the magical mystical night

It has been a week..

Let me tell you about Mark's magical, mystical passing.
Would  you like some music?
Let's call Jennifer.
Jennifer and her harp were here in minutes.
She played for Mark and me and Bree, Ginny, and Mark's sister Sandy.
Mark said "here I am with all the women"
Then Micah came
and the hospice nurse.
She explained to all of us what the next few days would likely bring....
She was honest with us and Mark was a part of that conversation.
Mark left us peacefully about half an hour later.
I believe he did not want to prolong pain and suffering for himself or any of us.
The kids and I held and talked to him to his last breath.
Conor was on his way from Seattle and was with us shortly after.

Jennifer came back that evening and played for Mark while we all just sat and cried.
We lit a candle and felt his spirit in the room.
It was magical
It was mystical
Friends came and held us all
There were tears and laughter and oh that harp music and angelic voice.

People left
Our eyes were swollen
Our rooms were full of friends sleeping
Bree and I camped out in the living room and watched as the candle burned out.
I kept looking out the tall windows into the trees.
It was foggy and mystical
I knew Mark would be outside somewhere.

And now we carry on, the kids and I.
With all the food, hugs, calls and support from all of you,
it has been impossible to just give up.
We will see many of you at the celebration of Mark's life.

I want to thank ALL of you right now for loving Mark and
being in his life.
And to thank ALL who have called, sent notes, cards, and goodies
and cooked meals for this family.