Mr. Terry called to confirm his needs could be met without Mark being here at the shop. Of course, the answer was “yes” and he came in for a visit. Well, he is likely about our age and battling cancer. As we talked, he shared something that touched me deeply.

Terry told me how much it meant to him that when he shared his situation about arranging treatment in Nashville, Mark didn’t offer sympathy alone. He simply asked, “When do you need to go?” And when Terry told him the date, Mark said, “I’ll take you. I’ll pick you up.” To Terry, that wasn’t a small thing—it was everything.

As Terry spoke, I felt that quiet confirmation that sometimes comes through the mouths of others. Hearing someone describe the kindness of the man you live with, and knowing it’s true, is a sacred thing. I shared with him about my wilderness stone and the Prayer of Jabez, and more.

I think it tickled him —- as much as it tickled me to share—learning Mark drove the U-Haul all the way to Wisconsin to help Our Jenn.

In that moment, Terry understood that Mark’s offer wasn’t just a polite phrase—- when we know what we ought to do we simply do it. Learning Marks actions back up his words did not surprise Terry. It did, however, deepen his respect for Mark. I could see the proverbial wheels turning.

He said he did believe in prayer but was a lapsed Catholic. I encouraged him without using the phrase, “be encouraged”. I told him I understood completely and that he just needed to know we would both be praying for him.

Scripture tells us not to love with words or speech alone, but with truth and action. Today, I saw that verse lived out in real time. No platform. No announcement. Just a man quietly willing to show up, carry a burden, and make the road less lonely for someone else. That kind of love doesn’t draw attention to itself—but it leaves a mark.

And, BAM, I am sitting here with our front door wide open…remembering a poem I wrote for Mark’s Fortieth Birthday.

It was called “We have Been Marked”.

My Gingerbeard Man is so cool and kind, airline “rules” were cast by the way side to get him home faster. Instead of arriving around 7 pm, he touched down at BNA (Nashville) before 1:45!

I see him hat God did there – #ISWYDT— by giving him another five hours at home. Exactly enough time to soak in the tub and get our sheets washed. That man of mine love, love, LOVES fresh sheets. Working these hours, it was simply not going to be something I could finish this morning.

Whizzy visited for about two hours. I know she needed it and I am grateful to be someone who can listen. It was encouraging to hear her thoughts on customer interactions. We’ve been blessed at this location for twelve years.

Thank you, Jesus.

PS. Until I can find the poem written —or the book made for Marks 40th, this is interesting