This is a blog that will allow all Marisa’s friends and family to leave comments for her, read updates and send greetings. Please forgive the ungezellig/techno/impersonal nature of this however it is the easiest way for us to get info out to you. Thanks for all your prayers, comments and strength.
Love Mendelt
Life 
106 comments
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January 2, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Gary
Hey guys:
Just trying out your new techno tool – this is great and I’m sure will help with the busy phone lines…….
Too bad about the delay – time time time – we are continually praying for good news.
We love you guys – your kids are great – we had a blast – just call whenever and I’m sure Lauren will drop her studies in a heartbeat.
Live strong! I like the picture an caption …LIFE…talk to you soon
GT
January 8, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Ingrid Vos
Hey Marisa and Mendalt
You have been in your thoughts and prayers daily since we found out the news last week. (CRC news travels fast I find!) Your latest update, Marisa , (on the 5th I believe) was full of the flavour of your smiling humour 🙂 Looking at the pictures earlier in the blog I see how beautiful your children are and charging people to look after them sounds like it might work 🙂 I will continue to be posted through this website and I will keep in touch. Love you. Ingrid Vos
January 8, 2007 at 8:38 pm
David Hunter
Just wanted you to know that I and my whole family are thinking of you as you begin to do battle. I already mentioned to Mendelt that if there is anything we can do that you must let me know ( By the way we love kids but I don’t know about paying you guys??) and we will be happy to help you out. I make a mean lasagna and an awesome squash soup.
Dave
January 10, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Leanne Stam Engbers
Through some old friends at FVCH in Surrey and through Doreen Breukelmen, I wove my way to this site. You have support across the country! Thinking and praying lots for you all. I wish you a day of peace today.
January 10, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Jon and Sharon Dreise
Dear Marisa & Mendelt
Jon & I read your email this morning for Jan. 9 and we both started to cry in your first paragraph. It was like we were reading about ourselves. All those thoughts that went through your minds, went through ours when we walked into the Cancer Clinic in Kitchener.
I met people at the clinic that I prayed for too. You are not alone, even though you feel it sometimes. There always seemd to be someone worse off than myself.
The part about “a husband who usually can’t find his own socks” brought a smile to my face as my husband is the same. Jon had a hard time reading this as he could relate to the fear he had before. He made it though! I’m sure Mendelt will too!
I found it was easier to focus on one day, just day by day, instead of the big picture. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Dreise.
January 10, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Corrie Zandstra
Dear Marisa & Mendelt
It was so good to hear from you yesterday! And to know that the first treament is done. One day at a time. You will be in my prayers – daily!! How wonderful to know that you are surrounded and supported by such a large group of people – nation wide (oops, I just noticed – world wide!!). Isn’t it great to belong to the body of Christ and that we have HOPE – what a blessing! Your blog – it is such a good way to keep us all informed. Thank you for doing that.
“Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory…”
Luv & prayers to you both as well as Zion, Jacoba & Zekijah!
January 11, 2007 at 10:34 am
Jennifer (Geerts) Brennan
I just heard the news yesterday. Praying for strength and peace as you travel this difficult road.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
His mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning, new every morning.
Great is Thy faithfulness, oh Lord. Great is Thy faithfulness.
Jennifer (Geerts) Brennan
January 11, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Angela Pavao (nee Kiers)
I just heard through my brother, Jeff, in B.C. about what you are both going through. I know that I have not met you, Marisa, but I went to school with Mendelt a loooooong time ago! I actually just ran into him at the school bazaar not too long ago and got to see your beautiful children…you must have good genes Marisa! JJ
You are both in our thoughts and in our prayers, and it so wonderful to know that you are surrounded by so many people who care about you to help you get through this trying time.
Think positive, get lots of rest, and take it one day at a time.
Angela Pavao
January 12, 2007 at 10:08 am
Cory and Lisa Eagleson
Mendelt and Marisa,
I sit here staring at the computer and simply can not find the right words to say. This blog does send a flood of emotion through a great community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Our children pray for your children, and Mendelt, I offer you a great big electronicaly transfered man hug. What incredible strength you have on display right now.
Cory and Lisa (Ethan, Jed and Keira)
January 12, 2007 at 11:29 am
Ken and Dana Huizinga
Marisa and Mendelt,
You are in our prayers each and every day. When I told the kids about you the first thing they said was in that your friend who’s husband sang us a song about always brushing our teeth. They remember you well and wish you all the best. It is so nice to be able to read your blog, at times it is hard to imagine what the two of you must be going through. It is also hard to know what words of encouragement to write to you, all I can say is that we love you very much, we are constantly praying for you and we know that God will be with you and help you in whatever way you need Him to. I don’t know how people can go through such a trying time and not have God to lean on. Your smile brightens up our day…..take care and keep holding on to those “15 minutes”…
Lots of love,
Dana
January 13, 2007 at 4:43 pm
bernard & linda de jonge
Marisa and Mendelt: We know of you more through our children than personally, but you are very much in our thoughts and prayers. You are enduring a time of “severe mercy”, as Sheldon Van Auken called it. It’s a precious time, for your eyesight and hearing is so much more sharp. Cancer, it’s been said, is a cure for blindness and deafness, for now we know what is most precious and to be cherished – each other, family and the promises of God. Mendelt, Marisa, may God give you strength for each day, a day at a time, a test and a treatment at a time……God bless.
Bernard and Linda – pastor in Kitchener CRC
January 14, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Esther Stien (nee Vahrmeyer)
Marisa and Mendelt,
My mom just informed me of what you are painfully going through. You and your family will definitely be in our prayers as well as the prayers of those here in Indy. May God give you the strength you so desperately need at this time and may His Peace flow through you.
Your family is beautiful and this website is an awesome idea.
Love Esther
January 15, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Shirley Hiemstra
Hi Marisa, you probably don’t remember me but I was your teacher a long, long, time ago when you were just 6 yrs. old. I have many great memories of my time teaching you and your sister Monica at BCS. I currently teach Preschool here in Edmonton, (I’m in my 11th year now!) and took a leave of absence back in 2004/05 to do my own personal battle with breast cancer!! Everyone’s journey through that valley is different depending on their circumstances and I wanted to let you to know that since I heard about your situation I have been praying daily for you that you would have the courage and strength to walk this walk. You already know that it isn’t easy but it is “doable” as my very close friend told me when I was first diagnosed just as she was completing treatment. Prayer is a powerful thing and I was often at peace with “my lot in life” knowing that people around the globe were daily holding me up in prayer!! The hands of Christ were extended through meals, visits, cards, flowers, hugs, and the list goes on! I pray the same for you especially with your three small children. May you find peace for today and strength for tomorrow and don’t hesitate to ask anything at all should you wish to write back. My heart goes out to you and your family. In Christ, Shirley Hiemstra
January 23, 2007 at 10:22 am
Paul van Eyk
Marisa and Mendelt,
My sister told me about the website and I wanted to pass on my thoughts and prayers and let you know that my family and I have you in our thoughts. Marisa keep the faith, and know that many people, far and near, are thinking about you and praying for you!
Paul van Eyk
January 24, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Kimberly (Osinga) Oliver
Marisa,
I have been following your blog – lurking you could say – trying to find the exact right words to say. However, I’m learning that it’s not necessarily the words that are said, but the sentiment behind it.
You and your family are in our prayers. I am reminded again of my favourite passage in the Bible — Romans 8: 35-39 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?…. in all these things we are more than conquerors….’
May you continue to conquer all the “little” things that get you down each day,
Kim (Osinga), Matt & Benjamin Oliver
January 26, 2007 at 3:19 pm
B. nattress
Hi Marisa, Mendelt and family
We were unable to be present in body on Tues, but we certainly with you in spirit. I was talking to a friend the other day and she told me about PUSH . It stands for “Pray Until Something Happens” David and I are both Pushing for you. On a lighter note, I saw a message in front of a church the other day that said ” I pray that I can be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.” As with all dogs, I really have to work on that one .
Take care, as you continue the journey.
David and Barb Nattress
January 26, 2007 at 10:42 pm
Klaas Hoekstra
Ps. 8 is based on the wonder of God as creator (Adonai) and how he has created a world which we, as members of a Christian community continue to be part of.
When David wrote this with incredible insight, I wonder if he know many years later it would still apply. as Christians stop their prayers and lay down to sleep, other Christians are waking up to start another day full of prayer and support for family members and loved ones that struggle through things like cancer.
Take joy in the fact that these prayers do not stop when we go to sleep because someone else continues.
The prayer service was very moving. (It was long on the clock but honestly felt more like 15 mins long). It was great to see this community of believers who will continue to pray for you.
love klaas and tanya
January 27, 2007 at 12:13 am
Amanda Korpel (student)
When I heard about this all, I wasn’t sure what to say about it. I remember when my grandfather passed away 2 years ago, it was one of the hardest moments in my life, and when I talked to some people about it they all told me the same thing and I believe this is true, so I give this advice to you.
God will only give you as much as you can handle. I know I am only 17 and I can’t imagion what you guys are going through right now, but we (as in everyone and even the choir) are here for you guys. If you need anything, if you EVER need a night out, I will babysit.
I am praying for.
Love Amanda
January 29, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Tom and Mary Wallis
Hello Marisa and Mendelt,
I think about you both every day even while at school. I know you both love children so thought I would send you this bit of priceless classroom humour. I have a wonderful class of grade one students this year. They lift my spirits when I’m a little low and make me laugh a lot. I am teaching them a unit on structures right now. I really like this unit and find that my students do to. The second or third time I taught this unit I experienced one of those funny, yet precious, moments teachers treasure. We had been looking at and disussing different structures and how they were made. I told the students that the triangle was the strongest geometric shape in the world and that the arch was the strongest shape in the world. Just then a child walked by me and I heard him mutter – So that’s why rainbows stay up in the sky.
I hope this true little story puts a smile on your face.
Stay Strong!
Love,
Mrs. Wallis
February 8, 2007 at 4:12 am
Anja en Hans Sennema
Dear Marisa and Mendelt, it is very encouraging finding that there are so many people caring and praying for the both of you and your children we are glad that we can share us among them. It is also good to hear about the follow-up of the treatment. It is clear that you have to go a heavy and tough way and it is indeed not easy to find the right words to encourage you. We can only say: do not give in, even in the darkest moments when it seems that God is far away, keep courage. He will never leave you.
We love you all. Oom Hans en tante Anja (Forgive me my faulty english)
February 10, 2007 at 10:09 am
Jennifer Brennan
(I didn’t write this, but thought it was a keeper)
Attitude
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three strands of hair on her head.
She said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.”
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two strands of hair on her head.
“H-M-M,” she mused,
“I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today.”
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one strand of hair on her head.
“Well,” she said, “today I’m going to wear my hair in a pony tail.”
So she did and she had a fun-filled day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head.
“YEA!” she exclaimed,
“I don’t have to fix my hair today!”
Attitude is everything.
February 23, 2007 at 10:10 pm
hstubble
Sending you loving and blessing from afar. My wife Kathy is fighting her battle with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer. I know this journey you are on, all to well. We live it every day. Sending you smiles, hugs and well wishes from California. I am very new to WordPress and just now getting some sample blogs together for friends. My wife Kathy uses Myspace and finds that it is very theraputic for her has she battles cancer.
March 3, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Laurie DeRoo(student at SDCH)
Hi Marisa
Mr. Hoekstra mentioned your website in choir the other day, and right then I wrote down the website because I’ve been meaning to make a comment on your website for some time now.
So first, let me introduce myself. My name is Laurie. I am a grade nine student at SDCH. I am in Mr.Hoekstra’s music class, as well as choir. Let me say he always has something great to say about you and your kids.
I enjoy hearing the stories he tells us about you and your kids and that just makes it even more heartbreaking to think of what your going through.
I know how it feels when somebody you care about has cancer, and there is nothing much you can do for them except let them rest. It sucks, and its hard, but i know that with Mr. Hoekstra by your side you can beat this.
I don’t know a whole lot about you, but I know you’re a “tough cookie” (as Mr. Hoekstra mentioned in class the other day) and I know how much Mr. Hoekstra cares about you, and knowing that, it just makes me more confident that you can pull through this.
I found this poem, i hope you like..
When things go wrong as they sometimes will;
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill;
When your funds are low, and the debts are high;
And you want to smile but you have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit
Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you can never tell how close you are;
It may be near when it seems afar.
So, stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit-
It’s when things go wrong that you musn’t quit
About a month or so ago, We were rehearsing a song in Choir called ‘Hallelujah’, and there is a line in the song that Mr. Hoekstra said reminded him of you and the hard times your going through, it says
“And even though it all went wrong I’ll stand before the Lord of Song with nothing on my tongue but…Hallelujah”
And everytime we sing that song know, at that part I think of your family.
I know you know this, but NEVER forget that God is always there, he has a plan and he knows what is happening and it is all part of this big plan, no matter how bad it seems right now he’s ALWAYS there and he ALWAYS cares!!!
I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers in constant hope that you will beat this!
With love, Laurie DeRoo
P.S. I don’t know if I’ve been spelling *Hoekstra* right, He’ll have to correct me in school if it was wrong!
March 4, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Joanna Hessels
hey marisa and mr. Hoekstra
hows it goin? I hope you had a good day today, and are feeling somewhat better! When i heard about you, marisa, i didn’t really know what to think or say… I know that you are going through a hard time but i can’t even begin to know HOW hard it is. My uncle just had colon cancer about a year ago, and after alot of treatment and hard times he pulled through, right now he is cancer free and i praise God very, very much for that. He also had a young boy i think he was one, but thankfully he also had an older daughter to help take care of the family.
I here you’re a “tough cookie” as mr. hoekstra says, and i have faith that you will make it through this. If you need anything at all don’t hesitate to call.
I hope you have an awesome night and more awesome days to came
love always: Joanna
March 4, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Colleen Slappendel
Hi Marisa
My name is Colleen Slappendel, I’m in grade nine and I’m in Mr. Hoekstras music class and in choir. hes and awesome teacher..the thing i like the most is how much he cares for you..i just wanted to share that im praying for you every night, i try thinking about how much u and mr hoekstra go through but i cant even imagine and i pray that God will comfort you and give you strength! As i have heard your tough cookie and i think that God gives great miricles and i believe your one to achieve one!
Id also like to say…i love your kids…( well i have only met two ) but they are the sweetest cutiest things ever…and from what Mr. hoekstra says i think it comes from you!
On the last note I hope everything goes well…you stay strong and that someday you will defeat and be the strongest fighter! I believe in you..and it comes all from stories…but i still believe and your lucky to have some one like Mr. Hoekstra to be beside you through all of this!!
God Bless
Colleen Slappendel
March 5, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Rebecca Stieva
Mr. Hoekstra and Marisa,
I just want to let you know that I’m praying for you. I heard a quote that has helped me through some hard times and I hope it will help you as much as it has helped me: The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot protect you.
In Chirst,
Rebecca Stieva
March 17, 2007 at 11:23 am
Steve and JJ Bylsma
Mendelt and Marisa
Ya Mendelt its me “Batman” and Marisa you may remember my Wife Jennifer-Joy Colenbrander, I believe you guys played basketball together.
We have just recently heard of Marisa’s struggle with cancer and I felt I would just let you know that you as a family are in our prayers. May the Lord grant you all strength in these uncertian and difficult times.
I hope this note is going to the right place.
In Christ
Steve JJ
Owen, Maegan, Arwen, and Sydney
March 18, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Monique Sliedrecht
Hello Marisa, Hello Mendelt.
I heard recently from Marlene…
Marisa, I subbed for your class in Dundas a few times and so enjoyed meeting you and getting to know you a bit then.
I’m visiting from Scotland for a few weeks (where I live and work now) and I just wanted to send you a wee note to let you know that I am thinking of you all. And praying.
We hold a chapel service every week in a small 12th century space, on the north coast of Scotland. It is a time of quiet prayer and communion in a wild and open setting/environment by the sea.
I will continue to lift you up there when I go back.
Sterkte.
Monique
March 19, 2007 at 6:48 am
thecandles
Dear Marisa and Mendelt,
Greetings in His most precious name!
I was searching for the blogs and came across yours one. It was touching. May be we are not in your friends list, I in Christ we are bros and sis. We are praying for you. If you visit our blog you may find a section called ‘Our Magazine’ click that and you will find another web address where there are articles of our publication “CANDLES”. Go through it. Thats our ministry and many more. May God bless you both and also your beautiful kids. You are always in our Prayers.
Your Indian friends
Chiradeep & Asmita (my wife)
March 19, 2007 at 6:49 am
thecandles
Web Page address: http://thecandles.wordpress.com
March 23, 2007 at 5:18 am
Anja en Hans Sennema
Dear Marisa and Mendelt, in this time of waiting and hoping we want you to know that you are both in our thougths. We read that there is a service in one of your churches on tuesday 27 of march at 8.30. In this regions of the earth it is pitch dark at that time but we will stay awake and join the gathering with our prayers. Keep courage. Love for the both of you and your children. Oom Hans en tante Anja
April 3, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Annita Damsma-Young
Hi Marisa, Mendelt and family. I was thinking of you today and found that there was a prayer service this afternoon for you. I loved Mendelt’s comments about the miracles and I am privileged to have been involved in some of them! Your faith and courage are an inspiration to many and that, too, is a miracle. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love to you and the kids.
Annita
April 10, 2007 at 11:36 pm
John Schut
Dear Marisa,
I just wanted to let you know that my family and I are thinking and praying for you. My mom recently told me about the cancer, and my heart sank when I heard the news. I’m not very fond of my mom’s updates anymore. Marisa, I know that if anyone can fight through this, it is you. From the looks of it you have a very strong support group, and you can add one more to the list as I’ll be checking up on the site, and your progress regularly.
Marisa & Mendelt – Stay Strong!
John Schut
April 11, 2007 at 11:18 am
Anne Vandermey (Student)
Hi, Marisa, I hope that you like the quilt that we gave you. I thought that when Mr. Hoekstra said that you quilted every thurday that we couldn’t have given a more fitting gift. My mom thought of the idea, and was worried that the colours would be too bright. Than she was told that the colours suited you. My Aunt had ovarian Cancer. She is now cancer free, but she took an aditional year of cemo to have a better chance of remaining cancer free. I know that both me and my family are constantly praying for you. We had a prayer time at our church, where different people of the community prayed for the people in Our community with cancer. One of the statements that were said is the one that I’ve been think of, There might only be a 5% or a 10% rate, but there is allways 100% hope.
I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
In Christ, Anne Vandermey
April 16, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Natasha (Van Eyk) Postuma
Hey guys,
Just dropping another Hello, and letting you know that I deeply care for you and your family and my heart and prayers are with you constantly.
Ted and I know you can beat this Marisa, Please be strong. My promise to you and your family is prayer, and lots of it.
God Bless you and your family.
Natasha Postuma
April 16, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Esther Lessard
I read this psalm today, and thought of you. It is nice to know that we are not alone in what ever we are going through. I thought I should share it with you. I can only imagine the thoughts and feelings you must be experiencing on a daily basis, and I pray that you may spend many precious moments with your loved ones. You and your family are in my prayers on a daily basis.
A key to this passage that spoke to me is that no matter what we are going through, God is still in control. He has brought us safely thus far, and He will continue to bring us safely through the rest of our days. Our strength comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. People not yet born, will be told that God saves us. Praise the name of the Lord.
Psa 22:1 (A psalm by David for the music leader. To the tune “A Deer at Dawn.” ) My God, my God, why have you deserted me? Why are you so far away? Won’t you listen to my groans and come to my rescue?
Psa 22:2 I cry out day and night, but you don’t answer, and I can never rest.
Psa 22:3 Yet you are the holy God, ruling from your throne and praised by Israel.
Psa 22:4 Our ancestors trusted you, and you rescued them.
Psa 22:5 When they cried out for help, you saved them, and you did not let them down when they depended on you.
Psa 22:6 But I am merely a worm, far less than human, and I am hated and rejected by people everywhere.
Psa 22:7 Everyone who sees me makes fun and sneers. They shake their heads,
Psa 22:8 and say, “Trust the LORD! If you are his favorite, let him protect you and keep you safe.”
Psa 22:9 You, LORD, brought me safely through birth, and you protected me when I was a baby at my mother’s breast.
Psa 22:10 From the day I was born, I have been in your care, and from the time of my birth, you have been my God.
Psa 22:11 Don’t stay far off when I am in trouble with no one to help me.
Psa 22:12 Enemies are all around like a herd of wild bulls. Powerful bulls from Bashan are everywhere.
Psa 22:13 My enemies are like lions roaring and attacking with jaws open wide.
Psa 22:14 I have no more strength than a few drops of water. All my bones are out of joint; my heart is like melted wax.
Psa 22:15 My strength has dried up like a broken clay pot, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You, God, have left me to die in the dirt.
Psa 22:16 Brutal enemies attack me like a pack of dogs, tearing at my hands and my feet.
Psa 22:17 I can count all my bones, and my enemies just stare and sneer at me.
Psa 22:18 They took my clothes and gambled for them.
Psa 22:19 Don’t stay far away, LORD! My strength comes from you, so hurry and help.
Psa 22:20 Rescue me from enemy swords and save me from those dogs.
Psa 22:21 Don’t let lions eat me. You rescued me from the horns of wild bulls,
Psa 22:22 and when your people meet, I will praise you, LORD.
Psa 22:23 All who worship the LORD, now praise him! You belong to Jacob’s family and to the people of Israel, so fear and honor the LORD!
Psa 22:24 The LORD doesn’t hate or despise the helpless in all of their troubles. When I cried out, he listened and did not turn away.
Psa 22:25 When your people meet, you will fill my heart with your praises, LORD, and everyone will see me keep my promises to you.
Psa 22:26 The poor will eat and be full, and all who worship you will be thankful and live in hope.
Psa 22:27 Everyone on this earth will remember you, LORD. People all over the world will turn and worship you,
Psa 22:28 because you are in control, the ruler of all nations.
Psa 22:29 All who are rich and have more than enough will bow down to you, Lord. Even those who are dying and almost in the grave will come and bow down.
Psa 22:30 In the future, everyone will worship and learn about you, our Lord.
Psa 22:31 People not yet born will be told, “The Lord has saved us!”
May 1, 2007 at 9:23 am
jay tamming
hey marisa, thats great news. I’m sure there is alot of rejoicing right now. I’m continuing to pray for you and your family and hope the yardwork helped out!
prayers and blessings,
jason
May 21, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Carl and Bea Maartense
Hi Merisa and Mendelt and family, We have followed your journey and we remember being in Holland with you two years ago with the choir. Well we are here again and we just want you to know we are thinking of you and we are praying for you all. We are doing a home-exchange here and having an enjoyable time. Love and may God keep you all. Bea and Carl.
May 23, 2007 at 2:28 pm
DORENE
Mendelt and Marissa;
In the sunny warmth of today we think of you and the kids and ask God to surround you as you face another day in this battle that is laid before you. We never fight alone!!
Dorene and Charity
May 29, 2007 at 8:24 am
Katharina Bastian
Hi Marisa,
I was shocked to hear of your battle against cancer and my heart aches for you and your family. I have struggled a little with what to write here because I don’t want the focus to be on me; however, I wanted to write a little of my story to share hope with you. As you may or may not have known, I was diagnosed with lymphoma in 1997 which eventually spread to my liver. This was a connected to the aftermath of a liver transplant I had in 1992 which required me to live with a suppressed immune system. I had heavy in-patient chemo for many months before an additional complication arose: my body began to reject the transplanted liver and go into liver failure. With that turn of events, on top of spreading cancer in the liver and lymph nodes, I was sent home from the hospital with little hope. I consider the fight to have really begun at that point. The hope lies in this: God is all-powerful and all-loving. He continues to heal today. I had no medical treatment from that point on until 6 months later. My “treatment” was spending the day (while resting on the couch) reading scripture, listening to worship, listening to teaching on healing, and drawing near to the Lord. To God’s glory alone, 6 months later I was cancer-free. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD! My doctor’s had no explanation, but I do. He is the same God and I am praying for this same healing power to continue its’ work in your body. Please contact me at katbastian@hotmail.com if you would ever like to correspond. You are an inspiration.
Sincerely,
Katharina Bastian (Redeemer, 97)
May 30, 2007 at 3:05 pm
dorene
Mendelt and Marissa: today bask in the Sunshine of Gods greatness, our littleness and how God works to bring that together. Praying always for courage and the ability to enjoy the everday things in life.
Dorene
June 11, 2007 at 9:34 pm
The Wallis Family
Happy Anniversary Mendelt and Marisa!!! Enjoy your very special day together. You continue to be in our hearts and prayers each and ever day! No special date is required to pack up and go north. Go whenever you feel ready and are able.
Love from the Wallis Family
June 12, 2007 at 6:42 am
Dieny bussink
Mendelt and marisa: happy anniversary, and for today i pray that all goes well.I am in the same church as Marisas parents, we pray as a congregation sundays, and many of us pray daily for you and your family. love from Dieny Bussink.
June 18, 2007 at 3:39 pm
DORENE
Mendelt and Marisa:
Praying that although the battle is so difficult our Heavenly Father will grant you needed reprieves to gather strength and courage to go forward.
Dorene and Charity
June 21, 2007 at 7:58 am
Albert and Liz Witteveen
Dear Mendelt and Marisa
We keep you in our thoughts and prayers and pray for continued strength during your illness. Say hello to Zion for me, he played in my new bathtub with his friends Emily and Michael, ask him if he remembers! We send a big hug from our family to yours and pray that God will keep you in His loving care. Albert and Liz, Michael and Leah
July 18, 2007 at 9:48 am
DORENE
Dear Mendelt and Marisa and the liitle ones too:
We pray for courage as you face another fight in the bigger battle of cancer. May it help to know you are carried in prayer to the Throne of the Great Healer and Comforter. Lay your burdens there, it helps to rest the soul.
MUch love, Dorene and Charity
July 24, 2007 at 9:24 am
Marsha Scott
Hello Marissa and Mendelt,
I have just gone through your blog and it is so heartwarming to see the spirit of God everywhere in it. The faith you express throughout is witness to your daily walk with the Lord. My wish is that God will wrap his arms around you, Marissa, and fill you with His healing power. The courage and strength that you have shown is an inspiration to those of us who falter. Blessings and love to you.
Marsha Scott (St. Andrew’s choir)
July 25, 2007 at 3:34 pm
DORENE
Dear Mendelt and Marissa and kids:
Laugh when you want and cry when it hurts, be open and honest with each other. Husbands and wives cannot always read each others hurts and sorrows and so it helps to share them especially when we try so hard to protect each other from pain.
Kept before the Throne!
Yours in Christ, Dorene and Charity
August 1, 2007 at 11:14 am
DORENE
Mendelt and Marissa: sounds like God has provided some sense of normalcy in the midst of the battle! (whatever normal is!) Grab onto the pleasures of each day.
Kept in our prayers,
Dorene and Charity
August 4, 2007 at 10:43 pm
Paul Schlosser
Marisa,
You don’t know me, we will probably never meet. I was looking for an illustration for Psalm 3 and came across a letter you wrote dated Wednesday, July 11th. It is a moving letter and strikes a chord with those who hear it. My emphasis in the sermon is to not throw in the towel when things are going bad. You use the phrase “throw in the towel” twice in your letter. I had googled “throw in the towel.”
I wanted to let you know that your words are being used by God to touch the hearts and souls of people who are enduring their own giants of despair. Thank you for sharing.
May God continue to bless you.
Yours in Sharing Christ,
Paul Schlosser
August 7, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Linda, Al and Sammy
Your story is truly a testimony – thank you! Our prayer is for healing, peace and strength to get you through the battle – God be with you all!
August 11, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Jill Vanderveen
Hey there dear Marisa,Mendelt and your beautiful Children.
Boy Oh Boy, what a fight eh!!!! My prayer for you daily is for healing, peace and love. And for all who are afflicted with dis ease. Lots of love to you guys.
Love Jill (Jeltje)
August 22, 2007 at 11:42 am
DORENE
Dear Mendelt and Marissa and kids:
Been away for some holidays with our family for a few days and God truly granted us a reprieve from the busyness of everyday and a time to spend just with us. I am sure that your family needs that at times too. I do know that in the midst of great trials lives almost seem to become so very public and there are days we crave for a sense of some sort of privacy and we pray God also gives you that.Just wanted you to know always you are being held in prayer before His throne.
August 30, 2007 at 6:56 pm
J.J. Bylsma (Colenbrander)
Hey Marisa,
I just read the news today and my heart aches for you both…I can’t even imagine…We will continue to remember you and your family in our prayers and pray that God grants you peace, wisdom, and strength in these next few days. You couldn’t be in any better hands than our Lord Jesus…the very hands that still bear the nail marks…may He surround you with love.
J.J.
September 1, 2007 at 6:52 am
Kevin VanderLaan
We just found out last night about this and the news was a great shock (we don’t hear much out here). Rest assured, we will be praying.
Blessings,
Kevin, Elizabeth, Esther, Joseph, Hannah, Izaak, and Anneliese
Tianjin, China
September 1, 2007 at 7:50 pm
Bonnie Ludwig
aw…i dont know what to say. except that it brings tears to my eyes every time i read this blog…i am so sorry you have to deal with this in your lives! to say you have this unexplainable peace is …wow. incredible. i do pray for you and will continue to. may God continue to give you that peace that is surrounding you and hold you tight.
September 5, 2007 at 1:54 pm
DORENE
Dear Hoekstra family:
Held before the Throne in prayer! Go ahead, cry, hurt, bring your fears before our Heavenly Father , you are after all human., and then when you have done that take up the fight embattled with His courage and grace and go forward to where ever He leads.
Many prayers, Dorene and Charity
September 7, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Colleen Slappendel
Mr Hoekstra…and Marisa
I don’t know what to say. I want to make it all go away. I don’t want to say the wrong thing. I want to say something that will make everything better, but i can’t…all I know is God can. God is obviously planning something if hes making someone who is so strong…so great…so loving…and has the best family ever ( I can’t say I have seen it with my own eyes…but Mr. Hoekstra was my teacher….he has taught me alot…alot about music…alot about God…but most of all alot about his family!! I have to say I miss those classes..ALOT )…. I’m hoping for a miracle…im praying for a miracle….I know there can be a miracle…..stay strong… I know the day will come where you will be completely healed…not just you but many others too…not healed of cancer but healed of there faith…
God Bless…I pray for you and your family every night…cause I want a miracle…and knowing how much i want it…i cant even imagine how much you want it too!!
Colleen Slappendel
September 11, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Andrea Friesen
Mendelt & Marisa
I spent some time today catching up on your “adventure” and wanted you to know that I continue to think of you often and to keep you in my prayers. I have no words of wisdom to convey but I do believe in the grace of God and certainly believe in miracles. I have been so inspired by your journey of faith in the face of such testing and by the depth of the love you so obviously have for your heavenly Father as well as for each other. Reading your words, Mendelt, makes me remember why I and so many others are so fond of you and miss you. Reading your words, Marisa, makes me realize why Mendelt is so in love with you.
May the blessings that you give to all who know you return to you in healing and peace.
Love, Andrea
September 15, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Jean Biller
Mendelt and Marisa, So many times you have been on my mind. Just wanted to let you know each time has been opportunity to ask God to surround you with His love and strength.
Blessings,
Jean
September 16, 2007 at 9:24 am
Rose and Bob Schulenberg
Dear Marisa,
I know you don’t know me but Mendalt has taught my children through the years. I feel I have gotten to know you through this blog and for that I thank you.
You are truly one of the strongest people I know. Your strength, courage and faith are an inspiration to me!
I can’t begin to tell you how your struggle has affected our family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and that we are praying for you and your family…and prayer is a mighty tool!
Rose
September 17, 2007 at 11:48 am
DORENE
Mendelt and Marisa:
Strength for the everyday stuff and courage for the Big stuff. Held before the Throne in prayer.
Dorene and Charity
September 27, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Julie klassen
Mendelt and Marisa:
Mendetl, I was heartbroked to hear about your battle. Marisa: we don’t know each other, but I feel that I know your strength and caracter from what I have read on this site. You sound like a strong, faithful, amazing child of God. My prayers for you are that God will hold you in His arms, and carry you through this battle.
October 2, 2007 at 9:06 pm
The Van Geest Clan
Hi Mendelt and Marisa
We are the Van Geest family. Our children attend Beacon Christian Schools in St. Catharines. We heard of your situation through friends who’s kids attend schools through NACE. Some of our children have had the joy of having your dad(Mendelt) for a substitute teacher.
We all pray for you on a daily basis. We pray for strength, courage and hope for your family. We pray for God’s healing hand of mercy upon you.
Love John, Jessica, Raymond, Lucas and Rachel
October 15, 2007 at 10:43 am
DORENE
Mendelt and Marisa and kids:
Kept veryday in our prayers, for the big things and the liitle things and some days not in that order.
You are never alone and are always precious
in His sight,
Dorene and Charity
October 18, 2007 at 9:16 am
DORENE
Mendelt and Marisa:
A Party aye!! All life is to be celebrated and especially our birthdays, plan to be there just to say hi! Kept in our prayers and hearts.
Dorene and Charity
October 23, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Linda Booy-Korvemaker
Just wanted you to know that we prayed for you and a miracle tonight. Someone gave this quote to us once and I want to pass it on to you…
“Have courage for the great sorrows of life, and patience for the small ones. And when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in Peace. God is awake.”
-Victor Hugo
October 31, 2007 at 2:44 pm
DORENE
God keeps you on my heart and we again pray for the stength and courage needed for the road ahead.
Dorene
November 1, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Jessica VandenDool
Hey Mendelt and Marisa,
So i’ve just been reading your blogs and the comments written here and I thought that I should pass on something that my Oma VanderHout gave me before she passed away. Its a poem, which is more like a prayer:
“Blessing in abundance,
Strength for everyday,
Courage for each trial,
Gladness all the way,
Faith in heaven’s guidance,
Hope that’s firm and true,
May the Lord our Savior,
Give this gift to you”
I am praying for you, may God bless!
– Jess
November 8, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Gail McKitterick
Dear Marisa- It was so lovely to chat with you at the library a couple of weeks ago. I was moved by your faith and how God’s love just radiates through you. You are a truly amazing woman and I know God has huge plans for you. I pray for you daily. May God’s light and love continue to shine through you making you feel loved and cared for. -Gail P.S. Happy Birthday . . . Have a fabulous fun filled day!!!
November 19, 2007 at 2:04 pm
DORENE
Mendelt and Marisa and kids:
JUst asking God to care for you
Dorene
November 28, 2007 at 8:44 am
klary harssema
Dear Marissa and Mendelt,
Marissa you don’t know me and I don’t know you,but I want you to know what an impression you have made on me, I can not imagine going through what you and your family are going through, I know your father in law from Club the Netherlands,and Mendelt from seeing him entertain the kids at the st.Nikolaas party,also I spoke to Mendelt a few weeks ago, at the grocery store in Vineland, since then I discovered your blog.I went through the cancer battle myself, ovarian, had 6 chemo treatments and had a kidney removed, and at the time I thought it was bad, but it was a piece of cake compared to what you are going through, and I admire your strength .You are in my prayers and thought, wishing you both,courage and strength, Sincerely, Klary Harssema.
November 29, 2007 at 12:32 pm
J.J. Bylsma
Hey Marissa & Mendelt,
When I was reading your blog today a verse came into my head…
“…for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.” Song of Songs 8:6b-7
While you both have shared this journey with friends and family I have been struck by the deepness of love that you have for eachother and your love for the Father. As you deal with this new setback, I pray that God will grant you His peace which passes all understanding…you both have been an incredible strength for so many…
Steve & J.J. Bylsma
November 29, 2007 at 1:37 pm
DORENE
Dear Hoekstra Family:
Words seem so inadequate, but I know Gods strength is sufficient.
Held tenderly before the throne,
Dorene
December 5, 2007 at 2:49 pm
DORENE
Strength and courage for you Mendelt and your kids.
Yours in Christ, Dorene and Charity
December 5, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Al, Linda & Sammy
What a testimony you both are…your children are blessed. Our thoughts and prayers continue…
December 5, 2007 at 9:18 pm
The Van Geest Clan
Dear Mendelt and Marisa
Our hearts overflow with tears for you all. We pray God will give you all that you stand in need of right now and the days to come, for it is only with God that you can stand.
Love the Van Geest Clan
December 6, 2007 at 12:13 pm
DORENE
Our hearts ache for you.
Dorene and Charity
December 6, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Debbie Eke
Dear Mendelt and Family:
I have just been told Marisa has gone home to be with God and my continued prayers have been and still are with you all. I will always cherish the wonderful conversation I had with Marisa at the Strawberry Festival this summer and know that her faith with be rewarded and that she truly is in Heaven. I know too that our loving God has a perfect plan for each of us and whether our lifespan is one hour, one day or one hundred years it is His gift to us – while on this earth. Marisa’s life was part of His perfect plan. May God comfort you and bring you peace.
With much love and understanding – Debbie
December 6, 2007 at 6:50 pm
joan wright
I had the privilege of having Marisa as a patient the last two days of her life on this earth. Her family and Mendelt’s were an amazing testimony to the staff on our floor. As the only Christian, it is often difficult but the 2 days Marisa was with us will shine on. My co workers asked many questions of me about how could the family express such composure during such a devastating time. I was able, rather compelled to share the love of God with them. The silent witness of Marisa and Mendelt’s family will have an ongoing affect on many of my co workers and I pray that I will be capable of answering any questions that arise. I thank God for the privilege of sharing with the families, the last days of Marisa’s life. Their witness will shine on and I am challenged to be all God wants me to be after being so embraced by the families. Even in their grief they were praying for my son who was facing surgery in Dubai and we were unable to be with him. God bless these amazing people, Iam so blessed to have met them. May God grant each one peace as they travel on.
December 6, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Shalom
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
His mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning, new every morning.
Great is Thy faithfulness, oh Lord. Great is Thy faithfulness.
December 7, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Bert and Marjan Vrolijk
Dear Mendelt and family
We read in the paper of Marisa’s passing to her heavenly home. We just want you and all your family to know that our prayers for God’s comfort and peace are with you all. We were not aware of the battle Marisa had been fighting, but reading hers and your story is a testimony to the Godly fight that was yours. May God be your strength in the difficult days to follow.
In Christian Love
Bert and Marjan and fam.
December 7, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Derek Bosch
Dear Hoekstra Family:
me and my family and my whole school are very sorry about what happend but we can be grateful to God that she is in heaven and no longer has anything to worry about and my best bet is shes up in heaven right now looking down on you
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From:Rob,Joanne,Derek,Corey Bosch and John Knox
December 8, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Nicole Goldin
Dear Hoekstra Family;
My Mother, Tina Goldin, who still lives in St. Catharines informed me of your loss. I attended Calvin (CMCC) with Mendelt and I do believe we shared all the same classes and teachers from grades 1-8. Mendelt, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful children during this time of loss.
I pray that God would continue to gather you and your family in His arms and hold you close.
Nicole Goldin
December 8, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Nellie Zonneveld
Our prayers are with you Mendelt. As they have been the last year. I am not a blogger but our thoughts and prayers have been with you. I have talked to Marissa several times during this last summer when she came in to search for more fabric for the quilt she was making for your daughter. My prayers are with you.
December 20, 2007 at 8:27 am
klary harssema
DEAR MENDELT,
READ YOUR ENTRY LAST NIGHT AND GATHER YOU WERE HAVING A DIFFICULT DAY, HOPE THAT IT HELPS TO KNOW ,MANY PEOPLE ARE THINKING OF YOU AND PRAYING FOR YOU, SINCERELY,KLARY HARSSEMA
December 20, 2007 at 3:02 pm
DORENE
Mendelt:
Kept in our thots and prayers, today has come and God has given you courage to face it.
But the days isnt over and He may still return!!
Dorene
December 21, 2007 at 6:29 pm
Richard Porter
our thoughts and prayers are with you mendelt even though I have never met you, Marisa was a wonderful person and it was a privalage to have known her Richard and Fiona Porter
January 11, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Elisa Rink (nee Cook)
Hey Mendelt-
It’s bit a long while since I sent in a note on your site but quite honestly, I think I checked your site more than the medical charts of many of my cancer patients that I work with here at the cancer centre in Mississauga. I thought of going to the funeral but thought that you had so many people there and I knew you guys on such a small level, I thought I would wait to touch base.
I was so sorry to hear about Marisa’s death and your and the kids loss.
Your entries, both your and Marisa’s, helped me remain humble in the face of many families that I work with- the challenges, the complexity, the fact that so many of us are often helpless with the outcome of cancer.
I was so honoured to watch how you and Marisa fought for every ounce of life- you guys did it so naturally though, that it’s clear you both cherished life since birth! I was so hoping that God would cure Marisa and let her do what she clearly excelled at- loving life and those around her- especially you!
Mendelt- my prayers are with you for comfort, for laughter, for the opportunity to grieve. She seemed to be a classy woman and her life will undoubtedly never be absent from your life; her laugh, her music, and her love clearly changed your life forever.
Prayers for daily hope my friend,
Elisa
January 13, 2008 at 6:33 am
Myles Macwilliams
Praying for you and your family, May the name of Jesus heal you through and through, amen
January 16, 2008 at 4:45 pm
DORENE
Kept in our prayers, asking our Heavenly Father to give you courage when that great emptiness overcomes you so that He may fill you and your childrens lives with hope.
Dorene and Charity
January 23, 2008 at 2:12 pm
DORENE
Mendelt: pain and joy, they do coexist. Somedays when we dig deep into our hearts and the pain is so intense it is often there that we find the memories that give us such joy.
Kept in our prayers as always,
Dorene and Charity
February 5, 2008 at 4:00 am
June & Gerry Sharpe
Dear Mendelt, We pray the Lord will bless your lonely home, and give you the strenght to bear your heavy cross, as no one knows only He, the Treasure you have lost. May God Bless you and your family.
March 6, 2008 at 4:06 pm
DORENE
Mendelt:
I understand, truly, about the”no longer a spouse” I wish there was some other words(if thats possible) to decribe who we are now withour our loved ones that did not bring this deep emptiness with such finality.
Kept in our prayers,
Dorene and Charity
March 19, 2008 at 12:36 pm
DORENE
Amen to that Mendelt!
Dorene
April 14, 2008 at 12:45 pm
DORENE
Mendelt: oh the place that God gives us in our childrens lives!!It is at times so very huge. It is so good we have a Father to go to.
Kept in our thots always,
Dorene and Charity
April 15, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Sandy Werkman
How “wonderful” it is that Zion has a place to go, to be with other children his age experiencing grief, but how sad that groups like that need to exist. I wish I had had such an opprotunity when my mom died when I was 14. We have come so far, with opprotunities like the group the Zion is going to. I have never meant you, but know Marissa’s mom and dad. I occasionally check this wonderful format, and have learned so much from both of your examples. I too hug my three children more, and am trying very hard not to take anything for granted. Thankyou for being so honest in all your entries. I pray that God will use the book that you are going to publish, to help those of us who grieve. Sandy
April 16, 2008 at 2:01 pm
DORENE
Mendelt: punched in the gut and cant straighten up? Thats how I often decribe the grief.
Someday you will stand upright agiain, however you will be a changed person, when something this large happens in your life you cannot remain the same as before.
Kept in our prayers,
Dorene and Charity
April 28, 2008 at 5:40 am
Shirley Hannah
Hi Mendelt
I check your blog every morning. There’s been no post since April 19. I pray things are as well as can be expected because I really don’t know how you manage to carry on every day.
April 30, 2008 at 9:50 am
Heather Vanderkruk
Hi Mendelt,
I’m not sure if you will remember me but I was dormmates with Marisa at Redeemer. I loved her so much. We had many good laughs that year.
I also remember you walking around the library causing a raucous! You had a chair held up to your face and were going around asking everyone if there was something in your eye. I’ve actually laughed at that memory over the years.
I just wanted to let you know that I’m praying for your strength.
Heather
April 30, 2008 at 11:07 am
DORENE
Mendelt: and your children will continue to be an integral part of your journey because it is their journey too. No one will ever have the exact same concerns, fears ,tears and love that you and Marissa had/have for
them because they are your s and hers. Wait , I may be a little wrong about that, your Heavenly Father does.
Kept in our prayers,
Dorene and family
June 25, 2008 at 11:59 am
Dorene
Mendelt: enjoy your trip. Enjoy might seem like an awkward word right now,in any event laugh, cry if you need/want to and take each moment however it presents itself. You are wounded but not beaten.
Dorene
July 18, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Dorene
Mendelt: It will be difficult, that I know and in many of them I believe you will see little bits and pieces of your Marisa.(however that affects you will be the tough thing)You will be kept in my prayers.
Dorene
October 2, 2008 at 5:16 pm
dorene
Mendelt: you are treading through some very hard days and yet it often seems thats when the Light shines brightest. May God give you all you need to prepare for the concert.
Dorene
October 19, 2008 at 4:04 am
KLARY HARSSEMA
MENDELT, JUST THOUGHT I WOULD LET YOU KNOW WHAT A WONDERFULL EVENING MY 2 FRIENDS AND I HAD TONIGHT.
I ADMIRE YOUR STRENGTH AND COURAGE TO PULL THIS OFF, AND WHAT TALENTS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE. WHEN I WENT TO WRITE THIS ,I READ YOUR COMMENT ON THE EVENING, TO THINK YOU HAD TIME AND ENERGY LEFT FOR THAT.YOUR KIDS ARE ADORABLE, I MET YOUR YOUNGEST IN THE WASHROOM AND SHE WAS BUSY TELLING ANOTHER LITTLE GIRL, THAT CAME IN, THAT SHE HAD TO WASH HER HANDS, SO FUNNY, BECAUSE SHE IS SO LITTLE.
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF, YOU HAVE A HEAVY LOAD! KLARY HARSSEMA.
October 21, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Sandra Werkman
Praise the Lord!!!! I knew it could be done!!!I agree with the suggestions to make a DVD of Saturday evening. The profits might either be added to the scholarship fund, or to the children’s trust fund. I couldn’t get the night off work to come, but my prayers were with you. If you decide to do the DVD send me an email. I have been reading thru, and crying thru you recent powerful blogs, and you continue to teach me so much. I have a friend with cancer, and hear you when you say it’s tough stuff… to say the least. Thanks for teaching me so much. Sandy Werkman