Walk this Way

Dear Mario,

What’s up Bro? Figured I would take the time to write you and tell you some things that I’ve wanted to say and fill you in on some things from the last year. It’s been a hell of a year….So I hope God gives you a second to hear me out, I know you are busy doing tons of awesome tasks for him, but take a second because it’s been a long time since I’ve talked to you.

So I still can’t believe you are gone. It’s taken me a long time to really realize that and I always expect you to call and ask for a few dollars, or tell me something weird, or listen to a new story idea of mine…but it hasn’t happened. I can’t bring myself to erasing your number out of my phone. And they’ve already recycled the number through the system…I know because I’ve called.

I have a hard time driving by Dunlap, and it sucks because I drive by that area nearly everyday on the way to or from work. Sucks. Ass. Plain and simple.

Since the last time we saw each other, I don’t look sickly like I did then, I did gain about 50 pounds back, so you can’t make “Skeletor, or Jack Skellington” jokes anymore. Jerk. I try to talk to Silas once a week. Note: That kid is BAD….but he is sweet and he asked me about you the other day. I didn’t know what to say really. He’s still so young and although I think he understands…he doesn’t…you know?

I have learned to forgive. I know that is something that is my biggest flaw, but I have learned. That “guy” (and by guy, you know I mean f-cktard) who ended your life…as hard as it is to say…I forgive him. I’ve made an appointment to actually visit the douche tomorrow to tell him as much. I know forgiveness is something God wants us to have, but this is very hard to do, but I feel I must do it. It will be hard to see him without wanting to rip his vocal cords out, but thankfully they will have glass separating us. Either way….I forgive him.

Antoiwon is fine. Bridgette and your other two kids…I really don’t know how they are. I mean she doesn’t respond to our overtures for communication. Lots of words come to mind about Bridgette, but I will leave those in my brain. Michael and Astra got married…to each other. I know…pause for dramatic effect. They got married in July in Vegas.

Lions still suck man. They did win 2 more games than they won in 2008 (which isn’t saying much because remember they went 0’fer).

So I wrote something for you…or should I say about you. I’ve tried to keep it a secret, but I think you may know. It’s a story about adventure called Loons’ Adventures. It is a tribute to you, and I think it’s pretty funny. Still working on getting a sale….if you have time, see if you can help me out with that. Joking of course.

Jordan is in 1st grade and he’s doing good, he asks about you nearly everytime the word FISH is mentioned. Although, he doesn’t like fishsticks, he learned the hard way.

I met a great woman named Vanesa. You would have liked her.

Let’s see…Mom and Dad are good. I am not sure they really talk about you much, not when I am around. But mom always tries and sometimes it’s a bit depressing. That’s how she deals with it I suppose. They bought a second home here in Maricopa, and it’s not the easiest drive.

So what else…I don’t know. I miss you man. I haven’t been the same since about a year ago. I see life a little bit differently. I don’t take things for granted like I used to. Every little thing matters. I don’t pass up opportunities to do things and I have done a lot in the last year. I figure life is too short now. I remember being kids and we talked about death and sorts…and we made plans for things in case I went before you. That was the plan remember? We never made plans for you leaving before me. I wasn’t prepared. I mean that’s the way it was supposed to work right? I was born first, I leave first. But I learned we don’t get to choose those things. All I can do now is deal with this and try to be a better person. I wish it was different, I really do. There are so many things you really hadn’t done yet or seen.

As I stated at your service…I hope you are taking some time to relax up there, I know you worked hard in your lifetime and really didn’t enjoy it, so now, I hope you got a year long vacation up there. And if you aren’t resting…know that I am doing more than your fair share of it.

I am turning 30 this year, you would have been 29 this year. I believe we are going to Denali during the summer to fulfill your final wish. And the Mario Memorial Fishing Trip…it’s on.

This sucks because there are so many things I want to say, but at this moment…my brain is drawing a blank. I will stop by and talk to you every once in a while, see how you are, let you know how things are on this end. Know that I love you, and that I believed you to be the best brother that I could hope for. Michael and I get along much better now, I know it was something you wanted us to do while you were here, but we didn’t.

Well…I think that is about it. I miss you bro, I really do. I find myself sometimes thinking about the funny things we used to do, or the seemingly retarded fights we used to have, and I laugh. Those are the things I miss. You take care of yourself and if you have time, look in on me and make sure I am doing the right thing.

I am going to drop some flowers off for you tomorrow and go and see that “guy” because he needs to know that forgiveness is his, and maybe watch a movie or two that we liked. I love you man, I hope that you are happy now. I miss you forever. Thanks for always listening to me. You will always Be "Super" to me.

Marcus

P.S. You would have LOVED the new Super Mario Wii....just saying.