Goodbye to our beloved Mark

I don't know if I will be able to get through this post...

This morning a very dear friend of my family, Mark Allen-Everett, passed away. The cause of his death is still unclear although we know he complained of chest pain. I was expecting to see him today when I got to work (I am currently working part-time for my mom, as was Mark). He text my mom literally moments before his death saying he didn't feel well and that he couldn't come into work, by the time my mom replied to the text he was in an ambulance on his way to the hospital.

I have dealt with a lot of death in my life and even two other deaths in the last three weeks, but this has just torn me apart. These kinds of things don't usually hit me right away. It takes me a while to fully digest it and let it sink in, but this morning when the news was delivered I just broke down and I just can't stop crying. Mark had been my mom's dearest friend since years before I was even born. He was at my parent's wedding, he was there for us when my father died of cancer and most recently he was there for me in so many important ways during my wedding this year. He coordinated the whole event. Not only did he run the show, but he was there for my mom and myself emotionally and supported us through the whole thing. The last time we saw him was last Monday at my brother-in-law's funeral and he looked amazing. He looked like he had lost some weight, he looked healthy and fresh and energized and he supported us and loved us and encouraged us during such a confusing and difficult time. I was so looking forward to working more closely with him and this week was to be the start of that. I had talked about it with my mom several times and I remember being so excited to see him this morning on my way to work.

Mark was a larger than life kind of person. He was one of those people who you had to love because there's no way you couldn't. He was extremely generous, loving, giving, caring, compassionate and kind. His humor was a godsend, especially in times of trouble, and he was so talented in so many ways. He was an incredibly gifted actor, director, decorator and event planner. I am so honored that he was such a huge and special part of not only the happiest day of my life, but also my life in general. So much of it was thanks to him and his talent, friendship, love, compassion, humor and grace. 

My heart goes out to his family. His wonderful husband, Jeff. His parents, his children, his new grandbaby and his close family and friends. I am just so sorry for their huge loss. 

I am just so broken-hearted over this. When someone passes who brought so much love and laughter and compassion to life, who never took life or his loved ones for granted, who loved the Lord with all his heart, who always thought of others before himself, it is a terribly sad and mournful day. My life will not be the same without him in it and I am so thankful for the time that we had with him. He brought so much light and love to our lives and he will be missed so much.

He will always be one of the most amazing people in my life. I will never forget how loving and generous and incredible he has been to me and my family and to countless others. I will miss him deeply, but I look forward to the day I will see him again in heaven.

We love you so deeply and so dearly, Mark <3

 During the reception with Tony and I

 My mom, Judy, with her dearest friend