All is well...

"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

The New Beginning of the Journey

The journey of Mike's disease lasted just shy of 9 months. Mike was so courageous throughout the fight. He kept trying to get better...and get better he did. It has been an amazing time full of faith, love, laughter, pain, grief and support. I hope we have been gracious enough to let everyone who helped us know how deeply grateful we are for your time, talents and service. I have renewed friendships, deepened old friendships and gained such respect and appreciation for so many. Each time we were in need, whether it be emotionally, spiritually or physically, our Father in Heaven sent angels to our home. You, my friends, will receive great blessings because of your love and service.

On Wednesday we had an incredible service for Mike... Our immediate families attended. Each was able to express feelings from deep within their hearts. It was joyous, private and sacred. I know Mike is pleased.

Today we will celebrate his life with family, church and community. Mike will be given his due honor and respect. He deserves that as well.

Our hearts are full. We will continue to love, respect and honor Mike as our husband, father, son, brother and friend. We know he is "waiting for us, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner." All is well...

Services for Mike

We will have a private funeral and burial for Mike on Wednesday morning Feb. 10. There will be a Memorial service on Saturday Feb. 13 at 1:00 p.m. at our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Our family will be be pleased to meet and talk with everyone after the service. We hope you will all plan to attend...

Thanks to everyone who has helped us through this time. We are filled with humility when we consider your kindness.

Mike is the love of my life...He will be forever...

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

We've been asked over and over again over the last little while what people can do to help.

Physically and emotionally we are doing fine. We have wonderful friends who have given us and dad the love and care that we need over the last few months and continue to come and care for us during this final stretch. We feel the love and support of each of you as these amazing people do and say just the right things to bring us all comfort. We have been the recipients of some amazing meals this week and thank you for the love and care that you put into providing these for us. We have gained strength from a loving Heavenly Father who has brought us peace and calm during a time when we might be finding difficulty. We are being taken care of just the way we need to be, and we thank you for that. Your prayers are being answered in our peace.

Last evening we had a good discussion with a dear friend. He mentioned how nice it would be to start writing down some memories of dad. This is something that you can help us with. We would love for as many of you as are willing to write down some of the wonderful memories that you have of dad. Your words will provide comfort for us for years to come and a way for his grand kids and great grand kids to get to know him from a different perspective. Mail them to us, email them to us, leave messages on the blog, or just keep them until you see us. We know how much you have meant to dad and would like to remember dad in this way.

Thank you,
Hannah

The day has been so very difficult for Mike. He is experiencing pain again today. We are trying to relieve the pain...It gets ahead of us so quickly. Please pray that Mike can be released from this condition soon. His suffering is almost more than we can stand. He has such a strong will...We have sat in his room today, comforted him and listened to music. The music brings peace to our souls. We are so anxious for the miracle of Mike moving into the next life to occur. We know there he can work and serve and join those who are looking forward to seeing him again. He is ready to start running again...

Snowballs

Mike is resting comfortably...We seem to have his pain under control. It is wonderful having Hannah here. Shared responsibility is always easier. Mike's brother has been visiting from out of town also. Mike's mind is so much clearer when he is awake. He still has a great sense of humor. He is aware that a friend brought some hostess "snowballs" to our house. I have a hard time letting him eat them, especially in bed. (I am not thinking they are the best nutritional choice) I don't like him to sleep with pink coconut crumbs. Yesterday he said to his brother, "do you think there is a chance in h-e-l-l that Nancy would let me have a snowball?" My reply..."not a snowball's chance!" He ate the snowball, crumbs and all.