...surviving, thriving, volunteering mother

I have been a member of St Mark's Methodist church since February 1998, one year after my oldest son Nathan died by suicide just 20 days after his 19th birthday. It was the lowest point in my life, and I didn't care if I lived or died myself. But I knew I needed to stay strong for my younger son Nick who just lost the brother he looked up to.

Losing a child is the worst experience that can happen to you and I didn't know how to cope with his death. I went through some very destructive behavior of my own before I realized that I was headed down the wrong path.

A friend suggested that I start going to Singles group at St Mark's to meet some people who would have a positive influence on me. I hadn't attended church for several years, but knew I needed help. I was scared to death that first Sunday, but was warmly welcomed and encouraged to join the group.

Then I heard Cecil preach for the first time and knew that I "belonged" here. It felt like I had come home and I was in the right place. I decided to join the church after hearing him preach just 2 sermons, and a friend from the singles group graciously offered to sponsor me. I didn't know her very well, but we became friends and she was a shoulder for me to lean on. She also encouraged me to go on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic in August 1999, and wow was that another life changing experience! Those people have so little in their lives, but their faith is HUGE. They are also so thankful for everything that they do have and are very warm and inviting to strangers.

I have been in quite a few small groups over the years, took all 4 years of Disciple bible study, and went through the Alpha course to grow in my faith. Our Alpha class still meets together in other bible studies the church provides since we "bonded" so well. I have been a TeamMate mentor for over 7 years now after hearing one of Tom Osborne's speeches at church, and have gotten so much in return from my 2 mentees. I have also volunteered at Clinic With a Heart for 3 years and my heart really goes out to these people in their time of need. In March I went with fellow members of St. Mark's to New Orleans, and boy are there some very strong survivors down there too. I can't wait to go back and visit to see the new sanctuary when it is done being rebuilt. So you can see that St. Mark's literally "saved me" from the dark of despair and I am truly grateful and appreciative for its love and support.