We Can Only Imagine

The Lord told Martha in the Gospel of John, “I am the resurrection and the life he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25-26)

(Adlib about Mark Adessa’s short life, likes dislikes etc.)

Sir Walter Scott a brilliant prolific Scottish historical novelist wrote the following and I quote, “ Death is dreadful, but in the first Springtime of youth to be snatched forcibly from the banquet to which the individual has but just sat down is peculiarly appalling.”

Ginger and Lou, your only child, is with the Lord this very moment. From our secular human concept, Mark has been snatched from us. From our Christian point of view, at that very moment of death, God reached down and allowed Mark to enter into His eternal presence. It was at that very moment that Mark who had suffered longer then most expected or wanted him to, had been changed. Mark, in a twinkling of an eye, was changed and was made a new creation, with a new body and a new mind, for he was a baptized child of God, who had been sealed with the Cross of Christ forever and because God is always faithful to us in His promise of salvation, eternal life is now granted to Mark. You must believe it, for this is the truth. It is what we are taught to believe (within our rich Lutheran heritage) and so it is.

Ginger, very few mothers have journeyed on this path with a child as you have with your son Mark. You were able to know him better than anyone else. You were able to have open and honest communication with him. As a mother, myself , I know your heart is broken, as it has been for years. I know that the life you dreamed of for Mark turned into a hellish nightmare. I know that you have shed tears of fear, anger and rage and I know only God can give you solace and comfort you at this time. It seems as if dreams were shattered before they even began. But know this one thing, your son loved you, for it was you he chose to depend on as a nurturing caregiver. And it was you who chose to depend on our Lord, on days where you were physically exhausted, it was our Lord Jesus who gave you the strength. When hours turned to days and then to months and years of waiting and praying and hoping, God was there holding your hands and whispering, “I am the Resurrection and Life. I have already prepared a place for Mark to be at peace with me for all eternality” I can only imagine what you are going through.

Lou, as you have attested, Mark was a fighter with a strong heart. He certainly had more courage than individuals twice or three times his age. He knew what he was facing. He no longer looked at life with rose colored glasses, that child you raised and worked hard to support had indeed become a man on his death bed. I can only imagine what you must be going through as a father with hopes and dreams for your family as well.

The days ahead will be difficult. Keep the memories of your beloved son alive by helping others who struggle with cancer. Pray for those families each day. Help other families, especially parents, who were where you were a few years ago and where you are today. By doing so, you will continue to have a positive outlook on this life and of the promise of eternal life. And imagine Mark looking with pride at all the Holy Spirit will do through you to help those who seem to be hopeless and abandon as they struggle with cancer.

We can only imagine the peace, joy and love that Mark is experience right now. For Mark is surrounded by God’s glory. Our hearts are heavy with grief, We might not ever have all of our questions answered, but seek the Lord. Things happened to soon and things will never be the same, but ask God for peace and understanding and most importantly turn to each other so that the Holy Spirit will continue the work that was done on the day of your baptism each and everyday of your lives. You have the support of friends, loved ones, your pastor and a community, do not hesitate to call, reach out, email or whatever it takes to receive that support. May the Lord bless you and keep you now and forever more. Amen. Amen and Amen.