While Markus Allen was in hospice care, in reality, he was being cared for by his Family members 24/7 for a long time. The Family cared for his every need, working right along side any hospice nurses. When Joan and her Parents got up there, they acted as relief caregivers, to lend their support to the main caregivers.
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Separated by 1500 miles now, only phone calls and texts kept us connected.
What their family was dealing with, day by day Markus was dealing with more and more: but he always kept smiling, or trying to acknowledge you.
The girls and I back here in Florida talked about Mark, their cousin and wanted to do a video. A video that could tell him both how much they love him and one to say goodbye…What kind of words could my 11, 13 and 15-year-old say? Words, adults have problems finding just the right words. How could my 3 girls find them?
Mark was a musician. When he came down to visit us over the years, from Boston, many times he would bring his guitar. Who does that? A real musician who loves to entertain an incredible audience of 3 to 4 children. He loved to sing, he had a good voice and very eclectic ear for music. How better to honor Mark, the kids would sing him a song. And so the kids and I sang Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Neither I nor the children could finish the song with a dry eye.
Markus Allen got to watch the video the next day. My wife said it was an emotional time and very bad day. The video brought a little levity and at the same time, it gave the children the opportunity to show Mark how much they love him.
I love you, man, I love you, Markus Allen!
Markus Allen passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, November 13, 2016, surrounded by family who loved him.