Thursday, February 4, 2010

Thank you

Today the world lost an amazing man. He left this world 9 months after our journey with cancer began. It took him 9 months to get here and 9 months to leave. We thank you for your continued support. All of your prayers over the last day have been answered. Dad is back to work again. What a miracle. Thank you for participating in this miracle with us.

Lots of love,
The Ellis Family

51 comments:

  1. I have followed your journey, praying with you every step of the way. May you all find peace in knowing that Mike is with his Savior. May the Lord bless you and guide you towards your reunion with him.

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  2. Thanks for letting me be a part of this journey, I'm forever grateful for that! Love each of you...Again, no regrets at all.

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  3. I have prayed for you all, during this difficult journey. I wish I could be there to lend a comforting hug. There are no words that seem fit to say at this time. I hope you find peace and comfort in the Lord, and that you know he is in a better place now. I will continue to pray always. Much Love to your family.
    Abby T.

    "God walks with us. He scoops us up in His arms or simply sits with us in silent strength until we cannot avoid the recognition that yes, even now, He is there."

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  4. May God give you strength and comfort.With Sympathy, Judy Griffith

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  5. While the world has lost an amazing man, the universe has not. Mike and his family have touched many many souls and will continue to do so.
    We are so grateful to know the Ellis family.
    Many many hugs from us.
    Bless you all.

    The Warrner Family

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  6. We are so sorry for your loss but grateful Mike is out of pain. We are thankful to know you and have admired your unwaivering faith in the Lord throughout this journey. You are an amazing family. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.
    Love,
    Ben and Amanda

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  7. An amazing man entered Heaven today. Can you imagine his wonderment--and the love that was there? May God bless you all with comfort peace during this very difficult time. We love you all,
    Jill and Steve

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  8. I am touched beyond what I can express. Tears fall but I feel his joy. It is as much a miracle as will be the rest of your life Nancy. I love you. I send a hug. I have thanked the Lord over and over for all - all the love, all the mercy, all the friendship and example, all, all, all...

    Karen

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  9. Nancy,
    We just started following your blog this week after our home teacher (Brother Pfeil) told us about it. Sister Pfeil sent us the link.

    When I read just now that Mike had left this earth at 5:17, I did something I've never done before. I called John's cell phone, knowing he was in the Indianapolis North Stake High Council meeting, to tell him about Mike. I thought the high council would want to know. That's how important the Homers think Mike Ellis is. We love him, and we love you.

    Ruth Ellen Homer

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  10. Summer and winter and spring time and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above, join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. 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!

    Molly

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  11. Nancy and Family, I am a better person for having known Mike Ellis. The truest Faithful Servant Leader I have ever personally known. I will forever know his smile. Peace, Judi Ritter

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  12. Ellis family -

    I'm terribly sad to hear the news of Mike's passing. He was a truly fabulous person and the world will not be the same without him. Please know that you all are in our thoughts. If there is anything we can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask.

    Jeremy Harmon

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  13. Ellis family--

    We love you all and pray that you feel all the comfort and love you need from your Heavenly Father at this time. Dear Brother Ellis was a shining example to us all.

    Ryan and Mimi Jones

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  14. Our love and prayers are for your family. What a blessing that we got to be a part of your family for that quick year in Muncie; we are better people because of it.

    Scott and Sarah Paulsen

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  15. Nancy and family~
    It is good to hear he is not suffering any more. His wonderful influence was and will continue to be felt - he will not be forgotten.
    Love to the family.
    SDJ

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  16. Heaven is a little brighter today. We are so sorry for your loss Nancy, Andy, Tyler and Hannah. We pray for comfort for you all at this time. We love you,
    The Creer fam.

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  17. Dear Nancy,
    My heart is heavy, but heaven is rejoicing at his return. I know Mike lost his father when he was young and I can picture Mike's smile as he gives his dad a warm embrace.
    When my nephew died, a talk was given at his funeral. I can still remember the part that likened death as a ship setting off on a journey. The people left behind are sad to see the ship go but imagine the joy of the people that can see the ship arriving.

    Love,
    Regina

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  18. I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing, but am comforted knowing he is no longer suffering. I'm praying for strength for you all during this difficult time.

    Love,
    Jessica Carr

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  19. I just heard. Nancy, you and your family are in my prayers. You are right, the world has lost an amazing man. No more suffering for Mike.

    The Caudill family loves you and your family.

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  20. Your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers! We love you and are sorry for your loss at this time.

    Love,

    Jared, Kimberly, & Anderson Heath

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  21. What an amazing man! Thank you for sharing your journey here and I pray you will be comforted and find peace during this time. My prayers go out to you.

    Anna Jones (Lyon)

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  22. Nancy and family
    Our hearts unite with many this night to express our sincere feelings of love and admiration for you all,his family and for a life well-lived. So grateful for knowledge seeded in faith, that we continue our journey and growth beyond..reuniting with loved ones,and continuing in our service. So thankful for your amazing strength and unity and graciousness. Mike will be sorely missed among us.
    Our continued prayers of comfort for each of you.
    Love to you,
    John and Lori Ann and family

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  23. Nancy, Hannah, and Family:

    My prayers have been with you throughout this journey, and they will continue to be so. I am grateful that I had the chance to know him, and for the influence he was in my life.

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  24. We were both relieved to hear of his passing, but also quite saddened. He was always so polite and kind and we knew that he was someone we could trust. We will look forward to serving with him again one day. Our hearts go out to all of your family! Lyle and Elaina Hutchison

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  25. Ellis Family,
    I have no words to describe how grateful I am for being a part of Mike's life. As heaven rejoices we all bow our heads in silent gratitude of a man who touched so many. We love you and are thankful for you all.

    Jonathan, Kristina and Michael Ridge

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  26. Dear Ellis Family,

    True the world has lost an amazing man! Thank you for sharing such a personal part of your lives with us. As I was thinking of memories of Mike yesterday to sum up all my thoughts and memories is that he was a true servant of the Lord in serving others with all that he had been given. It comes to no surprise as what he is doing now!
    We love you all!

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  27. You all are in my heart and my thoughts this week. Wishing you peace and comfort...

    xoxo
    Emily C

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  28. Team Ellis,
    Sending much love and prayers to you at this time. Big Coach Mike may be coaching from Heaven now, but he left a strong team behind. He taught us all how to live life to the fullest, I expect Coach Nancy will continue to coach as she and Mike have for so many years, with much love, nurturing and caring for all whom they came in contact with. For now please let all of us surround you with comfort, love and praise as Team Ellis certainly deserves to know you did a fantastic job as you prepared Mike for his life in Heaven. Mike will certainly be missed but the memories will always keep him in our hearts and souls.

    love and hugs to all,
    Barb

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  29. We love you all and will continue to keep you in our thoughts. Mike is a wonderful man, part of a wonderful family.

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  30. My prayers and thoughts have been with the entire family throughout Mike's incredible journey. What an inspiration all of you have been through this. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that his influence will live and continue on through all those that he touched. Blessings and peace to each of you.
    Cathy Walters Lennon

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  31. Nancy & Kids,
    It must have been so hard to let him go. But as Nan says, no regrets.....SusanT

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  32. We are so grateful to have had Mike in our midst all these many years, so grateful for the encouraging example he was, the service he rendered, the smiles he shared, and the heart of love that he had. May you all be comforted and supported with cherished memories - and the promise of eternal life together. Love, Kathy McC.

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  33. Our hearts our heavy, but what a miracle indeed that prayers were answered and his suffering could end. We will be forever touched by your selfless example of great faith, hope, and courage. I wish I could be there to hug you in person, Nancy, but I take comfort in the fact that you are being well-taken care of.

    Love,
    Lindsay and Blake Anderson

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  34. What beautiful, supportive comments! Thank you for sharing this personal, difficult journey. It has been a strength to share your faith, hope, and joy amidst your trials and sorrows. Prayers of comfort and love continue -
    Charlotte and Dave

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  35. Dear Nancy, Andy, Tyler, Hannah and Family,
    We don't know quite what to say. We have been with you throughout this 9 month journey. Our prayers have been answered with Mike's passing, but our hearts are heavy with the loss of a dear friend. We are thankful that his pain has ended. We can only imagine the loss you feel with his absence. We are grateful for the privilege of knowing and serving with such a great and capable man. Like so many others, our lives have been touched by him. We are better people for our friendship with him. Our prayers will continue to be with you.
    Love,
    Gordon and Emolyn

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  36. Everyone who had the privilege to know Brother Ellis in this life was better because of it. Thank you for sharing this last bit of his life journey with us. Michelle Collett (Mimi Boling)

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  37. In life via his deeds Mike cast a long shadow. No doubt from his new vantage point it is even longer.
    TWW

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  38. Nancy and Family,

    Though our hearts are heavy, we know that Mike is in a better place and without pain! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey! What courage you have shown and what an inspiration you have been! Please know that you will continue to be in our hearts and prayers as you go forward!

    Much love,
    Sis, Phil and family

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  39. To Andy and the Ellis family,

    I am so sorry for your loss. Having lost a parent far too soon myself, I wish I could give you some words of comfort that will ease your pain. Unfortunately I cannot. All I can offer is the fact that your dad will always be with you in everything you do. When you lose someone that you love so deeply, that love never dies. For me it's been 15 years but I can still remember the way my dad smelled, the way he laughed, and a million other things that when I think of them, I smile. I hope that all the wonderful memories you have will keep him alive in your heart forever. You are so lucky to have had a great dad. I will keep you all in my prayers that you may find peace and feel God's love in the days and weeks ahead.

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  40. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. We feel it a blessing and a privilege to have known Mike in this life. May the Lord be with you at this difficult time.

    Brian and Charity Johns

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  41. What a privilege it has been to be able to go through this spectacular journey with you. You represent the best in faithfulness and peace in God’s plan, and it is inspiring to everyone your words have touched. So, even those who never met Mike have been blessed by him and his story. Thank you, and may God bless you richly.

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  42. I only met Mike a few times, but, each time, I went away thinking, "what an amazing guy!" He was always exceptionally friendly and warm.

    My thoughts are with your family, and I wish you peace, strength, and comfort as you celebrate Mike's life and grieve your loss.

    Shanon Lyon

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  43. Dear Ellis family,

    I am so, so very sorry for your loss. Please know that my roommate and I have been and are continuing to pray for you. All of my love!

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  44. Dear Ellis family,

    We are so very sorry for your loss. You have all been in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you whatever peace, love and comfort is possible at this time.

    Charla Willian and Dan Hirst

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  45. Dear Nancy and family,
    I have just read your blog. My heart is heavy and yet light at the same time. I shall miss having Mike here on earth, but am so glad he is now relieved of his pain and sufferening and serving another mission on the other side. You have been so very kind to share your journey with us. That has strengthened my faith. Thank you! You two have anways been two of my favorite people. How precious is your love for each other and what wonderful examples you both are of the gospel in action. Please know that I shall continue my prayers for you and your family. There is mourning in the night, but joy does come in the morning.
    Love, Bev Merrill

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  46. Oh Nancy,
    I feel such a kinship to you, our situations being similar. I admire your grace under pressure. I know you had bad days and days you thought you couldn't do it, but you did it beautifully with such courage, love, faith and hope. Mike too dealt with his adversity with such grace, dignity, and humility. I loved watching you take care of him with such tenderness. I will be with you in your grief journey ahead. Hopefully the good people with hospice will continue with you as well. I found the hospice people to be incredibly helpful, understanding, insightful, and comforting. They would call me at certain intervals and just talk. They did this for a whole year. I hope they will do this for you too. Being able to talk with someone who understands is huge. I hope I can be this for you too. I love you, dear lady. xo, Kim Martin

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  47. I will always remember his sweet smile and countenance. He was so kind and caring. He will be missed, but I know he is doing an important work now. His spirit lives on... Love you all.
    Liz Egnew

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  48. He was my Stake President when I left on my mission to Denmark in 1991. I remember him as always kind and loving with a very calm demeanor. I am grateful for his service and example. My prayers are with all of you at this time of loss.

    Scott Draper

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  49. My sweet wife, Lin Toney worked with Mike at the Church offices and had a wonderful relationship with one another. I served on the High Council during Mike's tenure in the Stake Presidency. He waa a great man and a good friend. Lin preceeded Mike thru the vail and I hope she was there to meet him. Elder Scott said, "what are we supposed to learn from this experience". As we continue our mortal journey we will find out. God bless.

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  50. This delayed response comes with deep and poingnant feelings. It was through Mike's seemingly unending service to his fellowman and his unmeasureable love of our Savior, that I came to know my Heavenly Father better. My heart and mind came to know that it is only through serving our fellowman that we come to know our God. Mike is a man who knows God!

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