Mark and I met as classmates at Rappahannock Community College around 1986-1988 at the Warsaw campus, however, our friendship grew after that. He kept in touch and we visited each other as we both moved to Northern Virginia. Other people came and went, but there came a time when I was attending George Mason U that I became pregnant, and friends and family dropped off like flies. But I will always remember, and be so grateful, because during that whole mess, Mark was supportive, understanding, and loyal. When I had the baby, he drove a long way to bring us gifts, and he was different than most people, as it was clear he sincerely, with a pure heart, loved children and children knew it and loved him back!
He continued to check up on us for years and make sure we were okay.
Even though life circumstances drifted us apart over the years, I can say now that his unconditional loyalty, generosity, kindness, perseverance, and constant smile are a gift I felt I did not deserve.
I will honor him by doing what I know he would want: start taking better care of our health, and don't take it for granted, because it could be gone tomorrow.
And if I can achieve making most of the people I encounter, to feel that we are best friends, like Mark did, I will consider this a life well-lived.