My name is Mark Myers and I have always been a firm believer that humor can be found in nearly everything. I plodded along for 46 years under the delusion that my life would only contain smiles and laughter.
Until April 9, 2014. That day changed my outlook forever as my youngest daughter, Kylie was diagnosed with cancer. She fought bravely with a smile for ten months until her battered body succumbed to the disease on February 13th, 2015.
Since that day, I have seen and cried more tears than I ever imagined. And yet, what I watched in Kylie was a remarkable ability to steal joy from her dreadful circumstance that I want to emulate in my grief over losing her.
I have been married for over two decades to a very patient woman. Besides Kylie we have three daughters who are now much more mature than me. In fact my wife and I never had a son but she still tells people she ended up raising a boy. Go figure. Despite Kylie’s loss, I am a very optimistic person. I love Jesus, being a daddy, building things, running, writing, blowing stuff up, and anything else with a high guy factor.
Living in the aftermath of her death is incredibly hard, as any parent can imagine. Before her illness, I had written three fiction books in the humor genre about a mischievous little guy named Virgil. My writing is now dedicated to her as I navigate these waters. I try to be genuine and honest about my pain while always leading with a smile, just like my baby girl taught me. I am learning that laughter and tears can coexist.
At Kylie’s urging, I have dedicated my life to finding a cure for childhood cancer. To that end, I left a twenty-five year career and am now proud to be the Director of Communications at CURE Childhood Cancer where I use my writing to bring awareness and raise funding to end this disease. I even have byline (which is really stinking cool)
I have had the pleasure of speaking in several forums about the need for more effective cures for childhood cancer and also about stealing joy from a difficult journey. You can see some examples and testimonials on my speaking page. If you would like to talk to me about speaking at your next event, please contact me with the form below.
I would love to hear from you:
A Generous Helping 
Hey Mark, I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger’s Award. Check it out here:
http://stacilys.wordpress.com/2014/03/25/versatile-blogger-award/
Thank you Staci, that is very kind. I’m sorry I forgot to respond to this.before.
Not a problem. You’re welcome.
🙂
You had me at “I am always one vote shy of impeachment”. Isn’t it interesting how the blog writing evolves into something pure? I’m in that process now. I mean, it was always pure, but in a sense you find who you are in the blog. Your real voice? I’m in the midst of a writing marathon, at the moment, and could be a little crazed. I’m participating in the A to Z challenge and the deadline is looming! Maybe I should be impeached! Thanks for the follow!
Read some good stuff a the prayer closet… The evolution process has been fun. And what a good writing exercise to try to make a relevant (and for me humorous) point in about 500 words or less. Blogging is a good stretch. Good luck with whatever letter you are on and thanks for the follow.
Hello Mark: I have long been inspired by your blog and am pleased to inform you that I have nominated it for the, “Sunshine Award” for “”Positively and Creatively” inspiring me and others within the blogosphere. Please click on my link to see your award together with the minor rules of acceptance. Congratulations. http://kimgosselinblog.wordpress.com/
Thank you so much, Kim. With what is going on in my family’s life right now, it will be hard to follow the rules, but I will try.
Hey Mark!
I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award. I adore your blog, your candidness, kindness, humor, and wisdom that you put out there to share.
If you’d like to accept, please click on the link.
http://wendysharesathought.com/?p=982
Thank you so much, you are very deserving of the award. With what is going on here, I am barely keeping my head above water. I just can’t add to it. But thank you again for your thoughtfulness.
I understand completely. We are praying for you and your family. God Bless you all.
Thanks for writing this. It will be very helpful. Looking forward to the next blog as well. Do you mind if I re-blog this?
Please do!
Mark, so sorry about the loss. Your faith in Christ WILL carry your through and the pain WILL make you stronger in Him! So much sounds like cliché but our Heavenly Father knows all and that is no cliché! I am a strong and fervent believer in intercessory prayer so I will be praying for you and yours!
I love the concept of your blog for it is unique and shows the diversity that the Holy Spirit uses to bring people together! I follow a lot of blogs when I am not writing so I look forward to not just your articles but also to check out your book-related articles. Love in Christ, brother! Bless you abundantly as you continue in your service to Him and all who pass through your site!
Thank you Pastor Roland. This is a tough time to keep marching through faith. While my head understands the Father is in control, my heart wonders if he didn’t mess up this time. But I know better and keep picking up the load daily. I pray through my honesty and openness that I can encourage others who are going through life’s challenges. Blessings to you and thank you for your prayers. They mean a great deal.
Kyiie has her daddy’s smile. I am sure you have heard that before, right? I am so sad for your loss and do know the pain and sorrow that it brings as I lost my son nearly seven years ago. While it is said that “time heals”…I am not quite sure that we can believe it but we can believe that with time we are able to endure. It is just that some days seem so very long. I pray that God holds you and your wife closely and also Kylie’s siblings…as for Kylie, He already has her in His arms. Peace and Blessings,
Dale, Brandon’s Mom
Thank you for the encouragement Dale. I am truly sorry for your loss, as well. I am sure some of the rough edges get smoothed. But my guess is that there will always be some things that catch me (and you) by surprise.
Mark, I cannot imagine the hole in your heart left by the loss of your daughter. I admire your courage in sharing your grief with so many people. My prayer for you and your family is that your words will bring healing and comfort to you and the many others who find themselves in similar situations. God bless you.
Thank you for following the Cow Pasture Chronicles and welcome to the fence jumpers. I look forward to reading more of your journey. @sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles
Thank you, Sheila. We appreciate the prayers very much.
Hi Mark. I’ve just stumbled across your beautiful blog, I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts. I just want to tell you how sorry I am to read about your daughter’s death. Cancer is horrendous, and I dearly hope we find a cure soon. Maddy
Thank you Maddy. I appreciate that and yes, I fight every day for a cure.