The Eternal Embrace
Let me first thank each of you for your prayers over the past 16 months. It has been truly joyful to feel the presence of your support and encouragement that came into our lives, and into Jim's.

Wednesday night we received word that Jim's days were numbered, and may even be only hours. After hanging on for another 2 days, and his continued fight throughout the day on Friday, Heather and I made the decision to come to Norman and be by his side. Spending those 4 or 5 hours by his side were terribly difficult, but yet, a blessing that we could see him one last time. As we did, through his exhaustion, Jim gave each of his girls their own individual "love you honey."

We went to bed last night knowing that it was unlikely he would make it to morning. So through our tears we prayed over Jim and let him know how proud we were of his fight and that he could enter the Kingdom with his head held high, being a fighter until the end.

About 1:15AM we were made aware that Jim was taking his last breaths. As he did, Karen, Holly and Heather stood by his side, held his hands, and wrapped him in an abundance of love as he slipped away from our world. He was surrounded by his family, just as he wanted. To see this family chant him on to fight this cancer for many months and then watching them say goodbye, that it was okay to let go, and to take his seat in eternity, was an amazing sight. The trumpets were playing as Jim entered the Kingdom of Heaven at 1:25AM. And from that moment forward we believe that Jim is wrapped in the arms of God, and will live peacefully in this eternal embrace.

Although this clearly was not how Heather and I would have foreseen this being how we spend the days prior to our baby girl's birth; God did provide us with a peace last night. A peace that Jim was no longer in any pain. A peace the Jim now has a front row seat to the delivery. A peace that now our family can focus on the joy of new life; the life of Ellison Kate and the new eternal life of Jim Hill. Knowing that one of the greatest desires of Jim's heart was to meet his granddaughter, we firmly believe, although no longer with us now, Jim is the first to hold his grand baby, and that until her arrival here on earth she is sitting in his lap listening to her grandpa's stories.

Funeral plans are set for Monday morning, here in Norman, at McFarlin United Methodist Church beginning at 11:00 am. A lunch will follow for family members and out of town guests. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions be made on behalf of Jim to the American Cancer Society or Second Chance Animal Sanctuary of Norman (http://www.secondchancenorman.info/default/Default.aspx?tabid=36)

Thanks again for taking this journey with us. Although it is the end of one journey, it is only the beginning of another, and we look forward to sharing that road with you as well!

Rob and Heather Sher