A Well Run Factory
Bodies are amazing...and when you add a miracle on top of that, you get Mark. From the moment he walked into the door, he said he felt better. We had everything ready when the ambulance arrived with its precious cargo, my first born. Mark cannot ride in any cars for a couple of weeks, so he got a lot of looky loo attention when he showed up. (which Mark hates :) I think he smiled for the first couple of hours and then the excited energy started to wear him out. We smiled all day! And just hearing him call me..."Mom" thrills my heart.
I have a box in his room filled with the many packages and cards that have been sent here. He wants us to go through it together after he settles in. He gets that patience with presents from me :) We like to savor the moment. In this moment, he will learn all about you on a more intimate level, so far, you have been referred to as, "the entire Universe." It has been 5 weeks since that life changing night. Mark passed through 3 very critical, almost death moments to suddenly sleeping under our roof in Godspeed time and none of us can talk about it without getting emotional.
Mark is so strong, I mean really really strong. He has to carry his entire weight with his upper body with every small step he takes. He does it with grace and hardly ever complains. One of the difficult parts of this is the eating. Food travels right through him and this is not good. The doctors are telling us that he should be farther along, but come on...I am nothing but encouraged and know he just needs more time.
Even though everyone kept saying that the road would be long, it didn't really sink in until now. It will be long, but there is so much for us to learn from this. Already, Mark is thinking about becoming a Respiratory Therapist and right away did some research while he was in the hospital. He would be perfect for the job. But, even more than that, all of our lives have been enriched and I feel so much love and hope for the future, by the simple act of just looking into his eyes.
p.s. I did get that chance to hold him...nothing has ever felt better :)
posted by Darlene at
12:50 AM
58 Comments:
Rejoicing with you! Oh! A bet a hug never felt so good! Please hug him for the entire universe as well! I will continue to be praying for all of you.
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Mmmmm...give him our love.
We are so, so proud of him! Did you tell him he was my hero?
Love you all beaucoup.
Give him a gentle special squeeze from his auntie boho.
xoxoXOxoxoxo
ps. proud of YOU too for being an amazing mother/friend to him right now.
Yes, hug him so tightly for all of us!! I am so happy for you. You have your baby boy back!! You are able once again to smile with him, to see him smile and to have him under your roof--safe and sound and in your care. God has been with you and with him all along. He was with him that dreadful night when he pulled himself from that crash to seek out help and to start the long, difficult path toward healing. My heart is so full of joy for all of you!!
Welcome home, Mark! You are truly remarkable--and so is your mom--but I'm sure you have known that all your life. You and your family are such an inspiration. I know you will help so many people when you are a Respiratory Therapist because of what you have been through. My prayers for you continue.
Much love to all.
XOXO
darlene,
sorry i've been away. not my intent. i've not had much to say to a # of people, but know that mark, you and your family never left my heart and mind.
so good to hear that mark is coming home. he's made huge strides, and while it's a long road... i'm assured that he'll not walk it alone.
much love,
B
So happy for you, Mark and your family!
I have been wondering about how Mark will react when he realises just how many of us there are "in the entire universe".
Your posts have given us some insight into what a remarkable young man Mark is. We have come to admire his fighting spirit; marvelled at the love and consideration he has shown towards his family and the medical staff and how he has managed to maintain a strong dignity throughout this entire ordeal.
Mark might feel a little embarrassed when he realises we were there for the "bodily functions" part of his recovery! But in spite of these stories we actually don't know that much about Mark's personal life - and that's just the way it should be.
We are just here to wish you well.
Sweet Strong wonderful man, we are all so proud he is a blessing and a miracle that's a given. You wonderful momma I can feel the joy radiating across the sea to my heart through my words. What an amazing time for you all.
Prayers and Health , Lovely lady.xoxoxoxoxoxx
Welcome home Mark! Such joy rippling around the globe to have you safe home again. Your extended family has grown A LOT! :)
Oh, what a delightful thing to read. Hugs like that are the best gift. I can't wait to read this to the kiddos tomorrow. They will be very excited.
My friend is a respiratory therapist. She loves her job because she feels it is more than just helping people breathe. She tries her hardest to shine the light of Jesus to patients who many times are in life threatening situations. Her heart's desire is to help put them at ease with a gentle and loving spirit.
Mark has his whole life a head of him. "The world is his oyster" as we like to say. The story he has to share. Yea!
Wow! Its all so truly amazing! I think about how before I go to bed I go say little prayers while I look at my sleeping babies and how wonderful that you can do that tonight too. That he is thinking about his future is so wonderful- he sounds so ready to get going with all of this. To get better and stronger everyday.
We are so happy that you are at home now ! We send you all our best positive thinking. Take care of you all. It must be good to be together.
What an awesome, incredible, uplifting, amazing post!
Love to you all!
And I would love to send a package as well... Did you already post a post box? Please let me know!
xoxoxo to the umph degree!
This is, quite simply, the best post I've ever read. So filled with good news, hope, and love.
Love, peace, and health to you all.
Hugs to you and Mark! I'm so glad he's home, I'm glad he's smiling, I'm glad you're smiling.. and I'm amazed at your and his strength during these difficult weeks. May he continue to recover smoothly! More love and thoughts coming your way.
Love luzie xo
i'm so pleased for you all. i know there will be challenges ahead but being around his lovely family will be fabulous medicine. his strong spirit shines through your words.
best wishes,
amy
This warms my heart to no end, Darlene. The road is indeed long but the toughest obstacles are behind him now.
Much love and smiles,
Vanessa
This is so wonderful to read! THis part of the universe sends gentle hugs and love to him, to all of you!
xoxo Sophie
oh darling,
this is so precious,
i am so joyous and happy for you and for your family :)
xoxoxoxo
Give him our love and a special Universe hug every morning when he gets up and every night when he is ready to turn in for the night.
Mark we are so proud of you for your courage, strength and endurance keep up the good work.
Darlene you are awesome!
We are proud to be a part of this amazing journey with you as you are an insiring mother and we will continue sending you strength and love dear one.
xoxoxo,
Sheila
ps...prayers are going up for you both.
I followed your story through Melbas blog and I am saying Praise Mark, Praise Darlene and her family! You all held onto such grace, such love and reading this has brought me such hope that there are beautiful things that can happen..every breath you took while you were with your son in the hospital, there were so many of us out there, just breathing along with you and just closing our eyes and praying for this post today! I am so full of thanks today that your Mark is home...You are simply an amazing ray of hope and love that someone put on this earth to handle this...each day I think of you and how much passion, commitment and love you have for your son...there were so many spirits surrounding you from the blog world..I just remember ambers post about her son and asking about angels with Mark and then your son hearing the voices of children..I am singing praise for you and Mark, and all of the people that surround you...and I will continue to do so...
ploease give mark hugs from my k and i, and then 7 more once for each of our cats. we've been following and it warms my heart that he has come this far and is home so soon. take care and lots of love to you and mark and your entire family.
Well, this is some of the most fantastic news. Mark is home and is being strengthened by it. The universe is sending him gentle, loving hugs.
With him having to support his total body weight with his upper body when he moves, it is easier to accept his weight loss.
It must be awesome to see/hear/feel him there with you all. You, J, Mark and the rest of the family are engaged in a monumental task that will get easier over time.
Keep up the good works by continuing to...
serve others, care about those you serve and share the love in your heart.
Darlene, I haven't commented every day, however, I have checked your blog (sometimes more than once) every day for updates on Mark and how you and your family are doing. This post brings a huge grin to my face. I am so happy this day has arrived! I know there is still quite a journey ahead and y'all will remain in my prayers. Your family is such a huge inspiration.
He's home!! Praise the Lord!!!
And that's right Darlene,be nothing but encouraged. He is Mark!! He will win this battle! Look at the forces behind him; Almighty God,his family and friends.
I wish I could hug him too!
love,love,gratefulness,love,
Kim
My heart swells with emotions for all of you! Love and prayers from my side of the country to yours. Miracles DO happen!! Quilted hugs to wrap you all in. *s*
Home. What a wonderful word.
Could anything be better after things were so dark?
I'm very happy for all of you.
So much love there between you all. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. You and Mark are a gift.
Mark, Darlene and all,
Adding my virtual hugs and real prayers to aid in Mark's healing and continued strength of spirit. Thanks for this update -- I can't imagine the joy that is within your home at having Mark back.
Take care of Mark and you, Darlene.
Ciao,
Dee
I am so glad that everything has come around so well. You have made us all aware of what famlies go through durning this kind of event. I now not only say prayers for your family but for all familes who sit by the bedsides of loved ones wondering and waiting.
You have brought it all home. You have brought the far off thoughts home for me and I thnak you and bless you.
What an amazing gift that Mark is back home with his family!! I had faith that this day would come for all of you ... your boy is so strong and he had the love and support of each of you with him daily & each of us.
I can feel your joy through your words and am honoured that we have been able to share this journey with you.
I can't wait to see what the next steps bring and am thrilled at Mark's interest in respitory therapy ... no matter what he choses, this experience will be a part of who he is forever.
Much love and gentle hugs to all of you ... JP
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful news!!
We are so happy to read this.
Mark is already looking ahead toward a possible new career...
finally good things are coming around.
I wanted to wish you all a great weekend..but I think thats a given.
(((Hugs to you all)))
How Exciting!! You know I am so pleased to see this post.
Hi Mark, welcome home! We've all been praying for this day.
I want to thank you... you and your experience has given me leverage to talk to my son who is your age, he has changed from someone who liked to think nothing could happen to him, to someone that acutally became the "designated" driver. Not that it helps your pain but, who knows, perhaps your suffering might have saved someone's life.
You have a whole new life now, it probably won't be like the old life you had before, but you are a strong person, and I know you will find your future in it.
MOM: Well done my dear!
It must feel as though your world is closer to becoming itself again. I'm so happy to hear how smoothly the transistion went. Welcome home Mark.
*Tears in my eyes* as I rejoice with you and your family that Mark is home! I will continue to hold all of you in my heart, thoughts and prayers as you face the journey that lays ahead. ((((((((HUGS))))))))
I am rejoicing with all of you! A true miracle for sure :)
Terrific news! Welcome home, Mark!
I know the attention is somewhat embarassing, but there are a lot of people pulling for you.
-- f
I can only imagine the excitment Mark felt when he came home, how fantastically wonderful!
Saying he was smiling like that, just made my heart swell with happiness.
Way to go kid!!! Stay strong!! Our prayers are still with you all the way down this road of healing.
Much Love!!
xxxooo
Teresa
Oh what joyous news. So glad to hear that the first day went well. What a miracle. Hugs.
That sweet MARK has not only crawled from that canal but he has crawled into our hearts! KEEP the FAITH Mark! and we will all keep those prayers coming! HEALing thoughts and prayers are being said as I type this, I am so GLAD YOU are HOME SWEET HOME!!!!Kiss those sweet parents and sis for me and a pat on the head for Breezy!! tee hee!!!xoxoxox (((((Mark&his family and friends)))))ps.and that's HUGGING alot of people!!!
I love miracles. I absolutely LOVE miracles. I'm speechless. God bless.
Wendy
XOXOXO
Hi Mark and Darlene!
So excited that you guys are now home and there are smiles all about. Have fun opening all those packages and cards. You guys should hang all the cards around the room....they always brighten up my day!!
Dearest Darlene and Mark,
Everyone else has already exressed my sentiments so well...
I give such thanks to God for getting ya'll to where you are today, and many, many prayers are still being said to ask for further healing, strength, courage and peace.
We love you guys so much. Special thoughts and a big "g'day" hug today for Jay as well.
My children are so excited to hear that Mark is out of the hospital. They send you special 6 and 7 year old thoughts, such as "Not too many treats (candy) for Mark until he gets better. Kids, go figure.
With love from Down Under
Bravo Mark and welcome home! You've made such amazing progress. Your strength leaves us in awe.
Darlene & J, we are thrilled you've reached this wonderful milestone together!
Continuing to hold your whole family in our thoughts...
- Lee
Today in church we talked about tragedy and destiny... How a tragedy, or something that seems to be a tragedy can turn into a blessing, how with our short term vision it can look aweful and daunting... but in the end we can look back and see how really it was a step along our path to becoming who and what we are meant to be. I thought about you and Mark, about all the growing and streangth that will come about as a result of this. I even thought about how us just as readers will be able to learn and grow from this.
I am so thrilled for you all that he is home... Hi Mark, welcome home!!!
xoxox
Georgia
This is so encouraging, Darlene. It just doesn't get any better than being in your own bed at home with Mom. I'm sure Mark will continue to make remarkable progress now that he is surrounded by more familiar surroundings and a real angel for a nurse. I'm with you, I think the digestion will come along in its own time.
Happy Homecoming!
xoxoxo Star
My prayers will continue as you all work as a team during this recovery period.
To have Mark home is a miracle and no one in your family will ever look at life in the same way....what a blessing !!!!
And just to think....he has a new career in mind due to all of this...amazing !!!!!
Sending strength to all of you as those baby steps turn into giant leaps !!!!!
Great news! How far he has come. Thank you for taking the time to share this incredible story with us out here in blogland! Your realness in the face of hardship has been awesome and refreshing.
I've been looking forward to this day for Mark and your family. He's an amazing young man and I look forward to more updates of his increased progress. My heart is radiantly happy.
I am happy to see that Mark is getting settled in and thinking about a career change. Sometimes a life-changing event is God's way of directing us to our calling.
Prayers are still being sent your way. Keep smiling. So much support is one of the best things that make people keep going.
God bless you and Mark and your family.
Congratulations - you've continued to be present in our prayers and I find myself rejoicing with you! What an experience to be able to see Mark smiling all day - in your home.... yeah!
darlene,
thanks for your email. yesh, luv, i'm hanging in there.... don'tchoo worry about lil' ol me tho.... i'm a tough nut.
well, at least a nut.
come vote this week on fuzziechads and smile... okay? if you can accomplish a smile over there, then my job is done.
oh, and bring your friends.
:)
B
I am so amazed that he is home...I just keep shaking my head, at how quickly he ended up home compared to what they thought in the beginning.
(((Mark)))...Good for you!!! Keep progressing and you'll be "dancing" in no time...or whatever it is you love to do.
Darlene...I am so happy for you and the family that Mark is home. I know there will be so many challenges but at least you are on your home turf...That is so much better than hanging out in a hospital room.
Still seeing Mark attaining his perfect self and real soon...Thank you Father!!!
There's something so wonderful about coming "home."
I loved reading about the respitory therapist idea too. When a person's heart is really in a job, it's just a beautiful way to spend your days. No matter what path he takes, I'm so glad your son is getting better.
oh, thank god.
i am so happy your family is together again, darlene...
I am so very happy for all of you! May God continue to strengthen his Spirit and resolve and may he begin to enjoy his food!
OH DARLENE! I know that you have been praying for this moment for 5 long weeks. I am so happy for you and just wanted to tell you that you will all continue to be in our prayers for Mark's recovery. And what a wonderful idea he had about studying Respiratoey Therapy. I think that his experience combined with what seems to be an amazing heart and personality would make him so perfect for that job. I have no doubt that he will make such a difference in someone's recovery. He has already touched so many of our lives already. Good luck. And love from...The Universe.
Such wonderful news that Mark's home! No doubt he'll feel better, just being home with you, surrounded by love and care.
I am so happy for every step towards Mark becoming a Respiratory Therapist ... how very kewl.
((hugs))
Bx
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