Mark would have turned 50 today. He passed away tragically five years ago and we are still very much trying to find our "new normal" without Mark.
Sometimes it's good to talk (and write) about difficult things. Sometimes it takes some of the pressure off. After someone you love dies, suddenly their birthday, holidays, even Mondays, take on a whole new meaning don't they? On what would have been Mark's 50th, I'd like to take a moment to share with you a special memory about him and ask a favour.
Mark was a high-ranking Paramedic with Niagara Region and you couldn't help but love him. He was a terrific person with a heart of gold and a warm personality that I'm sure brought a sense of calm to every emergency he responded to.
Mark was a complimentor. I know that's not a real word, but Mark had a gift for finding kind things to say. He always had something nice to say when he greeted you. He might notice your new glasses, the colour of your sweater, or that you got a haircut. And he was sincere about it too. "You look nice" didn't cut it with Mark. He paid attention and it showed. In his work and his personal life, he made people feel better.
In honour of my wonderful brother-in-law on what would have been a milestone birthday, would you give a 5-star, Mark Mihalides compliment to someone today? The Focus on Faith theme for Grade Three is "Community and the common good" and nothing builds community like making others feel great.
I think it's a great way to restore some of the sparkle that was lost when Mark passed away.
No comments:
Post a Comment