Marc Returned to Heaven

End of October

March…first time ever meeting Marc

First time she went and sat on Marc's lap at church

At our ward campout in September

Hailey's friend Marc passed away on Thanksgiving morning. His health had declined a lot within the last 2-3 weeks. I was heart broken to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed by all…especially Hailey. 

Hailey has had a hard time understanding why she hasn't been able to visit him or see him. I tried my best to explain why but it was hard for her to understand. Marc's birthday was Nov 25th and Hailey had been looking forward to his birthday since he stopped by for her birthday. But since he wasn't doing well, she couldn't go see him but we did go and decorate his sister's house (where Marc was staying) with balloons, posters and a Happy Birthday sign. Hailey really enjoyed doing that for him.

After he passed away, I told Hailey and she got sad for a little bit but then was okay. I had been preparing her letting her know that Marc was going to live with Jesus and Heavenly Father soon. Hailey knows that when Jesus comes again, she will be able to see Marc.

Last night we took the kids to Marc's viewing. I asked Hailey if she wanted to go see Marc's body, and with bright eyes and a smile she said, "I get to go see Marc?" My heart sunk as I had to explain that it was just his body and he would look like he was sleeping and wouldn't be able to move. It was so hard to see her get so excited and know that his spirit is up in heaven. We got to the funeral home and there was a video of Marc and Ayden, lots of Marc's possessions out, lots of pictures. It was very nice. We went into the room that Marc's body was in and Jarel was holding Hailey. I was doing good until we got right by the casket and Marc's parents came over asking where Hailey was and that they put out a little book Hailey had made for Marc and by it the words "Marc's little angel, Hailey" then I lost it. And seeing Hailey look at Marc and it was as if she was saying "Mom, he is there why can't he move and why can't I give him a hug?" We then saw Marc's sister Michelle and her husband Chris and talked with them for a minute. Michelle hugged Hailey and told her "If I hug you I know Marc is near" 

When we got in the car Hailey said to me, "Mom…you take me here again and again so I can see Marc?" Oh man, how do I respond to that. I told her that this was the last time she would see him and she said, "no Mom…not today I come back tomorrow." The connection of his spirit is in heaven and his body is here is very hard for her to comprehend. It just broke my heart that Hailey lost one of her best friends.

Today was his funeral and it was very nice to go to and a great tribute to Marc. The church was packed and the spirit was strong. The stories told of Marc were fun to hear and made you realize more what a great guy he was. One story that impressed me a lot was when the stake president spoke saying that on Marc's birthday (2 days before he passed) he went over to the house and interviewed him for his temple recommend. Marc struggled to sit up to answer the questions, but what an example of faith and enduring to the end that was for me. I admire him for wanting a current temple recommend. And to see his son Ayden pushing the casket was hard. Little Ayden has become another great friend for Hailey…so glad they have a little friendship. 

Marc will by missed! I am so grateful to have witnessed the friendship Hailey and Marc shared. Marc would always bring a smile to her face. Once summer evening as Tyler was playing soccer, on the other field, Ayden was playing. Hailey saw Marc and off she went to go give him a hug and play with Marc. Marc was tired, you could tell, but he played the entire game with Hailey. Hailey laughed, hid Marc's hat, played with Ayden and just had a great time. All smiles that night! Every Sunday, Hailey would go and sit by Marc. Sometimes for the entire meeting and other times for just a few minutes. But every Sunday Hailey would go ask to go see Marc. I will miss seeing that. Hailey spent every week (1-2 times per week) going to visit Marc. She would draw pictures for him, wrap pumpkins for Halloween for him so he had a present to open, would bring him treats and when we walked the neighborhood, Hailey always made sure we walked by Marc's house hoping he would be outside so she could give him a hug. What good memories we will have of Marc! 

Hailey is waiting patiently to be able to see him again!