts are heavy but lightened knowing the pain is over and he is finally Home. We feel so far away but have been with you all in prayer and spirit and today and tomorrow and the next day we will continue to keep you and the girls in our prayers. as you know already I'm sure, you and the girls are being held as well during this difficult time and graces abound around you. you and Craig both have been such an inspiration. Thank you for opening your hearts and spirits to all of us..I am humbled by your strength and faith. blessings.

mike clover said...

Michelle,

I'm so sorry to hear the news. I never met him but was touched by the entries here.

Mike Clover

Guernsey's said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this heartbreaking time. There's nothing I can say that will ease your pain but I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you. My deepest condolences.

Anonymous said...

I met Craig at the LaGrange Rotary Club and knew right away how special he was to us as a member! We will miss him greatly and honor his courage and will to fight for his life. We will be thinking of you and the children tomorrow during our weekly meeting at Rotary. Our prayers go out to you and your family Michelle!

Bev F. said...

Craig has shown love for our Creator though his life and pain. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend who taught us more than you will ever know. His kind smile and sometimes mischievous but always caring eyes are what I remember. Continued prayers for you and his girls, Patty, Kristen,and all who came to love Craig. Bev Forst

Jane said...

Dear Michelle,
My heart is heavy for your loss, pleace accept my deepest condolences. Praying continually for you and your girls. May God's Grace hold your heart together and give you Blessings Unspeakable in the days to come. Your story glorifies God even through the heartbreak of sorrow. It has been an honor to get to know you and Craig through this blog. You are an amazing family, and your daughters have a beautiful legacy of a Father's Love in Craig. May God's sustaining Grace lift your burdens and give you a Peace only He can give. Sending Hugs and Love, Jane

sekbb33 said...

I am constantly keeping prayer for you. Your strength has been incredible.
-Sarah Coty

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss....I can not stop thinking about your family. Your story gives such courage and epitomizes how faith can carry us through difficult times. Sending much love, support, and prayers.
Much love,
Julie Kottak Dreisbach

Tammy said...

Your family has taught me much about faith. I remember when I first learned of his illness. He and you have been courageous this entire 18 or so months and I have watched your faith grow even stronger. I will continue to pray for you, the girls, Patti and all of the family. I know Craig is happy and well now. I ask God to bless you all.

rachelclarkmd said...

When Sara told me this Sunday that Craig had passed, I cried for all of you. Since then I have intermittently prayed for peace, comfort and strength (which I know you already have by the tons!) for you and your daughters, and sending lots of positive thoughts and vibes to Craig now that he is in his new home. I have always felt grateful that you have been such a good friend to my sister and truly appreciate the role that both you and Craig have played in her life for many years now. I have checked in your blog and asked Sara quite frequently how you all are over the past couple of years, and I will continue to keep you all in my prayers...every day in the lab this week I have kept thinking about Craig, and am using his life as a "motivation refresher" to more fervently attack our work on endometrial cancer. Your lives have all definitely made a difference. Lots of love, Rachel Clark

Beth said...

My mother in law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the beginning of March. Since then I have read a few blogs of those who are walking this path. Yours has blessed me tremendously. I love the message of faith and trust you have shown on these pages. My prayers are with you and your family as you continue your journey on earth till you are together with Craig again one day. What a comfort it is to know this is not the end.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. My heart aches for your family. We don't know each other, but I came across your blog from a friend who knew your husband. Life is so very precious.

Unknown said...

I learned of your family through a friend and wanted you to know God has used your testimony in my life and undoubtedly in so many others. Thank you for your courage and strength in allowing Him to use you for His glory! I will continue to pray for you, for the peace and perserverance that can only come from Him. May God bless and keep you!