This morning I learned that a friend of mine and his little girl were in a car accident this weekend. He has passed away and his daughter, Samantha, is in critical condition. I am stunned with this news...and sad for such a terrible loss. My heart is aching for lil' Sam who had a very special relationship with her daddy.
Through Maxwell and all of his friends, I have learned that sickness and death are just parts of life...and we can never take anything for granted. But still, death is simply tough to accept when it is a dear friend.
Mark and I have quite a history. When my dad ran for governor in 1996, I served as his press secretary. Mark was the press secretary for our opposition in the primary. We were both very intense about our jobs and took everything very seriously...to say the least. Literally, we would object to the sign placements before speeches. Looking back, it is quite comical.
Needless to say, I didn't care for him at the time because he wasn't on "our side." Years went by and then I married a friend of his. By this time, Mark had moved from WV, so we didn't develop a relationship, but I suppose we were "friendlier" than in the campaign days.
But then the divorce happened and out of the blue, Mark stepped up and showed his true strength. It was amazing. Here was a man...pretty much a complete stranger...wanting to stand up and fight for what was right. He was concerned/disgusted/frustrated with what had happened to me and Maxwell and wanted to let everyone know the true colors of the ex-husband/his former friend. Mark was a man of conviction and certainly wasn't afraid to speak up and let his opinion known...to anyone and everyone!
And when Max was born with complications, Mark always made sure to let me know he was thinking and praying for my special lil' guy.
What a friend...what a father...what a loss for his family, friends and community. Mark, we will miss you. Thank you for everything my friend.
14 comments:
Amy,
I am so sorry that you lost a dear friend and supporter. You and his family are in my prayers.
Love,
Rebecca
Cameron and Nathan's mom
I am so sorry to hear about your friend my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Hugs,
Crystal and Eva
Amy,
I am sorry about the dear friend that you lost. I will keep you and his family in my prayers.
Love,
Carolyn
Amy,
You are so right. Mark's death is a great loss. He was a wonderful father and a good friend. He was very thoughtful, always asking me about Kitty and saying such nice things about her. Mark was good to me. Likewise, he was dumbfounded with what happened to you and Maxwell and he wanted everyone to know the real Vic Sprouse. He certainly did not hesitate to speak up and let his opinion of his former friend be known. I know I have looked at pictures of Maxwell many times and asked myself how I could have supported a person who has no interest in his own son.
I too will miss Mark.
I am so very sorry for your loss, friends like that are very rare and hard to come by, they should be treasured when ever found. My thoughts and prays are with his family and the little one fighting for life.
Love,
Anara
Amy,
Thanks so much for sharing with us the loss of one you cared about and his little girl being hurt. IT hurts so much to lose those who are about us and we care about them. When I lost my husband, I lost the happy part of me. However, I need to go on and try so hard to but that smile back on my face. Life is hard and it hurts when we lose a friend. Our prayers are with you and his daughter.
Diane and Alex
thinl ive seen him post to here hope his fam is k love u
Amy, my husband did a lot of political freelance design work for Mark when he worked for the GOP here in Charleston. They were pretty tight. He is devastated (as I am, too). If you have any more details - funeral, etc., could you please email me? rosemaryw422@ suddenlink.net.
We will keep Mark's family and little Samantha in our prayers.
That is so tragic. I remember reading several of Mark's comments on your blog, and wondering how he knew you. Now that I know the back story, those comments make a lot more sense. Our condolences to his family, and to you--who I know will miss his support and friendship.
Hugs,
Sarah, Jeremy, and Evan
Amy, I am sorry for your loss. My condolences to his friends and family.
Hilary
Amy,
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your friend and the injury of his daughter. That's so awful. I hope she's going to be ok. My heart goes out to her and the rest of his family.
Drew
Such a tragic story you must be proud to have been great friends with Mark...thought and prayers with you and Max and Marks family.
Lesley and Amélie x
My thoughts and prayers are with you all and for the family at such tragic loss. With much love Catherine
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