In the last few days, we have received scores of emails, text messages, cards and letters from colleagues, former choristers, friends and family from all over the country as my husband, Carl Crosier, enters hospice care. We would like to express our thanks that we travel not alone — but with the prayers, love and support from so many people. Sharing all the FaceBook comments and emails with Carl has truly been a gift to us, and at this time I would like to share some of these messages with you. For I feel that these messages don’t just belong to us — they belong to all of you who have shared our journey.

So permit me to say (now that I’ve read through your recent blogposts) how much I treasure all the inspiration you and Carl have given me over the years in discovering “real” music at Compline and the Main Choir, including a number of Abendmusiken events.  Without this I cannot imagine not too long ago even knowing what the “Bachfest” in Leipzig is, let alone the prospect of being there as we just were.  All thanks to Carl’s inspiration. (P.S.)

The impact you both have had on people individually, and on the music scene in Honolulu, is really not quantifiable.  It is simply huge.  I can’t think of another two people who have contributed so much, and achieved so much, over the past 40 years in our little town.  Always asking for excellence, the best we could do, without apology, you made us all better musicians, and better people.  My tributes were the booklets of the Advent and Good Friday Processions.  Those services, the challenges and enjoyment of preparing for them, will remain with me for the rest of my life.  Thank you again for the opportunity to make that contribution of our community.  (C.L.)

Saw your posting on the walking-on-water miracle and I’m sending you and Carl my aloha pumehana.  I do wish for strength for you both and am keeping you in my prayers.
 The two of you have a marvelous capacity for creating miraculous beauty and I treasure the times when I was a beneficiary of those beautiful occasions.  Many, many thanks.  And please tell Carl I’m rootin’ for him as he fights the cancer (T.G.)

Carl’s peaceful presence and magnificent voice will be sorely missed. John McCreary and the angel choirs are preparing for a wonderful addition. Much love. (B.S.)

Prayers and love to both of you. It takes a great deal of courage and wisdom to recognize that this is the best step to take. Living life to its fullest requires a truthful view of one’s situation. I deeply wish things were different but you have chosen to live life well at this time of your life. I can only admire and love you both. May Life and Love surround and touch you both, most especially from those that know and appreciate your unique and divine gifts given to us all… (R.S.)

Carl and Kathy, my thoughts and prayers are with you every day. Your courage and strength throughout this difficult time have been inspirational. I have so many wonderful memories of concerts over the past 30+ years, and Carl we miss you in the choir at St. Andrew’s! (G.M.)

What a wonderful and adventure-packed life you two have shared — and occasionally apart, as when Carl joined us all at the Advent and got to participate in the Venezuelan trip! Remind him of this line, shortly after we arrived at the Maquetia airport and were crammed together on the jitney bus: Tom Barrett, sitting next to Edith says, “Hey Edith’s getting fresh, she’s touching my leg.” Doug Fox replies, “You don’t worry about Edith. She’s a vegetarian.” Carl deserves to get a few good laughs in. (C. R.)

Although our time together was far too short (6 years), the bond between us was held together by the strong glue of our common birthdays and the unity of purpose in glorifying God through our respective roles and responsibilities at LCH. Both of you made my time there as the highlight of my ministry. Thank you for the example of your faith as both of you continue to sing in the circumstances which challenge you at this time. Carl, you are an inspiration as you have met your cancer face-to-face, and even though the outcome looks grim, you have shown the countenance of courage and hope and the power of God’s love for your life. You, too, Kathy, have demonstrated your strong faith as you have stood beside Carl through this horrendous struggle. (D.B.)

Prayers and thoughts of aloha to both of you. Your shared passions have been an inspiration to me over that last 30 years. God’s blessings on both of you. (P.B.)

Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.