Yesterday my wife and I were discussing how most packaged chips and candies contained mostly air or internal additional packing. You thought you were getting more than you actually did. This reminded me of the time when Mark wrote a letter to the Lays potato chip company complaining about this exact situation. A couple of weeks later Mark received an explanation centered around the packing process. But he also received a box with sample bags of every chip product the made. 

Those were the days ❤️

Two years. Missing you friend. ❤️

On my mind all day. I miss you marcos my friend ❤️

Mark, it’s your birthday and I’m thinking of you and missing you. I spent the morning hiking in the Cascades and I could feel that you were there, too. Thank you for the hike, and the friendship, and the laughter, and the sense of wonder with which you viewed the world.

Happy Birthday, Mark. I spent some time with the trees this morning because that's how I could be closest to you. It was so nice to have you with me, noticing the ferns growing out of the trees, listening to the birds, and taking ample time to enjoy how peaceful and beautiful it was. Even though you're gone, I can still hear your laughter. Some days, I can hear you singing. I love you and miss you, Mark.

You turned sixty in my book, my friend. Keith and I are but a few months behind

Marcos. Mark. Of course you are everywhere now but I bet we meet again. We had a connection here in Bend and too I know it will continue. 
But God is your sponsor now and will guide you correctly. 
Not anymore concerned with self, wrong choices. 
suffering was simply bad guidance. self sabotage yesterday. 
Recovery is yours now. Poor guidance is gone.
 

Hello my new friend,

I learned on that Monday next of your transition to another plane. Wow, espousing this spiritual understanding, as I do and as you’d told me you do, I am suddenly aware that you’re still so very present.

Thank you. Thank you Mark for your life. For choosing to come here to live the life you lived here; the happy and the sad, through what worked and what didn’t work, through your successes and your failures, all shaping and evovling your Being. For choosing to participate in the lives of so many, particularly your children whom I know you loved so much.

Though our acquaintance has been brief I enjoyed our lively exchanges, particularly around our AA program, your very authentic participation in your home group, and appreciate being introduced to them. I will continue to attend that meeting, both benefiting from the rich experience, strength and hope shared there and also enjoying fond memories of our biggest and best connection. Perhaps I’ll pick up your Sunday morning commitment. So glad am I that I have the picture of you that I captured there via screen shot. As I told you, your heart coming through so much more in those moments than in any pictures you shared with me per our initial introduction to each other. You will be missed by those closest to you.

Thank you for adding to happy memories of my hospital stay, the beautiful spread of healthy food and snacks you shared on both occasions. I will always remember how much you enjoyed watching the Super Bowl with me (and I you), a memory to happily replace that of others I have watched it with.

When next in ceremony I will burn cedar for you, a gift for your continuing journey. And I will continue to hold your children in prayer.

Blessed journey, my friend.
“We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment.” -Paulo Coelho

Rest in peace, old friend. My condolences to the family, my thoughts are with you.

I'll always remember the little things that brought out your soul. 
Your smile, mostly. 
But also that during our hikes, every dog we saw ran straight past me to greet you first.