Robert | CaringBridge

Journal entry by Keri Boer — May 9, 2024

Dear Friends and Family,

Here are my latest updates. It has been a season of ups and downs as I am in the "sandwich generation," but mostly ups.

My mom is currently planning to move to me. This has been a year of adjustments and physical decline and grieving. A move will be monumental and is overwhelming - so many details to figure out, so much stuff to go through to figure out what to pack and what to sell and what to give away or discard. It holds it's own losses of a 3rd generation home filled with memories and identity. The Lord has opened a rental home six minutes from me owned by folks who used to go to my church. It's more than Mom can afford really, but it will work for awhile as we figure out next steps. When everything is moved out and her home sells, we could possibly build on to my house to make a room for her. But at least it provides a way to move forward. I believe the Lord is saying that this is the next step.

Please join me in prayer to confirm that assessment and raise up the vast help my mom and I will need to pull this transition off.

I just have to tell you about Emily's new boyfriend, Tallis Finch (named after the composer, Thomas Tallis). They've been in classes and choir together since freshman year, but they've only been dating for a week. He is amazing. He loves Jesus, music, and stories! He is the second of four kids, the only boy. His dad is their choral conductor and so much like Rob! He has strong Christian male mentors at his church where he leads worship with his dad. The number of common characteristics between Emily and Tallis is astounding. He has sought counsel from his parents about their relationship and called me to discuss it and see if I gave my approval for them to date!

Please pray for them as they embark on this relationship, that the Lord would be the center of all of it in every way and guiding them. They will be on different continents for basically 9 months, getting to know each other's hearts long-distance as Emily is a missions intern in Brussels, Belgium this summer and studies in Strasbourg, France for the fall semester. I also covet your prayers for Emily in these European adventures - for safety and an ever deepening reliance on the Lord that is freeing and joyful. She is excited, and we have seen the Lord's hand in opening doors for funding and other details. For instance, she will be living in the "Protestant House" connected to the University of Strasbourg where they have weekly Bible studies in that very secular environment.

My husband died two years ago, shortly before our only daughter's high school graduation. He had battled brain cancer for 16 years, so there was much anticipatory grief. And there was grief with each loss along the way related to his career, his physical abilities, his communication abilities... The end was in one way a relief because he was released. Yet the grieving continues with each milestone - her graduation, starting college, her first love. And it will keep coming. But the Lord is Faithful in every way and in every circumstance. We lean into the Holy Spirit who is there to comfort and reframe and bring beauty from ashes. And with each recovery from the latest trigger, we grow stronger in our faith and confidence that our Lord is Good and will keep his promises.

May each of you KNOW His goodness and love through the moments of your days. Thank you for your faithful care for our family.

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.

Help Robert Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation powers a page like Robert's for two weeks.

If you donate by May 12, your gift will be doubled, up to $10,000, thanks to a gift from Living Water Foundation.

Comments Hide comments

Newest Update

May 8, 2024

Leave a comment of support for Robert

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.