The Claytons

My cousin, Mark was diagnosed with cancer in June of last year, and passed away in January. He was only 39 years old. He was the youngest of 5 children. He was born with spinal bifida, but that never stopped him from living life. I really don't ever remember looking at him as a person with limitations. None of us did. He kept right up with all of us. He walked with hand crutches, until the day he passed away. Those were his legs. He had such a big personality and such a funny sense of humor. He was very smart, and received his college degree from University of Alabama. He was such a huge Alabama fan! He loved sports and was always at the ball fields. He had actually been offered a job to be an assistant coach this coming fall.

His niece Ali, shared this on her facebook page:

I didn't just lose an uncle yesterday, I lost one of my best friends. He was like an older brother to me. I will miss being his personal stylist when he needed to know if his hat and shirt matched or if the leather jacket was on trend or not. He was always there to remind me what was really important in life. Even though he was never able to walk on his own two feet he always made sure we stayed standing on ours! There wasn't anyone he wouldn't help! I can only imagine when he gets to take his first steps.. He's gonna be runnin touch downs in heaven! It was no coincidence he passed on the same day as Bear Bryant did.. He's probably talking to him right about now. I will forever miss the man that taught me I could do anything I wanted I just had to "get movin' sister"!‪#‎familiesareforever‬ ‪#‎cancersucks‬ ‪#‎rolltideroll‬

His funeral was probably one of the saddest, yet most uplifting funerals I have ever attedended. His family shared stories, and I was amazed at their strength. Uncle Marvin shared with everyone that Mark thought it would be really cool if he could arrive at Reaves Cemetary by a horse drawn caisson. And that is exactly what happened.

Mark's oldest brother, Keith and his son.

Ali, Mark's niece, spoke at the funeral. She said that when they knew the time was drawing near for Mark's passing, all of the family were taking turns going in and saying their final goodbyes. Ali said she kept thinking, "what do you say to someone who is about to die?" So, she decided to write him a poem to express her feelings. She wrote the poem from our Heavenly Father's perspective.

My Son

Choice son far below,
Of my infinite love
I want you to know.

My son whom I gave
a special task, willing to go
without any questions asked.

There was no other that I could send,
It is only you I can commend.

The life I asked you to live
Is worthy of all the blessings
I can give.

A life of trial not many would
undertake, and still has faith
never to shake.

You knew the lives you'd touch
and the blessings you'd bring,
That's how you've been able to
handle everything.

Watching over you day & night,
Seeing you struggle with great might.

Like your savior
you have endured it well,
There are many waiting for you
on the other side of the veil.

Remember all things happen
with purpose and reason,
And know that in my eyes
it is but for a season.

So my son you don't have to worry
where your life will lead,
Because throughout the eternities
it will proceed.

Eternal life I give to you,
no matter what you are put through.

I have sent angels of comfort
all around thy bed,
preparing you for your greater
mission ahead.

When the time comes
your body will have rest,
and in paradise you will continue
to progress.

I love this sweet picture of my cousin Natalie and Sawyer.

Landon with my brother, Wayne

Mark's sister, Tanya and her family

Mark's brother, Kevin and his family

Laurel and Savannah with Mark's nieces

Mark's sister Melanie and her family

Mark's mom and dad with all of their children and grandchildren

Mark's nephews

Mark's brothers and sisters with some of the first cousins

Mom and Dad with Aunts and Uncles

Aunt Audra with Sawyer and Landon

Mark was buried beside Tanya and John's little baby, Christopher.

Aunt Jean, Mark's mom. I have so much respect for this lady! She has cared for loved ones her whole life, and has done it with such grace and willingness.

Moss!

Even the grown men can't stay out of it!

I love this sweet chapel and cemetary. I love that so many of my ancestors are buried here. Uncle Marvin said that when he was dating Aunt Jean, she took him to Reaves Cemetary. He said that as they walked around, he felt like he was walking on sacred ground. It is a very peaceful place. Mark's body is at rest there, but we all know that he is running in heaven!