Cindy

My sister Cindy loved our family. Since each of us kids departed for college, we had not all lived in the same place. Greg left home first and headed to Tulsa to attend Oral Roberts University. Cindy headed south to Lakeland, FL to attend Southeastern College. A few years later, I also left for Tulsa and ORU. After graduation, both Greg and I remained in Tulsa. Cindy, on the other hand, lived all over; first in Louisiana, followed by Indiana, Ohio, Mississippi, Colorado and Florida. Dad and Mom relocated to Tulsa after Dad became ill.

Together again

Six years ago Cindy moved to Tulsa. Her two oldest kids, Dan and Rebekah, were out of the house and Rex, her youngest, was headed to Tulsa to attend ORU. Cindy was needing a fresh start so she moved in with Mom and became my neighbor. Cindy had no idea the challenges that were ahead, but she was glad to be near Rex and her extended family.

For the first time in our adult lives, all of the family was back in the same city.  And though we were together, things were different now. Dad had gone on to be with the Lord. Greg’s family had grown exponentially, with weddings and babies adding many new members to the family. My kids were at the end of their high school years and launching lives of their own. Rex was in the young adult years of graduating college and launching a career. Rebekah was in Hong Kong on missions and Dan was falling in love.  Life was full and there was much going on.

Gathering

Cindy loved being close to Rex, watching him prosper and excel, and she loved being with Mom and near the rest of the family. In fact, she couldn’t get enough and dreamed of gathering us all together on a more regular basis. She hoped we would gather routinely for a shared meal and to share our lives. Recently, her dream came true but not in the way she imagined.

You see Dan was diagnosed with ALS back in 2014 and passed less than a year later. During that time, Rebekah came home from Hong Kong to help care for Dan. Dan’s father, Brian moved to Bartlesville near the end to help with his care. Cindy made the trip to Bartlesville multiple times every week to spend time with Dan and to help care for him. The rest of the family made regular trips to be with Dan before he passed. I spent more time with Dan that year than any other time in my life.

A year later Cindy was diagnosed with the same illness. The family was overwhelmed and heart broken. Yet, once again, Rebekah, Brian, Rex, Mom and all the family joined together and cared for Cindy. We hired caretakers. We pitched in as we could with errands, meals, and visitations. The Berg family and Mom did the heavy lifting while the rest of the family was there for support and to provide what help we could.

Cindy left us to be with Jesus a few weeks ago. The family gathered together on the night of her passing. It was a somber and solemn night yet the peace of the Lord was in Mom’s house where we were gathered. We all were able to say our goodbyes and express our love and affection to Cindy. Though Cindy was tired and ready to go home, I know her heart was full as we were all together, just as she had hoped and dreamed.

Comments 24

  1. My heart is heavy for you Danny and the whole Kittinger family. Please know I continue to pray for Gods comfort to rest on you in this time of loss and the gift of eternal life would be more real and anticipated in you then ever before. I love you bro! Pete

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  2. Danny – I am glad you shared this about your sister. I didn’t realize she had ALS. My Dad died of ALS and until he was diagnosed I was not that familiar with ALS. My heart breaks for any one that has to deal with that disease. Thankful your family was close to love on Dan and Cindy.

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      Cindy,
      I am sorry to hear that your family was affected by ALS. It is a horrible disease. It was a blessing that we were able to love and care for Dan and Cindy during their illness. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. What a sweet and precious soul your Cindy is! She shared her list of students with us so Max and I could pray for them one by one. Such a big heart. I always enjoyed talking to her and being around her.

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  4. Danny, thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your family is remarkable, for your love of God and for each other. Love to you.

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  5. Precious sentiment and honor to a life well lived, Danny. I appreciate the background and history you shared.
    Nothing like family. God knew what He was doing in planting families on earth that would one day be together forever. At the end of the day, it’s about getting all of God’s family home together.
    I love your family,
    Barb McMurray

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  7. Danny, love and prayers! My mom passed a couple of years ago with ALS. It was difficult to
    watch my mom go through such a dreadful disease.Your family will remain in my prayers. Y’all are such a beautiful family.I know that Cindy and Dan are
    loving y’all from Heaven. The song ” Love You With My Life”
    Is Cindy’s song. She made an impact on so many of our lives.Love and prayers!

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  8. Knew you all at Trinity UM Church. Was in Sunday School with your Mom and Dad. Sad to hear what your family had to endure but God said he would be with us and I am sure he was.

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  9. Danny, I have many fond memories of Cindy. She was truly a light for Jesus and a steadfast follower of Christ! When I think of Cindy I think of words like strong, positive, determined, and faithful! She stayed the course no matter what she faced in this life. My heart is sad for her children but I know she is rejoicing with Jesus. She will be missed!

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      Lisa,
      Thanks for your kind words in remembrance of Cindy. Yes, she was a brave and faithful woman, filled with love for Jesus and for others. Her joy is full now and we are rejoicing for her, but missing her here. Give Bill my best!
      Danny

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  10. Danny, thank you for sharing the story of your sister and your family. I am your dad’s cousin and I met you once in Tulsa when Aunt Carmen took me to meet you and your brother while you were attending Oral Roberts. I was able to visit with Don and Lee Ann a few times in the last years before he died. I keep up with Lee Ann on Facebook. I was so shocked when I heard that Cindy had ALS. That is one horrible disease. I know it must have taken it’s toll on Lee Ann and the family. I hope Lee Ann will be alright. I didn’t know Cindy but I believe that Aunt Carmen gave me a record that Cindy and her husband made. (If I am correct about that, I listened to it a lot.) My husband and I lived in Stillwater for 26 years before he retired. He passed away in 2008 and I live in Jacksonville, Fl. now. I don’t get back to OK very often but when I do I will try to come by to visit Lee Ann. My condolences to you and the family.

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  11. I was so sad to hear of Cindy’s passing and the loss for your family! I have fond memories of us all being in Youth Choir and our many trips we took to sing at different churches, I will always cherish those memories. All though when a loved one passes we can rejoice in the Promise of God that we will see them again, find comfort in knowing that they are suffering no longer and completely healed. I just recently lost my oldest sister Leona and my heart knows your sadness. Prayers for you Danny, your Mom and all of your family especially Cindy’s children. Love in Christ, Melanie

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  12. Danny, I just read about Cindy. You were very young when we met so I am sure you do not remember me. However, I have wonderful memories of your family and Cindy. I was shocked and saddened to read about her passing. I know, as you do, that she is in a much better place now and she is healed and happy. Though she will be missed, she will be with you all forever in your hearts and memories. Keeping you all close in thought and prayer.

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