TheByc'sBlog

TheByc'sBlog
My Many Hats

2009-01-29 7:59 PM
My Little Buddy, Mark

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Mood:
Sad

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Mark was a friend of mine.

We worked together as crew, and both were put into the management ranks around the same time. He was a young bachelor, and I was married, and had at least one kid by then, with 2 more to come. He went into the salaried ranks, and faired well. He was so intelligent, and courteous. I don't think I saw him really mad more than a few times. He always made me open up see the other side of things. I went to family functions of his, and he came to mine. I remember playing Nintendo here at my house, when that big pad thing was the new thing. Good times.

Mark was diagnosed with HIV, and succumbed to AIDS a few years ago. I was told today that it was 8 years ago, but really, it seems like 2 or maybe 3 to me. I got word from his sister that their dad had died, so I went to pay my respects today. It was at the same funeral home that held Marks service, and also my dear friend Kays husband. Although it was hard to enter the building, I was met by at least 5 of dads siblings, and 25 or so other family members. It was nice to see them again, and several remembered me. I had Aurelia with me, of course, but there were 2 other babies, so I didn't feel quite so....ummm....weird? I seriously circled the building 3 times before I worked up enough courage to take her in with me.

It brings back a flood of memories of Mark. He had moved into an assisted living type place, for AIDS patients, and I used to go and take him away every chance I got. When things got rough, I would load his skinny little ass into a wheelchair, and push him to a neighborhood park. They folks at the Bailey Boushay House told me that I was the last one to take him for a ride, both in a car, and in the wheelchair. His last breath of fresh air. I remember that walk. We got to the park, and he confided in me that he was tired of all the medications, and was stopping them. He did not tell me that would mean his life span was so short that I would not see him conscious again. I was with him and his family as he passed on to the next realm.

When I saw his sister today, I was reminded of just how much family resemblance they share.

Ed...You raised wonderful children. You were a delight to be in the same room with. You made the best crab dinners I have ever feasted upon. I feel blessed to have been associated with your famlily...

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