This site is dedicated to sharing memories of Mark Garvey, a man who touched all of our lives. Please post anecdotes or stories of how Mark has made an impact on your life. If you have any problem using the site or see something that needs to be removed or fixed, contact Ben Garvey.
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The day of Ben and Jeanne's wedding was hot and humid- easily 90 degrees! It was the kind of day when it just feels like the sun is a mere 2 inches above your head, beating down on you. Deoderant is powerless against this kind of weather. No cool breeze, no rain, just humid, intense heat!
After a beautiful outdoor ceremony, the bridal party arranged themselves on the lawn to form a receiving line and greet the guests. Naturally, this process takes a long time and involves quite a few introductions and handshakes. I imagined it must have been uncomfortable for them to be standing for so long in the heat wearing full length gowns and formal tuxedos. Everyone was soon dabbing at the beads of perspiration on their foreheads.
I recall walking through the receiving line and greeting Aunt Rita with a big hug and kiss, and doing the same with Uncle Mark. As I pulled away after hugging him, I looked up at his sparkling eyes and joyous smile and said, "This is such an exciting day! And you look fantastic!"
To which he wiped his drenched forehead with a hankerchief, smiled, and replied, "Thanks! The sweat came free with the tux!"
I busted out laughing. It's true, he was sweating all over himself! But he was just filled with so much pride and happiness for his son and new daughter-in-law, that it didn't even faze him.
This story is a simple reminder that Uncle Mark always looked at the glass as being half full. His way of thinking was basic, but powerful: Why complain, when you can put positivity out into the world?
After a beautiful outdoor ceremony, the bridal party arranged themselves on the lawn to form a receiving line and greet the guests. Naturally, this process takes a long time and involves quite a few introductions and handshakes. I imagined it must have been uncomfortable for them to be standing for so long in the heat wearing full length gowns and formal tuxedos. Everyone was soon dabbing at the beads of perspiration on their foreheads.
I recall walking through the receiving line and greeting Aunt Rita with a big hug and kiss, and doing the same with Uncle Mark. As I pulled away after hugging him, I looked up at his sparkling eyes and joyous smile and said, "This is such an exciting day! And you look fantastic!"
To which he wiped his drenched forehead with a hankerchief, smiled, and replied, "Thanks! The sweat came free with the tux!"
I busted out laughing. It's true, he was sweating all over himself! But he was just filled with so much pride and happiness for his son and new daughter-in-law, that it didn't even faze him.
This story is a simple reminder that Uncle Mark always looked at the glass as being half full. His way of thinking was basic, but powerful: Why complain, when you can put positivity out into the world?
Kelly,
It was very hot out that day. I remember that it was so hot and I was sweating so much that eveything below the tux jacket and pants was soaked. The jacket and pants did not breathe very well. I remember my walking behind my dad and seeing that his tux look great but his head was so wet from sweat it looked like he just ran a mile. It was a great day.
I remember him joking about the sweat. You're right, Kelly, just like with everything else that might have embarrassed him or made him uncomfortable he turned it into a positive by making a joke or telling a great story about it--the epitome of GarveyStrong.