–I hate to do this on the blog, but the word about Marisa is getting out through other various means and I feel this is the best way to let you know what is going on–
On Monday night, Marisa got quite sick. She is now in the hospital, in Hamilton and she is resting peacefully but it is clear that heaven is near.
Please do not come to the hospital. I don’t like having to write that, but Marisa is surrounded by her family now and this is what she wanted to happen.
Also, please do not speak to our kids about this. I will do that myself. But please pray for them. Zion, Jacoba and Zekijah.
Thank you for everything you have meant to Marisa.
I love you,
MdH
Life 
51 comments
Comments feed for this article
December 5, 2007 at 10:12 am
Laura Ip
I know others will be able to write beautiful, comforting things. All I can say well right now is that we pray for all of you.
December 5, 2007 at 10:43 am
Martha W.
I am a stranger to you but have been following your sad, sad story. Just want you to know I am praying. Martha
December 5, 2007 at 10:44 am
Paulette
As I sit here in tears I am praying for your precious family. I am so sorry Mendelt. I have prayed so hard for Marissa over the past months and I truely have never hated at all but I hate cancer. It has taken so many I have loved. I am so sorry that you and your children are at this point. I bathe you all in my prayers.
December 5, 2007 at 10:47 am
Jodi
Mendelt – along with many, many, many others – i’ve been thinking and praying for you. I hope and pray Marisa will remain at Peace and with out pain. May you feel God’s courage and strength – i can’t even imagine what you are going through right now –
December 5, 2007 at 11:51 am
Selah Robb
My prayers are with you and all your family. God bring you peace and joy even in sorrow. God Bless.
Selah
December 5, 2007 at 11:57 am
probro
Oh,Mendelt…….I held her and her eyes still sparkled.
December 5, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Chris & Liza Davis
Dear Mendelt, Marisa, Zion, Jacoba and Zekijah
My husband went to Redeemer and brought my attention to your blog. I have been holding you up in prayer and knocking on the door of heaven ever since. Tears have and continue to flow as we cry out to our creator. Words can not express our hearts cry. Come Lord Jesus!!
May Christ hold each one of you close in his arms, may your children always know the Lord’s touch and the awesome love and strength of their mother.
Blessings to all of you as we remain on our knees.
Chris & Liza Davis
December 5, 2007 at 12:17 pm
marlene langendoen
You are in our prayers. May you feel a calm assurance that our Lord is holding you close.
Yours in Christ,
Marlene Langendoen and familly too.
December 5, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Kim Reitsma-VanHaitsma
ALL of our love and prayers.
December 5, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Melissa Koning
When all seems lost and hopeless: PRAY and TRUST
our God is an awesome God!!
still praying for you all!!
Melissa Koning
December 5, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Jodi Mobach
Our Father at this time will you uphold Mendelt, Zion, Jacoba and Zekijah. Will you surround them with peace and comfort as only you know how to do. Will you be with Marisa’s parents and Mendelt’s parents as they to need comfort and peace. Will you please make it so that Marisa’s suffering is not to severe and even at this time she too will feel your loving hands upon her. Lord I pray this because at this time it is the only thing that I know how to do. Amen
December 5, 2007 at 12:45 pm
The Pols family
Dear Mendelt,
Thank you for taking time to write. The courage God has given you is amazing and glorifies Him.
Even in such great sadness, we shall not mourn as those without hope. We know the glorious future that awaits all of God’s children! Praise the Lord for giving His one and only Son, to pay our debt and set us free. Praise the Lord for the freedom Marisa has in Christ and the home He has prepared for her.
Praying that God’s peace, comfort, and strength will uphold you and your children as you minister to Marisa — your beloved, the beautiful mother of your children.
May the Holy Spirit uphold you all and may you cling to His unfailing promises. He will provide all you stand in need of.
“Great is Thy faithfulness.
Great is Thy faithfulness.
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.”
We love you and pray for you.
Cheryl, Andrew and sons
December 5, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Christina Bezemer
I called my Mom to tell her that Marisa was in the hospital and to ask her to pray for the kids as you had requested.
She said, “Then that is what we will do. It is the BEST thing to do. Not the “only thing I CAN do”, or “the only thing LEFT to do” but the BEST thing to do.”
Maybe someday you will catch a glimps of how much, so many people love you guys.
The Bezemers
December 5, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Doreen Breukelman
We will pray. Yes, we will pray.
love doreen
December 5, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Janis
I can’t stop the tears…..it breaks my heart……I cried alot yesterday…(without your kids seeing) Because it hurt me so much to know i was playing with your kids and baking cookies and Marisa was dying in the hospital…..it just didn’t seem right……She was suppose to be the one playing and baking cookies…..Your kids are amazing….and I just filled my house with prayer yesterday as i watched them play……and I continue to hold up you Mendelt and the children in prayer. Prayer for these difficult days….months…..ahead…..
Please continue to update the blog community on how you are doing….because we all have come to make your family ours. We care and love you.
Bye marisa…..or should i say “see you later” wished so much i could have gotten to know you better……till we meet again……..love and a hug……
December 5, 2007 at 2:02 pm
Ben Van Arragon
Mendelt and Marisa,
Melody and I have been reading your updates and praying for you for the past several months. I’m sorry I haven’t written until now, but know that we continue to lift you up. God be with you and your family,
Ben Van Arragon
December 5, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Julie Vos
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
I sit here, pause, pray and wonder what to say. I’ve asked God to give me the words to say to you.
Dearest Marisa and Mendelt – With great sorrow, I read your latest post and was quite surprised at your news. Dear Marisa, I pray that you continue to rest peacefully as you await the glorious day where you will meet our dear Lord and Saviour! Without a doubt, dear sister, He will say to you, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” Thank you for the wonderful witness you have been during your battle with cancer. Marisa, you have fought so courageously and have been such an incredible BLESSING to so many people! I don’t know you, but I love you, dear sister in Christ! I will continue to pray for you and especially for your dear Mendelt and your dear little ones, Zion, Jacoba and Zekijah. May God be ever near to you and bless you with comfort and peace!
Mendelt, you too have fought this battle with cancer so courageously! You have been a wonderful support to Marisa, encouraging her, crying with her, laughing with her and caring for your family. Our Lord will continue to strengthen you and carry you! May you feel the power of the Lord around you and within you, dear brother in Christ!
Love and prayers,
Julie
December 5, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Dina Vanderstelt Zomer
May God’s loving arms hold you tightly and lift you up.
My love and prayers to all of you.
All to thee my precious Saviour, I surrender all.
December 5, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Kimberly (Osinga) Oliver
Mendelt,
We will continue to lift you, Marisa, Zion, Jacoba, and Zekijah before God. May you experience God’s peace.
Kim, Matt & Ben
December 5, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Leanne Vanderkolk
oh Mendelt…no words can express our thoughts…..we are sending our love and prayers to your family and children. Know this much is true, we do love you.
Leanne, Joe and Carter
December 5, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Tara Mori
praying the Lord’s comfort tenderly surrounds you.
Love,strenghth,and peace to you and your precious children, and your families.
Upholding you all in prayer
Love Tara
December 5, 2007 at 4:04 pm
Mike & Sheri
Dear Lord, enfold Mendelt, Marisa, Zion, Jacoba, Zekijah, the Vanderveen’s and the Hoekstra’s in your loving arms.
We love you guys and are thinking and praying for you in tremendous amounts.
December 5, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Nancy McKinley-Diakiw
May the peace of our Lord surround you and may he give you strength and courage. Everyone is praying for you and YOU ARE LOVED. Nancy and family
December 5, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Angie Davis
Mendelt,
I have never left a comment but I have been reading and praying for all of
you. Just from what i learned about Marisa I was reminded of a line from one of my favorite movies, Fried Green Tomatoes. When they have to explain to a young boy that his mother who was dearly loved by all had died of cancer, he was told that there were angels on this earth that were masquerading as people, and his mother was one of them. I believe this is also the case with Marisa. You are all in my daily thoughts and prayers.
December 5, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Shalom
” …..Oh, how Christ perfumed the grave and beautified the grisly face of death! Death is now a privilege, our best friend next to Christ, and the truth is, all our moans and sorrows in this life are for want of that which we so much fear; death…as the child that cries for want of sleep and yet cannot endure to undress and go to bed “.
Praying that the God of all comfort will be surrounding your family …. He is faithful and will carry you.
Shalom
December 5, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Mark & Laura Bassie
We love you all so very much.
Praying that you will feel the presence of God with you and that you will be strengthened and comforted.
Praying for your sweethearts, too . . .
Love,
Mark, Laura
Niesje, Sierra, Summer & Connor
xoxoxo
December 5, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Ken and Dana Huizinga
Praying for peace for you all as you go through this difficult time. May He give you the comfort and strength that you need. Lean on God, give all your hopes and fears over to Him and He will see you through.
We love you all greatly…..
Dana
December 5, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Miedemas
We’re praying for Marisa and all of you. We’re so moved by your pain and your courage. Without ever meeting Marisa, we know she is very much a blessing to the world.
(We know Christy from school and have been praying for Marisa for as long as we’ve known.)
December 5, 2007 at 6:57 pm
The Warkentins
You’re in our prayers. May God give the entire family peace.
December 5, 2007 at 6:58 pm
Jennifer Adema
Mendelt and Marisa,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your little ones … Although I did not know Marisa well, we were at Redeemer for a couple of years together. I have a great memory of Mendelt (not long after the two of you started dating) getting down on one knee with his guitar and singing Marisa a love song( which I think he may have written). The spotlight had been arranged to point just at Marisa – it was perfect. It was clear already then how much the two of you love each other. May that love carry you through this time.
God’s peace be yours,
Jennifer Adema
December 5, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Siobhan
My prayers are for you and your family.
God will bless you all.
December 5, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Danielle
Marissa, Mendelt and the kids,
We love you; we want you to know that you are in our heartfelt thoughts and prayers, lifting you and your family up to our God Almighty. We pray that you will experience God’s richest peace and love during this difficult time. Love Chuck, Danielle & David
December 5, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Susan
Dear Jesus,
Please be close to Marisa, Mendelt, Zion, Jacoba, and Zekijah at this time, and with their family and friends. Let your presence be tangible to each one, and give them your peace that passes understanding. Carry them in your arms; Father, into your hands we commit their spirits. Amen
December 5, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Kristen
You’re in my prayers. I love hearing about how strong Marisa has been through all of this. I’m in awe. I read a few posts back about how Mendelt said most people would have crumpled through all of this… and you’re right. I pray that Marisa continues to be strong. We’re all praying here on the West Coast. Love Kristen
December 5, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Marlene Bergsma
And you are all loved more than you can know, on this side of life and beyond.
Marlene
December 5, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Melissa (Cosco) MacIsaac
I wish I had words of wisdom at this point or something better than what I am saying. But, honestly, I don’t know what to say other than that my heart feels for you all and I’ll continue to pray. May peace be with you all.
December 5, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Chris
Mendalt,
I’m writing from Edmonton and since begin connected to your blog via Holy Experience, I’ve checked regularly for updates.
My heart feels so heavy for you tonight! Yes, I know in my mind that GLORY awaits your beautiful wife – more than my mind can fathom. But my heart hurts for you. And for your kids.
Father, please lavish Mendalt, Zion, Jacoba and Zekijah with your inexplicable peace. I know you hold them in Your palm. You watch them day and night. You understand death and its pain. Draw Your promises to their minds.
Amen.
Your sister,
Chris
December 5, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Wilma Myren
Mendelt, I’m so sorry about Marisa. May God bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand as Marisa’s earthly life comes to a close. Peace to both of you.
December 5, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Susanne
May the peace and love of Jesus Christ surround you and hold you.
We love you and are praying for you all.
Susanne and family
December 5, 2007 at 11:10 pm
sharon vanschie
Just wanted you to know that I’ve been praying non stop for you and your family. Like the “Footsteps in the Sand” poem, may you feel the Lords arms surround you as he carries you though this time. May the paece of Christ be with you.
December 6, 2007 at 12:01 am
Andrea O'Neill (Clark)
Mendelt, this must be the most difficult time in your life and I hope knowing that there are SOOOOOOOOO many people praying for you and your family can give you some form of comfort and strength. I’m sure I can speak for everyone when I say that we will pray and pray and continue praying.
In Him,
Andrea
December 6, 2007 at 12:35 am
Uegene & Lynn VanderWier
Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Marisa and your children at this very difficult time. We hurt for you.
December 6, 2007 at 1:08 am
Lynn G.
We are still praying for you and that you may find peace during this difficult time. If God is calling her home, that call her fortunate that she gets to be living in heaven without any pain or suffering. Praying and praying!!
December 6, 2007 at 8:00 am
Ann @ Holy Experience
When grief is greatest, words are least.
No words.
Just tears.
Just prayers.
Just all my love.
All my love…
December 6, 2007 at 8:01 am
Ann @ Holy Experience
Heaven is near… heaven.
Tears… but smiling too…
December 6, 2007 at 8:11 am
Letras de Músicas
My name is Alexandre!!!!
I’m From Brazil..
Very Good you Blog..
December 6, 2007 at 8:54 am
Robin (Tigchelaar) Saylor
You are constantly in our prayers.
What a beautiful thing it is to see how the body of Christ has surrounded you with love, compassion and mercy.
December 6, 2007 at 10:45 am
Bev Boden
As I read the blog today and prayed, I pictured Jesus standing beside Marisa waiting to call her home to the glory that He has waiting for her there and embracing her and all of you. Marisa has touched so many lives even those of us who have never had the privaledge to meet her, but feel that we know an important part of the person she is. She has opened so many hearts and eyes to Jesus, for that Marisa, I thank you. Our prayers are with you all at this time.
In Him,
Bev
December 6, 2007 at 11:59 am
Chris
Mendelt – I am a friend of Marisa’s sister and am part of her church in Orangeville. Please know that we are praying for you and your family today, that God’s comfort and peace would be tangible and real to you.
December 6, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Teresa Wunsche (Miedema)
Whoa! I logged on today, quite eager to tell you that my youngest daughter just had her hair cut and donated in Marissa’s honour, and saw the ‘update’
We are praying for peace more than ever . . .
December 6, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Holly
Please know that my family and I are praying for you and for a happy death for your dear Marisa.
God Bless you.