One Month Later: Remembering Mark

Dear Beloved Readers of Mark’s Blog,

It’s been a month since Mark’s Memorial, and though life has pulled me in many directions, I’ve been holding that day close. To all who came, tuned in, shared love from afar, or have since watched the video — thank you.

What a remarkable, well-rounded celebration it was — full of laughter, tenderness, and a deeper glimpse into the many sides of Mark. We’re sure he loved it.

Hosted by Champlain Voices, the event was opened by their president, Ocean Streeter, setting the tone with strength and heart.

It meant so much to have fellow typers like Larry, Tracy (through Mark’s thoughtful, fun words about him), and Kris there — reminding us of the strong community Mark was a part of. Younger voices like Thomas Caswell and Rowan Riggs brought the house down with brilliance and energy. Rowan called Mark “the sparkle on the Jester of Joy” — a line I won’t forget.

The doodle that came to life as I sat with Rowan’s brilliant title for Mark — “the sparkle on the jester of joy” — during this week’s Green Mountain Self Advocates Leadership Retreat in Killington.

Freddy, aka Jernigan Pontiac, brought Mark’s cosmic energy of love right into the room — beautifully echoing my first memory of him as “the love monkey” in my very first puppetry class. A full-circle moment.

Jim Heltz, co-director of I Am In Here, reminded us of the life-changing movie Mark created. And Angie? She made everyone cry in the best way during her big Zoom moment. Paul Schnabel emceed the whole thing with such grace. Somehow, all the videos, transitions, and slideshows on my little computer worked — with a few sweet stumbles that kept it real.

Oh, so many wonderful people shared so much greatness. You can watch the full event on Town Meeting TV and find additional clips and photos on Mark’s Memorial Page.

Mark, we still can’t believe you’re gone. But your spark lives on in each of us. We’ll carry you forward, with joy.

All the best,
Emily and Champlain Voices