Here we are again, a short two years later. My heart is not only broken but torn from my chest- at least it feels like it.
The unthinkable happened this week- my nephew Mark was taken from us far too soon. What makes this even tougher is that we lost his brother John not quite two years ago.
Some may remember my tribute to John. In it, I mentioned that I was just 10 when John was born and 14 when Mark came along. So it seems as if “the boys” have always been in my life. Like very special friends in life, we would pick up where we left off- no matter the time or distance apart.
Don’t get me wrong- neither were saints, far from it. But they both overcame a lot to become the men they were.
To think now of a life with neither of them here- well, that is going to take some time. Knowing one was missing was tough enough.
Sweet Mark. I think of the old saying “still waters run deep.” He was the more easy-going brother- the caregiver, if you will. He loved deeply, especially his family- and his children to the moon and back. He cared about friends with the same intensity, almost to a fault sometimes.
Mark loved the Lord, too. When he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior, it was with that same passion. One of the most wonderful and special memories is sitting in a Bible study he led at a ministry that I was once a part several years before. It was a family moment across generations really- my parents and grandparents had all had some involvement with this same ministry throughout the years. And now there we were with Mark’s daughter and my son. Wow!
It has been comforting during this sorrowful time in hearing from others about how Mark impacted their lives. How his love for the Lord made a difference. And how much he loved us all.
He would be so proud of his daughter, so much like her dad. Same loving personality, seeking God’s best in this all- even while coping with a devastating loss. Her love for her young brothers so much like the love Mark had for them all.
It is also comforting to know that Mark is no longer suffering the physical pain that had plagued him in recent months. He has received the ultimate healing.
Our loss is Heaven’s gain- oh, the reunions of loved ones taking place! And seeing Jesus face to face! To paraphrase one of my favorite songs, knowing what I know about Heaven why would I want to pray him back? So, we go on with broken hearts here, thankful to have had Mark with us as long we did.
Don’t ever miss an opportunity to tell someone that you love them. We just never know when it could be the last time. I can smile when I remember that those were among the last words Mark and I spoke to each other. I love you.
