IELEV8

How can it be 4 years since we lost you, Mark? It feels like just yesterday, yet a lifetime ago all the same. I have so much left to say to you, Mark. If only I could tell you how much better a person I am because of loving and losing you. Your three little birds speak daily of their sweet memories of you and how they wish you were still here so we could create new ones together too. Signs of your footprint on this world and your everlasting presence in our lives surround us every day but mostly lie within us. Cooper most certainly has your confidence, athleticism and your gregarious, magnetic personality. In Lucia, I see your humor, wit, wisdom, and perpetual desire to help others. Cecilia possesses an innate ability to say precisely the right words at exactly the right time, which land immediately upon my heart, just like you did. Her sparkling smile, emerald eyes and long lashes surely are a resemblance of her daddy. Mark, because of you, I’ve been blessed with three of my life’s greatest blessings, who bring me more joy than I ever could have imagined. Because of you, I experienced true love and I learned that it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Because of you, I’ve learned to love hard and be grateful for life’s joys and sorrows too. Because of you, we’ve helped two students go to college and we’ve got many more on the way. Because of you, I “see the water,” every day. I focus on the beautiful parts of life and surround myself with the people who are ready to do that with me. Because of you, I’ve found true love again. Because of you, I choose joy, every single day.

“You still stand watch, O human star, burning without a flicker, perfect flame, bright and resourceful spirit. Each idea of your rays a great idea – O torch which passes from hand to hand, from age to age, world without end.” ~Karel Capek

“In your light I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest, where no one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.” ~Rumi