John William Goddard went to be with angels yesterday morning at 6:17. With family and friends in the room, John took his final breaths with complete love surrounding him. The viewing and funeral will take place on Monday evening, at Conkle Funeral Home in Avon, Indiana. The viewing is scheduled for the public from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the funeral service immediately following. John asked in lieu of flowers, donations be deposited to the “Team Goddard Memorial Fund” at any Fifth Third Bank. Thank you for your continued support and love. Our families are broken and miss him terribly…I cannot find words right now…so for now, I will take a break. Thank you for understanding.
My heart is breaking for you and your family. I pray that God will comfort you. I cannot imagine what you are going through.
ReplyDeletecat, i'm so very sorry for your loss. we've never met, but like so many others you have inspired me to be a better person through your words and your love of your husband. may you and your family find peace in this heartbreaking time.
ReplyDeleteCat, I can't even tell you how this news hit me...I spent all last night reading your blog from the past few months...I just want to tell you that YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN. I just can't even begin to tell you that you are an inspiration to all married people....till death to us part. John was so lucky to have you in his life.
ReplyDeleteJohn was a good friend of mine in HS...He was a wonderful guy who def. left an inprint on my heart. He was one of the nicest guys I've ever met. Always had a smile on his face. I'm just so happy that he had a wonderful wife to stand by him through his hard sprint to the finish line. He is at peace and is pain-free now...you will always have a gaurdian angel surrounding you...I'm sure of it.
My prayers will be with you and yours and John's families that you can stay strong and LIVE life to its fullest...because I know John would want that. Stay strong.
God Bless...
Katie (Ludlow) Ball
Cat,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for you loss. What an amazing woman you are and may God lift you and your families up during this difficult time. John is back to healthy and watching over you. I can't imagine what you are going through but I am sending my strength, love and prayers your way during this time.
From a stranger in Saint Louis,
Katie Berger
Cat, my heart is broke I have cried so much,I know your are all to pieces right but peace will come in time so you let go of John in your own time that is what he wants. I love you so much. You will make it throught this God is by your side.
ReplyDeleteCat,
ReplyDeleteThough I never met you or your ANGEL...I feel as if I know you....I have followed your bblog since March...right now I know you are hearing a million I'm sorry's but that is all I know to say...I am so very sorry for your loss,I too think you are an AMAZING womaan with STRENGTH beyond words. God be with you during this diffficult time,and in all the days that follow...You have a Guardian Angel who will watch over,and care for you..the rest of your life til you meet again at the gates of Hevan..know that eventhough I don't know you personally..I join you in Grief praying for your family,and John's daily..and I promise to continue as long as I live
Cat as the rest have said... My heart is broken for yours and Johns Family! I pray God watches you closely as you continue the rough journey of life!
ReplyDeleteCat- I'm sorry. I know everyone says that and it seems so insignificant. There aren't words to describe how much I'm hurting for you right now. I don't know what else to say other than I am truly sorry.
ReplyDeleteCat, I am praying for continued strength and a peace that passes all understanding.
ReplyDeleteCat-
ReplyDeleteI've been following John for a few months on facebook and here and my heart breaks for you. I am another childhood friend on John's and it is beyond my comprehension that we have lost someone so young and strong. Thank you for sharing during your journey and I pray that other's thoughts have helped to encourage you and remind you what an amazing woman you are. My prayers continue to be with you and the Goddard family.
God Bless,
Laurene (Ammend) Weber
Cat, I am praying for comfort and peace for you right now. I can't begin to imagine the grief and pain you are going thru. Once again, I'd like to thank you for sharing your journey publicly for the world to follow. I know this was not the ending you were expecting the day you said your wedding vows. I pray for strength for you and the rest of your family and friends.
ReplyDeleteDear Cat,
ReplyDeleteWords cannot express the overwhelming sorrow over our dear friend Cowboy. Cat, thank you very much for allowing us to take this journey with you, thank you for teaching us to honor our wedding vows, thank you for teaching us to never give up on each other, thank you for teaching us to choose to use beautiful, gracious words in our utterances, thank you for teaching us to face our fears and not run away, thank you for reminding us to never take anything for granted and to be thankful for each breath, thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, thank you for reminding us to take one day at a time and that each day is a gift, thank you for teaching us to be thankful for what we have and for reminding us what is really important. We celebrate John’s life and the wonderful memories we have of him and we look forward to the marvelous hope that we will see him again one day. Please know that we will always be there for you and we will not cease to lift you up in prayer. We just know in our heart of hearts that something wonderful lies ahead. We sincerely hope that we can get together when you get back to Florida. We love you.
George and Liz Baroody
cat - i went to high school with john and have been following your blog for a while now. i am so incredibly sorry. i've been praying for you guys for so long and will continue to pray that you find some comfort during this time. i am so heartbroken for you. he was such a good guy!
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing such a personal time in your lives with everyone. this blog was so beautifully written. i hope you continue to write!
lots of love,
nicole green
I just want to give you a hug for a very very long time. No words can tell you how sorry I am for your loss of John, Cat. What a gift you were given with the moments you both shared, the experiences that you went through together, and the love you were able to create, both so lucky to have each other. Please know that I will be thinking of you tomorrow as you lay John to rest, and will continuously send you love and hugs from here on out. We are all here for you Cat. Take your time, one day, one step at a time.
ReplyDeleteHugs and All My Love,
Angie Frobes
Cat,
ReplyDeleteWords cannot express how sorry I am to read this post. I can only imagine the feelings that you must be feeling right now. Just know that you and your family are in my heart and my prayers.
Jenn
i love you cat. this really sucks. i can't wait to give you a hug.
ReplyDeleteI don't know you, but read everyday and pray as much as possible. This post hit me like a ton of bricks and I am weeping ... I pray the Lord will wrap you up and hold you close. So much love coming to you from here in the Colorado Rockies.
ReplyDeleteCat,
ReplyDeleteI have written on a previous post, and wanted to let you know that I've been praying for you and your family during this time. I don't know you, but knew John in HS, and he was so lucky to have you by his side. God has a plan for everyone, and there is a reason that he put you in John's life. God placed you with John because you are so unbelievably strong, and He knew that John would need you to help him through his hard times. God still has a plan for you - a great one, and you were able to help John fulfill his life with a loving partner. It is so sad that he passed so young, but because of you and your strength, he had a full life, full of love. My heart breaks for you as well as John's parents, and I hope that your great, fun memories of John may surpass the painful ones and know that he has no more pain and is free from this physical body. John was blessed to have you by his side, as we have all been blessed with your writing abilities on this blog. In reading this, I now have a deeper care and concern for families that are dealing with cancer, and I hope that you continue to write - maybe create a book from your blogs to share to other families about your joys, despairs, struggles and in the end, freedom, from cancer. Many prayers and love to you and the rest of the family, and you will remain in our thoughts.
Erin "Jackson" Curry
Hi Cat,
ReplyDeleteLike others who posted before me, I've never met you, but I was a childhood and high school friend of John's. I'm deeply saddened to hear of his passing, but I know he's strong and healthy now and watching over you. I've been following your blog for a while now, and I'm amazed and inspired by your strength and openness. I can't imagine what you are going through, but my heart is with you and John's family.
Kara Duwe
Cat-
ReplyDeleteLike so many, I've never met you but came across your blog through a friend in Florida. I've been inspired by your faith through this unimaginable journey. I've been praying for you & John all along but will continue to keep you & your families in my prayers. May God be your comfort through this.
Heidi
Cat-
ReplyDeleteI do not know you, but have been following your blog for months. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, and wish you nothing but stregnth, love, and hope in your future journey. You are an amazing wife & woman, I can only strive to have the courage that you do. You held yourself strong and steady when needed too, but also knew breaking down was just a part of that journey you were on together. I know John will watch over you and keep you safe- you two seem to share a love like no other, something very special and sacred, and for that I know you will forever be grateful. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you & your family during this diffucult time in your life.
Dear Cat,
ReplyDeleteAs a Rasmussen employee, I was introduced to your blog and have been following it with care, concern, and prayers. My prayers now are for comfort for you and John's family. May God cradle you in his arms.
Dear Cat,
ReplyDeleteI have been following your journey for several months now and I can't explain how much of an inspiration you are to me. I know right now this is hard, but please remember that God is there for you always. I will continue to pray that god gives you and his family peace and strength during this time. God Bless!
Dear Cat,
ReplyDeleteIve spent hours trying to think of words to express how much your story has touched me, and how many others & myself are praying for you and your family. Im so sorry for your loss, I cant express how much heart is aching for you right now. I have never met you, but found out about your blog thru a friend on Facebook. John seemed like such an amazing person, and he was blessed to have you in his life. God has a plan for all of us, and its hard during these times to not want to question "Why, or What's the big plan?" But Beyond all of the questions, you have to know that John is no longer in pain & he will always be with you (in your heart, your words, & as your guardian angel). Please keep writing, your words have taught us all so much... Thank you so much for allowing us all to travel along your journey with you. Know that my prayers will not stop, and that I will be thinking of you/John/your familiies during all of this. Praying for god to give you & your families strength, and sending much love from Indy.
Jenny Moore
I have been a newlywed for about 7 months now. Recently, I noticed I was becoming more and more of a nag. Your blog, your story, has reminded me of why I got married. On days that I felt low, I would read your blog and count my blessings. I am so so incredibly sorry for your loss and can't even begin to imagine...but I hope that you relish the time you two had together and I know I will hold onto my husband a little tighter tonight and count my blessings once more...
ReplyDeleteCat,
ReplyDeleteI do not know you. I just stumbled upon your blog a few weeks ago. I have read every post and have been checking it daily. I have fervently been praying for you and John this past couple of weeks. I have been waking in the middle of the night several times and would pray for you both, and I have prayed for you throughout the day every time I thought of you. I will continue to pray fervently for you, Cat. May the Lord Jesus Christ keep you in the palm of His hand, and may you look to Him for all that you need. I put a link to a 9 minute video at the bottom of this post. I hope you will watch it. It is my favorite video of all time.
With love in Christ,
Denise R. from Texas
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him
and He will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Isaiah 26:
3 You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
4 Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayers and petitions, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7
Colossians 1:
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4
I'm so sorry, Cat :( I would love to donate and will look for a Fifth Third Bank here in Atlanta tomorrow. My condolences go out to you and your family throughout this time of sorrow. I know John will be deeply missed.
ReplyDeleteWith love,
Justin
Cat,
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blog for a few months now, we don't know each other, but I just wanted to thank you for sharing your beautiful stories of life, love, sorrow, and laughter. You and your amazing husband have inspired so many lives, including my own.
I can't imagine what you're going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family throughout this difficult time. You're a strong and amazing woman. There's no doubt in my mind, God and your Angel John will lead you through this journey of healing through strength, and most of all, love. God Bless you Cat.
With Love,
Jackie, from New Mexico..
Cat... I haven't spoken to you in months... but for some reason I thought of you today. I decidedd to check out the blog and was so saddened to read about your loss.
ReplyDeleteMay God comfort you in your times of sorrow and as you look to the sky... know that there is a special angel looking down on you.
Take care my friend...
Chrystle Cousins -- Pennsylvania
Cat - My heart simply pours out to you and hope that God is wrapping you and your families in his arms of strength and providing you with some comfort and peace. I myself just lost my husband, 39, to a more than 1 year battle with pancreatic cancer on November 7. I came across your blog via a link on a facebook page. Your accounts of these difficult months is inspirational to me and shows just how strong you are and how strong of a love you and John shared. My god continue to carry you through the difficult days ahead. Cheryl, Orlando
ReplyDeleteCat,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking and tears roll down my face for the loss that you and your and John's family are suffering right now. You must know that your journey has touched so many, and because of reading today's post, I have already made sure to tell my nearest and dearest this morning how much I love them. John made a difference in this world - in real life and through this blog, you and he have made an imprint on all who have read, all who have witnessed your strength. My prayers are with you and yours...I hope you are able to take a quiet moment today to close your eyes and feel his presence with you. He isn't gone, Cat...he'll still be with you all of the time.
With so much love,
Lacey, from NYC
Cat,
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for you. I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. May the Lord rest Johns' soul in eternal peace.
Beryl
I am so, so sorry for your incredible loss. There are really no words. Your pain must be indescribable.
ReplyDeleteYour courage and strength are remarkable. I wish you healing and comfort in the days ahead. Now you truly have an angel you know. RIP.
Cat,
ReplyDeleteI have only met you in passing and have been following your blog for months. I, like so many, have been sharing your joys and sorrows and I am crying with you today.
I have also lost a loved one to cancer and even as you take those final steps together, there is nothing that can prepare you for that loss.
I pray that everyone takes a moment to donate to the "Team Goddard" fund. If this is one little thing I can do to help ease a burden for you I will happily do it.
You remain in my thoughts and prayers as you take these next steps in your journey.
I am so sorry for your lost. You were the reason I went to back to school and enrolled in Rasmussen. I have been following your blog, but had not looked at it for a while, then today I saw it was your birhtday and decided I needed to check on the blog.
ReplyDeleteI could not beleive it when I looked at the blog. I am so sorry for your loss and I know there are no words that will take the pain away. Just remember that there are a lot of people out there praying for you and you will get through this. It does not seem like it now but keep your faith in God and you will be ok.
All of my prayers to you and your family.
From
Tracey - Rasmussen Online student.
Cat,
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and all the trials you and John had. John i'm sure knew, how very lucky he was to have found the perfect woman for him. You were his strength and inspiration as he was the same to you. I hope when you get your strength back, you continue to write your thoughts. Good therapy for you, and for us, we would all love to know how your doing. Prayers to you and your families. God speed your recovery.
I will also make a donation at my fifth third bank.
Friend of Dustin Martins
I just found your blog today and I read it all the way through. I've already recommended it to some friends. Thank you for sharing your journey. I had to walk away several times because it was so moving. My heart goes out to you, your family and your friends. I hope to learn from your posts to not take people for granted and to enjoy every moment of every day. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCat-
ReplyDeleteThinking of you constantly! You are truly amazing and what courage it takes to write what you feel and share it with the world. John is smiling down on you right now and what a blessing to have experienced the LOVE you have for each other. You have taught me how to be a better wife and I thank you for letting us follow you on this difficult journey. You are an inspiration to us all!
Christen in Houston, Texas
Cat,
ReplyDeleteI met John in middle school, and like everyone has already said, he was a wonderful person. He always had a smile on his face, and he was such a nice guy. I've been reading the blog since I found out that John was sick, and I just want to tell you that you have inspired many couples to stay strong, to work through their problems, and to keep their love growing! You are a wonderful person, and John will be your angel for life. I am deeply sorry for your loss. God bless.
Jennifer (Gonzalez) Perez
I'm sorry. May God grant you the strength to get through this terrible ordeal.
ReplyDeleteWe have never met. I was directed to your blog through a friend of mine that was involved in John's hospice care. You are truly an amazing woman! Thank you for sharing your story. May God bless you and comfort you.
ReplyDeleteCat,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad John met you, and was able to have such perfect love in his life. Your words have touched me and so many others with their depth and honesty. You have reminded me to embrace the small things, and I pray that God will wrap you up in his own embrace and that you will visualize John as he is now; whole, strong, beautiful and pain free. You don't know me...I worked with him for a short while, but I have been praying for you and John and I also pray for both of your families, and I will continue to do so that you can feel His strength. God Bless you. Karen Serrano, Orlando, Fl