A Tribute . . .

. . . in memory of Amber Payne

Amber was my project manager for the publication of my devotional book. All aspects of the publication process flowed through her as she was my point person and also a prayer partner as she wanted to pray for all my needs and shared some of hers with me. 

She was 30 years old when we met ‘online’ for this journey, November, 2015.

At age 19 she was the recipient of a double lung transplant - a need as she was born with cystic fibrosis. 

She and her husband, John have been married 10 (2009) years, desired children, had one miscarriage, opted for adoption, one adoption failed.

In January of 2016, 2 months after we began working (online) together, John and Amber got the child of their dreams , Noah - just days after his birth. She, understandably, took an 8 week maternity leave. I kept working on the project until she returned to our email exchanges.

Amber was my ‘life saver’ more than once as the publishing process bogged down. Finally, all was completed early December 2016. We were both so excited. I am grateful to still have all our email exchanges.

Just as I was moving into my book launch event February, 2017, word came that Amber had been rushed to the hospital and test showed her lungs were in rejection mode. 

One main part of my book launch event was having all present pray for Amber. 

She fought so hard for her husband and son with all the faith and love and support of so many, always honoring Jesus in what was a constant treatment regime. 

Meanwhile, keeping up her home and the growth of one hefty and overactive Noah (so many of her Facebook posts were about she and John’s journey with Noah). She did not neglect the honesty of how each breath was a blessing and she knew she was living on the edge but always so positive. Treatments of many varieties were constant. 

Little Noah began his first day of pre-school, September 4, 2019, Amber could not go with him as she was being rushed to the hospital in dire straits. Among her last postings was thankfulness for the pre-school teachers who emailed her photos of her son in his first days of school.

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A posting on Facebook from her husband, John, September 9, 2019

Amber had a rough day yesterday in ICU with low blood pressure and difficulty breathing due to a bacterial infection in her lungs. Yesterday afternoon she started to improve after about 2pm or so and has been doing better with blood pressure and breathing. Right now she just needs to sleep, which has been mostly absent the past several days with drugs, breathing mask, and all the sights, sounds, and activities in the ICU. Noah is with friends for the next couple days so he can continue preschool. Thank you for all of you who have messaged prayers, support, etc. Please know we appreciate it. It has been difficult to respond to everyone individually so I figured an update post might help.

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Amber died on September 10, 2019 taking her last labored earthly breath and her first full breath in heaven with the One she served first and foremost. 

We are left to grieve but also maintain gratefulness for the inspiration she was to many in her brief 33 years.

She is deeply embedded in my heart as well as in each page of my devotional book. 

Please keep her husband, John and son, Noah, and extended family and friends in your prayers.

More about Amber - click here to read a lovely obituary

Official Adoption Day