A Tribute to Mark . . .

Here we are again, a short two years later. My heart is not only broken but torn from my chest- at least it feels like it. 

The unthinkable happened this week- my nephew Mark was taken from us far too soon. What makes this even tougher is that we lost his brother John not quite two years ago. 

 Some may remember my tribute to John. In it, I mentioned that I was just 10 when John was born and 14 when Mark came along. So it seems as if “the boys” have always been in my life. Like very special friends in life, we would pick up where we left off- no matter the time or distance apart. 

Don’t get me wrong- neither were saints, far from it. But they both overcame a lot to become the men they were.  

To think now of a life with neither of them here- well, that is going to take some time. Knowing one was missing was tough enough.  

Sweet Mark. I think of the old saying “still waters run deep.” He was the more easy-going brother- the caregiver, if you will. He loved deeply, especially his family- and his children to the moon and back. He cared about friends with the same intensity, almost to a fault sometimes.  

Mark loved the Lord, too. When he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior, it was with that same passion. One of the most wonderful and special memories is sitting in a Bible study he led at a ministry that I was once a part several years before. It was a family moment across generations really- my parents and grandparents had all had some involvement with this same ministry throughout the years. And now there we were with Mark’s daughter and my son. Wow!   

It has been comforting during this sorrowful time in hearing from others about how Mark impacted their lives. How his love for the Lord made a difference. And how much he loved us all. 

He would be so proud of his daughter, so much like her dad. Same loving personality, seeking God’s best in this all- even while coping with a devastating loss. Her love for her young brothers so much like the love Mark had for them all.    

It is also comforting to know that Mark is no longer suffering the physical pain that had plagued him in recent months. He has received the ultimate healing.  

Our loss is Heaven’s gain- oh, the reunions of loved ones taking place! And seeing Jesus face to face! To paraphrase one of my favorite songs, knowing what I know about Heaven why would I want to pray him back? So, we go on with broken hearts here, thankful to have had Mark with us as long we did.  

Don’t ever miss an opportunity to tell someone that you love them. We just never know when it could be the last time. I can smile when I remember that those were among the last words Mark and I spoke to each other. I love you.

DeSwan.com

Bringing back the inspiration . . .

So, it would seem that my new adventures in artistic inspiration continue- with a strong dose of the past firmly planted in the middle. The past few weeks brought together some wonderful memories of the past, and a brand new experience on stage!

Several years ago, there was a Christian coffeehouse where we enjoyed the music of many wonderful musicians and ministers. There were also some house groups that were formed over the years, one in particular was called The Doorkeepers. I was blessed to be a member of this group which sang and did skits at many area churches and events.

We recently held a get-together of those from the coffeehouse. The leader of the group surprised members of The Doorkeepers with a CD of some of the songs. What a delight it is to hear these songs again, and remember such a blessed and joyful time in our lives. As I like to tell people, I am the one who makes a “joyful noise” and feel so blessed to be a part.

Music is an important part of my “day job” as well. I am blessed to work with people who appreciate music as much as I do, including an individual who has travelled with a music ministry and recorded two albums in the past. Through activities at this “day job”, I have found that music is not only entertaining and uplifting but can also have physical benefits- the mechanics of singing helps to get more air into the lungs. (I learned this firsthand with a bout of allergy-induced asthma!) Another reason to love it.

Our crew at work decided to put together a show that would showcase music and humor- and Bring Back the Laughter. Humorous songs featured skits, and the music was top-notch. And most importantly, people laughed and forgot about the troubles of the day! We sure laughed rehearsing for the program!

I am blessed to have friends that allow me to bring my “joyful noise” to such programs. And in this case, I also was a production and marketing “executive”- well, according to the chief production officer. (Laughs!) Writing press releases, and contacting area newspapers and community television stations are more in my comfort zone, not that venturing to the not-so-comfortable zone of entertaining was not fun.

Now you might be wondering why I said the past was part of this present. Well, it is not every day that I get in a vehicle to go on a marketing visit and realize that the driver is listening to a certain Doorkeepers CD! I have to say that was a surreal moment.

DeSwan.com

Another new thing . . .

My latest escapade began with a simple offer of help to my cousin who was heading a community Vacation Bible School being held by four churches. The three night program would not just feed the souls of children attending but also their tummies.

So, I thought maybe I would help teach or something. We really didn’t know how many children would be participating so the first night it was a matter of showing up to see if I was needed. Well, then came the question- something to the effect of using electronics and computers.

How hard can that be?

“Sure, I will do it.”

Hmm, why do I keep doing that? Saying yes, and then wonder what I just got myself into. (Laughs) So, I get in the elevator to ride up the two floors to what doubles as the choir loft and audio/visual area in the balcony at the rear of the sanctuary.

Have got to tell you the elevator is kind of cool. It is not large, but it is cool. It can open on three different sides, depending on what level one chooses-there are actually four different levels of the church. There are little windows in those doors so the movement of the elevator can be watched. I know the smallest things amuse me!

So I get to the audio/visual area and find a 32 channel mixer (sound board), computer and other components. Gulp. OK, what did I sign up for here? OK, so we have a DVD we will play tracks from, and some microphones to turn on and off. Got it. Made it through that first night, and actually enjoyed it. Guess I did all right. I was asked to return the next two nights, and was happy to oblige.

The third night, another twist in the assignment- find three tracks on a CD instead of using the DVD. This would be a more serious closing session, so the changes had to be done carefully and thoughtfully to set the mood.  A little bit trickier but it was accomplished. It was one of those times when the reason for being in a VBS program was made real, bigger than us all.

Let’s just say tears and goose bumps.

DeSwan.com