Posting

So much for the kids posting much. Hopefully, they will start sending more. They have both already learned some proper typing skills at school so I was hoping this would encourage using them more. I'm going to try to cut & paste a document of what we have been dealing with this weekend. We knew Buddy and his family from our church and have watched his deterioration. Being in charge of our church prayer chain, we stayed close by our computer after last Wednesday when it was obvious that he would be home soon. Let's see if I can get it to work:


“Buddy” Joseph Clemence Ellison, Jr.
October 13, 1965 - January 14, 2006

Buddy surfed the ultimate wave into the arms of the Lord he loves at 5:45PM on
January 14, 2006. He fought a long and courageous battle with brain cancer, surviving
13 ½ years by the grace and mercy of God.
Celia Jane Figueredo, Buddy’s mom, preceded him in death. Left to celebrate Buddy’s life is his wife, Ruth (Hopper), and two wonderful children, Zachary Joseph and Celia Naomi. Also surviving are Buddy’s loving family including his dad and step-mom, Joe and Deborah Ellison of Benson, North Carolina; his brother Jonny of Florida; his maternal grandmother, Lee Figueredo of Florida; many uncles, aunts, cousins, special in-laws and friends.
Buddy was born in Agana, Guam when his dad was serving in the U.S. Navy. When he was still a toddler the family returned to Florida where Buddy spent most of his childhood fishing and surfing. As a teen, Buddy’s family moved to Smithfield, North Carolina where his parents opened The Galley Sandwich Shop. Buddy’s claim to fame is the scrumptious Malibu Tuna Sandwich.
In April 1991, Buddy moved to Honolulu, Hawaii. On his second day in paradise, he met his future wife, Ruth (aka Ging). They were married on July 11, 1992 and just a month later, Buddy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. By God’s miraculous power, Buddy survived four brain surgeries and various treatments. A 7 ½ year remission included the blessings of two children, Zach in 1994 and CeCe in 1995.
Buddy’s faith in God was strong during his battle with cancer. His illness allowed many opportunities to share Christ’s love and God’s gift of salvation with those he met.
Buddy has chosen to be cremated. A celebration of Buddy’s life will take place at North Park Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on January 21, 2006, at 11am with visitation
1 hour prior to the service. A memorial service and scattering of his ashes will also be held in Honolulu, Hawaii at a later date. Hawaiian/casual attire requested.

Well, everything came over except his picture which was taken during their last visit to Hawaii last summer. Ruth is from Hawaii and when she came to GR for college the same year Mark did, she had never even seen snow. The family was at church yesterday and plans for the meal after the service was getting started through the ladies at the church.

More later if I can. I'll also see if the kids will update you more. on other parts of our lives.