Saturday, November 08, 2008

Services

Marcus' services were just beautiful. It was a gorgeous day and everything went perfectly.
This is what we saw as we exited the Services. The Marching Band was lined up so that the casket and the family walked through them. It was so moving to see and hear these beautiful children with tears running down their cheeks, some even sobbing. I wanted to hug them all. They meant so much to Marcus.
After that, we went out to the cemetery for the dedication of the grave and a short program there. John's brother Matt said a few words, then a few of the Band kids played a quintet of "Come, Come ye Saints" which was Marcus's favorite Hymn. After that, the Band slowly left marching to the beat of one drum as though they had just performed. Where afterwards they were dismissed. It was a heart-wrenching act for all of us, but such a tribute to Marcus. I know he was so pleased and honored to be respected in this way. They are such an amazing bunch of kids. I have never seen any kids like these anywhere else we have lived. They really are a family of their own. Thank you Mountain Crest Marching Band, you kids are the best. Thank you for being a part of Marcus.


The day of Marcus' passing, text messages began to fly to kids around the valley. Monday morning around 200 kids were dressed in their best dress to show respect for Marcus. They took a picture of all these kids in the Gym at school holding a sign that said "We (heart) Marcus". The executive council from the High School presented this picture to me after the grave-side services. I was deeply touched and moved to see tears in their eyes as well. What a wonderful place we live in. I am so impressed with this, especially with the horrible things going on in this world. It is definitely a sign that these children are being taught whats right.
Thank you to all of you who helped in anyway with the Funeral Services and the Family Dinner afterwards. It all was just amazing and so comforting to have so many be there to help us through all of this.

4 comments:

Katie said...

Marcus' funeral was so beautiful. There was such a wonderful spirit there. It was so touching to see all those kids in their uniforms. Such a tribute to how many lives your sweet Marcus touched!

We love you guys!

Katie and family

Mozi Esme said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss...

Anonymous said...

Once again I am just a blog reader who has followed your Marcus's story. What a beatiful tribute to him. It must have been such a touching and emotional service. May our Lord God of love and peace bring you and your family all the comfort you need at this time of such a heartbreaking loss. Marcus is finally at rest and safe with no more pain with our loving Father. Sandy from MD

Susan Hurley-Luke said...

I'm so glad you found my tribute to you and your courage, Karen. Words sometimes fail me but they say a picture paints a thousand words. I am also glad Marcus' funeral was so beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.