"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true, for the Lord God hath spoken it." Mosiah 2:41
I know Mike is in that blessed and happy state... Today marks 5 weeks since Mike's passing. It seems like it has been a life time already. My children and I are walking along the shore, waves of grief lapping around our ankles... Occasionally a huge wave comes along and nearly knocks us over...We dig our feet into the sand and steady ourselves. We try not to fall. We continue to walk forward with faith. We hope that soon, the little waves of grief will be the only ones we feel.
Our love for Mike has deepened. We have heard so many accounts of his life touching others. Many of the stories we are hearing for the first time. We are so very, very grateful for the many lives that have touched ours during this long journey. We have developed deeper appreciation for those who have supported us. We have made new friends. We have an amazing appreciation for those who cared for Mike and for each of us.
Mikes funeral and memorial services were fitting and deserving for such an amazing man. This leg of our journey has come to a close. We have begun a new journey now. We will continue to have meaning and purpose in our lives as we cherish the extraordinary memories we have of Mike, husband, father, son, and friend.
We find comfort in this verse:
"Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away to the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was, let it be spoken without effort, without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight: I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. 'All is well." Canon Henry Scott-Holland
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Nance,
ReplyDeleteSuch poignant and tender thoughts you have shared with us all...thanks. Not a day goes by that my thoughts and prayers aren't with you and the rest of the family. May we all continue to have faith in God's eternal plan for each of us.
I have a couple phone messages on my work phone that Mike left for me last year. I replayed one message this week and it was so wonderful to hear his voice and feel his love for me as his sister. It brought me to tears, but I try to remember this life is but a blink of the eye in terms of the eternities. We will see him again, but in a state of extreme happiness and perfect health. What a blessing that knowledge is to us. What a blessing it is to know you have an eternal companion in Mike!
Much Love Always,
Jan
I just read that scripture from King Benjamin last night... and it made me think of you and seminary. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful writing in that last paragraph. As I see these pictures along the side and remember his consistent smile, it makes me think he would be happy for his loved ones to draw strength from something like that.
Don't forget, though, that King Benjamin's promises apply to you and your family, also. Happiness can't be withheld if you keep the commandments.
I love you, Sister Ellis!
~ac
Your post was so beautifully written. We are so blessed, as members of the church, to know the eternal plan.
ReplyDeleteTerry Carter
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I have been thinking of you all week. I almost called you last night just to see how you were doing which isn't anything I have ever done before. Glad to hear that you are moving forward...however difficult that is for you...and I know it is very difficult...
This is a wonderful way to close such an important method of communication for all of us that love you, the kids & Mike. We don't want to invade your privacy, but we don't want to just drop out of your life after such an intense experience either. Let us know when you want company, want to go to dinner, just want to do whatever.
Love you all,
Cindy, Jeff & Chelsea
Thank you for sharing something so intimate, Aunt Nancy. Love, Sara
ReplyDeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful post! You write such beautiful messages, from your heart and soul. The road may be lonely today but as you pass through each day, you will find so many friends and family on the side of the road ready and willing to walk with you. Mike is always by your side and is certainly there to help pick you up, yes in different ways than the past thirty years, but his strength is with you when we look at your children, grandchildren and the spirit he left in your heart. Thanks for this beautiful post and for sharing your journey with all of us.
love and hugs to all of Team Ellis!
Barb
"Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?" So very true....it is our joy to keep the memories and the spirit of Mike alive and well, especially for Will and Maggie.
ReplyDelete"....there is unbroken continuity." Yes, life goes on as it always has yet not one of us will ever know your burden. We can only continue to help you, Andy, Tyler and Hannah laugh, share and LIVE like Mike lived.
Many hugs,
Molly
Dear Sweet Nancy, Mike's blog was so helpful and meaningful to so many of us that care deeply about all of you throughout this journey. Mike will always be remembered for being such an extraordinary person and for his huge impact on so many of our community organizations. Mike's influence will forever be remembered. Your faith will continue to sustain you. Love, Pat Z.
ReplyDeleteNanc,
ReplyDeleteI think of you all each and everyday. I too have that poem framed and read it often.
Wishing you comfort and peace.
PKW
You are amazing! Thank you for your example of strength and testimony. ~stephanie
ReplyDeleteOnce again, you have expressed your thoughts beautifully. This journey you have traveled has truly revealed the strength of your character, the gratitude in your heart, and your absolute faith in Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and Their plan for your mortal and eternal life.
ReplyDeleteWith much love, Sandra
Dear Nancy and family, You are incredible! What a blessing it has been for us that you all were willing to share your very tender yet powerful journey with us. Hope we could do so well. We keep you all in our prayers so that you feel peace and comfort. Love, Gordon and Emolyn
ReplyDeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for going on our short trip to Michigan and Bob's meet. Almost seemed like old times... all we were missing were watching the girls swim. Give Hannah a hug for me and remember I would love a big NM flower pot.
Can you do a carry on?
SusanT
Nancy, it is touching to me to note how many people are still searching for a post in your blog -- thinking of you so often and wondering how you are. We too are grieving. We too talk of Mike and Nancy and Family. You are so loved. Mike is so loved. Nothing has changed there. I loved our visit. Karen
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend,
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear you are "facing the waves". The time between those waves gets longer even though they still come. You are a great woman and I'm so blessed to know and love you and Mike.
Love you!
Tiffany
Dear Nancy and Family,
ReplyDeleteThis is hoping that you and your family are doing well. The news of Mike's illness and passing came suddenly and was hard for us. I enjoyed working with him. I am working for the Church in the Philippines building an MTC, unable to attend. We express our condolences and love, Leonard and Kathy Dobson
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ReplyDelete