My goodness! What a long time it has been since I was able to write anything down. I could not figure out how to post until I finally got Kim (my husband) to sit down with me today and go through this step-by-step. Told you I was computer illiterate! :))
I decided that I really need to make some comments about what is on the web regarding my brother, Mark. I have read Jim Greenhill's posts about his book and the many comments folks are making on that. Then I found another site set up as a memorial to Mark. I have to say that one irritated me, and I am not sure why yet. I'll have to explore those emotions.
I have been doing a couple of interviews for the Fort Myers tv stations on "10 Years Later" and a lot of emotional stuff has been dredged up. I wonder why so many people feel like they have some sort of ownership of Mark's life? These are folks who have not really even tried to reach us , his family, in all these years. How about a letter to us expressing sympathy? Sharing their memories of Mark and what he may have meant to them?
Add all of those emotions to the emotions of watching what my son is going through as he battles for his life - well, some days are just harder than others.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Pat,
ReplyDeleteI first met your brother Mark in 1994 when he and I taught at the same middle school. We got to be friends. The next year I switched schools but stayed in touch at times with him mainly through his best friend, Mark, who I was teaching with at a high school.
Your brother was a kind, gentle man who was loved by many. I have thought of him often over the past ten years.
I just completed Jim Greenhill's book. I got an autographed copy from Jim. It was a tough read. I kept on thinking how I might have made a difference in the life of any of those boys if I had been their teacher at Riverdale. Could I have done something to alter their path and ultimately Mark's death.
My deepest sympathies and warm thoughts are with you and your family as we approach the tenth anniversary of Mark's murder.
Stay well. Jan
Hi I just want to say that first I am deeply sorry for the loss of your brother. Even though it happened nearly 10 years ago I have just really heard about it. I have almost finished reading the book from Jim Greenhill and I cannot get over this senseless murder. I am a father and a brother. As a father I have a hard time believing that there were no warning signs for some of these parents.After your brothers murder, we as a society continued to ignore the warning signs of troubled children and as a result of that, people, fathers, mothers, brothers and children continue to die unneccessarily. I hope that your brothers life and untimely death will inspire other parents like myself to get a better understanding of our childrens life and their behavior away from home. God Bless you and your family. Robert LaFleur
ReplyDeletePat,
ReplyDeleteI met Mark my freshman year of high school.Mark was a senior and we were in band together. He asked me to homecoming and I was so thrilled because he was so cute and very charming.Mark gave me my first kiss while slow danncing at Cypress Lake High School's homecoming dance. I have a picture of Mark and I that my mother took. I would be happy to give it to you if you would like.
God's blessings,
Beth Lord