mark.

“some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.” 

-franz peter schubert.

my friend, mark nation, went to be with Jesus yesterday.

he was born with spina bifida, with a life expectancy of five years.
mark celebrated his 21st birthday earlier this year.
he was a miracle and a gift to all who knew him. his joy was contagious.

to mark, he was like everyone else. the wheelchair was just an accessory.

after five minutes around mark, you were laughing and cracking up.
he liked to play pranks and sing to Jesus.
he loved m&m's and his grandpa.

mark made a big impact in my life, as well as every other person he encountered.
i have no doubt that he was sent here for a purpose.
VBS will never be the same, but i am so thankful for the time i was given with him.

i imagine he hugged Jesus and ran to join the choir of angels.
music was his favorite.

i found this valentine from him this morning. it brought tears to my eyes. but i know he is not hurting now.

and losing them wouldn't be so hard to take if heaven weren't so far away.

i wrote about mark here last summer.