28 Comments
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Alyssa Sugar's avatar

You are a good partner. I sent this to Em this morning. I saw a lot of beautiful poetry made into music last night. It was powerful and moving. Here is one of my favorites and thought you would like it... When despair for the world grows in me

And I wake in then night at the least sound

In fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,

I go down and lie down where the wood drake

Rests in his beauty on the water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

Waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Wendell Berry

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

"For a time, I rest in the grace of the world . . ."

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thank you Alyssa for your support, of both Emily and me. Wendell Berry doesn't disappoint - I appreciate your sharing.

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Patris's avatar

There’s a strange calm in letting the waves take you where you’re going. A peace that lifts and cushions the reefs letting you both pass over them gratefully. I wish you both strength.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thank you Patris for the kind thoughts.

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Tara Penry's avatar

May you be aware of footsteps in the sand when you need them. Peace and strength to you and your wife. Your community will be here when you’re back.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thank you, Tara, for the kind words and encouragement - I do hope to work my way back - it is a loving community indeed.

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Louise Haynes's avatar

Hold your loved one dear, Mark. Sending you both strength and hope for calmer seas ahead.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks Louise. I appreciate your support.

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Switter’s World's avatar

Mark, I’m pulling for you. I appreciate your thoughtful writing and it is not surprising that your thoughtfulness will turn toward where it’s most needed.

Don’t forget us. We need your voice.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thank you Switter for your encouragement. I hope to return, shaky voice or otherwise. Stay well on your trek.

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James Ron's avatar

Praying for you and yours as you weather the storm, Mark. Looking forward to your return.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks James, I appreciate the prayers and support.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

"Maybe the ship of perpetual division will somehow right itself." I wish I had even a little of your optimism, Mark. I know you are busy now, and I certainly wish you and your friend well. Remember to come back to us, please.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thank you Sharron, my wife is my guidepost, sounding board and source of my inspiration, so we'll see.

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Diana van Eyk's avatar

Thanks for letting us know, Mark, and best wishes to you and your partner.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks Diana - I'll be passing the well-wishes along to my wife Emily as well.

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just mud by Ron's avatar

Hello friend. I'm sorry I missed this in the moment. I know you are a good navigator, guiding others over uncertainty when seas arise. I know He who holds the seas, has and holds your precious vessels. Pray for good outcomes. Miss you voice, Mark.

This arrangement really lifts me when low.

https://youtu.be/BUTt1dtwYKw?feature=shared

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks again Ron. We appreciate any prayers for Emily. We're taking it one day at a time and savoring the good ones especially.

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Hannah Holm's avatar

I've been a bit absent here myself and just came by to check in. I hope the storm is driving both of you toward better shores. While never pleasant, sometimes these things can be oddly productive that way. Still...praying for calm waters 💚

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Hello Hannah, thanks for reaching out.

I've been doing very little reading on Substack, and basically no writing except my letters to the editor. You understandably don't write often, but I always appreciate reading what you have to say.

My wife Emily after two weeks of symptoms in early April turned out to have Stage 4 endometrial cancer with its crummy medical prognosis. It's been a whirlwind of tests, multiple procedures and biopsies. She has a wonderful loving spirit and dozens if not hundreds of people praying for her. She just started chemo a couple weeks ago and overall, her symptoms have improved significantly. Our two kids/ families and two grandkids are savoring time with her as am I, so she's doing pretty well. For example, she is a native gardener - fostering habitat for pollinators and birds. She's probably gardened more than twenty hours over the past week and we're both taking one day at a time.

I very much appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers. As per the hymn noted above - "How Can I Keep From Singing," we are clinging to a mighty rock indeed. Do take care and keep writing.

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Hannah Holm's avatar

I don't think there is any sea more stormy than that one. I'm so sorry, I wish there was something I could do to lend some real support. It does sound like you have a good solid ship to brave it all in, though; children and grandchildren are everything. I wish I knew Emily!! I'd love to pick her brain about native gardening. As soon as we have our future farm, I want very much to garden that way. I just checked on my bees yesterday; they would send their thanks to her for her effort, though they don't get to benefit directly from it. She sounds so lovely. Still praying, for days in the garden, days with the grandchildren, days and days and days.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks again for your support. Prayers and kindness are always appreciated and do matter.

It's encouraging to see people interested in getting back toward the basics as we interact with nature. Us against the natural world that sustains us is so counter-productive. I'll send you a message about Emily.

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Joelle Lewis's avatar

Storms aren't forever; they will pass. May you find peace in the midst, and wherever the winds take you, may you find the destination was worth the journey.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thank you for the kind words, Joelle.

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Steve Harvester's avatar

What tho' the tempest 'round me roars?

I hear the truth, it liveth.

What tho' the darkness 'round me grows?

Songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm

While to that Rock I'm clinging

Since Love is Lord of heav'n and earth

How can I keep from singing?

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks Steve. In many ways the old hymn rings true. However, I pulled out the guitar two nights ago, and the piano last night and neither time could one word escape my lips. I certainly do appreciate the support.

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PowerCorrupts's avatar

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