A Tribute to Michelle Mackin: My Friend Michelle
Posted: Sunday, December 25, 2011
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
I received an email this morning for an unrelated issue; however, the last line in this forwarded email caught my eye - "did you know Mark's wife died last night..." I made my way over to WryteStuff.com, only to see the words for my self: "My wife, Michelle Mackin, died Christmas Eve in her sleep."
There are no words to express how I feel at this moment. I only know that I need to share these initial thoughts. We began as acquaintances on a writers' community, we ended as close friends who prayed for, and encouraged one another. She began to have "little" health issues several years ago, and as time went on, she was not able to write as often, or even chat on the phone. Nevertheless, she remained in my thoughts and prayers.
She like me, believed laughter is the best medicine, and on this basis, we always encouraged each other.
My heart breaks, she will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Mark, if you happen to see this post - know you are being prayed for by the thousands who know you and the ministry you give as an ambassador for Christ.
Remember her smile, her laugh, and her song.
Here's to you Michelle!
~~~~~~~~~~~
Foolish Friendship
We had spoken on the phone, and though brief, it was great to catch up. I was supposed to be encouraging her, but in the end, she encouraged me with her unshakable faith. Of all that I offered to do for her, she had but one request. “I just need a good laugh,” she said, “I know you can come up with something,” she continued. Sure, no pressure, I thought to myself. After much thinking, I had come up with the following poem.
My Friend Michellie
My friend Michellie—she has an owie
One after the other so says the dice
But still you must know you are very nice
Even though you broke your arm twice
My dear friend—please take my advice
Crawl on your hands and knees to stay safe
Until balance returns and takes instability’s place
What else can I say—I am no poet
I’m sure all who read surely will know it
One thing is for certain, you surely may own it
I am bombarding the throne of grace
Asking Jesus to take your pain’s place
To bring healing and freedom from the grip of diabetes
So that when April arrives, you will hold your grandbaby
My Dear friend Michelle—she has an owie
And to it I say get out of townie!
With my fate as terrible poet sealed, she had a good laugh. I’m not sure she laughed because it was funny as much as she laughed at my attempt to humor her. The important thing was that she laughed. Moreover, I was reminded that being a true friend means taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zone for the needs of others.
“A friend loves at all times….Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Proverbs 17:17a; Romans 12:15
(Excerpt from "Acts of Life - Lessons learned behind the scenes" copyright 2011)
~~~~~~
Michelle first read this poem a few years back; what I didn't get a chance to tell her, is that she made such an impact on my life for enduring faith, that I added a few words before and after the poem, and included it in my book - I was going to surprise her..... I guess she surprised me.
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More commentsNice article. I'm not a fan of poems, never have been and I suppose I never will be, but this one I liked. In addition, I too have type 1 diabetes and have been known to be one of those people who have done a great job of being healthy with it--until the last few months. I have become lacks with watching it and controlling it. Having Michelle in our thoughts now and reading that she too had it reminds me to get on the stick to do the best I can for my body so I can keep on keeping on as long as I can and need to. Michelle is even helping after her passing--that's quite cool.
SteveHi Steve. Thank you for sharing about your health. I will keep that in my prayers! I especially thank you, because I had a tinge of fear, that some who do not know me well enough might think that I made this about me and my book. But then I went with my heart because it was Michelle who blessed me in so many ways and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, and one of her desires was that her life would encourage others long after her work on earth was done. I'm so glad it helped you! Take care of yourself! Love and friendship, Teresa
She is one incredible woman and we will be able to see her again in eternity - she simply got there before we did and we will miss her with all our hearts until that reunion day! Marriage Supper of the Lamb!!!Amen Marijo, Amen! It is safe to say, she is in great company! Thank you for the minder of this truth!! Love and friendship girlie! Teresa
Hi Teresa.
The tribute is wonderful and so is the poem. I'm sure that she enjoyed reading it many times over.
She was an amazing woman and will be sorely missed.
Hugs,
DianneHi Dianne!
She had a lot of friends here on SW/WryteStuff. Thank you for the kind words, I know her family will be blessed and encouraged by all the sentiments going out for Michelle.
Love and friendship!
Teresa
I didn't know Michelle, but a friend of mine lost her son on Easter Day in a tragic accident, and she posted this on her facebook page, which auto's to mine:
"My First Christmas in Heaven" I see the countless trees. Around the world below, With tiny lights like heaven's stars, Reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, Please wipe away that tear. For I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs, That people hold so dear, But the sounds of music can't compare, With the Christmas choir up here. For I have no words to tell you. The joy their voices bring, For it is beyond description, To hear an Angel sing. I can't tell you of the splendor Or the peace here in this place. Can you just imagine Christmas, With our Savior, face to face? I'll ask him to light your spirit, As I tell him of your love, So then pray for one another, As you lift your eyes above. Please let your heart be joyful, And let your spirit sing, For I'm spending Christmas in Heaven, And I'm walking with the King! I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart. But I'm not so far away We really aren't apart. I send you each a special gift, From my heavenly home above. I send you each a memory Of my undying love. Please love and keep each other, As my Father said to do. For I can't count the blessings Or the love he has for you. So have a Merry Christmas and Wipe away that tear. Remember I'm spending Christmas With Jesus Christ this year! Author Unknown"
Blessings.
Elle, I really like this poem. Thanks for posting this!
Thank you for sharing this poem Ella! Many blessings to you in this new year!
This is sad news for both Mark and the people who become very fond of Michelle, I being one of those people. She is at peace now. Thank you for sharing this TeresaHi Kacy, thank you. Yes she is, she knew the Lord well and served him with all of her being. She remains an inspiration.
I was so sorry to hear this news. Michelle will be missed as she's touched many by her actions and with her words. I like to think, as Paul said so eloquently, that Michelle is closer in spirit and only a thought away. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.HI Brianna. How are you doing?
Amen, I agree with you. Blessings! T
What a beautiful tribute to a dear friend, Teresa. I'm sure she's smiling at you right now. Thanks for sharing this.Hi Jennifer, thank you for sharing. I was thinking of her this morning and her family. Healing takes time, but what a treasure the memories will be.
And thanks for everything, Jennifer!
Teresa, Thank you for this fine article about the friendship between you and my wife, Michelle. You were a wonderful influence upon her and a genuine friend. She always spoke very fondly of you. I'm sorry the two of you never had a chance to meet up, but I'm sure that day is coming. Towards the end, Michelle's health had deteriorated to the point she could scarcely walk. Her diabetes ravaged her... continuous falling, broken bones, phneumonia, renal failure... Yet, up to the end she sang praises unto the Lord. The very last song she sang was "Christmas Shoes". I miss her terribly, she was my best friend, my angel, the love of my life. I can only thank God that He has put an end to her suffering. Now she is doing cartwheels in heaven!
God bless you.HI Mark - I was thinking of you yesterday morning, chucking in a way, at how spunky Michelle was and how the mornings must have been for you guys, and praying that God's peace would fill the changing tides. She was not only a treasured friend to me even though we did not get to meet face to face, but she will remain a treasure to all who knew her. Lord bless you and comfort you.
Praying for your peace and strength.
I did not know Michelle, or even that this poem was written in her honor. I regret that I never met her on this earth, but rejoice in that I will in the presence of my Savior, Jesus Christ.Amen. Bro-Bro, Amen.
I'm missed the message on the homepage so this came as quite a shock.
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