tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post7164803300751293966..comments2023-08-09T08:42:17.192-07:00Comments on A Walk in My Shoes: I Could Spit!Darlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06081653211179263967noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-9660505935932759462007-01-21T13:58:00.000-08:002007-01-21T13:58:00.000-08:00I used to babysit for two little boys. (Whose brot...I used to babysit for two little boys. (Whose brother later became my first boyfriend, so I have a special link to their family.) A couple of years ago, just after the older one turned 21, he left a bar a few miles up the street from his house and got in his best friend's truck to go home. His drunk best friend. And didn't wear a seat belt. And the kid crashed the truck into a tree, and Nick was thrown out and died. The driver was fine.<br /><br />I'd never read your blog before I found links to it when this happened, and now I haven't been able to stop checking on you. I'm so glad he gets to come home.sørenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09492290397757673453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-49951839015735738842007-01-19T19:09:00.000-08:002007-01-19T19:09:00.000-08:00Oh Darlene, I will definitely never forget Mark, n...Oh Darlene, I will definitely never forget Mark, nor you! I have share this story with many others already and from now on I will say........"I know a boy who became a man in the most painful & horrific, yet most heroic way...." Although I have not been keeping up with posting my comments, I have never stopped thinking about Mark nor praying for him. Many warm hugs to all.chulita4https://www.blogger.com/profile/09485368330302355096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-59319157705822301652007-01-19T19:07:00.000-08:002007-01-19T19:07:00.000-08:00I promise, I promise, I PROMISE!
I love you!
Miche...I promise, I promise, I PROMISE!<br />I love you!<br />MichelleBrown eyed girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06913605336732456573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-34653512817047923722007-01-19T16:33:00.000-08:002007-01-19T16:33:00.000-08:00Wishing you peace as you release your anger. You ...Wishing you peace as you release your anger. You are an incredible woman of strength....and your young man is so lucky to have you at his side as a "cheerleader". As a mother of 4, I can't imagine facing the struggles that your family has faced this past while ~ to watch your baby struggle so....it is your love and faith, along with the love, prayers and support of many that has carried him so far on his journey. Thank you for so openly sharing your journey, your family's journey so that we may all remember how very precious each moment is. Loving thoughts and prayers are with you all.Angelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07251888496849157489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-281332069208195742007-01-19T10:51:00.000-08:002007-01-19T10:51:00.000-08:00Darlene, I come here via Liz, Alexandra, Melba and...Darlene, I come here via Liz, Alexandra, Melba and others ... so grateful for you that Mark is coming home and I promise, especially as my own children grow up, I pRoMiSe to tell your story. Love to you and your family ... and gratitude for your strength to share so much of yourself.HoBesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10094740252136028478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-70671524309514574022007-01-19T10:46:00.000-08:002007-01-19T10:46:00.000-08:00You're so right - a cautionary tale for all. What ...You're so right - a cautionary tale for all. What a gem of a son Mark is, being worried about you before himself, even now. He's a credit to you and your husband. And he's right. Take care of YOU too.paris parfaithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05457437124988976587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-32006006317519773712007-01-19T08:26:00.000-08:002007-01-19T08:26:00.000-08:00ocriwi
Mark's story has had a huge impact on me. ...ocriwi<br />Mark's story has had a huge impact on me. On Dec. 21st our dear friends (close enough that we call them our family of choice)lost their 19 year old son, Tyler Sheets, in a single car accident. Tyler was alone running an errand for his mom. He was on a country road and I understand he wasn't wearing his seat belt. My husband and I were in the birthing room when he was born and my husband named him. Tyler was an amazing young man. I still want to cry, maybe I always will. Soon after that I stumbled upon your blog and Mark's story. How I have prayed for him. And for you to have the strength to carry on - to carry him. Trust me, this is one story that has been and will be told, especially to my 15 year old son. I rejoice every moment with you that he is coming home and that he is alive!!!Candyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15472257745410066972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-89555621249619779262007-01-19T04:20:00.000-08:002007-01-19T04:20:00.000-08:00I have told and told and told my sons this story.....I have told and told and told my sons this story...I have no words to say how much I thank you for sharing what happened to Mark...sharing your pain...sharing your life...<br /><br />Please...I want to say exactly what feel...but words aren't enough....<br /><br />only if I were anwhere around you...I would have my arms aroud your neck giving you a very very tight hug...<br /><br />you are an amazing woman!Lady Prismhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04333352060797182573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-20034555200957356532007-01-19T00:15:00.000-08:002007-01-19T00:15:00.000-08:00Darlene, I have two teenage sons, both are learnin...Darlene, I have two teenage sons, both are learning to drive at the moment. A few weeks ago when I came into your site and read the events that took place and since then unfolded, I have relayed Mark's condition and how he got that way to my children. So yes I have used his life as a lesson, hoping my children will learn from it.<br /><br />I did start off initially by telling them I had read this story....but now when I talk to them about updates etc, I always say Mark and Darlene, and they of course know exactly who I'm referring to.<br /><br />Under the circumstances I too would be feeling a lot of anger. I hope you find peace by letting it go. What an incredible young man still thinking of you at this time. What a selfless and beautiful person your Mark is.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13015797292828295587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-34102004532322482832007-01-18T22:30:00.000-08:002007-01-18T22:30:00.000-08:00Dear Dar,
Such an important lesson to pass on ... ...Dear Dar,<br />Such an important lesson to pass on ... I think about all the stupid mistakes I made in my youth, hopping rides with those NOT qualified to be driving - one resulted in an accident, but luckily my injuries were superficial. <br />Yes, the anger is part of the grief. You are grieving this experience. You are grieving the life you had <i>before the accident.</i><br />Sending much love to you my dear friend. <i>Hugs, Deb</i>JP (mom)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03120439923927414464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-23816525227919104482007-01-18T17:16:00.000-08:002007-01-18T17:16:00.000-08:00Hi Darlene, I'm here because Jack k posted about y...Hi Darlene, I'm here because Jack k posted about your family crisis, from across the world your sad story has impacted on all who are aware of it.<br />Take courage and strength from it and cling tight to your loved ones who are sharing your pain.<br />The very best to you all and especially to Mark.Peterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15835936655590583808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-48671576315212802232007-01-18T16:11:00.000-08:002007-01-18T16:11:00.000-08:00Yes, Darlene. I always warn people about the dange...Yes, Darlene. I always warn people about the dangers that cars can really be-- even when someone is not drinking. People just don't seem to realize the destruction that can happen in the blink of an eye. I worry NOW for the days when my kids will be wanting to drive and ride in other kids cars!! Holy crap. It gives me an anxiety attack!! Because I know only too well the reality. I just hope they will listen to me.<br />...And not drive until they are 18.<br /><br />I would be sooooo mad if I were you. You have to feel it and let those feeling flow out of your body. It is not good for you to keep it locked inside.<br /><br />Something my pastor told me, when I was beyond anger at the drug pusher who got my baby brother started on drugs...He told me that it was okay for me to be mad. Because he said God was mad, too! It was only important that I channel that anger in a productive way.(So I started a letter writing campaign to the DA, until she was put in prison).<br /><br />You are channeling your anger in a productive way by asking people to use Marks story to keep others safe! Maybe you could even write something about this experience and share it in some way where kids could read it. Purpose. You will find the purpose.<br /><br />:)Amberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04680903854519503303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-18624925915448525832007-01-18T15:46:00.000-08:002007-01-18T15:46:00.000-08:00After you express/let out your anger I hope you ca...After you express/let out your anger I hope you can take a deep breath, relax your body and accept the following Celtic benediction<br /><br />Deep peace of the running wave to you.<br />Deep peace of the flowing air to you.<br />Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.<br />Deep peace of the shinning stars to you.<br />Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01446834423094240764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-32090325563901400782007-01-18T15:03:00.000-08:002007-01-18T15:03:00.000-08:00Darlene
Mmmmm... the bloody anger.
It is a useful ...Darlene<br />Mmmmm... the bloody anger.<br />It is a useful tool... and something that is required to be experienced before you can move past it.<br /><br />As a fellow Mother... I am furious for you and for Mark... but I know that things are on the up and up and improve every moment, every day.<br /><br />And that is what I pray for constantly.<br /><br />(((hugs)) and love to you, Mark and the family.<br /><br />Bx::Bek Geach::https://www.blogger.com/profile/01386896875549282634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-75435529506502481132007-01-18T14:58:00.000-08:002007-01-18T14:58:00.000-08:00I promise. :) My son is only 7, but already worr...I promise. :) My son is only 7, but already worry about him being a teenager.Kim -today's creative bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09001213765646946143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-76731245305165411752007-01-18T14:06:00.000-08:002007-01-18T14:06:00.000-08:00Hi Darlene,
How I want to give you a hug right now...Hi Darlene,<br />How I want to give you a hug right now (and perhaps bring over a crew of friends to clean your house, catch up all the laundry, and leave a teeming vase of tulips on your table for when you wake up from a nice long nap!)<br /><br />I think Jesus promises pretty specifically that he can take our anger from us and give us supernatural peace instead...I'm so moved by how you give it over. I'm adding my prayers to your bowl, asking for peace for both you and Mark. <br /><br />How awesome his gesture was - that is quite a man you raised :) As you said, this story is not over, and I believe in happy endings!!!<br />Much love,<br />TrishTrish Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18038324441006141430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-80211178222192802152007-01-18T13:52:00.000-08:002007-01-18T13:52:00.000-08:00It's good for you to express your anger. My father...It's good for you to express your anger. My father is a police officer and has seen many accidents such as Marks in his 27 years of service. He stressed all the points you made to the extent that I did become a worrier about these type of things. I wish Mark had never gotten in that car in the first place and I wish he would have taken the keys from his coworker's hands and insisted on driving. I think those two things will linger in his mind for the rest of his life. He made a mistake, a life-changing mistake, but he's going to come out of it to be a testimony to many people and because of what happened to him, his story may save many lives throughout this lifetime. <br /><br />God uses the bad circumstances in our lives to produce positive ones later. So many people are praying for you. Be strong and take care of yourself!Graceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06259158741112399175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-88351358848929717392007-01-18T13:34:00.000-08:002007-01-18T13:34:00.000-08:00"* I am angry and I choose to let it go."
This li..."* I am angry and I choose to let it go."<br /><br />This line has comforted and helped me more than I can say.Mimeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13549790359115165117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-39628311982630369482007-01-18T10:51:00.000-08:002007-01-18T10:51:00.000-08:00p.s. LOVE that you have your jewellry online :-)p.s. LOVE that you have your jewellry online :-)claireylovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16691439928758477628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-50219869498158958702007-01-18T09:52:00.000-08:002007-01-18T09:52:00.000-08:00I want to give you hope that your story isn't just...I want to give you hope that your story isn't just dissipating into the ether. I have lost friends to drunk drivers. By the grace of God, I have survived my own stupidity when I got into a car with a drunk driver. As a mom of 2 young boys, your story is my nightmare.<br /><br />Recently, I talked to the parents of my good friends and neighbors and talked about wanting to have a pact between our two families. When our kids were of age (theirs will be sooner than mine), I want to make a contract with their kids. They call me any time of day or night to come get them - no questions asked - rather than getting into a vehicle with anyone under the influence of anything. They would come home with me having amnesty. They would deal with their parents the next day. This way, I can call the parents, say I'm going to get your kids - they'll be at my house.<br /><br />This post made me renew these discussions. As a youngster, I had a similar "out" - a family friend that I knew I could go to in order to get that kind of safety and amnesty. It wasn't always perfect but it kept me safe at times. And being able to call her - rather than my mom - was easier. I know now that my mother would have driven anywhere to pick me up no matter what I had been doing - just to get me home alive. But as a teen, I just figured she'd yell and be the enemy.<br /><br />So I am renewed by this post and will promise to make that contract with her kids and any other kids in our neighborhood. I'll do it in honor of you and Mark.LEstes65https://www.blogger.com/profile/15963146455105319876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-14683784700582674952007-01-18T09:46:00.001-08:002007-01-18T09:46:00.001-08:00Hi Darlene, that anger you experienced is good, yo...Hi Darlene, that anger you experienced is good, you need that release. I would be so angry too every time I thought of that young man who was driving. I would only hope that some day I could get over that resentment but it would be so hard.<br /><br />My sons are older now, not teenagers but they can still benefit by Mark's story. I remember so many nights worrying about them when they were out and I knew they were going to a party. I would nag nag nag and I know that sometimes, it didn't help. <br /><br />I am amazed that Mark had the strength to call you, so that shows more progress. <br /><br />Still checking in and praying for you all.<br /><br />sandy, xoxoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-41190794393336221472007-01-18T09:46:00.000-08:002007-01-18T09:46:00.000-08:00Hi Darlene, that anger you experienced is good, yo...Hi Darlene, that anger you experienced is good, you need that release. I would be so angry too every time I thought of that young man who was driving. I would only hope that some day I could get over that resentment but it would be so hard.<br /><br />My sons are older now, not teenagers but they can still benefit by Mark's story. I remember so many nights worrying about them when they were out and I knew they were going to a party. I would nag nag nag and I know that sometimes, it didn't help. <br /><br />I am amazed that Mark had the strength to call you, so that shows more progress. <br /><br />Still checking in and praying for you all.<br /><br />sandy, xoxosandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03307968128182359860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-46126830718496803262007-01-18T09:35:00.000-08:002007-01-18T09:35:00.000-08:00Powerful. Powerful. Mark better get better quick...Powerful. Powerful. Mark better get better quick so you all can start touring with your book and lecture.<br /><br />Its been all business 'till now. Things are settling in. You are on to the next phase, but you are trying to deal with it the way you feel you should. It reminds me of a couple of verses. John 14:27 (NLT) "I am leaving you with a gift; peace of mind and heart...So don't be troubled or afraid." and 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NASB) "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace..."<br /><br />Thank you for sharing these things with us Darlene. We will continue to pray for strength & healing and we will continue to share Mark's story.AMYhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04619232169486693856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-21151791858347180562007-01-18T09:19:00.000-08:002007-01-18T09:19:00.000-08:00D~ I would be angry as well, how can you not be? T...D~ I would be angry as well, how can you not be? There comes a point where you do NEED to acknowledge it, and then to set it free, just as you are doing.The thing about anger is that it does not change anything. We feel it; it is very real, but we can not go back and change the course of events based on it, or anything else.<br /><br />You are transforming it into lessons, and that IS something that you can affect. None of us will ever forget this. The events that took place prior to this horrible event do indeed happen entirely too often. I am not even close to that place yet w/A; however, there will come a day, and I will remember this, and I will explain it to him. <br /><br />The anger comes from the needlessness of this. This did not have to happen. Now that it has, may we all take the important lessons learned from it and embrace and use them. Those lessons span everything from the pre-accident to the accident itself to Mark's strenght and healing after the fact. They come from the way you and your family have banded together. They come from the fact that a higher power has made it clear that Mark still has a long life ahead of him.<br /><br />That fire you show in your picture? I love Deb's idea of writing these things down and then burning them. Remove any and all power they have over you. Destroy it.<br /><br />I wish you peace and rest today, as well as continued perspective and soul healing. And, as always, prayers and healing to Mark.<br /><br />Love to you,<br />J<br />xoxoxo<br /><br />P.S. Beautiful necklaces!!! :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-33139894038772291442007-01-18T08:56:00.000-08:002007-01-18T08:56:00.000-08:00I know this boy named Mark, his wonderful mother D...I know this boy named Mark, his wonderful mother Darlene, their family and their many, many friends from around the world. <br />How do you explain something that is a miracle. Yes there is a life lesson in all this. But how do you explain the circle of love that surrounds all of you from complete strangers. This miracle came from your heart Darlene. By you talking to us about your dear Mark you have united together people from all over the world. You are responsible for this miracle that is healing Mark.<br />I'm at a loss for words<br />Please take care of yourselfAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com