Tuesday, March 13, 2007

***Spread The Word***

******Update on Mark******


This little munchkin sitting next to his sister, was born blue because he has severe asthma that he has battled his entire life. When he was 7, he was accidentally dropped from a teenagers hold, in which he landed on his jaw, on the cement and broke it.
He had always experienced terrible reactions to certain elements that he was allergic to and spent many days in the hospital. In 4th grade he played football with the "big" kids and broke his arm in 3 places. His nose has been broken 2 times during recess, he sliced the top of his head open on a school door that had a tiny sharp metal shard sticking out.
I know there are other things that I am forgetting, but I think you get the idea...not the cautious one in the crowd. But, he is such a loving respectable, God fearing man...and I am proud.

Mark saw his 3rd and final doctor about his back (consultations on back surgery). The verdict is.........NO SURGERY NEEDED!!!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :P :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
I know I know...this is so exciting, but there's more. Mark broke his L3 (which sits right below the spinal cord) in a Y shape. 90% of people who break their vertebrae like this become paralysed from the waist down AND Mark has complete mobility!!! The doctor said he was a very lucky young man (wink wink) We know right where that blessing came from ;-)

He is still having physical therapy for both his foot and back and then he's back to work and school.

This entire situation is an official Miracle and we are so so grateful to God for all that has happened, as a result of this. We are also grateful for all of you, I could not have held myself together, if it wasn't for the words of encouragement that came from you.

And here is the Mark we have all come to love. Please pass the word along to those who prayed and did various other things, another "Thank You" for all the wonderful things he received from everyone and....I humbly, and with tear filled eyes believe that God will give back to you all 100 fold of what you gave to our entire family.....the most incredible support system this family has ever seen!

Thank YOU XOXOXO

Mark & his Momma Darlene

P.S. Mark will be reading your comments. :)

75 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Needless to say that this is GREAT news!!! Gosh...I'm so happy for you all, I just don't know what to say.

Mark you rock! I am wondering though...how on earth do you slice the top of your head open on a school door?! *wink*

Enjoy this wonderful news!

Sending much love to you all,

XO Sophie

2:56 AM  
Blogger Nic Bridges said...

I am sooooooo thrilled to hear this great news. Though I must say, I never doubted it - Mark has an obvious strength that shines through, all the way across the Pacific for me to feel down under. WooooHoooooo!!!

3:23 AM  
Blogger Shaz said...

Now I have tears(again)
What an ordeal
What a brave boy you have raised
What a MIRACLE
What a blessing

Mark I have never met you but I have to say you are a part of our family in love and spirit.
My family prayed for you daily. Every year we will celebrate you and your life on Christmas eve just as we did last year.
We will Thank God for showing us what we already believe and that's you are a hero.
You are an inspiration and I am so personally overjoyed that you are well and recovering.

Lots of Love and always Prayers.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS))))))))))))))))

3:24 AM  
Blogger Constance said...

This is wonderful news! I've said it before & I'll say it again; God has something special planned for your son. It could be huge and it could be small by the world's standards but He has plans for him nonetheless! His determinition and will are eveident in his survival and recovery. God had a lot to work with!
Hugs from Texas,
Connie

4:11 AM  
Blogger Angela Marie said...

Oh Sweetie!*sigh*

This is wonderful news!
It is a miracle!!

4:30 AM  
Blogger Magicaldamselfly said...

MIRACLE!!!
This goes to show what can happen when you invite God to join your journey and then in this case you can multiply that invitation by hundreds as they prayed for God to be there with you and Mark on your journey.
Perhaps this was a wake up and smell the roses call for Mark to really make something amazing happen in his life or to remind him that he does not walk this path alone. Whatever the case we are all thanking God for this amazing miracle. We love you both dearly and want to keep hearing about Marks strides.

Hugs and love to you both,
Sheila

4:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just found you through Gracie...so glad I dropped by. What an inspiring post and it seems your prayers have really been answered in such amazing ways...Mark you truly have been blessed.

4:41 AM  
Blogger claireylove said...

:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

What else to say?

You've lived through a miracle ~ now get on and enjoy your miraculous lives!!!!!!!

love
x x x x x

4:50 AM  
Blogger gracie said...

Look what Love has done... now you know what it means to testify to this, for as long as you live.

Thank you for sharing the miracle and the hope - every corner of the world needs it!

5:38 AM  
Blogger mint and orange said...

I am so happy for you! For your family, for Mark. The strength of his body exemplifies the strength of his character, and of his spirit. You're a true miracle, and a blessing to us all. I'm sending so much love to you from the east coast!

5:55 AM  
Blogger LEstes65 said...

Oh my goodness, I can barely sit STILL! I want to jump up and scream!!! Can I just tell you, I prayed specifically for his back - asking God for no more surgeries. I have kept you guys on my prayer list and, even on those days when it's hard to muster the effort, I have kept it up! This is an amazing testimony and I'm going to send this link to all my friends and family that prayed for you guys. YEAH GOD!!! YEAH MARK!! And YEAH MARK'S MOM!!

6:06 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

wow!! I love a good miracle. I'm so happy to hear the good news.

love to you.

Xox
B.

6:10 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What wonderful news. I know that it was not by accident but indeed by Divine appointment that God led me to your site.

What a blessing it is for all of us who have prayed to witness answered prayers.

You have been a reminder for all Moms of how important we are as prayer warriors for our children and also how incredibly strong we are as Daughters of the King.

I believe that with all that Mark has gone through that God has His hand on His life. He does indeed have great things in store for him.

Many blessings!

6:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

injury after injury ... sounds like my brother dan (preemie, collar bone, split forehead, bruises, tears, and much much more)! the blessed always bounce back, with scars and stories and a life fuller than they ever knew possible. it's good to hear that no more surgery is needed, and that life is beginning to find a new sort of normal to work from.

darlene ... you are a brave momma and i am proud to have gotten to know you a tiny bit through this. and i will e-mail soon, i swear!

6:30 AM  
Blogger bee said...

i am so happy for you all! this is wonderful, wonderful news....

6:59 AM  
Blogger Julie said...

With tears streaming down my cheeks I can only say how much I love your family and am so glad about this news. I do believe in miracles, and they are abundant--we just need to be bold enough to ask for them. I can't wait to see the wonders that will sprout from this new fertile ground.

CONGRATULATIONS!

7:11 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

First off, reading all that Mark has been through, from severe asthma, to present day;, ..wow, what a survivor you got there....

I was thrilled to read no surgery needed and it won't be long before he is back to work and school. He is truly a walking miracle and I couldn't be more happy to hear this.

I will give each one of my four sons, an extra hug when I see them, all the time thinking of Mark.

((((Mark)))).

dd/sandy

9:07 AM  
Blogger boho girl said...

so glad he doesn't have to have back surgery!

good, good news and i just know he is relieved, big time.

love that first picture of him and angie baby. i want to chew on their cheeks!

Miracle Marky.

xoxox

9:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

YaY Mark!! Amazing news! So glad to hear it :) You and your precious Mum do indeed ROCK!!

Big Love and huge hugs for the whole family xXx Suze xXx

9:13 AM  
Blogger Deirdre said...

This is so astounding that it must be a miracle. Thank you, both of you, for letting me be part of this journey. It has been a privilege to come here and read about Mark's progress and to bear witness to Darlene's pain. I think a celebration is in order.

9:46 AM  
Blogger LiteraryGirl said...

Wow! That is amazing! What great news. You all deserve to take a deep breath and soak up the joy.

God Bless as you continue to heal on this journey. I cannot believe it has only been three months since the accident and Mark has made such amazing improvement. It truly is, without a doubt, a MIRACLE!

10:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The best of news Darlene. Mark, you are an amazing man. Thank you for sharing all of your journey, you have helped me in mine.

11:19 AM  
Blogger daisies said...

: ) yah, so fantastic!! am so happy for all of you!

Mark you so totally rock and am sure your life is going to be filled with all sorts of wonderful things!

11:22 AM  
Blogger cherry girl said...

That's fantastic news!

11:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

mark, brother... i never doubted you'd be back. stronger and more willing to continue to carry on than before.

yer family is amazing... what they have done to help you, to rally for you and each other. NEVER forget that.

now... have yer mom introduce you to fuzziechadsrule. NOT for the faint of heart tho, so make sure yer stomach muscles can take the laughter...

be well...

B

12:17 PM  
Blogger Jack K. said...

Mark, I cannot tell you how happy I am to learn that the worst thing did not occur.

You and your family were able to draw to you the strength, energy, love, and healing power necessary to get on to a life that will be more like the one you had prior to the accident. Your bravery was rewarded.

You might want to look into watching the DVD, "the Secret" and reading the book "The Law of Attraction."

Continue to....

Serve others, care about those you serve, and share the love in your heart.

12:47 PM  
Blogger turquoise cro said...

Phew!!! Just sat down for a break from Spring cleaning, I'm in the bathroom now if anyone was wondering which I doubt but anyway! GLORY to GOD!!!! ALLELUIA!!!!!!!! Go SWEET Mark!!! We all are soooo GLAD YOU have HEALED!!! This is just the right timing because I was losing STEAM to finish today but WATCH OUT!!! I will certainly get finished now! thanks to this TERRIFIC NEWS! I might just get started in another room today now!!! THANKS! MARK! and DARLENE for the GREAT NEWS!!!! PRAISE GOD!!! LOVE and many prayers, xoxooxoxoxxooxxoox,Spring cleaning Cinda

12:55 PM  
Blogger Wanda said...

MARK YOU ARE THE MAN!!! You have given all our faith a "jump start". You wrote the survival manual, and are living it page by page. I can't tell you how proud Pastor Don and I are of you.
DARLENE YOU ARE THE WOMAN! You have inspired us all to be better moms and better people.
JAY YOU ARE THE ROCK! How wonderful to have you holding Mark on one arm and Dar on the other week after week after week!
How we love you all!!!XOXOXOX

2:13 PM  
Blogger BJ said...

Mark - you are a miracle! I am so happy to hear this news. You are so blessed with the love of your family and all of us in blogsphere wish all of you so much happiness. I hope that this news, with the help of God's blessings, will allow you and your family the emotional healing that you all need. You are phsically getting there. I wish you all much peace and healing in the coming months. God bless you all.

2:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What wonderful news :)
We are all blessed to witness this miracle.
Mark - what to say? The future looks bright indeed.

3:33 PM  
Blogger Mary Timme said...

Oh, Oh, Oh! This is soooooo great! Talk about answered prayer! Mark you are a blessing to all of us.

5:14 PM  
Blogger Becca said...

I am overjoyed for you, Mark, and for your mom, dad, and sister! And Mark, I do believe you have already had more than your share of physical abuse from this life...so no more! You are to be safe, sound, and healthy for the next 95 years at least!

I will say another "thank you" to God tonight, for all His blessings to you :)

5:22 PM  
Blogger chele said...

I happened upon this blog right after the accident....it was my intro to blog world, I prayed, wept, lit candles and carried you in my heart as I read of your journey daily.
Today I celebrate with you and your beautiful family. I witnessed a miracle I am blessed to be touched by such honest and real sharing of the road you traveled.
So much gratitude and many many blessings!!!

5:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mark,
You and your family have been through so much. It truly has been a miracle how complete strangers pulled together and did what they could to help. But Mark please don't do this again...I don't know if our hearts can take it. You and your family take care of yourself. Wishing you the best.
XX

6:05 PM  
Blogger nicole said...

How wonderful! Though he may wish for some more time off once work starts again ... :) So very glad to hear of the recovery and good health!

6:17 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

I knew it would only be a matter of time before you came back to us, Mark! You really gave as much to us as your mom feels we gave to you and your family. We will all be eternally bounded by that. Good luck to you in the rest of lifes endeavors! God Bless to you and your family!

8:35 PM  
Blogger Shari said...

Sounds like Mark has a lot of Guardian angels working round the clock looking out for him.

I am so glad that he's doing so well.

There's a reason for all this. You have a purpose, Mark. Keep up the great work.

Take care (both Mark and Darlene).

Take it easy!!

9:11 PM  
Blogger ::Bek Geach:: said...

I am so So SO ecstatic for you and Mark.

This is wonderful.
There are miracles in our lives every day... and I feel so blessed to be touched by another one of them by you Dar.. and you Mark.

And your entire family and all these amazing (mainly) women circling you always!

Its a beautiful reminder of real, unconditional, genuine, pure LOVE and how it can uplift and heal.

Mark ~you are remarkable, and do not ever forget that~ always be proud of yourself and know your strength... have a beautiful and remarkable life {as you are}!

(hugs) and love to you both and to your clan

Always
Bek x

9:16 PM  
Blogger chulita4 said...

Oh Darlene, this is the best news I have heard in a long, long time. I am so happy for Mark and for all of you. He is a walking Miracle. I know most of it comes from God, but Darlene, a lot of it comes from him--from Mark himself. And he won't be the person he is if it hadn't been for you and your husband. The strong faith in God you both instilled in him, plus the strong faith in himself as well as a lot to do with it. You are an amazing family and very, very fortunate to have each other. Sending you and Mark all my love and good thoughts. Take care--both of you.

9:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am SO GLAD he is so doing sooo good.. EXCELLENT JOB and god bless

10:28 PM  
Blogger Angela said...

Reading this I have goosebumps and tears streaming down my face. What an incredible miracle. God truly does bless us in amazing ways and I am so thankful that Mark experienced His ultimate grace. I rejoice with you all in this wonderful news!
Continued blessings....
Angela

10:30 PM  
Blogger JP (mom) said...

Dear Darlene & Mark,

What amazing, wonderful news! Your fortitude Mark, and the prayers of you family, friends and extended community have collectively created a miracle of wholeness and health. I hope that you continue to embrace life and live it to the fullest.

Much peace & love, JP

10:40 PM  
Blogger Pink Granite said...

Hooray!!!
What a marvelous update!
Mark, we wish you and your entire family good health, peace and happiness!
- Lee

10:41 PM  
Blogger Yolanda said...

So very glad and happy for all of you and that you all are doing so well

11:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mark - I'm so pleased to hear the wonderful news from your doctor. Wow! that must be such a relief. i hope your rehabilitation continues to go really well.

I hope you didn't mind your Mum sharing your collective story over the past few months. I can't speak for anyone else who reads her posts but for me, the tales of your courage and of the love your family shares were inspiring and a timely reminder of the things that matter most.

Good luck with all the adventures that lie ahead.

Darlene - thank you!

take care,

amy

2:31 AM  
Blogger Vanessa said...

I am SOOOOO thrilled to hear this!
This news couldn't BE better. It has been a privilege to watch Mark climb up out of the depths of his injuries to heal so fully and so well :)
Wow... this whole experience is something I'll never forget. Mark's strength, your strength, Darlene and the unwavering strength of all the friends, well-wishers, prayers and hopers gathered here has been astounding!
So I'm squinting up my eyes and clenching my fists and mustering up yet more strength to send to you every day for Mark's ongoing rehab and for your ongoing fight too Darlene...
Love in bucketfuls,
Vanesssa

2:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You know, I have to admit that I'm guilty of something: As a Christian, I pray and believe that nothing is impossible with God's help, but never fail to be amazed by His miracles. I mean, I was *shocked* when I read your post!!! And thrilled!! That is such fantastic news; the whole recovery process has been just amazing. Mark, I hope that you are regaining your strength - physically and emotionally - every day. Darlene, I can't imagine the weight this takes off of your mind. Woohoo!!!

4:23 AM  
Blogger PaintingChef said...

Mark...you are one amazing young man and there are so many people all over the world who were praying for you and sending you their healing energies. We are all so relieved and overjoyed to hear the wonderful news. You are truly a miracle.

Something that I'm sure you already know...you have a wonderful and beautiful mother, inside and out. It is clear where you get your fighting spirit.

Good luck to you.

5:13 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh that is SUCH great news. My greatest wish for you both is that you take every chance, live every dream and never for a moment forget how blessed you are.

Good luck with that fabulous life!

We'll all still be here waiting to hear the stories.

7:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WoooHoooo!!! Best news ever!! Good gracious child, it's no wonder your poor mama didn't put a plastic bubble around you while you were growing up!! :) It's okay I have a son who is a bit accident prone too.

What a special time and now Mark can begin to start a new life. You are a very blessed person, obviously made to do something special. Well you have already been a big testimony for many people, look at this miracle. It's breathtaking!!

Love you both!!

Teresa
xxxooo

7:06 AM  
Blogger Kim G. said...

What an amazing story of God's faithfulness and the strength of Mark's spirit. So happy that the outlook is good for the future. Mark - you must be looking forward to getting back to a life more like one before the accident. You'll probably always look at things a bit differently now. I hope that you and your mom will share your story with others someday. Blessings to you as you continue to heal.

7:34 AM  
Blogger Gracey said...

Praise God from whom all blessing flow!! Mark, you are a miracle and God heard all of our prayers!! People were praying for you all around the country including my brother who is a pastor and his church and my parents and their church!! They will be thrilled to hear the great news....I'm so happy!

7:48 AM  
Blogger Amber said...

This gave me weepy eyes this morning! Happy weepies. I am so, SO happy for you Mark. I know how hard this has been, and how tough you have been (and have always been, it seems!). As a fellow car-accident survivor, I just really have a heart for your battle! And I am so thankful that you have been blessed with this healing.(And also with such a wonderful, loving family)

Hey! Come over and say "hi". ;)
This way you can show your girl who "Amber" is. LOL

All my love to you guys.

9:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Best News Ever! Continued Blessings!
Take care,
LD in PDX

9:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i'm so thrilled and happy for your beautiful family. you guys are amazing...mark, congratulations and best wishes!

10:24 AM  
Blogger Libbys Blog said...

Oh my goodness, what stupendous news for you all! I cannot believe that I popped back today the first time for a while and there at the top of your blog was this news. I have had to put my sunglasses on as the sky is so bright from the west. Must be you lot smiling!!!!!! So very pleased for you all {{hugs}}

10:27 AM  
Blogger Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

I just yesterday was thinking "I wonder where Mark is in his recovery" and today I come to your blog and read this - through tear filled eyes - the miracle! After reading this how can anyone not believe in miracles? Perseverance, strength of inner spirit, faith in some higher power, collective healing vibrations, thoughts, prayers and whatever else was used by so many...I really do believe impacted the Universe where Mark is concerned. But above all else I believe it was Mark himself, this young man with herculean strength, love from his family and the dogged determination to get back on his feet....saw him through this.
From the first post that an accident had occurred to now seems like mere moments to those of us not up close and personal. I am sure it felt like years to him and to you and your family. I am filled with absolute joy at this moment and if I could I would gently give Mark a hug and tell him "you are blessed".
Sending love to you for your fierce vigilance through your own illness....and to sending love to Mark for the obvious!
XOXO

11:04 AM  
Blogger MsGraysea said...

This is the most wonderful news possible...what power there is in collective energy!
Darlene, your remarkable honesty and ability to portray the challenge your family faced, enabled this miracle to occur!
Mark , I wish you lots of success with your rehab and congratulations on your amazing recovery. You and your family have inspired the "world".
Peace, love, ease and thank you for your bravery.
Cape Cod Kitty

12:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How can one not believe in miracles after a story like that? Wonderful news! Yaaaaaaaaaay!!!!

1:19 PM  
Blogger Toni M Photography said...

YAYAYAYAYA What awesome news for Mark and the rest of your family.

I just want to pop in through my computer screen and give you both the biggest of hugs... YAYAYAYAYAYAY :) This post has made me smile for the past day or so.

Enjoy this moment for ever,
Big Hugs,
Love Toni

5:41 PM  
Blogger Deb R said...

Yaaayyy!!! What wonderful news!! I'm so happy and thrilled for your whole family. Much love to you all~~~~~

9:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise God! I am so glad to hear that Mark is doing so well - it is truely a miracle. Mark - you were spared from paralysis, even death, for a special reason. Trust that God will reveal it to you and go live your life to the fullest!

10:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh Mark you are just the BOMB!!
sending peace,joy,and love to fill your days and nights,
Kim

4:30 AM  
Blogger Michelle O'Neil said...

So happy to read he doesn't need back surgery.

Love & blessings!

XO

6:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This absolutely wonderful news.

10:23 AM  
Blogger Laini Taylor said...

Oh Darlene, I'm SOOO happy to hear the good news! What a miracle it truly is. Yay, Mark!

10:52 AM  
Blogger Jenny said...

Wow, that is amazing. So happy for you both


P.S. Did you get the e-mail I tried to send you?

3:37 PM  
Blogger AMANDA said...

Happy tears filled my eyes as I read this! Great news and it definately confirms the power of prayer!

5:33 PM  
Blogger Regina said...

This is wonderful news! God bless all of you and thank you for letting us be a part of your lives...

7:57 PM  
Blogger Gena said...

I cannot believe these pics! how fantastic Mark looks! and the news is just the best, Happy days are ahead,much love to you all.xx

11:14 AM  
Blogger luzie said...

Well, miracles DO happen. I always knew it!! I'm thrilled to hear about Mark's progress and that another surgery is NOT needed. Totally awesome! I'm thrilled to bits here for you and your whole family!!

xoxo

3:33 PM  
Blogger angela said...

A miracle, dear friend, exactly as you say...
Such good news.
A big hug to you all,
Angela

4:12 PM  
Blogger A.J. said...

Hi there,

I just wondered over to your blog from s@bd and started reading.

I just wanted to send a word of encouragement about the Asthma thing as well. I don't know if Mark still has it but I used to be a severe asthmatic. I had to carry a nebulizer everywhere I went, spent a total of 4 years in hospital from the time I was born until I was 19 and had a specialist tell my mother not to expect me to live past 20 because it was getting worse. BUT GOD totally healed me of it and the allergies and everything! I have a letter from my specialist saying he cannot explain the new pulmonary function test as anything other then "an act of God". That was 16 years ago and I am still healed.

All this to say God is no respecter of persons and what he will do for me he will also do for Mark so I am believing God for that for Mark as well.

2:56 AM  
Blogger Jerri said...

This news lights up my day.

My heart is all praise and thanksgiving right now. All I can think is Thank God.

And I will.

2:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This brings such joy to my heart. I have been away and haven't had a chance to check in regularly. But my heart overflows for Mark and for you and your family. Such a miracle!

1:46 AM  

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