Today at 3:45 Am, God did indeed declare Marc's earthly work complete and his suffering from melanoma over forever as he took him home to his Lord and Savior. Our prayers were answered as we thank God for his wonderful life and praise Him to not allowing Marc to suffer such pain another long night. Please rejoice with us in his homecoming and celebrate Marcus' life and family at the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa on Tuesday, April 29 at 10:30 AM. A family visitation will be held on Monday at the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa from 5 to 7:30 PM. Thank you for sharing in this short yet incredible journey with us. We'll share more memories of Marc and his brave flight from this life in the days to come. For tonight, we KNOW that "by Day the Lord directs his love, at night His song is with me" Psalm 42:8
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Thursday, April 24
Yesterday was a good day. Marc and Judy took advantage of the warm sunny day with a ride out and about and a stop at the Dairy Queen, where Marc requested a Peanut Buster Parfait, which he shared with Ginger the dog. I called on the cell while they were driving, and told Marc it was about time for him to write an update on this blog, to which he replied he would definetly look into doing that, and as always he thanked us caring for him and his family.
We are thankful for good days, and opportunities to do the small things that we so all take for granted.
Last night was a little harder. There seems to be more pain, and more edema, and evenings always bring a little more anxiety. The nurse visited this morning and prescribed more pain medication.
This morning also brought a visit from a good friend, who also happens to be a Hospice volunteer. Judy says he was just what God sent..someone who knew what to say and when to go. We still find it amazing how God answers prayers in the "little" things that happen each day.
A card arrived from an aunt, and the stamp on the card read "By Day the Lord directs his Love, at night his song is with me. (psalm 42:8) Marc's new constant companion in the night is his radio, set to 99.9 which is staying on all night as a special favor to Marc and our family. This card, and verse, are just another confirmation to us that God covers Marc day and night, with his love, and with a song to reassure him and us, that we are never alone.
Isn't God good?
I know many of you are praying. Judy would ask that you pray for calm in the evening and night time hours, for continued ways to be able to control the increasing pain, for more good days and memories made. Kari is on her class trip and will return tomorrow.
May His Song be with all of you tonight as well.
God bless you all for caring for Marc so much.
We are thankful for good days, and opportunities to do the small things that we so all take for granted.
Last night was a little harder. There seems to be more pain, and more edema, and evenings always bring a little more anxiety. The nurse visited this morning and prescribed more pain medication.
This morning also brought a visit from a good friend, who also happens to be a Hospice volunteer. Judy says he was just what God sent..someone who knew what to say and when to go. We still find it amazing how God answers prayers in the "little" things that happen each day.
A card arrived from an aunt, and the stamp on the card read "By Day the Lord directs his Love, at night his song is with me. (psalm 42:8) Marc's new constant companion in the night is his radio, set to 99.9 which is staying on all night as a special favor to Marc and our family. This card, and verse, are just another confirmation to us that God covers Marc day and night, with his love, and with a song to reassure him and us, that we are never alone.
Isn't God good?
I know many of you are praying. Judy would ask that you pray for calm in the evening and night time hours, for continued ways to be able to control the increasing pain, for more good days and memories made. Kari is on her class trip and will return tomorrow.
May His Song be with all of you tonight as well.
God bless you all for caring for Marc so much.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Tuesday April 22
When I called the Stuit house yesterday for a daily report, Marcus answered the phone. I was a little surprised to hear his voice, and asked how he was doing. Oh I"m fine, was his standard reply. We chatted a bit before he turned the phone over to his wife, who gave me a few more details on his condition. He remains on oxygen and tires easily.
In one of our conversations a week or so ago, I told Marc about all the people who ask about him and who say they are praying for him. He seemed surprised by that. He said he couldn't' imagine all that fuss over such a simple man. I told him I thought most of these people thought he was not so simple, but pretty special. He looked at me, and said, All I ever wanted to do was live a simple life.
I think it just might be Marc's "simple life" and faith that is reaching and touching so many of us now. Every where I go, someone will stop to say something about Marc and again assure us that they are praying. These comments and prayers always bolster my day, and I would just ask that you be sure to share those comments with Marc. The days get long at home, and even though Jude told me they left the radio on over night last night, let's face it, even my FAMILY gets weary of hearing me!
So thanks again for your thoughts, prayers, comments, cards, they are all appreciated.
In one of our conversations a week or so ago, I told Marc about all the people who ask about him and who say they are praying for him. He seemed surprised by that. He said he couldn't' imagine all that fuss over such a simple man. I told him I thought most of these people thought he was not so simple, but pretty special. He looked at me, and said, All I ever wanted to do was live a simple life.
I think it just might be Marc's "simple life" and faith that is reaching and touching so many of us now. Every where I go, someone will stop to say something about Marc and again assure us that they are praying. These comments and prayers always bolster my day, and I would just ask that you be sure to share those comments with Marc. The days get long at home, and even though Jude told me they left the radio on over night last night, let's face it, even my FAMILY gets weary of hearing me!
So thanks again for your thoughts, prayers, comments, cards, they are all appreciated.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sunday April 20
Judy reports yet another good night of sleep ,and good sleep makes for good energy for the next day. Marc was able to take a drive yesterday with brother Gordon to visit a good friend, and those kinds of things make the days go by with a smile.
We appreciate small things in life even more, like fresh baked cinnamon rolls for breakfast, the promise of warm sunny weather, the company of family and friends, the encouragement through emails and cards, and the faith God gives to face each day.
Thanks for your messages to Marc and Jude on this sight and for your prayers for them, we see answers every day!
We appreciate small things in life even more, like fresh baked cinnamon rolls for breakfast, the promise of warm sunny weather, the company of family and friends, the encouragement through emails and cards, and the faith God gives to face each day.
Thanks for your messages to Marc and Jude on this sight and for your prayers for them, we see answers every day!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
SAturday April 19
Yesterday, the basement family room of 1003 Peniel street was transformed into Prom Central! With the help of Kari's cousin Val, it was hair and makeup and fancy clothes all afternoon. The result was well worth the time! Kari was, in her father's words, beautiful honey! and the smile on the faces of Dad and daughter made for yet another very precious moment. Our afternoon and evening was probalby a lot like other homes where kids were getting ready for prom, picking up the tux for Josh (and only getting half of it, that was Aunt Bev's fault..that's me...) pinning flowers, and of course, taking LOTS of pictures. I just imagine that at 1003 Peniel, it meant even more...
Marc did get outside in his wheelchair to sit a spell on the porch, in between rain showers. We manage to keep a p retty good watch on him, considering he can go no further than the oxygen tank allows. It does feel good to be outside, and Marc contines to show absolute courage and faith as he faces each day.
So again today, we are thankful for the answer to prayer that Kari would be able to enjoy her prom, that Marc would be able to see her looking so beautiful and grown up, that Judy could attend the "walk in", and that parents could spend more time with Marc.
Thanks again for your prayers, and support in so many ways. We're looking forward to another sunny day tomorrow.
Marc did get outside in his wheelchair to sit a spell on the porch, in between rain showers. We manage to keep a p retty good watch on him, considering he can go no further than the oxygen tank allows. It does feel good to be outside, and Marc contines to show absolute courage and faith as he faces each day.
So again today, we are thankful for the answer to prayer that Kari would be able to enjoy her prom, that Marc would be able to see her looking so beautiful and grown up, that Judy could attend the "walk in", and that parents could spend more time with Marc.
Thanks again for your prayers, and support in so many ways. We're looking forward to another sunny day tomorrow.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
I just talked with my sister Judy who reports that all the Stuit's had a good night. Marc had a good night's rest, he was very tired after the visit from his siblings, so we are not only thankful for the good visit they all had, but for the rest after.
Last night, Marc's parents and Judy's parents all viewed a DVD of Kari's choir concert presented at Faith CRC on April 6. Music has always been very important to Marc, he was member of the Gospel Singers Male Chorus of Oskaloosa for many years. There was also a conversation about will we have work to do in Heaven, to which Marc commented that he might need a little break before starting his Heavenly Work, this old body is pretty tired.
Medically speaking, Mark is on oxygen and is receiving pain medication from a nurse from Hospice that comes to their home. His breathing can become very labored because of the tumors in his lung.
So Today has the promise of being a good day. Kari will be preparing for Prom at Pella Christian High, Judy will be able to attend the "walk in" for that, Marc's parents will be able to spend more time with him, and we will all feel the strength that God continues to provide in response to the prayers of so many of our friends and family.
God is good.
I would also encourage you to leave a comment for Marc and Judy here on this blog. They are encouraged, lifted up, and humbled by the impact Marc has had on so many lives. He truly loved his work at Pella Corp, and misses those he worked with there, so thank you to fellow employees who have commented so far!
Seize the day.
Last night, Marc's parents and Judy's parents all viewed a DVD of Kari's choir concert presented at Faith CRC on April 6. Music has always been very important to Marc, he was member of the Gospel Singers Male Chorus of Oskaloosa for many years. There was also a conversation about will we have work to do in Heaven, to which Marc commented that he might need a little break before starting his Heavenly Work, this old body is pretty tired.
Medically speaking, Mark is on oxygen and is receiving pain medication from a nurse from Hospice that comes to their home. His breathing can become very labored because of the tumors in his lung.
So Today has the promise of being a good day. Kari will be preparing for Prom at Pella Christian High, Judy will be able to attend the "walk in" for that, Marc's parents will be able to spend more time with him, and we will all feel the strength that God continues to provide in response to the prayers of so many of our friends and family.
God is good.
I would also encourage you to leave a comment for Marc and Judy here on this blog. They are encouraged, lifted up, and humbled by the impact Marc has had on so many lives. He truly loved his work at Pella Corp, and misses those he worked with there, so thank you to fellow employees who have commented so far!
Seize the day.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
April 17, 2008
This has been a good week! Marcus' parents arrived from New Mexico on Friday the 11th. Jude took advantage of Marc's mother's nursing skills and let her keep on eye on Marc through the night, and Jude slept so hard she had sleep marks on her arms! That felt good!
Marc's siblings, Jim from Kansas, John from Texas, and sister Lori all arrived on Monday night. On Tuesday Gordon from Oskaloosa joined them all to clean the garage and shop. Marc decided to join them outside and "supervise" the cleaning and even persuade them to chop down a bush that Judy said only needed to be trimmed.
Justin and Denice were able to be home this past weekend as well.
Marc's siblings departed for home this morning, and his parents will remain for a while longer.
We are so thankful for good days to visit and reminisce as a family. For now Marc's visitors are being limited to just family, but your prayers are still coveted and your comments are most welcome on this blog.
Marc's siblings, Jim from Kansas, John from Texas, and sister Lori all arrived on Monday night. On Tuesday Gordon from Oskaloosa joined them all to clean the garage and shop. Marc decided to join them outside and "supervise" the cleaning and even persuade them to chop down a bush that Judy said only needed to be trimmed.
Justin and Denice were able to be home this past weekend as well.
Marc's siblings departed for home this morning, and his parents will remain for a while longer.
We are so thankful for good days to visit and reminisce as a family. For now Marc's visitors are being limited to just family, but your prayers are still coveted and your comments are most welcome on this blog.
April 6, 2008
This was placed in the First CRC bulletin on April 6. Marcus composed this himself.
"Several years ago I was diagnosed with Melanoma. After a couple of surgeries and experimental treatment I underwent extensive checkups every 3 months. These checkups showed no return of melanoma. This past month after extensive testing it was discovered that several parts of my body, along with inner organs, have this cancer and it is at stage 4 which is terminal. God has decided that my work on earth is completed and will soon be taking me to my heavenly home. Please pray for my family as we go through this transition. Marc Stuit and Family"
"Several years ago I was diagnosed with Melanoma. After a couple of surgeries and experimental treatment I underwent extensive checkups every 3 months. These checkups showed no return of melanoma. This past month after extensive testing it was discovered that several parts of my body, along with inner organs, have this cancer and it is at stage 4 which is terminal. God has decided that my work on earth is completed and will soon be taking me to my heavenly home. Please pray for my family as we go through this transition. Marc Stuit and Family"
March 28, 2008
On this Friday, Marcus learned that his cancer had returned and was in Stage 4. This is also the day Marc's father in law had emergency hernia surgery. Which also makes this the day we all learned to rely more fully on God's grace, and the power of prayer. Hopefully this sight will help keep Marc and Jude's family and friends aware of how they are doing, and how you can continue to pray specifically for them. You can also leave messages for Marc and Judy to encourage them. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.
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