Christmas Letter
King Family News for 2017
Art and Ronda King sending you warm Christmas greetings. We are reminded this Christmas of how much we have leaned on our extended family and friends. So many of you have shown us deep compassion and love. Thank you for walking with us down our dark, dark path.
Usually, in our Christmas letter, I write about the highlight events of the year for Ronda and I and our children and grandchildren. Looking back on this year, most is a blur, but for one inconceivable, impossible, unimaginable event: On April 13, our beloved 19-year old son Theron lost his battle with depression. Theron was home that day. We are so grateful for those next four days in the hospital where we were able to gather and say our last goodbyes. He took his final breath on the night of April 17th.
The eight months since have swept by as we are grieving the best that we can and together as much as possible. We are trying to “lean into the pain”. We cling tightly to our 19 years of precious memories and hold on to each other as never before. It was a great blessing having many of our children home this summer.
In August we spent three wonderful days floating the Grande Ronde, 40+ miles of wilderness where we saw not single human. But we did see a black bear, 9 bald eagles, 8 golden eagles, 2 river otter, and 2 rattlesnakes.
In September, we had a wonderful four days of celebration together when Brenden married his sweet and beautiful bride, Moeko.
Through our tears this year, we still see much to be thankful for. We are thankful for God’s sustaining grace, and the promise of the world made new.
We look forward to hearing from you. May the true Spirit of Christmas be with you and your family.
With Love from all of us; Art & Ronda, David & Elissa and their children Mossen (8), Cheyenne (7), Ryder (3), Hatcher (1), Brenden & Moeko, Bethani, Tyler & Sierra, Hannah, Ian, Taylor, Caleb, Willa, Rylee
Favorite Books of 2017
- Art: When Breath Becomes Air by Kalanithi (All Arts’ recommendations: goo.gl/jS8djD )
- Ronda: A Grace Disguised by Sittser
- Bethani: Daddy Long-Legs by Webster
- Sierra: Paris Underground by Shiber
- Tyler: The Highlander’s Last Song by MacDonald
- Hannah: Inventing Freedom by Hannan
- Taylor: One Second After by Forstchen
- Caleb: Cold Case Christianity by Wallace
- Willa: Hood by Lawhead
- Rylee: A Man Called Ove by Backman
LINKS
- Theron Memorial
- Family Youtube videos from 2006 forward
- Moeko and Brenden Wedding pictures
- Moeko and Brenden Wedding ceremony video
