Saturday, January 23, 2010

Changes

The past two weeks have been very challenging for us. Mike's condition has worsened. Our family made the decision to stop the current treatment. It is time for us to devote all of our energy to making Mike comfortable. We have "refocused our hope" as the nurse told me yesterday. Mike will continue to rest at home. We feel calm and peaceful with our decision. Thanks to all who are continuing to pray in our behalf.

37 comments:

  1. Mike, Nancy, Andy, Tyler and Hannah... you are so loved and continue to be in my prayers. What an amazing family you are. No regrets...

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  2. Dear Mike and Nancy, we have so very many wonderful memories that will endure forever. Our love and prayers to you both and the children, Tom and Toni

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  3. Your Utah family is praying for you and loves you all very much. May our Father in Heaven grant you an out-pouring of great peace and comfort. Love ya lots, T, K & Childrens

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  4. Dear Mike and Nancy,
    Please know that we love you. Our prayers of peace and comfort are with you.
    Todd & Chris

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  5. Mike and Nancy, our love and prayers are with you. I know something of the peace that you feel in this moment. I would like to respond to a comment you made a couple of days ago - "Have I told you lately what an incredible man he is?"

    I - Inspirational. His faith, his diligence, his service, his fight, his devotion to his family and others. Inspirational!

    N - Nancy, Nancy, Nancy, Nancy, Nancy! His choice in a companion many years ago continues to make all the difference. Together you are a team effort!

    C - Committed 100%. Committed to others, to the betterment of life everywhere, committed to the Lord.

    R - Reliable - Oh SO reliable! If Mike says he'll do something, it will be done!

    E - Expertise and Excellence in everything he does!

    D - Dad. Always a Dad of the highest order. Dad to three incredible individuals!

    I - Insightful - Insightful about people, the gospel, the scriptures, and LIFE!

    B - Brother and Boy Scout. Truly he is a brother to us all. He loves others. John's fellow camper and church leader at Philmont. There isn't a place to put an "F" but if there were, it would be for FUN!

    L - Leader. Leading the way with confidence, energy, and vision.

    E - Early riser! Yes! There is too much to do in life to worry about getting sleep! Maybe a short nap at lunch time!



    M - Missionary - in every way, in every moment, with everyone in his path.

    A - Architect with a special knowledge of sound transmission and structural design. Sought after. Trusted.

    N - Noble - Mike you are truly one of our most noble friends. We love you!

    Indeed you are, ONE INCREDIBLE MAN!

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  6. Dearest Mike and Nancy,
    Amen and amen to all of the other comments. You are both loved so very greatly. What an outstanding example you ar to all of us! Do you remember the day in the Louisville Temple when I told you of my engagement? I recall the joy and happiness for me that I saw in your eyes. Your love is felt by everyone. I am so grateful to be your friend.
    Love you both for eternity, Bev Merrill aka Rifleman

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  7. Mike, Nancy, Andy, Tyler, & Hannah -
    We add our amens to earlier comments. You are in our hearts continually and our prayers daily. The barriers of time, space, and relationship are minimal and so we hope that you feel our love and friendship. You are all wonderful.
    Peace - Charlotte and Dave

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  8. We pray for you and ache for you, knowing what you are experiencing. How we wish we could somehow intervene. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers continually. May He bring you comfort and peace.
    Love, Don and Jan

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  9. I'll pray for God to send you peace and strength. Carmen

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  10. I am weeping. I have read your blog every day since you started it. Your courage, faith, and gratitude are evidence of your strength. Our hearts are broken but we have faith in God's plan of salvation and in temple covenants. LaRene

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  11. Let us add our love and prayers along with the others.
    Randy and Sharon

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  12. We send our love and lots and lots of hugs...
    Mike,Sue and Rudy

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  13. Dear Mike and Nancy,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you. Your example has been a great strenth to us. We returned from Buenos Aires to Utah this week to begin a new life. We have so many wonderful memories and experiences with you.
    Love,
    Gordon and Emolyn

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  14. Mike and Nancy,
    We love you.
    Ken and Kim

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  15. Dear Nancy, Mike, Andy, Tyler, and Hannah,
    What a brave decision you have made. I pray you will be filled with the comfort that comes only from the Spirit. We love you.

    Sandra and Randy

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  16. Mike & Nancy,
    Thank you for being our friend. There is hardly a sweet childhood memory goes by with Abby that does not include Hannah and the Ellis family. Please know what a difference your friendship has made for the Thomas'. Sadly, I have no words..........as always, SusanT

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  17. Team Ellis,
    Your strength is a guiding light for all of us as we face our own challenges. You are quite a family led by quite a man, a father, a husband and a friend to many. Mike has always taught us all how to give, to be compasionate, to love and to be generous. Team Ellis has made a difficult decision in regards to Mike and his care, not an easy decision but a brave and caring decision. You are all being guided by your faith, love and all that Mike has taught you along the way and thru the years. Know that I love and support you in this difficult journey.

    love and hugs to all,
    Barb

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  18. Dear Ellis Family,
    May God provide you with strength, peace, and love. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
    Brenda I.

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  19. Ellis family,
    Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love and miss you. Our family has been touched by your love of others.

    Sam and Mandy

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  20. All I can say is that I love you all so dearly. We all do.

    The Wibles

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  21. Dear Mike, Nancy, and family,
    Jacob 1:9
    "Be strong and of good courage;be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:for the Lord they God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
    I love this scripture and it makes me think of your family and the strength and courage you have as you face these difficult decisions.

    Love,
    Regina

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  22. We love you.
    Anarene and Jon

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  23. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -John 14:27

    Your faith and courage has really touched me in a personal way and I thank you for that. I'm so blessed that I know you guys.

    Love,
    Jessica Warrner

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  24. Your faith,hope,and love are so
    inspirational to all you touch.
    I am so grateful to be touched
    by the Ellis family.

    Calm and Peace to you all.

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  25. There really aren't enough words to describe the goodness of Mike Ellis. Since this journey began in May, I feel as though I know Mike and Nancy better than I ever have...a true gift that has come out of this adversity. My prayer is for continued comfort and peace for the entire family. God has used Mike and Nancy to teach us all some very powerful lessons.

    Much love,
    Molly

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  26. Dear Mike & Nancy and family,
    May you feel an abundance of love and peace as we think of you and send love to you and prayers heavenward for you. With love, Kathy McC.

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  27. Dear Mike and Nancy,

    I have never been goods with words but - from the bottom of my heart - know that we are thinking and praying for you. Wish we lived closer so that I could give you hugs and tell you how much you are both loved. One of my favorite ministers always closed our service with: "We do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who make this journey with us. So, be swift to love and make haste to be kind." Mike and you have lived that message and made the world a better place to be.
    Love, Janet & Jim

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  28. Dear Mike and Nancy,
    We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We thank you for your great examples of faith and service. We love you both and pray for peace and strength for you at this time.
    Love,
    Mark & Linley Baker

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  29. Mike

    Thanks for being you and all the help you have given,the family are eternally grateful and we continue to endure - Nancy and you are in our prayers everyday.

    The following words Mike are an Irish blessing from St Patrcik's Breatplate and best describe you;

    Christ be with me
    Christ before me
    Christ behind me
    Christ in me
    Christ beneath me
    Christ above me
    Christ on me right
    Christ on my left
    Christ where I lie
    Christ where I sit
    Christ where I arise
    Christ in the heart of everyman who thinks of me...

    It will be mate

    AFJ

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  30. Your family is always in my prayers and in my heart. May you find the spiritual strength and feel Heavenly Father's blessings during this time.

    Scott and Sarah

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  31. Jonathan and I will always remember the kindness and good example of inspiration and charity you have shown to us. May your whole family be blessed with peace and comfort.

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  32. Mike's humor, kindness, and gentle spirit have always brightened my day and I am forever grateful to him for making me feel welcome and at home in this community. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily and I wish you peace and strength during this time.

    Much Love,
    Karen

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  33. Nancy, Mike, Andy, Tyler and Hannah & all of the rest of the family and friends who are helping out....
    My heart is very heavy with this latest news and decision. I don't know of a family anywhere that has shown the strength you guys have in dealing with each new piece of news...bad or good. Now the decisions have been made and life will continue to take its course and you will follow it as you have all these many months. I wish you a peaceful journey to the end, asyou have all been preparing for this since the day you were born. May peace, love and acceptance be in your hearts and minds as you move with Mike to a more comfortable place. Know that we are always here for you & you are all loved very much...take care..
    Love,
    Cindy, Jeff & Chelsea

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  34. "Oh Lord, I have trusted in Thee, and I will trust in Thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. ... Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift my voice unto thee, my God ... Behold my voice shall forever ascend up unto Thee. (2 Nephi 4: 34-35)

    Our voices continue to join all these others in ascending to Heavenly Father in your behalf. Your strength and faith have and will continue to serve you well. The Lord will strengthen and sustain you through whatever trials you must endure. You already know of His sweet peace during the toughest trials. He will not let you down. We continue to hope and pray that a healing is in store for you, knowing to trust His will.

    With love and prayers,
    Mike and Carol Baker

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  35. Mike and Family,
    Mike, you sat on my couch many years ago,and proclaimed that you were a messenger, sent to represent Christ. I testify that you were then, and you are now.You, as always, have represented him well. If you beat me across the veil, please express my gratitude to the Savior for sending you to see me.You and your family has a place embedded eternally in my heart for the goodness, the sacrifice you make in your service to others. May God bless each of you.

    Love for all
    Jeff and Tammie Baker

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  36. To the Ellis family:
    We love you. We ache for you. And we will continue to pray: for strength, for comfort and for peace. You are amazing: all of you. With love,
    The Creers

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  37. We add our prayers with those who have already posted. We pray for the Lord to provide you the needed comfort and strength.
    Love,
    Ben and Amanda

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