To the man with a mischievous grin and a most contagious laugh,
You have taught me well, you have taught us all well. The kindness in your eyes spoke directly my soul, it was as if you were reading my heart. Never were these “readings” of my heart judgmental; rather simply compassionate and caring as if to say, “I know, I feel what you feel, I am here.” You are here and here you will remain, for every person you met, every person who was lucky enough to call you father, brother, colleague or friend carries you each and every day, each and every moment. You taught us not only to listen but to hear that which was not being said in a conversation rather that which was hoped was being heard; and now we hear, my friend. We hear the call of the lonely and the cry of those in pain for you have taught us to listen with our heart and act in faith. You taught us compassion, to care for those who have not learned to care for themselves and react in anger, in frustration and in resignation. Extend our arms we will to carry and care for the fallen yet not forgotten for in your lessons you taught us, well, the truth of our connectedness, the truth that we are one in Christ. Time now has come for us to carry you, to carry on what you started, to embrace the faith you helped to expose in each and everyone you encountered. Time now has come for us to put into action the lessons we didn't even know we were being taught, the lessons we have no notes on, the lessons you, no doubt, knew you were teaching for you, my friend, were the ultimate teacher for you taught as Christ taught, with actions. Memories will serve as our cliff notes and cheatsheets, for in each and every memory, there you are loving, caring and giving freely without concern of your needs. Whether a work site, a retreat or a card game, every interaction with you was memorable for with every interaction you made people feel special. Innately you knew their heart and enveloped them with love, unconditional love. It is our turn to love, our turn to act, our turn to continue your work, our turn to be models of Christ. Your time with us may have been short but it was time well spent for you touched thousands of lives and now thousands of lives will attempt to live as you lived…filled with faith, acting with love, reacting with compassion and inspired by God. You, my dear Marco, are an inspiration, you are a model of how to live as Christ lived. So, to the man with a mischievous grin and a most contagious laugh I say thank you; thank you for reading my soul and helping me to see, clearer, the path of faith via the heart. Your teachings fell not upon deaf ears, our hearts were opened by your compassionate eyes, eyes which gazed into our very souls and smiled as they wrapped us in love. Under your guidance we grew, we grew to love, grew to care, grew to seek Christ in our daily lives while struggling to discover the truth of our persons. We now take the reigns you have passed on, attempting to make lasting memories which will one day act as a playbook to life such like the one you now pass. Be free, my friend, you have left us in good hands; hands of connected sisters and brothers brought together by a disciple enamored with Christ’s love. You are already deeply missed and forever cherished.
With love and forever grateful for your friendship. -Dani