Mark Edward Scabavea

An Eternal Memory to my Dearest Son, Mark...

One should never lose a child before your time. It feels like the world will never be happy again, and as you can imagine, this is the most difficult letter for me to write.

That bond that forms when a child is born is so different because every moment is a gift.

I have so many memories that bring tears to my eyes. I particularly miss the sound of his voice. I still think that

I'll just call him and then suddenly remember that he won't answer me. The pain is almost unbearable.

I want to look into those sweet blue eyes and thank you for bringing me so much joy to my life I want to hear your stories and laughter again.

Mark had such an impact on the lives of others, on so many levels. He was loving, caring, and compassionate, and he had a special tenderness for all animals.

He was stubborn, directed, determined, and persistent.

When he was in his last year of high school, I would hear him typing till late at night, sending out resumes for colleges and the academies. He would never give up.

Mark was accepted to West Point, and after a difficult first year, he graduated near the top of his class. He always wanted to be a pilot like his father. The day he turned sixteen, he got his driver's license and did five solo takeoffs and landings. Unfortunately, his eyesight didn't allow him to pursue this occupation.

He loved and admired his father and slept next to him as his dad passed away. Mark was devastated when he lost his father.

Throughout his life he enjoyed skiing, camping, had fun gambling, and enjoyed his legal career and the time he spent with Teresa.

When he was 12, after watching a show on TV about starving children in Africa, he asked us to send his allowance to them.

Mark loved Canada, and we made numerous trips to visit grandpa, grandma, aunts, uncles, and many great cousins. They were wonderful memories.

Lastly, I want to share this poem by Michelle Russell:

My son,It broke my heart to lose you, but you did not go alone.A part of me went with you, the day God called you home. A million times, I have thought of you. A million times I have cried. If I could have saved you... you never would have dies. His love will live within me, and I will always weep. Form my son, I love you dearly, but yet I could not keep.

Rest in peace, mark, as you are always with me.

Love, Mom