"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinquish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:14-17

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Final Post Part 2

What a journey. Words can't begin to convey the impact these past 18 months have had on me, not only as a sister, but as a believer. I think about later on, how will I ever be able explain to people the loss of my brother Jared, but more importantly the battle he faithfully fought up until November 3rd. But where my memory fails or my words just don't suffice, I will be able to look back on this blog, this timeline, this tool that enabled a way of communication with our family to all of you who have stood in the gap for us; those of you who have continued to keep our arms raised. It seemed with every entry, there were comments of either praise, hopefulness, or encouragement. And eventhough the battle is over, and the blog has served its purpose, your support and words will always remain, and that is absolutely priceless. Jared taught me so much in the past year and half, but it was in his weakest, lowest of lows, where I saw true faith, grace, and strength being walked out, and for that I too, am a very proud sister.

-Jessica



I just wanted to thank everyone again for all the support that you have given to our family. From friends and family to neighbors and doctors and hospital staff, we could not of done it without you. Thank you so very much ! As I have said before, I know there are a lot of things that I will miss seeing Jared do, like become a father and find his way in this world but seeing my son face death, fight an ugly battle against cancer, seeing what the heart and soul and spirit of my son was when it really mattered is more than I could of ever asked for. I am so very proud of him and if I had it to do all over again I would still believe, I would still pray and I would still hope. Love ya much !

-Dianne

9 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Overwhelming. The grace of the Lord in the midst of our weakness. His sufficiency so evident in all the Waters family. Thank you for affording us one of life's most precious gifts, to stand with those of like precious faith and hold forth for things eternal. God has changed us. You, dear Waters family, have changed us. Jared, man of God, changed us all. Certainly what cancer meant for evil, God has turned for good. And Jared and heaven await us shortly. Even so, Lord Jesus, come.

Pastor Eric

3:06 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As you Jess & Jo are proud sisters, Aunt Divine and & Uncle Terry, you are proud parents, & our sweet Christina, you are a proud wife, Jared too was a proud brother, son, & husband. We are all proud to have been a part of this battle with you. Thank you so much! Bob & I cannot fully understand the depth of your loss as a parent, sister, & spouse, but I know it is grate, and the tears will flow, & the hurt/pain will be tremendous, but, His grace will be sufficient, faith will be unwaivering, & the Lord will always be with you. Jared was a precious man of God & as Dianne said, seeing him face head on the battle that was before him with his heart, soul, & spirit the way he did makes one proud. Jared showed the most amazing witness & testimony in faith and for that we are better Christians! We love you and continue to lift you up in prayer!~~xoxoxox~~Misty & Bob

4:57 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I echo what Bob wrote in the song that I will always think of as "Jared's Song." He is even now "dancing down those streets of gold..." We look forward to the reunion one day soon and in the meantime, each of you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Jared's story (and yours) will be a testimony wherever it is told.

5:45 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Aunt Dianne & Jessica,
Everyone who loves Jared thanks all of you for the courage to have this blog. I wish that I could have been there just one last time but that's not always in the plans. Let nothing ever erase that pride that you all have earned. Everyday is a new day and there will always be things that are missed about Jared. He was not only a fighter but also an innovator in the medical science. We all love you and hope to see you soon.
Love Always.
Lisa Skwarlo
lskwarlo@kc.rr.com

6:52 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Words cannot convey my utmost feelings of pride and gratitude for being a part of this wonderful family. I was priviledged enough to have some very precious times with my Jared and I,too, would not trade that for the world-he handled every obstacle with the utmost of dignity when all had been stripped from him. He was an incredible boy who turned into a giant of a man in his short life span. I will always remember the Jared of old as that was NEVER taken from him. I loved him like my own son and he has forever changed my life. I am so very proud of all of you for the grace in which you have handled this terrible loss and tho your hearts are broken, you continue to share with us-you truly are an awesome family and I love you all more than you know! And all I can say at this point is "Come, Lord Jesus, come!" as this is what we are surviving this life for! All my love and pride, Marylyn aka Aunt "GAGA"

8:18 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Family Waters, these final words from Dianne, Terry, Jessica, Joanna, Marylyn, they are so moving. They move one to tears in their braveness. Like all the other prayer warriors we feel a deep pain and such sadness for you all, as we read them. We cannot begin to know what you have gone thru and are continuing to feel, but want to thank you for the appreciation you have shown for our prayers. Altho no thanks was ever required. If there was anything we could have done to make the outcome different we would have done it. But in the end it was all in God's hands and it wasnt meant to be any diffent despite all our prayers.

This wonderful young man, your dearest Jared will always be in our hearts, and this is not an empty phrase. Jared has made a difference to even those who never met him. May this wonderful soul, rest in everlasting peace, and i feel sure he is watching over his dear family and always will.

We have read again the posting Jared made in August this year. The photos you showed us are wonderful ... such happy photos. I have looked at them a few times actually , such happy photos. Thank you so much for sharing them.
We continue to pray for strength and support for his dear Christina and all of you.

with love, Judy and family.

10:22 AM

 
Blogger Dianne said...

Jess, I hope you read this. I just wanted to say what a blessing it was to see you care for Jared that Thurs. nite and that what I saw in you I will remember all of my days. The Lord will gently guide you on this path that you have never walked before and it will become a place of springs for others(and for you). I am proud to call you my daughter. Love, Dad

8:41 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Jessica,

It was wonderful spending some time with you in Kansas over Thanksgiving. I know how much Jared wanted to be there and what a huge void it was to not have him there. But, thank you and Joanna for coming. I love you all so very much and have so many wonderful memories of growing up with such wonderful cousins. :) I pray for God's peace to cover you as you finish these last few weeks of school. You are an amazing woman and your faith is such an inspiration to me. I know the Lord will continue to walk with you through this very difficult time. You are so loved!

Love, Lish

7:34 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Aunt Dianne and Uncle Terry,

My heart is so broken for you. Through all my life, you have been such a strong example of faith and that has never been more true than in these past 18 months. I know how much it hurts me to lose Jared, but I can't begin to imagine what you must feel. But, what I do know is that you have been so faithful to the Lord and he will be right next to you as you travel this new road. You are so loved and appreciated. I am praying for you.

Love always,
Elisha

7:41 AM

 

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