Mark

We've all lost someone, or something that's near and dear to our hearts. A relative. A friend. Even a pet, all come with their own share of feelings and emotions that carry us through those tough times, and eventually help us cope with the loss. For my family, it's the loss of Mark Romero, or "Cousin Mark" as he was known to me.

I got that early morning phone call that no one likes to get on November 16th. When I saw my Dad's name on the caller ID, my stomach turned into knots because I always think it's going to be my Step-Mom calling to tell me something bad. "Mijo" he said. "I'm just calling to let you know that your cousin Mark has gone to be with the lord." My initial reaction was silence. I was still trying to process what had just been said to me, and when I did say something, the only words I could find were "what happened?" Dad didn't really know.

A month later, I'm still not exactly sure what the exact cause is, but at this point it's somewhat inconsequential for me. The fact still remains, my cousin Mark is gone.

Since I received the news, I've wrestled with the feelings and thoughts of "I should've..." or "I wish I had done..." like most people do. To be honest with you, none of that matters. Although I hadn't seen Mark in sometime, he is still a part of my family, and therefore, a part of me.

I can remember spending time with Mark when I was younger. Messing around with him at my Uncle Frank and Aunt Mary's (his parents) house, but the one thing that will always stick out in my mind when I think of Mark is his laugh.

Mark had THE most infectious laugh you've ever heard. Whether you were happy, sad, tired, or alert, hearing Mark laugh would instantly cause you to start laughing as well. I remember watching the Tyson vs Holyfield fight with Mark at Uncle Frank's house in the 90's. After Tyson had committed the infamous "ear bite" incident, the entire house was silent. No one could believe what they had just witnessed. Out of nowhere Mark just starts laughing, which immediately ceased any moment of awkwardness and caused everyone to start laughing hysterically. That's the kind of guy Mark was.

As I sit here and write this, I have a picture of Mark from his memorial service sitting on my desk where I can see it everyday. Those familiar feelings of "I wish I had..." surface every now and again, but I shut them down by remembering one very important thing: Frank Mark Romero (his full name) was a good man. He was loved by everyone around him, and in turn, he loved everyone. Especially his family, who he truly loved more than anything in the world.

While I may think he left us too soon, I know that Mark lived a full life.

I love you, Mark. I miss you, and you will always be a part of me. Anytime someone says your name, I will always hear that laugh of yours.

And that will always make me smile.