Presents From Angels
Mark has a puppy named Breezy and this stuffed dog looks just like her. Mark hasn't seen Breezy for 6 weeks!He collects elephants and this one is praying. I collect boxes and this one is gorgeous.This angel adorns my backyard and represents all of you. A greatly needed book of peace.
I wear this necklace every day
Gorgeous handmade cards from a blogget's kindergarten class students.
More handmade cards from one of the many schools that my hubby is in charge of.
The most tiny, beauty filled, detailed paintings on the backside of dominoes
The softest, coziest sock booties I have ever worn! AND I LOVE pink :)
A dream catcher that is most special, as its previous owner had owned it since childhood.
A hand painted card that I use for a coffee table books bookmark.This (Oh so special scrapbook) will hold all of my posts regarding Marks and our family's experience.
This wooden angels guides us in every was and will become a member of my special 'Angel' tree ornaments.
This angel matches the colors in my family room and has become a permanent fixture there.
Some of you may recognize this award winning quilted post card...now I get to decorate my studio with it :)
A collage made to represent the love that Mark and I share.
Rare collector's paintings from one of our 'younger' bloggets.
A book of Motherhood about the truths, trials and triumphs of this most precious role we will ever have.
I did not put names next to these gifts, I have kept that between you and me, but I can say this, there are more that I have not pictured here, blogger only allows you so many downloads. So, I will have to dedicate another post to the special treasures that have graced my home. Tomorrow I will show and tell you about a very special quilted blanket that came here also. It carries with it a significant story that I'm sure will touch your heart, as it did mine.
~*~Marks Progress Report: Today was a rough one, we take 3 steps forward and thank goodness, just one tiny step back...today, was a back step day....but it looked like just a few inches to me, not even enough to call it a step (;-) *wink* I can't tell you all enough that this entire situation has been such a blessing for all of us here at home and many of you in your own homes have expressed the same. Mark and I would love to hear more about that. He still can't believe that so many people care about him, as he is feeling quite small these days. I keep telling him what a giant hero he is and eventually, it will all sink in.
I love U all...Thank You
posted by Darlene at
12:54 AM
41 Comments:
"A man is known by the company his mind keeps."
-- Thomas Bailey Aldrich
Thank you for being open to the outpouring of the spirit, support, and friendship that you--and your family--have received as a result of your willingness to be open, raw, and honest.
It's been amazing to me to watch this miracle unfold. Oh, I know there are days when you wonder, but things are clearly improving...perhaps not as fast as you would like...but they are improving.
Mark's a lucky fella, to have such parents...and you, my dear, are very fortunate indeed to be able to engender and accept such support.
Your strength and Mark's strength are inspiring.
Thank you!
-- f
what a delicious collection of gifts. i'm so glad that your friend's warm hearts and creative spirits have been bringing colour and reassurance into your home.
it has been an honour to witness mark's courage and determination. his story (and that of your whole family) has made me reflect on my own life and the way i carry myself through whatever challenges i am confronted with.
the gathering together of good people to express their concern has been also been a moving experience, made possible by the generosity and openness of your lovely heart.
thank you. i look forward to hearing about mark's steps forward in the days to come.
take care,
amy
Special gifts from the heart. These are all so beautiful.
love to all of you
xo
WOW! - I can feel the love from here :-)
sending a bit more your way
love, bb x x x x x
I can just imagine how overwhelming this is for Mark.
Strangers and friends alike loving him caring and praying for him.
I am getting more excited daily with his progress and my heart breaks when his days are not so good.
He seems like Humble Hero but he has to know by all of this, he is a genuine strong survivor and I love him dearly just as I do his momma. Stay strong Brave Boy!!!!!
Oh babes... I was going to make you the scrapbook with your posts. Nevermind... I just need to think of something else just as special.
Which of course I will :-)
You know... I am so happy Mark continues to improve, asides from the set backs every now and again :-(
I love you D.
Bx
Believe, Mark, Darling Boy, believe. There are so, so many people out here that love you.
You are our hero and an inspiration. Darlene you absolutely are amazing!!! Be very kind to yourself with the current flare.
Still here praying for you, (and safe passage of foodstuffs !!)
PS Matthew said he has asked God to help Mark's tummy today.
Oh, what a beautiful post, Darlene. Such wonderful gifts, and such a wonderful new home for them all :)
You, Mark and the rest of your family are all heroes to me! :)
Love you so...
Go gently..
xXx
Three steps forward and one step back, still puts you two steps ahead. Your strength and courage..all of you..astounds me everyday..xx
Mark you are a HERO, just you mind that!
We are all rooting for you and we are here for you when you, to support you and your wonder*filled mother. We will continue burning healing candles, meditating and praying until we know that you are back 100%, and you will be.
Much love to you all,
Sheila
It's wonderful that Mark is home with you. No one can care for a child, no matter what age, like a mother can. And you are one of the best!
One of the first picture I saw of Mark weeks ago...I didn't say so then becuz of all the trauma, but.....he looks like John Travolta. Handsome dude!
Keep healing. I'm still praying and sending healing vibes.
We are each small, infinitesimally small, as well as enormous beyond our abilty to understand.
I believe that as part of All That Is, we, in all our smallness, are connected to a largeness, a grandeur that surpasses our understanding.
The courage and love we've seen exhibited by Mark and your family reminds us all of the very best in humankind and of our connections to one another.
The gifts you showed today are also reminders of that grandeur. Talents and love of the sort they display can only come from God.
Thank you for showing us these gifts. Thank you for showing us your journey. Thank you for being the conduit for this remarkable gathering of souls.
Blessings to you and yours, today and always.
Dear Mark,
I understand what it is like to feel small and helpless. I know that asking why seems to be so easy, and then the frustration mounts. Count the ways that your has changed and see all the good that has flowed your way. You have attracted goodness you and Darlene and of course your father and everyone else reached out. Reached out and found a community that many did not now existed. Why we are here is not important. Just that we are. And we will remain as long as you need us. Do not fear asking for our love and support, we are grateful that you are healing and can receive.
((((hugs)))
How beautiful and precious,all of these special gifts to a very special young man and his family.
Don't you worry Mark.about those few steps back. You are a true survivor and hero in my eyes. Giving up is simply not in your vocabulary. You must get that trait from your mama.:)
much love and hugs,
Kim
in these past weeks, mark has conquered more, endured more, healed more, and embraced life more than one would think humanly possible. GIANT Hero indeed...xo
it is so amazing at the broad shoulders us mothers can have when adversity show its face...you are an amazing woman and your family is wonderfully brave and Mark-he is amazing and has the zest for life as he is proving daily!! we are keeping the candles burning for you, Mark and the rest of the family..it is okay to cry as it cleanses the soul....
much love and strength coming your way from ohio~*~*~*~
kim
I hope Mark has another good day today to offset the baby-half-step backwards. I feel sure he will because he really is a hero. I admire his strength, and yours, Darlene, and that of all your family.
It was such fun seeing some of the gifts that have come your way! :-) Sending much love and many good thoughts to you~~~~~~
you.
mark.
J.
boho.
and the rest of your family
have all made US better people. men. women. a community.
we have all of you to thank.
hugs, B
(now go vote! giggle)
♥!
Dear Dar,
You are loved my friend. And through our love for you, we have taken Mark under our wing, loving him into wellness.
Much peace and love to you my dear, JP
This experience has been such a positive thing in my life, Darlene. I can't go so far as to say I'm thankful that it happened, but witnessing the strength and faith in your family, and seeing the outpouring of good wishes here (and not just for a day or two, for weeks) has been inspirational to me.
And what can I say about Mark? He is such a fine young man, full of love, courage and true grit. I have every confidence that he will continue to heal at the pace that is necessary for his body and will emerge stronger in so many ways.
The gifts you've shown here cannot begin to express the love that the givers feel. They are merely a physical reminder to represent the love and good wishes.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
xoxo, Star
Mark YOU are the miracle. Keep the strength because soon you'll be ok. You are lucky because you have recovered but you are luckier because you have been the center of so much prayers, you have connected looooots of people from diferent places like me... see... I'm from Spain... wow.. and here there is also a candle for you... don't forget what you've done... THIS IS AMAZING.
Love.
Mark ~ You are a fighter, a survior, a hero, and a gift. You will get through this, day by day, inch by inch. My family is still rooting and thinking about you. We think you're awesome! XOXO
Darlene ~ Much love to you and your healing ways.
~ Meridith
And we love you, too. How amazing to hear about Mark being HOME now, and the steps back being measured in inches while his forward progress covers miles. Praise God, and bless you for allowing us to share this with you. Thank you for building up my faith!!!
What treasures!!! So amazing. I'm glad to hear you sounding so positive. Something in my heart (and yours, I'm certain) that has been tightly wound for the last month has unwound a bit, and so much gratitude flows out of that. I'm sure it's one hundred-fold for you. xo
Much love to you Darlene, your family and especially mark. I think your strength is amazing. Am in awe of every step you take. Sending good vibes your way.
xo Sophie
How sweet the gifts and YOU are our gift! Darlene! Sharing your son with us, (presence from angels), I bet Mark will be bombarded with elephants now!!! LOL I have a few if he wants them, they are his! I've been trying to comment since 2 AM my time this morning! Phew! Whazzzuuupppp? with Blogger? My son had a little car mishap this morning, a deer hit him! He is alright, Thank God! I can't wait to see your quilted blanket! Three steps forward and a lil itsy bitsy step back still equals 2 steps ahead!!! Yayyyyyyy! Mark! More LOVE and prayers headed your way, YOU are our Hero, Our Miracle, and while I have your attention, Please give that sweet man and woman of yours a hug or kiss or both for me!!! Thanks! xo, Cinda ((((((MARK))))))
We will keep praying for progress in the healing and that the "back steps" continue to be small ones. Thanks for sharing the gifts - I loved how they were each so unique and obviously made with great care and love. You and Mark are such an inspiration to us all - to not take anything for granted, to trust in the power of prayer, and that the bonds of love are strong and can pull you up at your weakest. Blessings!
So glad to read better news. Such special gifts for a special family.
What special gifts to hold onto when the tiny backward steps come creeping in on Mark.
Keep being strong. You all make me want to be stronger too. I found out my husband will be deployed to Iraq soon and I've found it very hard to deal with these past few days. I've been down and depressed but I am always encouraged when I come onto your site. I remember the blessings in my life and am thankful for all that God has granted me!
How blessed we have all been to witness the miracle that is occuring in your family. Mark, you are a brave young man with a wonderful family. I believe that God has His hand on all of you and He has a special role for Mark to play.
I pray that all of the steps will get easier.
So many yummy things, I can't think of two people who deserve them more!!
Love ya sweets!!
Teresa
xxxooo
FYI: You know what is going to happen? you are going to get Mark hooked on blogging!! LOL :)
darlene..
can you let anyone know who cares that i'm now @
http://weaselonastick.blogspot.com/
cardboardpeople is gone. well.. sorta
hugs to you, mark, family, pets... ;)
I shared with the ten women in my Bible Study the amazing connection all of us readers have had to your tragedy and faith..... they are inspired now as well!
Hi, still here, thinking of you and Mark and your whole clan every day.
I went to have physical therapy this morning for the whip lash I suffered as a result of the car accident a couple of weeks ago and said something that made me think of Mark and I wanted to pass it on. She said the majority of people think that healing is an upward progress but she said it is actually a up and down process, with dips and sometimes valleys, so she told me not to get discouraged when my healing seemed to be dipping at times. She said that is part of the process, so I pass this on to Mark, but I continue to pray that there be less dips and valleys for him and much more upward progress. Much love to all of you.
Glad that Mark is home and getting stronger every day.
I guess I was getting so jaded..having experienced some losses, real recently. you have been a light to remind people to hope,believe and have gratitude. that the lives we have, here, are worth fighting for. albeit, painful at times, the hard times remind us,to value what we may take for granted. Your still climbing a big mountain, but the view will be sweet, at the top. I check in almost daily. so you won't climb alone.
oxox steph
Thank you so much for sharing all your gifts with us! It is so heartwarming to witness your story. It is a priveledge.
Wonderful gifts and so nice to be able to see them and share in your joy of receiving them. Hope Mark is having a great day...with lots of progress. And..you too!!!
love, sandy/dd
Yes, Mark is a hero - and so are you and your husband! You're all quite remarkable to have come through this ordeal to well. And Mark's continuing progress - despite his pain - shows what strong mettle he's made of! A tribute to your family's love and support. xo
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