Freedom — at Last

It started with a sky dive. Kristina Vinberg — fearless, full of fire, and determined to conquer whatever came her way — leapt from a plane for her 26th birthday. Giddy. Grinning. Free.

That video said everything about her: she faced fear, clung to her tandem partner’s strength, and flew through the air with joy. That was Kristina’s life. Even when the winds raged — pain, loss, illness, cancer — she trusted the One who held her safely in tandem.

I first met Kristina over a decade ago in Seattle. My son Ryan and bonus daughter Shawntel had moved there, and Kristina became their boys’ beloved nanny. But she was far more than a caregiver. She was a big sister to our grandsons, a trusted friend to our family, and a woman of unshakable faith. When she wasn’t available to watch the boys, I got the call — “Nana, can you come?” And I did.

Our family adored her. She had a way of commanding both love and respect, and her life spoke volumes about perseverance and purpose. Through accidents, grief, and diagnoses — Kristina stood tall. And when she met her husband Steve, and they welcomed a beautiful daughter, her joy only deepened.

Two days ago — on Steve’s birthday — Kristina’s assignment here ended, and her homecoming in heaven began.

But oh, what a finish line to cross.

Her little girl who calls Ryan “Pops” and Shawntel “Tawn Tawn” now has a heavenly mother cheering her on from streets of gold.

To those grieving — whether from floodwaters, illness, or quiet, private losses — may Kristina’s story breathe hope into your soul. Because death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:55). And freedom? It’s not just skydiving over the landscape. It’s flying into the arms of Jesus.

Psalm 118:5 says, “In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free.” Kristina is free. And one day, we will be too.

So today, let’s declare it:
No more fear.
No more pain.
FREEDOM — in this life and the next — because our God holds us in tandem.