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Mark’s Story

Site created on September 30, 2019

Mark would be a much better person to tell his story. He likes to embellish and add flare and drama. He's a much better story teller than I am. But as it stands, dear reader, you are stuck with me.

It started two years ago when I took Mark to the ER for kidney failure. I figured we'd be in the hospital for a few days and some doctor would give him a stern talking to about the importance of proper hydration--beyond, of course, a cold Coors Light. Imagine our shock when the cardiologist told us they would need to crack his chest open to find out what was going on with his heart.

Less than 48 hours later, Mark had open heart surgery and was given a pig valve and he was like a whole new man. Even in the ICU, I could see this man had a renewed energy and lust for life.

I swear to you, dear reader, there has not been a day that went by since that surgery that Mark wasn't grateful. Every day he would remind me of the difficulty he had climbing stairs, and he was so excited to show me how he could take two at a time. Or the tiny little hill in St. Charles that gave him so much grief in the weeks leading up to his surgery, how he would happily walk up it knowing how far he had come.

So that we are once again in the ICU less than two years later is what is truly heartbreaking. This infection came on so suddenly, and attacked him in such an insulting manner-taking not only the valve he has been so grateful for, but also shutting down his kidneys, and shooting to his brain causing several mini-strokes.

Mark is the most blessed and special person I've ever known. He is an incredible father, friend, son, mentor, brother, uncle, partner. Thank you for reading Mark's story, and I will do my best to keep up to date his journey to recovery. We have wonderful support from great friends and family who have wrapped their arms around us and refuse to let go. We have the best doctors in the world thinking about him and discussing him. I show them pictures of what our Mark looks like and the life we have so they know exactly what they're fighting for.

Thank you for all the prayers, and please continue them. We're not out of the woods yet, but we can definitely see the clearing.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Jaime Begley — Oct 19, 2019

It is with a very heavy heart that I tell you at 3:19am this morning, surrounded by his children, his brother, his best friend, and myself, that Mark passed on.

As much as I wanted to celebrate the win we had on Thursday, I knew we were facing a major obstacle. Mark contracted 2 infections from the hospital- e. Coli and something in Latin, the latter being quite resistant to antibiotics. His poor body had had enough. 24 days in the ICU is 23 more than I could ever tolerate.

I pulled down the bed rails and kissed his beautiful face and assured him his legacy would live on. His children would be watched over, and all of the beautiful animals we share our home with will be taken care of. We've got it from here, Baby Panda. You rest now. We love you so much. Until we meet again........

Read More of the journal titled "October 19, 2019"

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