Remembering
Sunday was the memorial service for Mark. I was sitting in the front of the church and dare not look behind me, so I did not see how many people were there but on Sunday night our pastor told me it was a packed house. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. I knew he was a special guy, but did not realize how many people knew it too.
Pastor Dave did a wonderful job. He set the theme for the service (and THIS BLOG was mentioned) by telling some of our favorite stories. My wonderful brother-in-law, Mark (Debra's husband), spoke about knowing Mark for thirty years and their son, Stephen, offered a prayer.
Afterwards, I greeted people for what seemed like hours. Old friends who traveled for hours, customers who drove over 100 miles to meet us...
People gave us cards and flowers, sent food and even a box filled with comments from friends but the gift that sticks out in my mind today is this...
When Tony played high school inline hockey, we had a few (ahem) aggressive players who racked up many MANY penalties. The parents bought this hat. If your child was in the penalty box, you had to wear the hat. It was supposed to encourage you to talk to your kids about sportsman like conduct. Josh, one of our friends who lost his own father way too soon a few years ago, brought this hat as well as a smile to our faces...
Don't wanna talk about how many times Mark wore this hat.
Note: For a few days, I thought about this blog, about how it represented our family, our life with Mark at the head of our table and I thought of closing it. After the pastor mentioned it on Sunday and many people commented on it at the memorial service, I reconsidered it. We are still very much a family and Mark is still very much a part of us, if only in our hearts. I am an older, wiser and sadder Jan, but I still have the joy of knowing the Lord and claiming his promise that we will meet again one day.
If you will come to read, I will come to write. If it is in your heart to pray for us, we'd appreciate it. We will pray for you.
Love to all,
Jan
3 comments:
How wonderful for you to have the love and support from family and friends at this time. It sounds like they hold you and your husband in high regard.
I will continue to read your blog. I love your positive attitude, about still being a family, and knowing you will be with your sweet husband again one day. Families are forever!
You will still be in my thoughts and prayers, and I will pray for you to be comforted.
Take care of you .
Oh Jan, I am soooo sorry for your loss. He was a good man and what a blessing he has been in all of your lives. It's neat that you guys have so many really good memories of him. Yes, keep your blog open, even if you don't write as much, it will be good for you to randomly go over the past months and years and read posts about your life. I pray that the Lord will comfort you and give you a peace that surpasses understanding. sending love, hugs and prayers.....
Sharon
jan i am so very sorry for your loss. i have come to read on many occasions in the past and happened to stop by again for some reason and was shocked to hear your news. i am happy for you that you have such family support and i wish you a gentle journey through your grief.blogging helps it is theraputic and i'm not juts saying that because i want to read either. love and hugs.
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