When we were in our early 20s you knew you wanted to marry Nancy, be a good husband
and provider, you probably had an inclination about fathering and raising children, I mean- "cubs". You went about your life as a matter of fact and did not seem to let things bother you, things that concerned and confused me.
Fearlessly, you went so far as to take on a security guard job for a while. I like the story about Nancy showing up to a huge downtown warehouse you were guarding at the time, unbeknownst to you she showed-up on site and scared the hell out of you as you heard unfamiliar footsteps and sounds... after a few minutes of the mysterious steps coming out of the dark, calling out your name she put you at ease, you composed yourself and were once again able to do your job at securing the grounds.
Now I look back on those years of my own unrest and uncertainty. I was desperate to find answers to questions I did not even know how or what to ask, until the Holy Spirit tapped me on my sad shoulders and rescued me from myself. I was reassured that it was OK not to learn all the answers and mysteries would unravel over the course of my life. It was a quiet yet spectacular, life changing epiphany when God's amazing grace would shine a light on a dimly lit lost world and rescue and revive a weary and restless heart.
I moved forward mindful of the personal spiritual connection available with the Holiest of Holies, Sacred Heart, Healer, Comforter, Port in life's storms forevermore aware of blessings and my capacity to be a blessing, these endless miracles would see me through the journey. I was issued keys to what I thought was a locked door in order to obtain peace of mind and healthy perspectives. The keys as it turns out were in my possession all along and included but were and are not limited to; Love and the inherent power to cultivate a climate of kindness, to strive for patience, to forgive, grow in faith and joy would be available to me as long as I sought the presence and guidance of the author and finisher of life.
IPIOTIS, MARK ALLEN JOSEPH In Loving Memory of Mark Allen Joseph Ipiotis September 23, 1957 - June 6, 1994 We get on with our lives minus the ones we miss. Mark's absence is like that missing sparkling diamond on the ring, the ship and precious cargo lost at sea, the spectacular eclipse shrouded by the clouds, the blowout party that ended too soon, the favorite Greatest Hits album without a record player to play it on. HS graduation in early June 1975, a landmark time for us like the night Mark died our lives changed, we would never be the same. The curtains were drawn, the concert was cancelled, the game called because of rain. What a great guy and great Spirit who had nice penmanship. 