Kristina’s Victory
By Jan Sherrell
It may not be apparent to the reader but we’ve begun naming monthly themes for this blog. It helps us work through various topics and might bring a more consistent message. It also gets our blogging juices focused and flowing.
So Success Stories is July’s theme. My work is directly with our agencies and I hear and see great things going on in the community, affecting hundreds of people. But today, when I think success stories, I can only think of Kristina Witten.
Kristina passed away July 5, 2010. “Passed away” doesn’t express the victory or success Kristina experienced in life and in death. Kristina believed in God and is breathing easy in heaven right now. That is a victory and a success.
Kristina had Cystic Fibrosis. I recently heard someone say having Cystic Fibrosis is like taking every breath as if breathed through a pillow. Kristina could have done less, expected special treatment and become concerned only with her self, but she didn’t. Kristina had such a heart for others. She had built a whole community around her through the internet, her sorority, church and friends. Daily she reached out and lifted others up.
Kristina was always showing concern for others. Maybe CF made her more empathetic to the situations of others. Though it is very difficult saying goodbye to such a beautiful young lady, I strive to keep in mind that the grief is for those left behind. Kristina is breathing easy. Her life was a success.
How do you measure success?
Kristina was indeed a testament to waking up everyday and making the most of what you have, not focusing on what you don’t. I was lucky to know her, work for a cure with her, and see the difference she made to others around her.
Hi Jan,
Not a day goes by where I don’t think of Kristina. Sorry, my name is Nick and I am a close, close friend of Kristina’s who lives in New Zealand. Like her, I too have got Cystic Fibrosis. The news of her passing hit me really hard and I miss her every day.
I was just searching online and I came across this post, read it and thought I would reply and thank you for your kind words about her. They are so true, she always thought of others rather than herself.
I’m sad she isn’t here to kick my butt when my motivation goes down and dislike doing physio etcc but I’m glad she’s with our heavenly father, able to breathe easy. I’ll forever love and miss Kristina, but I’ll see her again soon!
@N!ck
Nick thanks for the comment- you just awarded me bragging rights that my blog is read internationally!
Yes, it is just not natural or right when we lose a beautiful young person like Kristina. We can be thankful we knew her and that as you said – we will see her again.