We are all thinking of Mark this weekend. Let’s honor him and all who have sacrificed by putting out our flags, attending a Veterans Pancake breakfast, raising your glass in a toast, or anything else creative. *Thank you Mark for your life, your friendship, your fun and your faith*.
At Mark’s passing, he leaves behind his parents and sisters as well as my sister and their 1 year old daughter. After his eight years as a SEAL, when he decided to work as a private contractor, I was a bit annoyed with his decision as I kept thinking that he didn’t have my sister’s best interest in mind because his work was so dangerous and something could happen. And then when they adopted Cora I was even more annoyed because I kept thinking what it would now mean for not only my sister but their daughter as well if something were to happen. And now something has happened. However, my heart has really been changed by reflecting on a talk that Gary Haugen of the International Justice Mission gave at a conference this past Fall; about it being better to be brave than safe and that choosing to be brave means choosing not to be safe.
Mark clearly had what is needed to be an amazing SEAL and amazing contractor. He was gifted by God with a heart, mind and will that allowed him to perform at a top level with the toughest and bravest of men and he had a true calling to his work. And from what we’ve heard, he befriended and helped those in the most dire of situations – Afghanis and Iraqis- who are fighting for their lives and their countries.
One of Mark’s friends wrote on the website (http://www.markmetherell.com ):
I always knew Mark was a Christian, but he had a very quiet faith while at Wheaton. I think while he was in the Teams his faith grew and matured significantly. I remember talking to him soon after he was an official SEAL and he explained how many Christians there were among the SEALS. Apparently when you put your life at risk every day in training, you begin to realize that you could die at any moment.
Another wrote:
As I read over tributes to Mark the pieces start to fit together. And they only serve to deepen my respect for (him). Most of us choose the safe course in life even as we see a path that may be our truest path yet forego that road out of fear, inertia, complacency. Mark seemed to have clicked one day in determining that he knew his path and was going to be THAT true to himself.
Mark chose to be brave knowing that he was choosing to not be safe. He put his life completely in God’s hands and God chose to take him home – but after a life lived more fully and more closely to God than many will ever live. He hiked up the mountain and did not stay in the visitor’s center. (see Gary’s talk for reference)
As Pastor Jeff from the Little Church by the Sea said, a verse that fully embodied Mark was Micah 6:8:
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
A stellar man named Mark Metherell,
Was a true hero and loved by all.
His mom thought he was a sweetie,
Then he grew into a Wheatie.
After that he became a SEAL.
The life of a warrior held great appeal.
Not too long later,
Something happened that was even greater!
He found his true love,
and they fit like a glove.
A few years later they decided to adopt.
The sight of Cora made his mouth drop.
Brown babies are cuter Mark said.
He loved to play with her curly head.
These are only a few of his joys.
He also liked to play with his nature toys.
One of his favorite toys was the surf.
He would go in the ocean straight down from his turf.
Dave was his waterman friend.
They sometimes stuck out and ignored the trend.
We loved him dearly,
And will miss him daily,
But his friends and family know,
That someday to heaven we’ll go,
And see his face again.
Our love for him will never end.
By Bella Young
Tribute to an Extraordinary American Hero…
Mamie Maywhort
May 5, 2008
I consider myself one of those lucky people who had the fortune of crossing paths with Mark Metherell. I worked for Mark’s Dad, Dr. Alexander Metherell when Mark was a young teenager. Although I did not have the honor to see or talk with Mark often, I did have the privilege of hearing “Mark Stories” from his Dad.
When I first heard that Mark had made the SEAL team, I was not surprised at all for he was an offspring of Alex and Pam Metherell. These two amazing people always knew how to bring out the best in their children. Thank you, Alex and Pam for sharing Mark with us – even if it were only for a short 39 years.
There is no denying that Mark loved to experience life to its fullest; and to make life a little easier for others. His zest for adventure, love for his country, and compassion for those less fortunate took him to a far away land. He wanted to make a difference, and he did. He knew the imminent dangers of his job, and yet he willingly volunteered to do it – even if it meant giving up his life, and he did.
Mark touched countless lives – not only here at home, but in some far off distant land thousands of miles away to fight for what he believed in. On the morning of April 11, 2008, Mark gave the ultimate sacrifice doing what he believed in and what he enjoyed doing – “his dream job.” There is no doubt America has lost a Great American Hero. More important, there is no doubt Mark Metherell has left an indelible mark in all who knew and loved him.
This is a letter that the Cohn girls, Abby and Molly, passed around the Brooks Street neighborhood in support of our soldiers serving in Iraq and in their words “A final thought. . . we are also doing this project in memory of our fallen hero and neighbor, Mark Metherell.” They chose to do this as their service project at the Community Learning Center at Top of the World Elementary School. The packages they are creating will go to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines in Iraq.
They asked if we would post the letter and encourage donations of the following items:
Socks
Pocket-sized notebooks
Current Magazines
Paperback Books
Tube Lip Balm
Non-aerosol Sunblock Cream
Alcohol-free Baby Wipes
Hand Sanitizers (wipes or liquid non-pumps)
Protein or Granola Bars
DVDs (new or used)
Letters of Support from You or Your Children
Gift Cards for Target or Costco
They need items by May 9. Please call them at 949.497.9117 for local pick-ups or deliver to them at 538 Brooks Street.
Mark and I were friends in elementary school. I haven’t seen him in 25 years, but hearing of his death, so grieves my heart, and watching the tribute video brought back so many memories and stirred so many feelings. My heart goes out to his mom, dad, sister, wife, and kids. I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how you are feeling. I know Mark is with the Lord. I saw that strong commitment to Jesus in our younger years, and I can read about it in people’s comments. Reading about his life inspires me.
I remember so many fun times with Mark as a child. We hung out at school, in Harbor View Homes, and in Emerald Bay. It was fun to go on adventures whether it was playing crazy games in the downstairs of his home or walking down to the beach. We were in the same cub scout troop together with a bunch of other friends, Scott Crowell, Mike Ruggles, and many others. We really had a blessed childhood. I am sad that I won’t get a chance to talk with Mark about these memories at this point in life, but I look forward to seeing him again one day.
Reading of Mark’s life, I realize that he always made the most of everyday and every opportunity. I am encouraged to do the same. I will be praying for all of you who are most immediately feeling his loss. May God be your source of comfort and hope in this time.