Hi, all! Just wanted to let y’all know that I’ll probably be taking a break from the blog for an indefinite length of time. Generally if I’m gone for more than two weekdays in a row, I start to get comments and emails from concerned readers wondering if something has happened to Matt. I wanted y’all to rest assured that Matt is okay.
Very sadly, my stepfather (a.k.a., my Bonus Dad) isn’t okay. My own father passed away in 2003, just four months after Matt and I got married. He and my mom had been married for 45 years, and his sudden and unexpected death was devastating for all of us. No one could have replaced him, but about two years later, God blessed my brother, sister, and I with a bonus dad named Jon. We also got four bonus siblings — three sisters and a brother — and all of the in-laws, nieces, nephews, etc., that go along with bonus siblings.
Mom and Jon have been married about 11.5 years now, and he has been such a blessing in all of our lives. And now we are all preparing to say goodbye. He’s currently in the hospital, with blood clots in his lungs, pneumonia and urosepsis (blood poisoning brought about by a severe urinary tract infection). He’s been suffering from Parkinson’s for the last several years, and also experiences dementia associated with Parkinson’s. This past weekend, they stopped treatment and moved to in-hospital hospice care.
Needless to say, with all of this going on, my house, projects, and blogging are all kind of low priority for me right now. So I really have no idea what the next several days will look like here on the blog. Obviously, I can’t spend all of my time at the hospital (I still have Matt at home who needs some of my time and attention), so while I’m home, I very well may be working on projects. I’d rather be doing that and keeping my mind and hands busy instead of just sitting idly. But those projects may not make it to the blog during this time. They may if I have time, but I won’t be making it a priority.
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So, I may see y’all tomorrow. I may see y’all in two weeks. Or I may see y’all sometime in between. I’ll just play it by ear day by day. 🙂
137 Comments
Theresa
May 31, 2016 at 9:26 amPraying for your family 🙏🏻
Mary
May 31, 2016 at 9:27 amYou and your family are in my prayers.
jason matulewicz
May 31, 2016 at 9:29 amThinking of you all.Xx
Gail
May 31, 2016 at 9:33 amPraying for your family. My father and Mother in law were both cared for by hospice at the end. Hospice was a God send for our family. God bless you all.
Cathryn
May 31, 2016 at 9:36 amWarm hugs and thoughts from Australia to you all. May God’s love and peace surround you and lift you in your time of need.
Colleen
May 31, 2016 at 9:36 amTake care of yourself. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Christen
May 31, 2016 at 9:38 amPraying for your and your family.
We lost my father-in-law in March and it was a blessing to spend those last moments with him.
Take all the time you need, your followers will be here when you get back.
Joanie
May 31, 2016 at 9:39 amThanks for letting us know, we will miss your regular posts. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time.
deb
May 31, 2016 at 9:39 amYou and your family will be in my thoughts. Glad you are putting yourself first.
Donna
May 31, 2016 at 9:40 amNo question…….family ALWAYS comes first! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family….
Maggie L.
May 31, 2016 at 9:41 amYou focus on your family. We will all be here when you feel you are ready to come back. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Fern
May 31, 2016 at 9:42 amMy heart breaks for you & your family. I will be keeping you all in my prayers.
Peace & Blessings,
Fern
Karen
May 31, 2016 at 9:44 amI’m thinking of you and your family and wish you all the best and strength for this time! OF COURSE this comes first and you don’t feel obliged to fill your blog!
Blessings from Germany
Jacqui
May 31, 2016 at 9:44 amMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless
Jimmie
May 31, 2016 at 9:45 amAll my warm thoughts and prayers for peace during this time.
Vickie White
May 31, 2016 at 9:45 amSo sorry to hear about your step-dad’s decline in health. I’ll be praying for all your families and him during this time.
I always look forward to your blog posts but totally understand that family comes first!
Blessings,
Vickie
Kellyq
May 31, 2016 at 9:45 amMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 🙏🏼
Jennifer
May 31, 2016 at 9:46 amI’m sorry to hear that. I am praying for you and your family. God bless.
Val
May 31, 2016 at 9:46 amMy thougths are with you and your family Kristi. Hugs 🙁
Kirsty
May 31, 2016 at 9:47 amMy thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Lillian
May 31, 2016 at 9:47 amPlease know that you as well as the family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Know that we will miss you, these are trying times for all.
May the Good Lord cover your family with healing and peace.
Warmest hugs.
Bea
May 31, 2016 at 9:48 amMy thoughts and prayers sent to you and all the families!
Blessings,
Bea
Laurie
May 31, 2016 at 9:50 amSorry to here about your stepdad. Thoughts and wishes for your family and mom.
Carla
May 31, 2016 at 9:52 amHow great that you all had 11.5 years with your bonus dad. I know this is heart wrenching. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family Kristi.
Casey
May 31, 2016 at 9:52 amLifting you and your family in prayer. Nothing replaces the comfort of family together at times like this. Do what your “REAL” life needs and do not worry about anything else. You will be blogging when it feels right for you. Sending you a hug and wishing you all peace and comfort.
CeeCee
June 3, 2016 at 1:47 pmBeautifully said and ditto.
Dale
May 31, 2016 at 9:54 amThank you for letting us know Kristi. I do get concerned when I don’t see your blog and hope things are ok with you. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are being sent to you and your family. Take care
Sheila F.
May 31, 2016 at 9:56 amThoughts and Prayers for your Mother, yourself and your extended Bonus Family. It is so difficult to lose someone we love. As a former Hospice Nurse, I am thankful that you can take advantage of the help for this difficult time. Thank you for letting us know. I am one of the ones who worry when I don’t see you post. Big Hugs for you and your wonderful Mother.
Sheila F.
Arli
May 31, 2016 at 9:58 amSending love and wishing strength and peace to you and all your family.
Robin
May 31, 2016 at 9:59 amThinking of you and your family
Pam
May 31, 2016 at 9:59 amPrayers to you and your family!
Dee Tracy
May 31, 2016 at 10:00 amKristi, I’m so glad that your Mom has you to help her through this difficult time. Praying for all of you.
Debra Robbins
May 31, 2016 at 10:01 amThoughts and prayers for you and your entire family.
terrillr
May 31, 2016 at 10:03 amThoughts and prayers for you and your family. We lost my daddy in April, but have so many great memories. May you all remember the good times you had.
Marianne in Mo.
May 31, 2016 at 10:05 amFamily should always come first, so do what you need to do. Sending prayers for you and your entire family.
Trish
May 31, 2016 at 10:07 amI’m so sorry to hear ya’ll are going through this, I’ve been where you are now and you just have to take it day by day. You and your family are in my prayers.
Gaye Austin
May 31, 2016 at 10:08 amBlessings Kristi…we have walked a similar road not too many years ago. May the Lord surround you with His peace and comfort. May you have that precious time with your mom and new siblings as they prepare for this dearly beloved saint’s homegoing.
Hugs from afar.
Take your time, all that you need. Take time for your mom, and Matt and yourself. Thankful you are nearby so that you can do just that.
Mad Margaret
May 31, 2016 at 11:40 amDitto everything that Gaye said so well. You have your priorities straight. Blessings.
Khadija
May 31, 2016 at 10:09 amI’m so sorry. 🙁 🙁 Thanks for letting us know. I wish you and your family the best.
Take care of yourself. Hugs!
Lisa Johnson
May 31, 2016 at 10:09 amMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Melissa
May 31, 2016 at 10:11 amLetting go of someone you love is never easy. My hope is that he goes peacefully and doesn’t suffer. Love and prayers for you and your family! Take it easy and give yourself time to grieve.
Ardith
May 31, 2016 at 10:16 amWhat a special gift to have Jon as your bonus dad. I hope you all get to spend as much time together with him as possible, that the time is filled with shared joy, and that Jon moves on peacefully. Take care, Ardith
Marcia
May 31, 2016 at 10:17 amI’m so sorry your mother, you, and all your bonus dad’s family are going through such a sad and trying time. At the same time, I’m glad all of you were blessed to have him in your lives.
Janet L
May 31, 2016 at 10:23 amPrayers for sure,and Hugs to your family….
Linda H
May 31, 2016 at 10:23 amThinking of you –
Lisa
May 31, 2016 at 10:25 amKeeping you all close in heartfelt thoughts, and prayers for strength.
Candace
May 31, 2016 at 10:28 amSending thoughts of comfort and prayers to you all.
Debbie Walwer
May 31, 2016 at 10:30 amHi Kristi,
I have loved reading your Blog and admire your beautiful work. I log on every day to see the progress you have made on your home. My husband and I are in the process of flipping a house and many of your projects, especially the room before and afters have been an inspiration for us.
I wish you peace as you go through this difficult time. Take care of yourself.
Rebecca
May 31, 2016 at 10:35 amGod be with you and your family at this very sad time.
Mary Bean
May 31, 2016 at 10:35 amMay you feel all the love and supporting prayers being sent your way Kristi.
These are the difficult times in life when we remember what is really important ,,
Love, peace, and strength to you all .♡♡♡
Melony
May 31, 2016 at 10:36 amThanks for letting us know what is going on. Praying for you and your family! Please take the time you need and we will all be waiting when you get back!
SheilaG- Plum Doodles
May 31, 2016 at 10:36 amPraying for you all.
Doris
May 31, 2016 at 10:37 amMy thoughts are with you and your family! It’s the most important thing in the world.
Lots of love and fuzzy warm hugs from Poland!
Ashley Johnson
May 31, 2016 at 10:38 amI hope your family fares well through this time of God calling him home, and may all be well.
Lee Ann
May 31, 2016 at 10:38 amMost of us have dealt with family and/or health issues that put our own lives on hold. Wishing you abundance of whatever you need during this time… Strength, love, peace.
Carol Fraley
May 31, 2016 at 10:40 amI’m so sorry to heard about your dad. I will keep your mother and family in my prayers.
Pookha
May 31, 2016 at 10:46 amMy sympathies to you all.
DebbieO
May 31, 2016 at 10:52 amMy thoughts and prayers are with y’all, Kristi.
Alicia
May 31, 2016 at 10:56 amPraying for peace for Jon and all who love him.
Jane
May 31, 2016 at 10:58 amThanks for keeping us informed. My stepdad had Hispice services, too. Their help and guidance was invaluable to our family.
Sending virtual hugs to you, your mom and all your bonus family. You are so right to set aside this time to spend with family.
Alice
May 31, 2016 at 11:00 amYou, your bonus dad, and entire family are in my prayers.
Linda J
May 31, 2016 at 11:02 amI understand completely. Not many of us who haven’t been in your situation. Please know that we will all be right here when the time is right for you. Take care of yourself during this stressful time. Know that prayers to ease your emotional pain and prayers for your Bonus Dad to have a peaceful exit to Heaven are being sent up. Take care.
Barbara H.
May 31, 2016 at 11:09 amI’m so sorry for this painful situation. I’ll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
Sharon
May 31, 2016 at 11:15 amSorry to hear this difficult news. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Laura L
May 31, 2016 at 11:17 amThanks for the update – I would have been worried. Praying for your sweet FIL.
Stacy
May 31, 2016 at 11:22 amKristi,
So sorry to hear about this challenge y’all are going through. My prayers are with you all. As many posters have mentioned, take all the time you need…we’ll be here and we are here for you.
May the Lord’s love surround you, keep you and uplift you.
Kind regards,
Stacy
Susan
May 31, 2016 at 11:26 amGodspeed to the best for your loved ones !
Linda
May 31, 2016 at 11:34 amKristi,
My thoughts and prayers going up for you and your “entire” family as you travel this journey. May God bless you and give you peace that surpasses all understanding. Love, hugs, and prayers!!
Valerie
May 31, 2016 at 11:38 amWishing your family peace and comfort.
Donna
May 31, 2016 at 11:48 amI’m so sorry your family is going through this. I’ll be praying for you all.
Sharon C
May 31, 2016 at 11:53 amSo sorry to hear this very sad news Kristi. All our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
Tanya
May 31, 2016 at 12:09 pmSo sorry to hear this. Thoughts, prayers and heart felt hugs for you and yours. Make sure to take care of yourself too…
Melanie
May 31, 2016 at 12:16 pmThoughts and prayers for all of you.
Michele
May 31, 2016 at 12:19 pmSo very sorry for your troubles, and glad you can be there for your Mom and Stepdad.
Kathy
May 31, 2016 at 12:22 pmI will be here waiting when you return! So sorry for you & your family. Prayers for all.
Natalia
May 31, 2016 at 12:37 pmSorry to hear this. Family should always come first– give all the time and attention you can, because house projects will always wait.
Rose
May 31, 2016 at 12:40 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Sheryl
May 31, 2016 at 12:42 pmPraying for your Mom and all the extended family that was gained through their marriage. May God comfort and surround you with His peace.
Chelle Ellis
May 31, 2016 at 12:51 pmSo sorry for your family, may peace find you soon. :(..,
Lisa Garber
May 31, 2016 at 12:55 pmYpu take whatever time you need, young lady. God bless and keep your family in his heart. We’ll be waiting right here. Xoxo
Lisa Garber
CL hays
May 31, 2016 at 1:00 pmBless you and your family.
Tammy (Pa.)
May 31, 2016 at 1:02 pmSo sorry Kristi…!! Prayers going out to you and your family…!!!!
Maureen
May 31, 2016 at 1:06 pmWe will be thinking of you and your family. God bless!
Marilyn Canaday
May 31, 2016 at 1:13 pmPrayers for all your family!
Jaybird
May 31, 2016 at 1:14 pmKristi,
We will have your family and Dad² on our prayer list. We are a “bonus” family too, so when the bad happens, it seems doubly bad.
Blessings to you,
J
Cindy
May 31, 2016 at 1:22 pmSo sorry to hear. I’ll be praying for your family and especially your stepdad. I just said goodbye to my Dad at his funeral this past weekend. My Mom had Parkinson’s and it’s just a yucky disease to watch someone you love have to endure. Take all the time you need. It’s important to mourn.
Darcy Miller
May 31, 2016 at 1:33 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Alice
May 31, 2016 at 1:37 pmI’m sorry to hear about your stepdad. I’ll pray for him and for your family. Always a sad and stressful situation for everyone involved.
Bev Jones
May 31, 2016 at 1:49 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Doni
May 31, 2016 at 1:52 pmWhat a gift to spend time with your family. Blessing to all as you go through this season.
Kathleen
May 31, 2016 at 1:52 pmKristi,
So very sorry to hear sad news about your stepfather. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Cathy
May 31, 2016 at 1:58 pmSending prayers for you and your family…
Madeline
May 31, 2016 at 2:03 pmPraying for you and your family. Just went through something similar with my grandma. She was in hospice for 3 weeks. It was the worst experience …. even though it was the right decision but it was very very difficult. Wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
Take the time you need … keep yourself busy and again…
Again, my prayers to you and your family.
designdreamer
May 31, 2016 at 2:50 pmKristi,
So sorry. Tend to your family.
God Bless
Linda
May 31, 2016 at 2:52 pmKristi and family,
So many other folks have already said it so well that I will just say y’all are in my families prayers. We said goodbye to my sweet MIL 5 months ago (@ 100 yo!) and hope that you and your family take ALL the time and space you need to take care of each other and yourselves during this normal, but not much fun time. Your cyber family will miss you, but your physical family needs you and you need them.
Blessings on you all.
Ann
May 31, 2016 at 3:40 pmSo very sorry. Family always comes first. You and yours are in my prayers. Sending you strength for the difficult road ahead.
Southern Susie
May 31, 2016 at 4:07 pmKristi, My brother was taken care of by hospice during his last days and it was the best care he could have received – loving, caring and supportive are just a few of the words I can use to describe the caregivers… I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers in the upcoming days. I ask God’s blessings on you all. Love sent from Georgia.
Lisa E
May 31, 2016 at 4:12 pmSo sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rebecca B
May 31, 2016 at 4:20 pmGod Bless you and your family Kristi!
Kelly Palmer
May 31, 2016 at 4:23 pmI will be praying for you and your family.
Tracy2
May 31, 2016 at 4:32 pmI was thinking of you and your blog. It’s been a while since I checked in. It was meant to be – God’s timing. I will be praying for you and yours during this difficult time.
Sue
May 31, 2016 at 4:38 pmKristi,
I’m so sorry for your family having to go through this part of the ‘circle of life.’ I will be praying for all of you. Take care and we’ll all be here when you feel up to returning.
Maggie
May 31, 2016 at 4:51 pmSorry to hear about your dear step Dad. God bless you and your family.xxxx
Amy
May 31, 2016 at 5:19 pmI don’t usually comment here, Kristi, but I’m sending love and prayers to you and your family. It’s so important to take all the time you need. We’ll be here when you’re ready to post again.
Judy
May 31, 2016 at 5:41 pmMany blessings for you and all of your family during this difficult time.
Kate
May 31, 2016 at 5:42 pmYou and your dear extended family will be in my prayers. God’s blessings on all of you.
SusanD
May 31, 2016 at 6:25 pmKristi,
It looks as though you and your family will be covered in prayer, surrounded by love, and immersed in the peace of our Heavenly Father. That too, is my prayer. You have touched and inspired so many through your talent and blog.
I totally understand your need to stay connected to your creative self through this sad time, as I did this past year as I had to step away from my design business to take care of my husband through a battle with cancer. I continued, however to consult, thus keeping my creative “hand” in and thus connecting with the “real” world. Whether or not you blog about what you do creatively is secondary to your well-being. As so many said – we’ll be here when you’re ready.
Thank you for keeping us all informed and KNOW that you’re covered in prayer!
Jenny
May 31, 2016 at 6:40 pmSorry to hear about your bonus Dad. I’ll be thinking of you and your family over this sad and difficult time. It is wonderful to hear how much you appreciate and love this man who has added joy and meaning to all your lives. Take care.
Karen L Smith
May 31, 2016 at 7:39 pmPraying for all of you.
Chris
May 31, 2016 at 9:02 pmI’m sure it is a great comfort to Jon to be surrounded by so many who love him. I’ll keep your mom, you, and your extended family in my prayers.
Barbara Bozeman
May 31, 2016 at 9:51 pmThere are many things I would like to try to say at this time, but I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Michelle
May 31, 2016 at 10:37 pmPraying for you and your family, Kristi. How very sad to have to say goodbye to not just one but two dads…I am so sorry.
Patricia
May 31, 2016 at 10:37 pmMay God bless you and your family and give you perfect peace.
Jessica I
June 1, 2016 at 12:29 amI am so sorry. I will be thinking of you and your family.
Kotamee
June 1, 2016 at 1:14 amMay god bless you and your family. We gonna miss your post.
XXXX
Pat
June 1, 2016 at 3:40 amI am so sorry to hear this sad news. You and your family are in my prayers as you face these difficult days. Take whatever time you need.
Lydia Prokulevich
June 1, 2016 at 5:57 amI wish you and your family all the best and God’s blessings on all of you.
Nancy
June 1, 2016 at 6:12 amI will be thinking about you during this diffiult time. Peace to you and your family. Nancy
Mary Melton
June 1, 2016 at 9:15 amYou, Matt and your family will be in our prayers. God is good….
Raylene
June 1, 2016 at 10:38 amKristi,
I’m so sorry to hear about your ‘Bonus Dad’. What an awesome name for him and your bonus siblings, I love this, it sounds like you all just tucked into each other with such love and grace. You and your family will be uplifted in prayers for continued strength and peace as you face the days ahead during this difficult time.
God bless you and yours.
Ruth Anne
June 1, 2016 at 11:19 amMay you and your family find grace and peace for this journey.
Ellen W.
June 1, 2016 at 11:44 amI am so sorry to hear this. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Susan
June 1, 2016 at 11:54 amSympathy and empathy. I lost my only brother, brother in law and two cousins in one year. My mother died the year before. This year my oldest son died and my middle son had three strokes and surgery of carotid artery. Now my apt complex is moving me for a month to remodel- with only twenty some days notice. Susan
Also love decorating and am addicted to your blog.
Maryanne
June 1, 2016 at 12:11 pmPlace your burden in the Hands of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. He will lift your family up. Pray together for He said “whenever two or more of you are gathered in My Name, there is love. Kristi, I know you have blocked my emails so I am using my husbands. I hope it goes through because regardless of our differences I do understand what your family is going through and I sympathize with you.
Vickie
June 1, 2016 at 1:31 pmPrayers for you and your family.
Peg
June 1, 2016 at 4:04 pmPrayers for your family.
JoanneS
June 1, 2016 at 4:19 pmSending you hugs and prayers to you and your family, for comfort and strength.
Vicky
June 1, 2016 at 8:51 pmMay God bless you and your family with the peace and strength that only come Him. Praying for you and your family .
Anne
June 1, 2016 at 10:08 pmMy thoughts are with you at this difficult time. You will never regret that you were there to support your family and be with your step father in his final days but you would always regret it if you were not. The blogging can wait.
Sharon L Morehead
June 1, 2016 at 11:24 pmNew follower..amazed by your talent and tenacity…wake everyday, looking forward to see what you have accomplished. Never disappointed!You are an amazing young woman! Great heart, great spirit, great outlook. Bonus is a great word:) You are a bonus to all of us who stumbled on the wonderful adventure of your life..that you willingly share with strangers:) Prayers for your whole family. Come back to us………….
Heather
June 2, 2016 at 8:11 amI am sorry for the pain and loss your family is experiencing! I am praying for you.
I was worried with the title of this post that you were quitting blogging, so I am relieved to know that you will be back sometime. Yours is my favorite!
Elizabeth
June 2, 2016 at 11:28 amSo sorry to hear about your stepfather Kristi. We know first hand how hard it is to see a loved one suffer or be ill. It’s such a drain both physically and emotionally. You love them so much and yet you feel so helpless. You can only take it day by day as you said. I connect with lots of folks online and I pray for each of them every day. I’ll remember to keep you and your family in our prayers 🙂
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Nonna
June 2, 2016 at 8:18 pmSo sorry honey..God bless you and your family
Karen Ploransky
June 4, 2016 at 9:09 pmFamily First, you are all in my prayers <3
Cyndi J
June 5, 2016 at 8:24 amI’m so, so sorry about your “bonus” dad. I love how you call him and his children your “bonus” family. That’s the sweetest thing. My dad died on Feb. 28 so I understand completely. Heartbreaking for sure. My best to you and your family.
Gayle
June 6, 2016 at 4:09 pmI will be praying for you and your family. It’s times like this that remind us that the painful seasons of life are not navigated apart from God.
janpartist
June 7, 2016 at 11:33 amHope you’re doing well. Hugs to Mom.