Hope For Kristi

From Ryan: We had a great time at the BBQ yesterday. It was wonderful seeing all of you. Thanks so much for everything. For those who couldn't make it, I understand but please know that I am so very thankful. Thank you much! Ryan

Update on RSVP's: The family is getting excited about Saturday. Don't forget to RSVP. We will start preparing food tomorrow so we need an idea of who is coming. Can't wait to see all of you! Ryan

Hello from Ryan: Invitation

I just wanted to say, Hello!  The kids and I are really doing as well as you can expect.  Truth be told, we are probably doing better than you think we are.  I'm not saying we don't have our moments, but we're okay.  Thanks for all of your concerns.

The Shores and DeVore families want to thank everyone for all their help over the last 3 months.  We came up with an idea to host a cookout next Saturday, Feb 5th.  It will be at Celebration Church in Jacksonville from 11:30-2:30.

Here is the link to the flyer:  files.me.com/rshores95/azr8ce

This is an open invitation to say thank you to ANYONE who has helped us in ANY way over the last 3 months.  Whether it be service, financial, support or WHATEVER, you and your families are invited.  Please get the word out.  It's only a week away.  Please, if you can...RSVP to rshores95@hotmail.com.   It will help with our estimates.  For those of you that don't live in Jacksonville, I know there are many of you who have done so much.  Of course you are still invited to come, but I apologize we couldn't accommodate everyone.   Love you all, Ryan

Kristi DeVore Shores Memorial Service from David DeVore on Vimeo.

Playground Park and the kids

Hello, With Ryan's permission he allowed me to post this note.  

Jonathan, David, Elizabeth, Tori, Suzanne, Dusty (my dog) and I went to the park this afternoon.  As I was busy swinging the kids and playing with them, I kept noticing that a young woman with a young baby was looking my way.  She would smile and continue playing with her child.  As I was helping Dusty get untangled from a post, she came up to me and said,  Excuse me, aren't you Kristi's Father?  I replied, I am Kristi's Father-in-law.  She said, I just wanted you to know that I have been watching you.  The blog is so correct.  You do have a wonderful family.  

Naturally, I was so humbled by her comment and then she added.  I am a young mother.  I met Kristi one time just before my delivery.  After delivery, when I came home from the hospital, the door bell rang and there was Kristi with a full meal.  I will never forget her for that and after monitoring the blog and her servant heart to me, I will never forget her.  The conversation continued for a while and then we were both off to take care of our loved ones.

Of course, I was so honored by God to be the one who received this message of encouragement from this young Mom.  Greater still, totally out of the blue of Kristi's servant heart and love for those whom she made contact.  I am reminded of the scripture where Jesus states that a cold cup of water given in His name will be as if a cold cup of water was given to Him.

Kristi lives in our hearts, minds, emotions and may we emulate her example.  Lenny

Video details

That song was recorded back in 1997 or 1998 for her senior recital at the University of Florida.  Kristi's brother found the footage and the masters at Celebration church put it all together.  Great, huh?

Video Tribute to Kristi

Tribute to Kristi DeVore Shores from David DeVore on Vimeo.

1/15 update

Today was truly amazing.  Yes it was hard.  Yes it was sad.  If you were there, I hope you also felt what I did.  Kristi was truly honored today.  All I can tell you is that the service went exactly how Kristi would have wanted it to.  

I just want to say thank you to all the people who were so amazing to put this together.  I will refrain from giving names because I will certainly forget some.  You guys are amazing.  

To the 950 people who came today (that's right...950!)  I am overwhelmed.  What an honor to my wife.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To Kristi:  I love you.  I always have.  Please forgive me, but I'm not going to hurry and try to get to you soon.  I've got some work to do down here.  Until you see me, I hope I make you proud.   Love, me

Services today: I will reserve commenting about today until later. Except to say that today went exactly the way Kristi would have wanted to. I just wanted to open up a posting for people to have the opportunity to comment.

1/14 post

I think all is ready for tomorrow.  Lots of family and friends are already arriving.  I think the turnout tomorrow will be a true testament to how much Kristi is loved.  I hope all of you are blessed by the services tomorrow.  Kristi had an opportunity a few weeks ago to share what she wanted tomorrow to be like.  We have tried our best to do that.  I think tomorrow will be great.  For those of you who are coming, I look forward to seeing you.  For those who could not come, we know you will be there in other ways.  Kristi is awesome!  Honey, tomorrow's for you!   Ryan