Email from Mark 5 Years after diagnosis
Greetings friends & family,
I realized I haven't written an 'update-email' in
quite some time, and I figured today was the perfect
day to do it.
It was 5 years ago, today, that I was diagnosed with
my disease. So, I guess I can now officially call
myself a 5 year, cancer survivor...hehe. I also would
like to thank you all for your support, love and
prayers during these past years. It has been an
amazing journey, and one i am proud to still be 'in
the middle of'.
By the grace of God I do not worry about my situation
anymore. Yes I still have areas of tumors that are
slowly growing, and yes I am 'in between treatments',
and yes I still have certain days where it takes a
little bit of time to "defeat worry", and yes the
fight is still going on....but most
importantly.....yes, Jesus is still taking very good
care of me. I love my life, and I love the knowledge
and strength he provides me with, everyday. I don't
want anyone to be sad that I still am dealing with
this, for it is second nature to me. I am honored
that he chose me to fight this, even though in the
beginning, i thought he was crazy, and didn't think i
was "built for the part"......HE has never let me
down, and I wouldn't trade anything for the
relationship Metra and I share with HIM. So, sorry i
don't have any 'medical' or 'drug' talk to share with
you, but that stuff bores me to death, and it is
IRRELEVANT in my heart. I am also not here to offend
anyone....but i can only explain the reality and truth
that is happening in my life and in my particular
situation. I just feel great joy to share it with as
many people as possible. Thank you for listening, and
the beautiful thing is....I am no better than anyone
on this earth.....His love is infinite and it is for
EVERYONE. ALL ARE WELCOME and don't let anyone ever
tell you differently.
I love all of you....
Mark Holt
PSALMS 27:1
Email from Mark 8/10/2005
Hey Cathy,
I don't know if you ever get tired of hearing what a
blessing that YOU are. you touch so many people as
well, and i am very fortunate and lucky to have you as
a sister-in-law. i also know the way Metra loves you
and looks up to you. i know you have helped her so
much, especially lately. She means the world to me
and is the main reason i fight to stay here on earth.
i want to take care of her and give her the life i've
always wanted to. i know my energy level is down
right now, but i am focused on Isaiah 40:29...read it
.....its a good one. :)
anyways, i wont get too sappy but this is one of the
most amazing emails i have ever received. but it
figures because you are one of the most amazing souls
i have ever had the pleasure of knowing and i love you
more than i could ever express to you. thanks for
always taking such good care of me.
always
your bro
--- "Almai-Mahurin, Catherine"
wrote:
> Hey Mark,
> I don't know if you get tired of hearing what a
> blessing you are in people's
> lives but I wouldn't feel right if I didn't share
> this story with you.... I
Kansas City Star Obit
Mark W. Holt
Mark W. Holt, 32 of Overland Park, Kansas passed away Monday, December 19, 2005 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long battle with Hodgkin's disease. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, December 22, 2005 at Faith Chapel Assembly of God, Overland Park, Kansas. Burial in Longview Memorial Gardens. A "Celebration of Life" in honor of Mark will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Mark Holt Memorial Fund for the transplant unit at St. Luke's Hospital in c/o Faith Chapel Assembly of God, 15000 Newton, Overland Park, Kansas 66223. Mark was born December 23, 1972 in Merriam, Kansas to Dennis W. and Ellen (Toomey) Holt. He was employed by Sprint in the customer service department as a Business Repairman. He married Metra Almai on June 30, 2000 in Lee's Summit, Missouri and they made their home in the Overland Park area. He was a member of Faith Chapel Assembly of God. Mark was an aspiring film maker who loved life, all types of music, movies and sports of any kind. As his family, we are grateful for the love, friendship, support and devotion of Mark's many friends through the years. All of us feel truly blessed to have a share in his brief life. He has touched us all with his fortitude, unflinching optimism, constant faith, dauntless good humor and the unselfish love that has inspired all who had the honor of knowing and loving him. He is survived by his wife Metra of the home; mother and father; Dennis and Ellen Holt of Overland Park, Kansas; brother; John Schmit of Dallas, Texas; two sisters; Michelle Holt of Orlando, Florida and Jennifer Holt of Overland Park, Kansas. Paternal grandmother; Ethel H. Holt of Overland Park, Kansas; maternal grandmother; Peg Toomey of Tulsa, Oklahoma and aunt; Brenda Holt of Overland Park, Kansas. (Arr; Mt. Washington Forever Funeral Home, 816252-4141). Published in the Kansas City Star on 12/21/2005.
