Thank you

It was nice to see so many friends and family members at the Memorial service. It felt good to know that Marcus touched so many lives and it was gratifying to see that everyone wanted to honour him. I wish I could have talked to everyone who came but unfortunately with around 300 people it wasn't possible to talk to everyone or to even talk to the people I did talk to for long enough. Thank you all for showing your support in so many different ways. They were all appreciated. Thank you to Craig and Barb for the fantastic speeches. I kept nodding and thinking how well each of you knew Marcus. Craig and family thank you for the amazing scrapbook for Katie. Carolynn and Chris thanks for many things including the gorgeous Memory box. There are so many other people to thank. Many of you contributed to Katie's RESP and that was greatly appreciated. Education was and is very important to Marcus and I and I know he would be pleased. Thank you very much.

Book Recommendation

"On Grief and Grieving" by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler has brought me comfort. I highly recommend the book to everyone. Later on I'll probably post some of my favourite quotes.

Until We Meet Again

After six months of fighting his battle with cancer Marcus passed away on Nov. 7. I was there along with my sister Catherine and his parents Irma and Fritz. I think Marcus was ready to go and he had already said his goodbyes to his family on Saturday, Nov. 3. Even when he was saying goodbye he was telling me that it was OK and that what ever happened it was OK. He felt that it all made sense to him now and that he saw the light. Shortly after that he went to the hospice and slipped into a coma.
It was very important to Marcus that he live his life with dignity and grace. I think he definitely accomplished that and I was always constantly amazed at how he did not complain and how he did not get angry. Marcus was always easy to be around and he always appreciated me and everyone around him. He made a science of always appreciating the little things in life. I can't quite believe that he is gone and I think it will take awhile to sink in. There are reminders all around me of him and I often hear his voice in my head when I go to to things.
I know many people are worried about upsetting me but I enjoy phone calls and emails. I feel lucky to have been with Marcus and I love talking about him. So don't worry about making me sad. I know he will be missed by everyone and I enjoy hearing stories about him. We are also going to have a memory box at his memorial service where people can put in memories so Katie can have them later on too.

Everyone is welcome at his memorial service at 1pm at Oakridge Lutheran Church (just in from Cambie on 41st Ave.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Here is Katie and Grandma on her 60th birthday. We enjoyed your visit Grandma. Let yourself enjoy visiting Auntie Ruth. You deserve it and try not to worry. We'll be OK.

Trick or Treat

Here is Katie-bug in her adorable Ladybug costume from Auntie Ruth and Julie. Thank you!


Katelyn went to the Hope household to Trick or Treat on Hallowe'en night.


Katelyn at Music class the day after Hallowe'en.


Katelyn and Grandma the week before Hallowe'en