'Heee schattie’ the greeting of warmth and radiance, as your lips would hint at a smile. Those two words are the first that ring into my ear when I think of you. As those are the words where every meeting, memory and mystified moment begins with you. The following instant, would be unseen to my eyes, as my petite body would be engulfed by immense arms with utmost tender care. Suddenly the world will spin, as you lift me from underneath my armpits and twirl around to let the world open wide to my youthful eyes.
Which mystified moment to pick? Which meeting to envision? Which memory to share? It shall require a novel, as you were simply always there.
Mark, you are the man, that knew constant presence in the life of Syen and myself. From our dirty nappies to our first “wannabe” adult conversation. You are a man that looked at children and saw maturity. Yet you are a man that saw adults and kept the youth imbedded within our souls. Even if it were a reminder from time to time. You are a blessing, that gave immense influence to the character we are today.
Your constant presence; it shan’t be forced. It shan’t be undesirable. It shan’t be anger. It shall be glowing, yet ever so subtle to make your presence forever welcome.
With you Mark, simply put; it had to be BIG. Your physic. Your car. Your motorbike. Your house. Your parties. Your laugh. Your love. Your charm.
As my already “aging” memory sees shoesize 2, take uncertain steps, as they make their way across your roof. Not to worry; you are there to hold my hand and watch the majestic magical proof. The solar eclipse.
A wrestling match between young and young till this very date. As you Mark, you remain our playmate. Swing from your arms into the water. Jump from your shoulders with a bomb into your pool. These are the times that kept you utter cool.
HUP Holland HUP. Daar gaan we dan in oranje en nog wat extra oranje. Een biertje in de hand, nou nu mag die voetballer “mong” wel aan de kant. Geen zorgen het komt goed. We zijn samen, maakt niet uit wat die voetballer doet.
Een sinterklaas en een zwarte hand. We doen samen de surprises in goed verband. Van shotjes, minibusjes en verkleedpartij toe. Jij Mark jij organiseerde dat sinterklaas “goe”.
A top chef you definitely are. Organize the braai, all under your star. I must be honest: My memory of you and the braai, is a memory of its fondest. Bas and yourself catching up, with your remainder focus on our “sup”. Who needs fireworks to finish up the night. Not to worry we have the bamboo blowing up in flight.
In your car, you weren’t afraid to test your vocals along with me. Singing ABBA to prove one’s masculinity. Don’t worry Mark your secret is safe with me.
The BMW!!! F””””””””””. Shit scared till the core. I sat in nothing but shorts, shirt and helmet in front of you, as you sped your way across Africa’s treacherous highway. I felt only one certainty. A certainty, that as long as I stayed put and keep my trust, you would bring me back on solid crust.
Fishing? Must be the most boring activity one has invented. Not with you Mark. Across the Tanzanian coast, it was filled with excitement, laughter and pure pride as I caught something double my size.
Nearly 28 and 24 we are. What would we give for that one last birthday wish from no one other then you. You dared not to miss one. If distance kept us apart of your presence, you gave us constant reminder of your thoughts, wishes and love, through a simple, yet infinite message.
Mark.
You fantastic person.
You mighty person.
You tenderly man.
Our hearts ache as you leave us. Sadness shall take it’s place. But we know in time it’s ache and sadness will be replaced with radiance as our hearts think back. Thinks back to every meeting, shared memory and mystified moment with you. As radiance is the way we see you.
