thank you
Thanks so much to the many of you who attended the service today. I was honored by the turn out and how many people traveled so far to make it. Really..that was so nice.
For those of you who couldn’t make it – I had it professionally taped and that will be available. I know many of you have misty close to your heart so we’d like to share it with you as well…even if its by video.
I’m gonna get some sleep.
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You were close in our hearts and prayers today. It’s been nearly a year since I lost my closest friend, source of encouragement and prayer partner. Though our stories are different, my heart aches for you and Olivia. I will continue to interecede for you and your family Darren. Thank you for taping the service — we wanted to be there. You are so thoughtful and kind. Your heart has been revealed as a thing of beauty throughout this journey. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Misty with the world and with us. Her light shines on.
In Christ,
Kerry
I would like to see the tape. I could not get off of work to go. God bless, and we are praying.
I would love to see the video as well. Still praying…
Sleep sound in Jesus!
I have just learned about your wife and I am so sorry for such a great loss. I read her obituary and went onto this webpage. I lost my cousin to brain cancer exactly 2 years from today. She was only 25 and she also had a beautiful baby girl. I am sending you my sympathy and I will be praying for Misty, you, your families and your beautiful little girl. May you have peace in knowing that the pain is no more.
In our hearts and in our prayers,
Susan Stojkovic and family
Darren…
Your kindness and thoughtfulness shines through! I, too, would love to view the video of Misty’s celebration! Perhaps someday I’d be privileged too!
Get some sleep and know that so many of us have lifted you up in prayer again tonight!
Your sister in Christ Jesus,
~Cindy~
Darren,
Mom, (grandma) told me it was an amazing event. That there were probably 800-900 people. Thats incrediable. I’m glad it went well. Misty has always been in our hearts and she always will be. We will always pray for our angel now. With love,
Aunt Amy~
Darren, I was able to make the service and it blessed my heart. As your Uncle said, Misty truly lit up a room, as does your daughter, whom my daughter was able to meet yesterday.
I was there, but a video would be great to share with all of those who we passed the message on to pray. I am sure I can speak about many of us who represented a whole church behind us praying for you guys….and they continue to pray! I was wondering if you could also have her 2 tribute videos available. They were a wonderful collage of her beauty and strength through the years. I am sure others who have been by your side in prayer, but never met Misty, would love to get a glimpse of her through the years.
Thinking of you all, Dana
I am really looking forward to the video. I had really wanted to be there. In fact we even looked at flights. I just could not figure out how to do it with a 7 week old baby. Please know I was there in heart. I thought of you all day yesterday and prayed for you. Stacia was so kind and sent us details of the service. It sounds like it was an amazing and an awesome testiment to Misty’s faith filled life.
Darren…thank you.
Love from the family.
Darren,
Thank you so much for having it videotaped. I really wanted to go, however it was impossible with my daughter. Thank you again and I cannot wait to see it. You are still in our hearts, thoughts and prayers as you will continue to be.
Darren,
The service was amazing.. I was glad that I could be a part of it.. I’ll keep praying for you & Olivia..
Darren,
I have emailed you personally, but for those who are still believing for a miracle, you are not alone.
“Do not be afraid, only believe.”
Do not be afraid to call Misty forth.
Do not be afraid to expect a miracle.
Do not be afraid people will think you are crazy.
Do not be afraid to put all your faith in an All-Mighty God.
Darren, we refuse to be afraid. We choose to believe.
When I saw the videographer and photographer, I was glad. When my dad and grandma died (Emma wasn’t even a year old yet for my dad and a bit over a year for my dad), I had both services taped. I wanted my girls to grow up one day and see the tapes… to know how their grandpa and great-grandma had impacted the lives of others. A few people in my family thought it was odd, but I didn’t care. We video every other major event in our lives, so why not the final celebration of a life. Even though I was there, I’m sure seeing the video would bring to mind things that I missed. Praying for you… rest is good.
Darren,
It all sounds so beautiful, I wish we could have been there. As you know your Mom and I have been friends since we were 5 and I am in Florida now, but I would say we were more like family I truly love your Grandma and grandpa you are truly blessed and have been such a blessing to others, I pray each day that you too will keep your faith and know that Misty will always be with you.
Our church has had you on our prayer list for several months now, we prayed this morning for you and your extended family. They have all shared with me what a awesome young man you are, and what a awesome testamony you have to share with others.
I would love to have a video from this weekend and
also have her 2 tribute videos if they are available. I heard they were a wonderful collage of her beauty and strength through the years. I know the church would love to see this.
Remember if there is anything I can do just let me know or tell your Mom.
I love you and your family and will continue to pray for you all.
God Bless Pam and Family
You know that i would not have missed the service for the world,Misty was my friend from the first time i walked throw those school doors, we filled each other lives with joy and laughter and i am glad that i have those memories to keep forever.You get your rest now because tommorrow iam going to tell you some funny storys about your girl starting with the one when she tried to catch the rabbit that was around the school. LOVE YOU AFRIKA
We would love to see your tape Darren!!! We are so thrilled to hear how it turned out with everyone. Misty has been on our minds non-stop. A part of our heart seems to be missing. Please know we are thinking of you and Olivia…how is she doing?
Lots of hugs!!
Kariann Carter
Darren,
It was an honor to celebrate Misty’s life on Saturday. Thank you so much for giving us that opportunity. I am still interested in a copy of that video. I will use it to share with family and friends, as a testimony of what God can do in someone’s life if they are willing to be used by Him. Misty wanted nothing more than to be used by God. She has definitely been, and will always be remembered as, a true example of Christ. You and Olivia will continue to be in our prayers.
Christina
Hey brother Darren .. I am glad and happy to hear that Misty’s service went as you planed and proprably even better .. as I had said the other day that I would be there in spirit but a look at that vedio would be an addition that I would welcome .. will continue to pray for you, Olivia and your family always .. God bless and hope to hear from you soon .. Tbone out
Since I was unable to make the service I would be honored if you shared the video with us…Thanks Darren
Darren,
We met once a long time ago, but I don’t expect you to remember. My mother and I worked with Misty at Pier One.
I really can’t find the proper words right now, because finding out about Misty’s passing really has thrown me for a loop…time passes too quickly without people staying in touch… but your family is in my thoughts & prayers.
The service was truly beautiful. Everything that was said of Misty was true. She is a light & a treasure … she is a true inspiration. I am glad that I got to meet her and that I will always have my memories of her …even the ones that involve the rug & pillow wall.
Best Wishes
Becky Sumsky
Love you Darren :)
Darren, Pat and I really appreciated Misty’s service yesterday. It has been my routine for the past couple of months to check your website before I have my devotions in the morning so I know how to specifically pray for your family. We will still be checking your website daily and keeping your family in our prayers. I rejoice at Misty’s beautiful life and with the fact that she has “real pearls” now but we are so sorry for the loss and pain that you and Olivia are enduring. We love you. If you are ever in the area let us know, you are always welcome.
Blessings,
Patrick and Josanna
Darren, it is so hard to find the right words to say. I never met Misty but felt that I had from all of the worderful words that you have expressed. I am sorry that I could not make it to the service. I am sure that it was amazing. I will continue praying for you and your family.
Weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
You are in my prayers,
Chrissy Quatrano.
Darren,
The service was beautiful. The peace that filled the church was amazing. Love you lots.
Gena
Hello Darren, I know you don’t know me or my husband. I would like to introduce myself to you. My name is Melissa and my husband’s name is Don. First of all we would like to say we are very sorry for your loss. We just want you to know that we are praying for you and your family through this time. Although you knew that God was giving you peace throughout the time of her illness, we just pray that He continues to give you that peace and comfort you so need right now. I, Melissa, had known Misty since she was very young. We both have grown up in Full Gospel Church together. Her grandmother was my Sunday School teacher when I was little! We all will miss her but we will always carry many wonderful memories of her in our hearts until we can meet again! If you, Darren, need anything at all… Uplifting prayer, a babysitter, whatever it is, please contact me, Melissa or my husband Don at my email address! Missybowl13@aol.com We would be more than willing to help you out in any way. We’re very sorry we couldn’t attend the service but we look forward to seeing the video.
Darren…I noticed one of the people videotaping and I cried when I realized the gift the video will be for Olivia one day. One comment that was repeated a few times by different people is forever branded on my heart. When someone would comment to Misty that “life stinks”, Misty would respond, “No, the situation stinks, life is a gift.” Misty lives on.
Dear Darren,
Misty’s celebration service was beautiful! And what a tribute and honor to her life. I was just so amazed at the number of people who came out to celebrate her life. It was awe inspiring because that is just how she was in life. Thank you so much for honoring her in such a beautiful way. The service really was a tribute to your love for her. I would really like to have a video of the service as well to send to Amanda. She called me just as it was over to ask about it. She really would have loved to have been there. There are several people in Texas who were praying for Misty too so maybe Amanda could share the video with them once it arrives. I was also touched by all the young people who came out to honor Misty. Sarah Gradone flew all the way in from Florida to be there, and Mark Bradley came home.I even saw Juan. The kids really loved her and I am glad they could come. I will continue to pray for you, Olivia, Claudia and Mike. I will be praying for all of your families.
Love Lavenia
P.S. Steve just one entry today. (Smile) Love you guys!
Darren,
Christy & I attended the service yesterday and were overwhelmed by the comments and photos. We will continue to pray for you and your beautiful little Olivia.
God bless,
Jackie
Hi Darren,
You gave Misty a beautiful memorial service and I was honored to be there. I’m sending a donation to St. Jude’s and there is a place to fill out “who do they send a card to”. Do you want them sent to you?
Love,
Kim
Darren,
What an awesome service for such a wonderful lady! Thank you for sharing Misty’s story – what a wonderful blessing. I don’t think that you will every fully realize just how deep Misty’s story has touched thousands of people and just how many lives have been drawn closer to the Lord because of it – including my own relationship with Jesus. I know there is a hole in your right now and that you are missing Misty’s physical life but know that she is a near as your heart; I know you hear her voice and feel her love all around you. You know that her spiritual life lives on right beside Jesus. What a blessing she was to you and Olivia and will always be. Your family will remain in my prayers, with special prayers for sweet little Olivia. God bless you, Darren.
Beth
I too would love to see the video. It sounds like the service was amazing. Thank you for allowing us to continue to be a part of your lives.
Jamie
It has been such an honor to be a part of this journey with you and Misty. Really.. it’s been life changing. I’m sure a lot of other people would agree with me in saying that. I feel like God has really dug a space in my heart for Misty and her life story. I will never forget her. God has touched my heart through Misty, honestly. Though you may feel resistance at taking any credit for any of this… I still want to give you my sincerest “thank you” for being so transparent and bold throughout this journey. This blog ministry never would have happened if you and Misty hadn’t taken such a big step of faith by sharing your story.
May you and Olivia be well, Darren.
In Christ,
Jill
Darren,
What you have done, and what you will continue to do with this blog is nothing less than a God thing. All of what you’ve shared and yet to share……..so many people are looking to this for encouragement, to help deepen their faith……and best of all…….by sharing with all of your readers, you give us the chance to pray for your specific needs, everchanging as they are and will be for you and Olivia and the rest of your family.
Thank you for allowing us to share in your life, and for being allowed to be able to pray for you and your family.
Thank you too, for being a true man of God. We all look forward to when you’re able to share more with us in your blog.
In Christ,
Vicki B.
Please know that I and my family are lifting you all up in prayer. I have followed you and your wife’s journey for some time now. I feel so unworthy to partake in this mourning, but know I do. I truly anticipate the the day I get to meet this wonderful lady in person.
Sola Dei Gloria,
Kathy
I’d love to see the tape!
Dear Darren, I am praying for you and olivia. I know God is on the thrown and He has a plan for your life. I pray that God leads, guides and comforts you. Much love and Prayers, Dawn