not that I’m any scholar by any means, but I was reading the comments again today and wondered about the people out there that don’t have the support that Marisa and I have. I couldn’t imagine. When we went for Marisa’s first IV chemo, about 80 % of the patients had loved ones with them but the others didn’t. Where is their support?
Learning is a good skill to have, regardless what age you are and Marisa and I are on a HUGE learning curve. I’m going to ask Marisa what she wants to learn from this whole ordeal but I know what I’d like people to learn from this….
For those that know me know that I’m not one to take things for granted on a daily basis. I used to set my watch to beep every 30 minutes to make sure those 30 minutes were more fulfilling than the last 30. So I hope that today, in your own little way, you take your thankfulness and do something with it in a tangible way. Let me know how it goes.
I’ve always been thankful for Marisa. And I continue to be. She still makes me laugh, even after she threw up this morning, 5 minutes later I asked her how her stomach feels. She said “well it’s not chipper”. Classic Marisa
It’s hard to be thankful when things are tough like they have been but we are trying. We are bent but surely not broken. thanks for all your comments. I said it before and I will say it everytime, Marisa get strength from it.
thanks again,
Mendelt
Life 
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January 15, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Dan Zadorozny
Mendelt, Marisa
Your family is continually on my mind and in our prayers, Cherisse and I pray for you, for your strength, for your courage, for some laughter and for help getting through every day. Your post today reminds of Tim G singing the Thankfulness, Thankfulness song (for some reason it echoes through my head often) he sang at the last dinner theatre and I am going to make sure I do something tangible to show my thankfulness.
God bless,
Dan
January 15, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Jodi Mobach
Dear Marisa: I was saddened to hear about your cancer but I know you to be a fighter and a very strong person. You did so much for my Becky when you taught her at Dundas and I so admire you for your ability to play the piano. When I listen to the c.d.’s from the school it makes my heart sing. Please know that our family prays for you and Mendelt and your children everyday. It is our prayer that God will bless the treatment and you will be restored to health. Our God is an awesome God and bigger than we think. Our Mothers who pray group at school also is praying and will continue to do so. If there is anything I can do Just e-mail me or have someone contact me, I am available for anything. I will post again another day but remember We can do all things through God who gives us strength. Jodi Mobach
January 15, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Mendelt en Willy Tillema
Dear Marisa and Mendelt
We hope both of you get strenght … we really think you get.
Dear greatings,
Mendelt en Willy Tllema
January 15, 2007 at 6:58 pm
Susanne Wood
Dear Marisa and Mendelt and family,
I love the idea of living mindfully and thankfully. It is so easy to go about the routine of life and not do a lot of reflecting. You both are an inspiration to us all.
Marisa, I will pray that your stomach will feel “a little more chipper” so that you can enjoy some good mealtimes with your family. I am also praying right now that you will have a peaceful and uninterrrupted sleep tonight.
The light of Christ shines in both of you.
You are loved.
Take courage.
Your friends,
Susanne and Daniel, Sember, Emma, and Jayden Wood
January 15, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Jake & Ann Ellens
Mendelt & Marisa
The apostle Paul says that we should “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. To be honest, I have thought that this verse would be difficult for those who suffer. It’s hard to imagine that anyone of us could give thanks when we, or someone close to us is hurting so much, yet I have seen the reality of this in some circumstances. Time will tell what you or we learn from this, but it seems to me we are already learning. Thank you Mendelt for sharing this difficult part of your journey with all of us through this amazing piece of technology “the blog”. I am thankful that you, Marisa, your children, parents and others are encouraged by the many comments on this blog, but you should know that we are all encouraged by the generousity of your gift to us, namely sharing yourself with us and allowing us into your lives. Thank You.
Love Jake & Ann
January 15, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Amber Vanderhout
Hi Marisa and Mendalt
I just want to tell you that you are consantly in my prayers and my thoughts. I keep thinking about what you said about the Halelujah song, you inspired us to sing it the best we ever sang it! Take care!
Love Amber
January 15, 2007 at 8:33 pm
James and Jen Van Gurp
Hi there guys,
Just thought that we would send you a quick note to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord continue to grant you and your precious little family with much strength, courage and peace as you battle this.
Love the Van Gurps
January 15, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Mike and Karen Carmody
I’m so happy to hear that the true Marisa is still shining through in this difficult time . . . and that can only be from God. Thanks for sharing that humourous moment – it feels good to visit the blog and have a little chuckle. 🙂
Praying that you’ll have lots more of those little laughs to share.
Karen
January 15, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Geraldine (Zietsma) Korvemaker
Dear Marisa and Mendelt and kids,
You have been in our thoughts and prayers daily. Each day in our house, four little sets of hands and hearts and ours are lifting you up in prayer before our great God! What a comfort to know that God is always with us, every minute and second of the day. From Isaiah 41:10:
“Fear not, for I am with you, Marisa;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Marisa;
Yes, I will help you, Marisa.
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Love Geraldine (Zietsma) and Rob Korvemaker, Cam, Evan, Allison, and Tyler
January 15, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Michelle Eve (Vanderkooy)
Oh Mendelt, thank-you for sharing that spunky Marisa Quote… a classic, indeed! You bless us with your thoughtful entries — your reflection on thankfulness suggests you are going to learn heaps.
I think everyone would agree with me in saying that we achingly wish we could shoulder your burden, Marisa… since we cannot share-the-load of what must be at times tremendous physical pain & discomfort, it is reassuring to know at least that we can soothe a bit of your emotional heartache. I am particularly moved by the entries of people who have made this journey before you, as cancer patients or relatives; they share a special understanding with you… now you, too, are forever changed, and going forward you will be able to give a special comfort to other people affected by cancer. Not to imply this makes the trial “worthwhile”, it’s just a gem we can see in the midst of all the crap, kind of like the big shiny sticker I found the other day in my Alex’s poopy diaper. 🙂
You are, and will continue to be, impacting many people, by sharing your lives and receiving Love.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2Cor 1:3-5
Love, me.
January 16, 2007 at 6:49 am
Joan
Dear Marisa and Mendelt
As I was thinking about your battle with cancer last night, the words ‘The Battle Belongs To The Lord’ came pouring into my heart and mind. Yes! That’s peace! That’s triumph!
Mendelt shortly after I came to know you as a colleague and friend, I was driving away from Swiss Chalet when I looked out my window to see you get out of your car and start dancing in the parking lot. I think it was Zion’s first birthday. Anyway that’s something I’ve always loved about you – your freedom to be moved by the Spirit. Over the years I have always thought that Marisa was blessed to have you for a spouse; now that i’m getting to know Marisa through this blog I realise that you are equally blessed to have her.
My prayer for you today is that as you go through this journey together that you will still have “dancing in the parking lot moments”, that Marisa’s tummy will feel a little more chipper, and above all God’s amazing presence.
Love, joan
p.s. Marisa did you know your dad taught my oldest two kids, my sister-in-law taught you, and your mom taught her. Talk about the circle of life!!
January 16, 2007 at 8:17 am
Gary
Marisa….RD says that “Humor is the Best Medicine”…..plagiarized from the http://www….
THINGS I HAVE LEARNED FROM MY DOG!
When loved ones come home run to greet them.
Allow the wind and fresh air in your face to be pure ecstasy.
If what you want lies buried, dig till you find it.
No matter how often you are scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout…run right back and make friends.
Run, romp and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop and lie on your back in the grass.
On hot days drink lots of water and lie in the shade of a tree.
Be loyal.
When your happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
And most of all…when someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently .
As you nuzzle together today and sit close by – I hope Mendelt’s nose is dry.
Love GT
PS (you need not post all comments……) 🙂
January 16, 2007 at 8:53 am
Lynnette Haining
Dear Marisa & Mendelt
You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I can’t even begin to imagine what you guys are going through. Mendelt – I am so encouraged from your daily updates and your upbeat attitude – that will continue to help Marisa get through some very tough moments and days. I’m so thrilled about all the support that you guys are receiving. You just keep on plugging away and smiling when you can and even crying when you! I hope you have a few more “15 minute moments” of forgetting you have cancer while you enjoy some tv time with the family or some laughs with the little ones! I’ll continue to pray for you and know that God is watching over you.
Lynnette
January 16, 2007 at 11:05 am
Sonya Eikelboom
Dear Marisa & mendelt,
I just spoke with Monica and we had a few tears together. You are so blessed to have your family surrounding you…It’s a beautiful thing to see how you are so loved. And to think that God’s love surpasses all of their love put together. Let His arms enfold you, Marisa, crawl into His lap and rest your head on Him. Let Him carry You through this part of your journey – and just know that it will often be through the gifts of those people surrounding you. We are praying for you – hands lifted high on your behalf – and we pray for peace, and for many more of those moments of humour and joy.
All our love,
Sonya & Randall & kids
January 16, 2007 at 11:27 am
nancy veltri
Good morning Marisa,Mendelt & your precious little ones,I awake each night to a sweet voice asking me to pray for God’s children.. Marisa your are the one I think of first…I pray for your strength to make it through this very trying time in your lives…enjoy those naps, fun times with the little ones, 15 minutes of forgetting you have cancer.. We will pray as time goes by those 15minutes turns into hours then into days…We are looking forward to seeing ya’ll walk through the church doors with a smile on your beautiful faces… God will be smiling down on all of you, for trusting in him…See, I have engraved you in the palm of my hand.Isaiah 49:16..Peace be with ya’ll, Nancy&Art Mandigo
January 16, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Michele Mitchell
Dear Marisa & Mendelt,
Hi Marisa, we havn’t met yet but I work with Mendelt. I have been praying and thinking about you and your family – every day. One week down – you can get through this. Continue to be strong and know that everyone is praying for you. The strength of your spirit is amazing.
Michele
January 17, 2007 at 9:28 am
Bev Boden
“So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10
What words to definitely be thankful for!! Still in my thoughts and prayers. I am thankful for the strength that He is giving you.
-Bev
January 17, 2007 at 3:41 pm
Mike Gilmore
Dear Marisa and Mendelt
The Lord brought you to mind again this afternoon Marisa, and after praying for you and Mendelt he brought my mind to this verse. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).
May God continue to be your strength and your help, and may his Peace surround you both as you take shelter in His loving arms.
Mike and Krista
January 17, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Lani Harris
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
Just checking to let you know that you are never far from my thoughts. A big hug to both of you.
Lani
January 17, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Ilona Ytsma
Hey girl.
Hope your stomach is feeling more “chipper” than it has been this last week. ( I know don’t remind you of that)
The sun came out for a while today and my thoughts turned to you and how you always seem to make everyone warm inside when you speek or smile at them. Well I hope you feel that warmth too because everyone who has talked or wrote a comment is sending it back to you two-fold.
Take care, still praying and hope to see you at quilting.
Ilona
January 18, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Kimberly Dykstra
Find rest, O my soul, in God Alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my Rock and my Salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge and our STRENGTH. – Psalm 62:5-8
You continue to fill my prayers daily. Our young adults’ bible study is praying for you. We lift you, Marisa, and your family up to the Lord.
As I look outside today at all the ice… how beautiful it is. I love how God can take something as dangerous as an ice storm can be, and turn it into pure beauty… sometimes we can’t see or know why things happen, but God has us in his hands , he’s taking care of us, and that is a beautiful thing.