Tribute to Mark, my friend

How long does it take to be a best friend?

Senator Shapiro said many in attendance likely felt Mark was their best friend, but she wanted us all to know Mark was HER BEST FRIEND. She said it in such a way that only SHE had the rights to be Mark’s best friend in return. She also said it with a grin and tears.

It was strange because I’d only met Mark three times, and I could tell he and I would be best friends. Maybe already were.

Until he didn’t show up for lunch with Ray and me, and he didn’t text. And we couldn’t get him on the phone.

Mark had died that morning.

I’d only met Mark three times, but I felt a sincere loss. I can only imagine how those who’d known him for all, or a larger part than me, of his 68 years felt.

We heard a few of those friends’ testimonies at his memorial service last week. We heard Senator Cornyn credit Mark with the Senator’s first election to the US Senate. We (my friends Ray, Joe, and I) heard from a friend who talked to him every day, sometimes multiple times a day, and stopped by his house for a few minutes on the way home for a quick drink and more talk. We heard from a young Austin Police Officer who was like a son to Mark. We heard from a co-worker at TAR’s governmental affairs office…she barely made it through her testimony. And we heard from a friend Mark befriended at UT almost 50 years ago.

No doubt, they all considered Mark a best friend, and I’m sure they were his in return.

Friendship. It’s a sacred feeling.

Best friends. They’re few, and until now, I thought it took years to build.

To that end…..it was good getting to know Mark.

No pun intended; he made a mark on this guy.