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This past week, I lost a close friend to cancer.

In early 2006, Mar came to me and told me that he had been given only a few months to live.

We have known each other for years and I value our conversations. His analytical mind, always lead to the most rewarding talks. Since he was a college professor who truly LOVED his profession, I always wished that I had had him for a class because he gave his students his ALL when he was in front of them.

While he was at an age when many of his colleagues were considering retiring, Mar was still going strong and enjoying every moment. He still felt that he had something valuable to contribute to today’s young adults (his students). He was right.

When Mario found out that he had cancer, he fought it with his entire being. He had a lot to live for . . . a young family, loving wife – Lisa and three grown children from a previous marriage.

All of us, who loved Mar, were glad that the original grim diagnosis was wrong. He made it over a year longer, but it was still not long enough.

I am sad for myself, because I’ll miss my friend.

I am sad for his family, because they’ll miss a loving dad and husband.

But most of all I am sad for those students who will miss that chance to spend time with a wonderfully dedicated educator. Such people are rare gifts now days – Mario is now heaven’s gift.

Randy Schnack