Dear Friend and Family,
I never dreamed after I wrote the update Sunday that just five days later would be Mark’s final day on earth. He went to be with the Lord this morning without pain and I’m thrilled that he has total peace, no pain, no cancer and no worries. It is of the greatest comfort to me to know that even now, just hours later, if given the choice the come back to earth with us he wouldn’t want to. Heaven is a glorious place and I look forward to the day I join him and experience it.
On Monday the nurse came and we both felt that Mark was just totally worn out from the trip. He was very tired and really just wanted to sleep most of the time. He was still eating and enjoying food and was communicating with us – he was a little confused but nothing to be overly concerned about.
Tuesday was about the same – maybe a little more confused but still listening to me read his texts, telling me what to write back and having pretty much a normal day. The morphine was completely taking care of the pain and while he was tired I still didn’t think we were nearing the end so quickly.
Wednesday is when I noticed he was really weak – when the nurse came he had a hard time even standing up and I would have to help him roll from one side to the other. That afternoon he seemed a little more confused and I started asking him questions and he did pretty good at answering but then he seemed to regain a little clarity and asked to talk to each of the kids. They each had a good conversation with him. Afterwards he took a nap and after he got up I felt like he may be nearing the end. I called his parents and told them they may want to head up this way. I felt like we didn’t have a lot more time for quality time with him. About 9:00 that night Nathan was with him and he said he wanted us all to join him. So all 3 kids plus Caitlin, Cameron’s wife joined him for what we will always treasure. We wish that Kristen and Dennis had been there also but when we got there he wanted to talk to us about him leaving us and that he would miss us. He had things to say to us and we all had lots to say to him. Lots of tears, laughter and a gift of time with Mark from God that all of us will always treasure.
Afterwards he went to sleep and didn’t wake up until Thursday afternoon at 3:00. He slept soundly and you could tell he was at peace. When he woke up he didn’t have the ability to talk to us – it was sad but made us treasure last night’s talk even more. We knew he wanted to see his parents and brothers once more and thankfully they were able to make it Thursday night and say their good-byes.
I was able to snuggle with him all night long and we were able to have our good-byes also. I’m so thankful for that time and that I was right beside him when he breathed his last breath. I know he is in heaven now and like Nathan said, probably paying a pick up game of basketball! He has really missed being able to play.
We are all at peace with God and know that he took Mark home after Mark fulfilled his purpose here on earth.
I couldn’t be prouder of my husband – he impacted more people in the past five years than most people do in a lifetime. He took his cancer and used it as a platform to show people God’s ways and power.
I know I have major changes coming my way and have to learn a whole new way of life. I’m so thankful I have my children living close by and so much support. Most importantly I have my heavenly father who will take care of me and hold me when I’m lonely.
I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am for all the love and support these past five years – we’ve been overwhelmed by so many friends who have loved us and supported us in so many ways!!
Arrangements are as follows:
Friday, March 28 from 5:00 – 8:00 the family will visit with friends at Wildwood Baptist Church 4801 Wade Green Road.
Saturday, March 29 at 11:00 we will have a memorial celebration service of Mark’s life at Wildwood with the graveside service to follow- if you can join us please wear bright spring colors! (That’s what Mark would want!)
With Gratitude and Thankfulness,
Lee
Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life: In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Philippians 3:20-21
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
II Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
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