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Dear
Mr & Mrs Carroll
Two years ago, I visited the USA for the first time.
My husband and son had two glorious weeks in Orlando,
shortly after the awful events of 9/11/2001, to
celebrate our 25thWedding Anniversary. During our
stay, we purchased the 'Orlando Sentinel' because
we were interested in the reactions to the terrorist
attacks and their aftermath in the USA.
On our return, I had to prepare a sermon for the
Sunday when the church commemorates St Jude. I'm
afraid that the inspiration would not come and I
found myself browsing through 'The Sentinel'. It
was then that I came across Kristin's obituary.
I was both moved and inspired by the story of your
beautiful and courageous daughter.
I fact, through looking at her website, I was inspired
to write the attached sermon for that Sunday. I
had hoped to seek your permission to include a reference
to Kristin before I preached, but I was encountering
all sorts of difficulties with E-Mail at the time
and was unable to contact you. I went ahead with
the sermon and I have to say that people were really
interested in Kristin's story and asked all sorts
of questions about her afterwards.
I recently came across mycopy of the newspaper again
and keenly looked up Kristin's website - I was so
pleased to see that it is still 'active'.
I attach my sermon for you - it's not the greatest
thing ever written, but I thought that you would
like to know that, even in death, Kristin has continued
to inspire and encourage by her gutsy approach to
living life (to the full).
I hope that my use of your daughter's story will
not offend you in any way. Thank you for continuing
the website and for allowing me to have an insight
into the extraordinary life of a brave and talented
young woman. I was left with the huge impression
of just how much love had been given to Kristin
throughout her life. She would not have been half
the person she was without the love and support
that you both gave to her - of that I have no doubt.
Her story was redolent with overflowing and limitless
love - what a gift!
Thanks be to God that you were Kristin's parents
and that she had so many friends and colleagues
whose lives were touched by her.
I do so hope that you continue to be blessed by
her memory, even though it must be terribly painful
for you at times.
Thank you again
My very best wishes to you both
Yours in Christ
Chris Hawkins
Click here to read
the beautiful sermon inspired by Kristin
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