A Valentine's Day Gift

 My granddaughter Emily came over tonight and shared with me a song she wrote the day after Mark passed. She told me she wrote the lyrics in 20 minutes--the words just came. When she sang the song, it felt like Mark was saying these words to me.

I Love You

I love you, through the heavens, through the veil, and through the sky

And my love for you will never, ever die,

So don’t you cry,

My love will still be near,

My heartbeat’s gone, my love’s still beating here.

Scrolling through the memories, photographs, and videos,

Oh, my love, could never falter,

Oh, my love, it only grows 

In every moment spent together,

And each moment we’re apart,

I will be with you forever,

One family and one heart.

I love you, through the heavens, through the veil, and through the sky

And my love for you will never, ever die,

So don’t you cry,

My love will still be near,

My heartbeat’s gone, my love’s still beating here.

And you may never know all that you mean to me,

And you may never have all the same memories,

But every photograph can come and take us back,

To how it used to be.

Ziplining through the back,

And I would catch you,

We blessed each other’s lives,

The moment I met you,

And you may not know,

My hopes and dreams as I watched you grow,

We were always a team,

And I will always be there

And I will always

Love you, through the heavens, through the veil, and through the sky

And my love for you will never, ever die,

So don’t you cry,

My love can never end,

My heartbeat’s gone, but I’ll see you again.

Celebrating Mark's Life

These past several years have been an emotional journey. There have been many miracles and many struggles. These last few weeks have been especially difficult watching Mark suffer, but now we know he's at peace. On Wednesday, February 9th, after his decade-long battle with cancer, Mark passed away.

Mark was the love of my life, my eternal companion and best friend. It has been difficult, but I am so grateful for the knowledge that we will be together again. I imagine he’s busy reconnecting with those who have gone before and surrounded by those who loved him very much. 

To honor Mark’s life and memory, a public viewing will be held from 6:30 - 8:00 pm on Friday, February 18th. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday the 19th. The viewing and funeral will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (14903 Westlake Dr, Lake Oswego, OR 97035 ). All are welcome to attend. There will also be a broadcast link available for those who would like to watch virtually:

 http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/lakeoswegooregonstake

A Remembering Mark webpage has also been created at precoa.com/mark. We would appreciate it if you would share your memories of Mark through this page.

We appreciate ALL of the love and support we have received over the last 10+ years. You all have been amazing, and I couldn’t be more grateful to call you my friends. 

Ane 

Gratitude for Home Health

 With all of the trips to the Emergency Department for infections, we decided to tap into a home health service, and they have been outstanding! Several days after the round of antibiotics was complete, Mark started having chills and was running a fever. We called the nurse, and the next day, Mark was back on antibiotics. So far, he's had no more fever or chills. However, he is weak, sleeps a fair amount, deals with nausea off and on, and has difficulty finding anything that tastes good. Fortunately, he only has occasional pain in his abdomen. There's still no indication of growing tumors, but his liver has been adversely affected.

Without home health, Mark would be back in the hospital, so we are most grateful for the help we are receiving so we can enjoy the comforts of home!  

Enjoying the View

Mark had been home for several days and is thoroughly enjoying his comfy bed, his big chair, and the view of our beautiful backyard. (He does not miss being poked with needles, being awakened multiple times during the night, trying to find a comfortable position on a lumpy mattress and the hospital food. Actually, he quit ordering it--just the smell would initiate his gage reflex.)  Although it is still January, it feels like early spring--likely a teaser, but it has been rejuvenating. 

Our children gathered to welcome him home. We shared tender moments and, of course, ended with lots of laughter as they related some of their past antics and adventures. We learn something new every time, although some we’ve probably just forgotten!

Mark is taking antibiotics to control the infection and C-Diff. Nausea meds are used as needed. He is currently weak and takes lots of naps, but fortunately, he has minimal pain, and his mind is clear. For that, we are most grateful! As far as we can tell from CT scans, the tumors are stable. 

For Mark’s 70th birthday, I gathered notes, cards, and special messages that he has received over the past few years. The plan was to create a notebook that he could peruse. Well, it ended up being three notebooks. One is from work associates from Precoa, including the office staff, field management, the sales team, and funeral home partners. Another book is from friends, including messages from members of our church congregation. Last September, he was released as a counselor in the Lake Oswego Stake Presidency after twelve years of service. He was loved and revered. The third is a family book, including artwork, poems, precious notes from our grandchildren, and sweet messages from our children and their spouses. He loves sitting in his high-back recliner, reading these tender tributes to him. They bring back cherished memories and remind him how much he is loved.    

It’s delightful having him home and caring for him. He is always so kind and appreciative. We’re not sure what the future holds, but we are finding joy in each day we have together.