This is my handsome BABY brother Mark.Mark is 3 years younger than me, and has been a huge example of love in my life.
He is 48 years old, has a wonderful wife and 5 terrific children.
Mark was recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.
He underwent surgery about 6 weeks ago, and is now half way through his treatments of radiation and chemo to make sure that we got it all.
This past week we got the message that though he was winning the battle against cancer, he was losing the battle of keeping his hair in the process.
Scott called Rick, who called Michael who called David ---and they all went and shaved their heads so that Mark will not have to walk this journey alone.
The video below was posted on Facebook last night, but I didn't find it until this morning while at the airport -- and there I sat, a blubbering mess, so grateful for family and the love that brothers share for each other.
I am so lucky to have these five wonderful men as my brothers!
I love you all!
163 comments:
WOW! That is something! Your family is awesome!
Louise
I don't know your family except through you, but I love the caring and compassion that they have shown. I was in tears as well. Wishing the world had more men like your brothers.
Blubbering with you Bonnie, they are amazing. Best wishes to Mark and all your families.
It's is wonderful to see such a strong bond between siblings. Mark, well wishes coming your way.
Hello Bonnie,
That's great!
I only have one sister.
When she came home with brest cancer she had to do also the full programm like your brother and had to give up smoking. So I stopped smoking, too to show her: you are not alone.
This is 12 years ago.
She has no more cancer (getting it checked every 2 years), but I started smoking again afer 5 Years.
(Don't say anything! I know!)
Best wishes for your brothers.
xxx Doris
What a special family you have :)
Family are everything! Kia Kaha (be strong) Mark ...
Rose - New Zealand
Oh yes, those brothers of Bonnie - they know how to make the women cry... what sweeties.
What a great bunch of brothers!! You just have to love them!!
Family is everything! Hope Mark has a wonderful recovery; will keep him and all of you in my prayers.
Hugs to all of you!
Ria.
That's wonderful, what a fantastic act of love, also blubbering with you, best wishes for Mark.
Wow! It is such a blessing to have family to support you in the hard times. Well wishes for Mark.
Oh my, I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face. What a wonderful family you have. God bless your sweet brothers!
What a blessing to have such a strong bond in your family. My prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time.
Wow! What a wonderful family sticking together and showing support. My sister-in-law, who was a fire fighter, developed breast cancer and lost all of her hair. All the other people in her fire department shaved their heads as well to show support. It sure meant a lot to her. I'm sure it will to Mark as well!
Glad your brother winning the battle! Our journey begins...though..jeff already next to bald right? LOL
What a beautiful family you have. Your brothers are so special and you are one lucky lady. I have tears in my eyes too after watching the video. I love that they are so strong and confident (even letting one of their kids help). Awesome love. Prayers going out to Mark and all of you.
That is one solid band of brothers with a very touching show of support. And I can see that you and Mark have the same smile!
A real love story, the kind we just don't see everyday. The very best wishes for Mark and all your families.
It's kind of hard to type through the tears, but here goes. As one who has had her own "no hair" days. I can say from experience, it's only hair. It grows back. I love your family and have never met any of you. Mark is a very lucky guy, cancer and all.
That was beautiful. Your brothers are amazing. Saying prayers for Mark and your entire family. Thank you for sharing this video with us.
Thank you for sharing such an intimate part of your family with us. Praying for all, but especially Mark.
Mark is very handsome. Family is TUDO (= Everything). When I watched Quilt Cam yesterday (by night), I realized that you are thrilled when you told us about your brothers, and now this video made tears drops from my eyes. Sending my best wishes and prayers for Mark full recovery.
You are an inspiration Bonnie so I am not surprised your brothers are as wonderful!
how wonderful are your brothers. I'll have to watch this at work as I don't have sound at home for some reason.
You made me blubber too. I will send heaps of positive energy to Mark, and hope he will recover completely, so your family will stay complete!
"Brotherhood" is what it's all about! Bravo to your brothers and prayers that your brother can get thru this!
Peggy in NJ
OMG... you have a wonderful set of brothers. I am sitting here watching this again wiping the tears away. Thank you for sharing this.
Wow! Just WOW!
What a loving thing to do! Wonderful young men! You all are in my prayers
My prayers are with your brother as he goes through his treatment. Your family rocks. Simple gestures such as those done by your brothers go a L ONG way in the emotional part of cancer. I speak from experience. So when are YOU going to release your hair? :)
Wow , that is the sweetest video I have ever seen. I also have 5 brothers, and believe that they would do the same. How Blessed Mark is to see this love for him expressed in this way. Praying for you all during this time.
That was so awesome. You have an amazing family which I know you are aware of. Blessings to you all.
Wow these brothers really stick together. I'm praying Mark beats this monster.
Yesterday on quilt cam you mentioned you have 5 brothers, but did not mention any sisters. I too have 5 brothers, a David and a Scott in the mix also, the others are Jack, Matt and Dean. I am the only girl, lol.
Your are truly blessed with these fine men as your brothers. Keeping Mark in my prayers. And I too was in tears watching the video!!!
We are going through something similar in my family, i also lost my best friend to a brain tumor a few years back and it so heart warming to see a family join together to remind us that no one is alone and that there is always love there. Thank you for sharing this Bonnie. With love, light and tears of joy.
Ben xxx
Bonnie - that is just so, so cool. You are so blessed to have these five men in your life.
Wow, that left me speechless Bonnie. It's so easy to see in your giving spirit that you come from an amazing family and I have no doubts that they are as proud to call you sister as we all are to call you friend♥ You will be all be in my thoughts and prayers for as long as it takes:)
The rest of us seem to be blubbering right along with you Bonnie. What a wonderful act of love those brothers of yours showed Mark. Brothers.........ya done good! Amazing..
Brought tears to my eyes, too. Reminds me of a country music song.....Brotherly Love!
Pam in Nashville, TN
Pure love....not only amazing brothers but very handsome too.
They say love can move mountains, so with all the love & support of your wonderful family Marks cancer doesn't stand a chance, love & best wishes from Australia, Deb M
Beautiful video. The music really got to me though. Wishing all the best to Mark and the rest of your family.
What a wonderful thing to do to support Mark! I had to cry a little too - saying a prayer for all of you!
Bonnie, all of your brothers have guts to do that, and they are still as good looking with or with out hair. bless their hearts for what they are doing. Bless Mark and all of your family.
What amazing acts of love! Watching it brought tears to my eyes, tears I couldn't show when I watched my husband shave my younger's son head on Friday night. He's going into his second cycle of chemo tomorrow and started to lose the hair. Prognosis is excellent but the hair loss is a rough thing to deal with. Prayers to your brother!
What awesome brothers...do you have any sisters, or are you the princess?
The mighty healing power of Love, may it work it's magic for Mark. What a wonderful bunch of brothers you have Bonnie. Prayers and good wishes for a speedy recovery for Mark. Enjoy your visit with him.
Bonnie, there just doesn't seem to be anything else to say. You are so blessed to have such a wonderful and caring family. Praying that healing comes fast and enjoy your time with your family.
Bonnie,
What a wonderful family you have. I have to say I blubblered right along with you. It was because of you sharing your story of your brother that I decided my Celtic Solstice would have to wait. I'm making 2 "Sister's Choice" quilts for my two sisters. Once they are done I will get back to the mystery.
Sue
Upstate MUY
I'm blubbering too! What a wonderful bond your family has. With all those brothers I bet you were/are well protected!! Prayers to all of you.
Yes, you are lucky. What great guys!
Oh, Bonnie! What a beautiful family you have. Strong bonds tied together with love and compassion. Thanks for sharing this wonderful moment with us. I, too, have 5 brothers, all younger. Blessings to you all for continued good health and a wonderful New Year!
Best wishes and prayers for Mark. Your brothers are the best! And all handsome bald men.
Bonnie, your brothers' solidarity is so uplifting and heartening. Now I wonder when we're going to see you get your hair buzzed, too.
Bless their hearts! Praying that your brother continues to do well.
PRICELESS!!!!!
Paula in KY
That was beautiful to watch! Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful show of support! God bless all of you!
I can just imagine that you would be crying! I'm all choked up and I'm not even connected to your family. What great men your brothers are. How proud you must be. Blessings to all.
Absolutely beautiful! I teared up watching the video. Best wishes to Mark and to your family.
So touching!!! Awesome brothers!!!
Bonnie the video did not appear. Last winter when going through chemo and radiation my husband lost his hair also so everyone at school (he was a teacher) and at church wore hats to support him. We have a support album with pictures of everyone in their hats. Such good memories!!! We are praying for your brother.
They aren't even my brothers and I am blubbering. Prayers for your brother.
I love this. They ALL look fantastic! What a wonderful show of support for each other. Having 5 brothers must be great. I hope recovery is rapid and permanent!
Wonderful to see the support of brothers! Role models for so many! Adding prayers and best wishes for your brother.
Oh my gosh....what an amazing video; and it just warms my heart to feel the love your family has for each other while watching this. Wishing Mark a full recovery.
My dear friend just lost her hair as a result of her current fight against stage 3 ovarian cancer. Such a sad thing to witness.
Hugs and Happy New Year....may it bring you and your family many blessings.
Sorry, can't type tonight. I can just see your brothers all lined up with bald heads! My best wishes to your brother with his treatment.
What a wonderful family, such a sign of strength and love for your brother. What great songs to choose for this video--deep sentiments of love and support. My grandson lost his hair when he was going through cancer treatments. My husband, 2 sons, daughter-in-law, and daughter, along with several friends shaved their heads at a St. Baldrick's Day event to raise money for children's cancer research. This video brought back many memories. Thank you for sharing. Prayers for your brother for continued improvement and love and support.
What an awesome family you have!!! God Bless you all!!! I am also blubbering here in NJ.
The night before my DH went for surgery for his malignant BT, one of his sons (the other was not able to come or he would have), his two nephews, two great nephews and an 'adopted' nephew all came over and shaved their heads in support of their beloved dad and uncle. We have a group picture of all of them with their bald heads. It was a wonderful sight but my DH lost his fight just over a year after his first surgery. I hope your brother does well in his fight!
Thank you for sharing; it's a wonderful video. My prayers are with Mark and your family. Bless you all.
Bonnie, you have wonderful family. My prayers are with you and your brothers. I was sad and filled with joy after watching this beautiful video. Love
ttubeillor@yahoo.com
Bonnie- you have a great family! It is so obvious that there is just a tremendous amount of love. I will definitely add Mark and his entire family to my prayers-- so thrilling that he is beating the cancer... best Christmas and New Year's gift ever!
What a great thing to do !!! Pleased your brother is recovering my sister has been diognosed with Mesciphilioma with no treatment. So we enjoy spending as much time with her as possible..
Oh my...Bonnie!!
Bonnie I never doubted you were from good "Stock" and this proves I was right. Love concurs all and there is plenty of that in your family.
Happy New Year to you and your fabulous family.
Myra
You have an amazing family...such love.... Best wishes for a full recovery.
Thanks for sharing this with us Bonnie. Awesome brothers! Loving thoughts and prayers for a fully recovery for your brother.
Praying for your brother and all of your family. How lucky you are to have such a supportive family.
Very heart warming
Sandy K
I can see why you were blubbering!!! I must say, all your brothers are mighty handsome BALD!!! It really is a great look on all of them :) Seeing the love you all have for each other...that's what it's all about!!!
Wish I could have hugged you xxx beautiful friendship for brothers
Now I'm a blubbering mess....that was beautiful!!
The video has left me in tears. What an amazing show of love and support. You have an awesome family.
What a great post. I am a 3 time cancer "winner". I lost my hair twice, the first time, my hubby did the dirty deed of shaving my head. It took him over an hour, he played with different styles. He wanted to give me a Mohawk, but, that's where the hair started falling out, so, he gave me a reverse Mohawk. We took pictures, laughed, cried, and, just had a blast (that may sound crazy, but, it worked for us). That was the attitude we both took through each journey, laugh, play, live for the moment, and, don't ever let this thing get the best of us. It has now been 12 years since the first round of treatments, 10 years from the second, and, 7 years for the last. Life if good. Your brother is blessed to have such an amazing support system around him. What a great family.
I have four wonderful brothers so I know how special they are! You are so lucky to have four supportive guys for your brother with cancer. Thinking of you tonight.
Such a blessing to have a family filled with love for one another.
What a great visualization of their love for each other and the compassion they feel for what Mark is enduring. Your entire family is being blessed by the love you share.
Powerful message in their actions.
Go Mark Go!
What a wonderful band of brothers. I loved the music they chose too!
What a wonderful story I am praying for Mark and your family.I am glad that you are going to get to see him on this trip.
Carol Bryan
Yes, you are indeed blessed with wonderful brothers. Prayers to you all and especially to Mark for his continued good health and healing.He will be so happy to see you I am sure.
Our SIL went thru cancer at around age 26 not long after marrying our daughter. Talk about tough. My folks send him a hat with dreadlocks to wear. My prayers are with your brother and his family. Take care of yourself too. Have a great visit with him/and your family.
yep that smile looks familiar...glad to hear the good news...
Talk about a band of brothers. The love they have for each other shows in so many ways. You are all truly blessed.
Linda
What beautiful brothers even without hair. Of course I cried through the whole video.
WOW! What a testimony for brotherly love. Bonnie, you are indeed a lucky lady to have been reared with such great guys. Love to all your family, and special healing prayers for Mark.
Holly
Just watched, what wonderful brothers you have!
Of course the music is sooooo appropriate.
Amazing! You're so blessed to have such a close relationship with your brothers. Best wishes to Mark in his journey -- from a cancer survivor :)
What a wonderful bunch of guys. Prayers and tears for them.
This is awesome! My friend (female) did the same thing when her little nephew was being treated with 14 months of chemo & radiation. She is now letting her hair grow as he is CANCER FREE and out of treatment.
Thank you for sharing this video with us...love shows through in each of your brothers for their brother. It brought tears to my eyes..love for our brothers and sisters are what makes everything right in our world isn't it. God Bless you and your family and I pray your brother Mark will have a full recovery.
Blessings.
Love the video ......what a wonderful show of
support. Family is so important....glad to hear
of Mark's progress. Prayers for a full recovery.
Blessings to you and your family.
jam
Bonnie,
What an awesome act of support and love. I cried for you throught the whole video.
God bless you all!
Cindy from MI
What a wonderful family!!!!
Awesome! I almost feel like shaving MY head in support, too! But I'm going to save THAT for one of my 3 sisters, if it ever comes to that...
Not a dry eye here!
How sweet is that...love it.
Merry Christmas to you and yours and a blessed 2014
Blessings to you all. So very blessed to have loving supportive family! I blubbered right with you as your video played!
God Bless you Mark! Get well soon! Sending you hugs from Kentucky!
Beautiful! Such handsome and wonderful men - with or without hair!
Tears were shed right along with many others. Praying for your brother Mark, and all your family that you continue to have all the strength & courage & support & faith that each of you need at this most trying time.Stay positive!
Oh Bonnie how precious those brothers are! I am guessing that whoevers personal home that is was in the army... (Polish pottery and what appears to be Italian Pottery)
What a wonderful show of support! Love the songs about brothers. I can see why you were a babbling fool when you saw the video. Wishing Mark a full recovery.
I did not view the video, yet.
We are on a similar journey in my family. My brother, who is five years younger than I, after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in September 2012 has gone through two surgeries, two treatments of radiation in pill form, numerous tests and scans, a trip to the Mayo Clinic for evaluation, a scheduling and cancelation of "life-saving" surgery, then 8 weeks of radiation treatments five days a week and chemotherapy one of those days - finished those treatments just before Thanksgiving....and has battled the nasty effects of those treatment. He is a strong, positive, determined man. I am encouraged by his attitude. In mid-January he starts another, much stronger round of chemo that will probably make him really sick and cause him to lose his hair. I admire your brother's solidarity.... that is something I may consider. ..... Hmmmm....
Bonnie, I admire your strength too. Bless you all. I hope and pray that Mark's treatment goes well and his health continues to improve. I want you to know that you inspire me too... as a big sister who hates to see this happen to her brother.
Sincerely,
Teri
There is nothing like having a living, wonderful family. What a blessing. Thank you for sharing your story.
I meant Loving, but living is also great!
So wonderful to have such a bond among your siblings.
Bonnie,
This is so awesome. I am crying, too.
dnoles54
Wow Bonnie this is terrific- such good news about the brain tumor. Am sure his healing journey is being helped along by the loving support of your family. Thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Anna
What amazing loving men! You are so lucky to have them as your brothers. Your mom & dad should be very proud of the men they have raised. Good thoughts for the full recovery of your brother Mark.
Kudos to your brothers for such a strong show of support - brought tears to my eyes too. Every good wish to your brother as he continues his battle :)
The video brought tears to my eyes. What a lovely supportive loving group of brothers you have Bonnie. You must be very proud of them. A wonderful idea to support their brother in such a way. God bless you all. Mark is so like you, no doubt he is your brother.
No words needed Bonnie. Your wonderful brothers have said it all. Love to all your family but especially to Mark.
Blessings to you and your wonderful family. Awesome!
Bea
Wishing Mark all the best.
Liz.
That is just SPECIAL. Hugs to ALL.
So sorry to hear about your brother what an awful time for you all How wonderful of your brothers ...... When my best friend had breast cancer & lost her hair I also shaved my head & kept it shaved till hers grew back She is doing fine now but I would do it again in a heartbeat.
That is a great way to show support.
You have an amazing family and I guess many of your readers would wish to have a family at least half as loving and caring as yours. (and yes, I belong to those readers...)
With all that support and love there should be no way anything could go wrong.
My best wishes to Mark, that he will soon get to hear from his doctor that the treatment was entirely successful and that he will recover fast from all the treatments he had to go through.
You weren't the only blubbering mess. May the new year bring only good things for you and your family. Thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Love all these colorful quilts. Also love the story about the brothers.. You are blessed to be in such a loving family.. I come from a family of six and I think they would all do the same for me.. Prayers for your brother to beat cancer.
Tears in my eyes, just love it.
Happy and healthy year,
hugs from Jana in Prague
Tears in my eyes, just love it.
Happy and healthy year,
hugs from Jana in Prague
Tears in my eyes, just love it.
Happy and healthy year,
hugs from Jana in Prague
I can't imagine that you will have the opportunity to read all these many comments of love and support but I wanted to add mine too. I've lost 2 sibs (alcohol related) and there's not a day that goes by that I don't think about them. I am praying that your family finds contined strength and love while on this journey - together.
Thank you for sharing such a personal video and may God bless you all for showing us the power of family. Keeping you all in our prayers.
I can hardly see the screen for all the tears, but Mark, we will all get through this with you. We got your back.
Inspiring...I pray for Mark, his doctors and ask him to have "an attitude". I think that goes far in overcoming things. Those brothers.........WOW. You are lucky Bonnie to have such a family.
I read the comment about the lady who said you post too much and she was blocking you. Those posts keep me from jumping off the roof. KEEP POSTING often.
What a special family you have! Know you are so proud of the special men you have for brothers. Hoping all goes well with Mark's treatment and that he remains cancer-free. Thinking of Mark, and of you, and of your whole family.
How wonderful. I will keep your brother in my prayers. Awesome support for brothers to shave their heads in support!
Family and love will stand through it all. Sending good wishes...
You have such a great and close family. Even I was a blubbering mess watching the video. How this must boost your brother to know how much others care. Best wishes for all of you.
My best friend and older brother was killed when we were teenagers 50 years ago—my greatest loss. My younger brothers have become men who I am so proud of and love so much. You are truly blessed!!!! What a gesture of love!!!!
Wonderful you definitely aren't on this journey alone.
Bravo Zulu!
What a wonderful family! Prayers and well wishes to Mark! Bless you and your family Bonnie. Time for me to wipe my tears away and start sewing.
What a wonderful tribute......it made me cry....
May God continue to bless and hold each of you in his loving arms. Thanks to you and your brothers for sharing this intimate time with your quilting family. This generous act of your brothers is both inspiring and has to give Mark both warmth and laughter. Love and hugs to each of you.
Robin Wood
Knoxville, Tennessee
Dear mark, May GOD hold your hand and guide you and comfort you through this,and take you home to your family so you can take care of them,after all he gave you that assignment.
Oh My. Now I have to mop up the tears in my quilt room! What wonderful brothers!
My niece has been dealing with a brain tumor for the last 3 years - she is 25 years old. This summer she had radiation and lost all of her hair. Some of her friends went with her when she had the rest of her should-length hair shaved off before it just fell out. The guys got mohawks but one girl friend had her head totally shaved. My niece is beautiful with and without hair. She is having fun wearing all types of hats to keep her head warm but isn't shy to rock the bald look either. Your video has me blubbering away at the support. Thanks for sharing.
Totally awesome! What a fantastic family you have! I pray for a speedy recovery.
Well I can see why you were in a puddle of tears after watching that video. What an awesome show of support! Sweet family!
WOW! You have a wonderfully awesome family!
I cried, now I pray God will heal Mark, God Bless.
Debbie
Brothers have a special bond like no other. This is an awesome tribute of the love of these brothers of yours. What a wonderful gift they gave him, and the video as lasting proof of that love they share. You are blessed to be part of this family. Best wishes and prayers to your brother, Mark.
Bonnie,
I am a four year brain cancer survivor. Please encourage your brother to cut out the unhealthy food, especially sugar and processed foods. Tell him to concentrate on being positive! I think with such a supportive, loving family, he will do well.
Frances
Bonnie,
This brought back such memories for me. Twelve years ago, shortly after our marriage, my husband was diagnosed with cancer. Surgery and radiation, and we thought it was kicked, but a year and a half later, it was discovered that the cancer had metastasized and was throughout his body.
His doctor suggested an aggressive chemotherapy treatment, which began the very next day.
My husband had sported a leonine mane of hair. Losing his hair was tough on him. My son, 15 at the time, showed his support by shaving his head. He took a lot of grief from his fellow classmates, but once they saw my husband, and heard the story his team mates (track and field) also supported him ... by shaving THEIR heads.
Ten years later, both my husband and my son now grow their hair for Locks of Love and take pride in the donations that they give.
WOW! in one word--AWESOME! this was so touching watching this. Families are truly blessings. I will certainly keep him and all of you in my prayers. Thanks for sharing.
That's just every kind of wonderful, right there. It left me blubbering too, and I watched it at work. Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy 2014!
I would have been proud to have one of these guys as my brother - lucky you - you have all four. Prayers being sent for your family.
That is love. You have a great family.
Peg
hippysue58@yahoo.com
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