Uncle Mark was was a person that had encouraged me to be what I wanted to be. He understood my need to make people laugh and comfortable and my creative side. He was the one who made me feel like it was ok that I was this outgoing "fireball."

One day he calls me and tells me he's givin my phone number to a waitress he met at Second City in Chicago. She's a comedian and is looking for new material. "Your should write for her, Your funny" I remember him saying to me. I thought he was nuts! Uncle Mark! I can't write for someone. I replied. "Yes you can he said. Just send her your e-mails or talk to her. Your Funny. You'll get along great.." He just kept saying it. He always did.

She did call me, and I wrote for her for about 2 years. We'd talk on the phone or e-mail each other a couple of times a week and just talk and joke about everything. We lost touch over time but last I heard she was doing really well.

I would have never had that experience in my life had my Uncle Mark not thought of me at moment in a comedy club in the city. I remember the last time I saw him he asked me about writing for her and if I liked it. I told him I did and I that I was so thankful to him and the fact that he thought of me. His reply was "Of course I thought of you... Your Funny"

He always laughed and understood me. He always asked why I was'nt on a stage somewhere making people laugh. He really was the only person that embraced the idea and did'nt think I was nuts. He was my never ending cheering section. And I will miss him...