A friend from work passed away :(

[TYS0NSM0MMA]

My boyfriend and I used to work at the same shop for a few months while it was busy, they hired on a few other people at the time to help with assembly of these panels. A girl was hired and soon after she got her friend "Mark" hired. Mark and I worked on panels with our backs to each other for a few months but always chatted and laughed, it was great because he was a bit older than me (my bf is a bit younger than me) and they have a policy about working around family/spouses so Mark and I started working side by side. I knew he had a few health issues and looked very sick one day, so I was not at all surprised when his friend didn't show up for work the next day, she said she had to drag him into the hospital. I had no idea how serious it was and she indicated that he was a very private person about his health so I did not ask what exactly it was and respected his privacy. In late October a bunch of us got laid off because there was a massive shortage of work, so most of us went on to find new jobs frantically before Christmas. Most of us never went back to the shop (except my boyfriend and a few of his friends).

I picked my bf up from work today and he told me that Mark had died. My jaw dropped and I was in total disbelief. I guess these internal problems finally overtook him, I was told that it was not cancer but some other stomach problem that could not be treated.

It took everything in me to hold back the tears but finally they over took me. Chris did not understand why I was so upset about the death of Mark since I only knew him for a few months. It's difficult to explain but I feel as though I connected to him on a deeper level, if we had more time we would have been great friends, we made the most out of the work days and helped each other from the boredom that came with general assembly work.

I guess I think of his friend that got him the job, and how close they were and how much she must be hurting now. I asked Chris to get her phone number from our boss at work so I could call her and invite her out for a coffee.

I guess this has just really thrown me for a loop and I feel like I am dwelling on it, but it has really bothered me. Mark was only 28 (although he looked much younger) its such a shame he had so little time, but I am glad to have met him.

I asked him what his favourite food was and he said "Bean Curd" I can remember laughing thinking it was a joke! Until he said "It's really good" and I knew he was serious, I only wish he could have cooked some for me to try, I guess I will have to go out and try it, for him.

Mark is someone I could have been very close to, and I miss dearly. It is amazing how you can impact someone's life even if you are in it for only a short while... makes you stop and think, doesn't it?

Colly

[hanley]

Colly, so sorry to hear about your friend,I too have lost co-workers in the past & it leaves you feeling empty or at a loss that is hard to explain.sending you my prayer, & you will always think of him with happy memories. Hanley

[haleyandmark]

I am so sorry for your loss of Mark. I understand how knowing someone for a short period of time can affect you. Hopefully your memories of him and yall's conversations will comfort you. Go try some "Bean Curd" for him, I think that would be sweet ... by the way, I have never heard of that, either.

Again, we are so very sorry for your loss.

[Austin's Mom]

I'm so sorry about your friend, but your paths crossed in life for a reason, if only for a short time. ((hugs))

[lexintitus]

I'm sorry to hear about your friend passing away. Maybe the other person will take you up on your coffee invitation. I don't know how many friends she has but just having someone to talk to, who also knew Mark, might help you both.