tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post8926369973861210366..comments2023-08-09T08:42:17.192-07:00Comments on A Walk in My Shoes: ~ Update #6 ~ My Security BlanketDarlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06081653211179263967noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-58164082010632531112006-12-27T16:51:00.000-08:002006-12-27T16:51:00.000-08:00I am a relatively new mom; my daughter is 18 mos o...I am a relatively new mom; my daughter is 18 mos old. Becoming a mother has completely rocked my world, especially in the area of empathy and compassion. I love her like i never knew possible, and I am fiercely protective of her. I know you understand this. Part of the reason your story touches me so deeply is because I am watching you live out my and every mother's greatest fear: that something will happen to my baby. As I read your words, I am practically white-knuckled. I weep at every update, a mixture of joy, hope and fear and sadness, and I understand the rawness, the EXTREME distress you are feeling. Not because I have been there, but because it is my ultimate nightmare. <br /><br />I know that people are hurt and suffering all over the world and that every one of those people is someone's baby - but it's easy to forget/ignore. It gets crowded out by all the things we think are problems: getting the Christmas shopping finished, not having enough money, fighting with the spouse, etc. Being reminded is a GIFT. Reading your story has given me the HUGE gift of being able to say to myself: <i>These things I call problems are NOT problems. I can handle these things. I'm alive, my baby is alive, my family is alive and well. I will get over myself and put my mental/spiritual energy attention on someone who really needs it.</i> <br /><br />I wish you and your sweet boy and your wonderful family were not going through this. But because you are so generous in sharing what you're going through, you are modeling the possibility of COURAGE, STRENGTH and DEVOTION under unbearable circumstances. You are a true story - not a "what if..." - of someone breathing through a living nightmare. With courage, strength, devotion and love. Thank you.<br /><br />I have been following boho's adventures for awhile and I just adore your family, even though we've never met. I had never even heard of Mark before this, but I feel deep compassion for him, for his physical suffering, his fear and confusion. And I feel great empathy toward you, especially, because I identify with your mother's heart. <br /><br />No denying it will be hard, but I am envisioning more and more healing and joy and laughter every day for you and yours. Much love, mama. xoxoTerihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09480123965610183576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-58840561410750195442006-12-23T18:03:00.000-08:002006-12-23T18:03:00.000-08:00You asked why this touched me. Because at 15 I was...You asked why this touched me. Because at 15 I was standing in the hall as someone told us my Dad did not make it through his accident. Because I am a mother. Because I fear this kind of news myself. Because God has given me the grace to communicate with him and that is a powerful tool. Because I care about you. My mom used to say this and I never understood. JUST BECAUSE you needed our prayer, love, and support.maggiegracecreateshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12475293299150321997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-88115646487802019622006-12-23T09:26:00.000-08:002006-12-23T09:26:00.000-08:00I have visited many times without words to leave b...I have visited many times without words to leave behind; other then I am reading and praying and hoping for health for him and peace of mind for you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-10908091585122348672006-12-23T07:54:00.000-08:002006-12-23T07:54:00.000-08:00I am crying tears of joy for your precious son, Da...I am crying tears of joy for your precious son, Darlene! He is strong and determined,full of life.<br />Please don't forget to take care of YOU.<br />Blessings from one mama to another.....<br />Kim in IN.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-24874056368810698432006-12-23T07:15:00.000-08:002006-12-23T07:15:00.000-08:00I learned about your terrible ordeal on Deborah's ...I learned about your terrible ordeal on Deborah's (Jane Poe's) blog and I am so sorry you and Mark and your family are having to endure these difficulties. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Wishing you strength and courage now and in the days ahead.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-69377836480718259522006-12-23T01:39:00.000-08:002006-12-23T01:39:00.000-08:00I am sorry to hear about what you and your son are...I am sorry to hear about what you and your son are going through, your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Haveing had many stays in the hospital myself, I understand your frutration with the nurses. They aren't being mean or thoughtless, they're just doing their job, which is to take care of your son. They are not supposed to answer your questions, that is for the doctors to do, they are the ones with answers. <br /><br />I understand about needing a security blanket, you will hold on to it for as long as you need to, don't let anyone keep you from haveing it.<br /><br />Where there is life, there is hope. Where there is hope, there is love.Adriannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07271962630969408594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-1703574818946071212006-12-23T01:33:00.000-08:002006-12-23T01:33:00.000-08:00Wonderful news Darlene. We all continue to join h...Wonderful news Darlene. We all continue to join hands in prayer. Every thought is a prayer.Annie Jeffrieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15415548089882625246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-33841529146924758352006-12-23T00:41:00.000-08:002006-12-23T00:41:00.000-08:00I have sat here and cried over your posts. My tho...I have sat here and cried over your posts. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I don't know what else to say.Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08173570668953951245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-81548167047743497512006-12-23T00:25:00.000-08:002006-12-23T00:25:00.000-08:00Darlene, one of the first things I did this mornin...Darlene, one of the first things I did this morning was check your site -- I was so relieved to hear the surgery went well! As for your question, why has this touched ME -- I think it's really because of YOU. Because he is YOUR son, and because your beautiful spirit shines through on your blog, because your whole family, Denise, your parents as shared by both you and Denise, your smiling daughter, seem so kind and beautiful -- that Mark MUST be like that too. For so many of us this blogging connection is new, this way of getting a glimpse into new friends' lives. Usually it's the average every-day things we see. But to see a family like yours shaken by something so tragic and scary, it shakes us all. It could be anyone, at any moment. We all live in fear that terrible things might at any moment happen to our loved ones -- there's the sense of luck if one has NOT faced such a crisis in one's own family. So I pray that your family comes through it okay, so there might be many more pictures of Mark taken, smiling that big smile, for years to come, and for the hope that your story offers that other families might be so lucky that their sons might live, too. To think good things come to good people. I can't capture what I want to say -- but I AM incredibly touched by this, and so full of hope for Mark.Laini Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-88120975231130216212006-12-23T00:02:00.000-08:002006-12-23T00:02:00.000-08:00Darlene,
Im touched by both you and Mark for diffe...Darlene,<br />Im touched by both you and Mark for different reasons. With Mark, I've been in his shoes, in such a terrible accident, I feel his pain and my heart goes out to him ... with you .. you remind me of my mum, of her love for me, how she put herself to one side to devote her life to me. You are a devoted mother indeed and I know this is a hard time for you, but I do thank you for sharing and allowing us to hopefully help in some little way :-)<br /><br />O and the security blanket, I have the same ... I lost my mum in Feb of this year, I sleep under the blanket which covered her when she passed, I sleep in the bed she lay in ... its only natural for us I think, these things are the last real life thing that touched our loved ones, not these hospital gowns, tubes and stuff, but things, clothes that we maybe bought for them or even loved to see them wearing, it has the smell of them, its comforting ... thats what I feel anyway.<br /><br />Take care and god bless you all XThe Mad Hatterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17758892582289178843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-61196418285808488282006-12-23T00:01:00.000-08:002006-12-23T00:01:00.000-08:00I have been reading your blog since boho told us o...I have been reading your blog since boho told us of the news. I guess I feel touched by your posts beacuse I feel your hurt, anger, sadness and the glimour of joy in your posts. I am sending my love and prayers from Victoria, Australia<br />Josie xoxoxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-3391317158921044002006-12-22T22:21:00.000-08:002006-12-22T22:21:00.000-08:00Over the past twelve months my family has learned ...Over the past twelve months my family has learned the power of love and faith of a family whether a blood family or an extended family like this bogger tribe surrounding you, Denise, Mark and your whole family. <br /><br />We've had our own Marc survive against all odds and against the opinion of his doctors. I've been using that experience to strengthen my prayers for your Mark.<br /><br />I believe that your love, faith and strength - multiplied by all the people who have been touched by it and sent it back to you - has been a powerful force and I am soooooo happy to read your latest posts. <br /><br />Thanks for making the time to let us know the news amidst everything else you need to be doing now (including resting!). We are all thinking of you and praying for you so it is great to have news.<br /><br />(I'm another arrival from Boho's blog)Frida Worldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07878651630529664531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-83510406521225879222006-12-22T21:57:00.000-08:002006-12-22T21:57:00.000-08:00Thank you Luxie!!! That is EXACTLY how I am feelin...Thank you Luxie!!! That is EXACTLY how I am feeling. I tried to leave an additional comment yesterday (*blogger trouble) saying this: This accident, you sharing so boldly every detail you could and this incredible community of bloggers have changed me. Not only have I cried for you and Mark, I have cried at the response here in comment-land! Beauty and love like no words I can come up with have flowed on these pages in amazing ways. I too, am touched so deeply on how so many have been touched over this incident. It just proves to me that a spirit world exists, connections that are there, that we didn't put there. YOU AND MARK have changed my Christmas this year! I've been moved in many ways that have affected my attitude on life, family, stress, and priorities this week. By the testimony of so many here, I see I'm not alone in this. Jodi and I talk a couple of times a day about you guys, I'm always checking for updates, I have Mark's beautiful picture on my blog, and I even had a dream with you in it last night! I cannot begin to explain it- I ditto what others have said so far, the commonalities, the compassion, your rawness, the miracles, etc. But I believe this one is supernatural!!! I love you and your family. I with Luxie agree that this will be the most powerful Christmas your family will have. NO, not traditional material things kinda day-- the gift and redempemtion kinda day, one that no earthly thing can ever come close to emulating!<br />Love,<br />MIchelle<br />P.S. My dream was me showing up at your house to be with you, and as I arrived so did 'JanePoe'. She was a beautiful lady, and said she had just arrived too. You were in your kitchen and we joined you. This is so strange....I have no idea who JanePoe is besides seeing her comment here...I think I should go find her blog:)Brown eyed girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06913605336732456573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-56301292946487111052006-12-22T21:32:00.000-08:002006-12-22T21:32:00.000-08:00Darlene,
I know this has touched me so much beca...Darlene, <br /><br />I know this has touched me so much because I'm a mother and I have four sons all in their 20's. I can't imagine going through this and on one hand, it makes me take the time to appreciate their health, and the love that surrounds us with family and friends. <br /><br />Seeing the pictures of Mark and knowing a little about you through the blog, I can't help but be affected in some way and want so much for this young man to heal up perfectly and pain-free. I have had traumas in life, through family members and what it does to the whole family is such a painful ordeal. <br /><br />I think all of us can relate to seeing someone we love hurting and in pain, especially those first days of not knowing exactly what was going to happen. <br /><br />I just so pray and hope that each day gets better and better for you all and for Mark. <br /><br />I don't think I'll ever look at my boys again without the thought in my mind that what you are going through, any of us could be.<br /><br />This week, my son lost a friend in a car accident and the funeral was today. He was taken instantly. <br /><br />Will continue to pray and hold you all in my thoughts for the best outcome. <br /><br />sandy,<br />xoxosandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03307968128182359860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-19187767047329574922006-12-22T20:45:00.000-08:002006-12-22T20:45:00.000-08:00On a lighter note...
I called my sons to sit down...On a lighter note...<br /><br />I called my sons to sit down beside me and showed the pic of MArk..(My sons are 17 and 15)..so my hubz' joined us in reading here as I open my computer and go straight to your blog..first thing they say is that Mark must be some movie star...or a famous model...<br /><br />Having sons I somehow have an idea of how terrible terrible it is to feel what you do right now...and Marks story..and YOURS...give me strength..teaches me so much about family..about how to be strong...about survival...So many lessons of life...even for my two sons..<br /><br />This story is the most appropriate and relevant Christmas story for these turmoiled times we live in...It's not about material gifts or food...or feeling fakely happy....for a few days..<br /><br />you didn't skip on christmas at all..nope...<br /><br />you... your family is what the true meaning of christmas is.....<br /><br />you gave that to me..to all of us...<br /><br />the only thing my family can give back are our prayers...and love..<br /><br />Thank you very much...<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Luxie<br /><br />( simplylux@blogspot)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-44421723616315842612006-12-22T20:08:00.000-08:002006-12-22T20:08:00.000-08:00though i don't know you, my thoughts are with you ...though i don't know you, my thoughts are with you - we are both mothers of sons so we do, in many ways, know the shape of love and what it means when our babies, regardless of how old or how big, are hurt.<br /><br />so when i light my christmas candles i will think of you and your son mark and your family and send you as much love and good energy as i can.Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05048533325118829436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-3126643042177458532006-12-22T19:41:00.000-08:002006-12-22T19:41:00.000-08:00I won't be able to comment for a while, I am leavi...I won't be able to comment for a while, I am leaving tomorrow, but my heart and thoughts will still be with you and Mark throughout my travels.<br /><br />I wrote down your web address so I can read updates from friend's computers along the way!<br /><br />I can't explain why this event has touched me the way it has. I did read your blog, and Denise's blog, beforehand. It's just an amazing community that I am very new to, but that did not stop me from rooting for Mark from the get go! <br /><br /><br />And I keep rooting...<br />KarenKaren Travelshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02540548158220943992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-63921531243881850552006-12-22T19:38:00.000-08:002006-12-22T19:38:00.000-08:00I'm so glad for your positive news. I know you sai...I'm so glad for your positive news. I know you said you would be passing on xmas, but food and presents aside, I think you are celebrating the very best of what xmas is: acknowledging and appreciating that which is important and valuable to you in life. You could maybe even take a breathe now Darlene - it wouldn't suprise me if you've been holding your breath all this time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-43114638890869037602006-12-22T19:22:00.000-08:002006-12-22T19:22:00.000-08:00b/sisterhoes, please accept my prayers, energy and...b/sisterhoes, please accept my prayers, energy and wishes for things to turn out positively for you all.<br /><br />I am sorry to learn of this terrible event in your life.<br /><br />Mark will come through this as he is supposed to, and you will find great relief.<br /><br />I will check back from time to time to learn of your progress.<br /><br />Bronx/bt asked me to stop by, and I am glad that he did. We need to have others do the same so I will spread the word.<br /><br />May peace and love be with you all.<br /><br />Take care of yourself so you can better serve Mark.Jack K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10619303846748379807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-53783035264257891512006-12-22T18:47:00.000-08:002006-12-22T18:47:00.000-08:00I'm so glad Mark is doing better. Your relief come...I'm so glad Mark is doing better. Your relief comes through so clearly. And I'm glad you shared these days with us and let yourself be held in the circle that came together so beautifully.<br /><br />Why did this touch me? Because I know the horror of seeing someone I love suffer terribly and not being able to do one damn thing about it. I learned during my sister's illness that people are good and it was one of the gifts that came from unthinkable circumstances. <br /><br />This tribe we are is powerful.Deirdrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01111665177473414894noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-50886741824417049852006-12-22T18:33:00.000-08:002006-12-22T18:33:00.000-08:00Darlene, Mark's story touched me so deeply because...Darlene, Mark's story touched me so deeply because as a Mother my worst nightmare has always been something happening to my children (now adults, but the fear never goes away)Your fear and heartache was palpable. Your telling of how Mark dragged himself out of that canal and called you tore my heart out.I check your site several times a day, and give my husband progress reports. Isn't that wonderful..PROGRESS reports..! And I can't read them aloud because I begin to cry.<br />The power of prayer..if I ever had any doubt..has been proven to me.So many supplications had to be heard, from all around the world.<br />God bless you both.<br />And in this season of miracles Mark is certainly a miracle.<br />xoSheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06731396546695910306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-66677980794371125682006-12-22T18:24:00.000-08:002006-12-22T18:24:00.000-08:00Darlene,
I found your blog via Deni and as someon...Darlene,<br /><br />I found your blog via Deni and as someone who desperately wants to be a mother, I just connected to your story and the bond you share with your family. <br /><br />Blogs are a way of connecting to people, people you don't know and what an amazing thing to have so may people be there for you and Mark in such a powerful way.<br /><br />Mark sounds like an amazing young man and I would give plenty of that credit to his mother who also sounds amazing.<br /><br />Take good care,<br />StacieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-66595999249442667252006-12-22T17:40:00.000-08:002006-12-22T17:40:00.000-08:00Darlene, i am so pleased that your family has had ...Darlene, i am so pleased that your family has had some positive news, even though there will be many challenges ahead. <br /><br />Mark's story would've touched anyone who knew nothing of you or your family but having had the pleasure of reading your words and your sister's for some time it was imposssible not to feel a deep concern and sadness for the pain that you are all going through.<br /><br />but i also felt that that boy is in good hands. you're the best medicine he could want for and a wonderful role model. <br /><br />best wishes,<br />amyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-4820169723493214272006-12-22T16:51:00.000-08:002006-12-22T16:51:00.000-08:00I had to comment again because there was yet a new...I had to comment again because there was yet a new update. My husband got home from work and I read him the one from this morning as I was on your site when he came in. I then read through tears the update and again your relief was palpable. My husband said by the fact that Mark got himself out and up that canal, called for help was a testament to this mans will to survive.I believe that too. My husband asks every day whether you had posted anything new. You are getting double the intense healing thoughts and prayers from us.<br />Still holding your hand and sending love.<br />XOXO<br />LisaLisa Oceandreamer Swifkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10447207923190618328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30610711.post-31358432148053118852006-12-22T16:39:00.000-08:002006-12-22T16:39:00.000-08:00I continue to pray for Mark, and for you and your ...I continue to pray for Mark, and for you and your family. <br /><br />I am so glad that things went as well as they did with his surgery, an answer to prayer for sure.<br /><br />I think you are having Christmas, the shared love, and a wonderful miracle that Mark has made it this far.gal artisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02400716031581671054noreply@blogger.com