I tried to get Joe Walsh’s song, “Life’s Been Good” as the theme song for The Benefactor. I wanted it for two reasons. It was mine and my roommates favorite song in college, and it really sums up how I feel about things since then, and now.
This blog entry is about nothing more than a chance to say thanks to my friends, family and all those who have made my life so special.
Just about every interview I do about The Benefactor, one of the first questions is “why?” Why do the show? It’s as if everyone has a specific image of what someone should do when they have money.For the most part, they can’t believe that it doesnt involve living on an island, playing golf,eating at nice restaurants, and doing as little as is possible.
My response is pretty much the same. I was having a blast before we sold Broadcast.com, and there really wasn’t a reason to change who I was afterwards. Not that my friends would let me.
Which brings me to the catalyst for writing this entry. This weekend I went to the Van Halen concert with a group of friends. Seats up real close. I got to show off a little bit and we went back stage and did a shot of tequila with Sammy before the show. Met his wife and beautiful kids. Went back and watched the concert with 12 of us just jamming like we were 22 years old again.
Except there was a very stark reality among all of us. Our friend’s wife has cancer. It’s life threatening and it’s obviously tearing him apart. His wife is incredibly strong and courageous, she encouraged him to go. It wasn’t until her brother basicallyforced him out the door, that he would actuallygo with us.
During the concert it was hard not to bounce back and forth between the fun that comes from having a beer in one hand, your other hand raised and pumping to the music, and the pain of looking over at our friend, seeing him try to get into the show. Getting caught up sometimes, but more often seeing him drift off. Obviously hurting.
Money is an amazing thing. It can solve problems. It can reduce stress. It can create opportunities. It can’t fix what our bodies won’t let us fix. Talking to our friend just reinforced how much more to life there is.
There is nothingI could buy that could possibly compare with the feeling of partying with close friends. Nights like Saturday night reminded me of the fun I had and have with my friends and my family. Doing the stupidest, simplest things have been the best times of my life.
Nicki, Ray, Mrs Hyde. Get well.I’m thinking of you and never taking a minute of all of this for granted.
BC, MC, LYMFEAEA11DAYS
First of all, I want to thank the man who compared Mark to Sumner Redstone and Sam Walton. I have studied both men in great detail, and it is my opinion that Mark exhibits many of the characteristics of these business icons. Finding and executing on new distribution models, embracing risk and challenging the status quo are just a few of the “maverick” qualities these men share.
I don’t know who you are, nor do I really care, but to call Mark a “not a business man” and “technology not a real business” puts you right up there with one of the most idiotic human beings I have ever encountered.
With that logic, Bill Gates isn’t “a business man” either, nor is Steve Jobs. You’re must of typed your message on a computer. Who bought it? Is that not a “real” market either? Yeah man, you’re dead on. Why don’t you call Random House and get an advance on that book? Sure to be bestseller.
And Mr. Me, who doesn’t have the balls to use his own name, how is it that you are such an astute observer of what America wants? It appears to me you are simply bitter that you too can’t have the timing, intelligence and bravado of Mark. Think about that when you start making asinine comments about a great American.
Mark has inspired me and countless others to follow their dreams. That in itself makes him great. Thanks Mark. Kiss my ass “me”.
Comment by Brian -
I would like to start off by replying to the post above “please go away”. Speak for yourself. You, my friend, need to learn a few basic morals: Treat your neighbor as yourself. You who have not sinned, cast the first stone. Judge and you too shall be judged. Mark is speaking to us as human being, not a billionaire. He is expressing what is in his heart. How dare you slap someone in the face for sharing. My three little children, ages 8,6, and 3, have better manners than you have shown here.
Mark:
First, I would like to say, my husband and I went to see Van Halen in OKC (July). They were awesome! I loved it when Wolfie came on and played with Eddie. We would have loved to have been able to make the Dallas show!!!
Thank God for all entertainers. They make us smile on days that might otherwise have been tough.
Now, I would like to share the experience I had today. I went to a hospital in OKC to visit a family I have known my whole life. There grandson and my childhood friend, Jerry, has been in a coma since Friday. He has suffered from diabetes his whole life and had a seizure that ended him in ICU. The doctors had told the family that this would probably be the end for Jerry, so I rushed to help my friends with their pain. I shared my experiences with grief and what I have learned with them.
On Feb. 22, 2004, my mother-in-law died in our home while we were caring for her. She was diagnosed in Aug of 2003 with neck cancer. Dah, was a smart, independent woman and I was blessed to have her as my best friend for the past years. I had to quit my job to care for her and still be able to take care of my three little ones and home, but I never regretted that decision even though times were tough.
You see, at the end, I had to bathe, diaper, and feed Dah through a tube in her stomache. She couldn’t speak because the radiation had burned her throat. The night she passed away, I kissed her goodnight one last time and two hours later she was gone.
My grief was selfish. I missed helping her, loving her, and seeing her. She was finally at peace and I was devestated until I realized my pain was only a selfish longing for her to still be alive with me.
Four days later, Feb. 26, my mother died. Again, it was a bittersweet passing. My mom had suffered from schizophrenia for many years. I was taken from her at age 7 and was raised by her father. When I cried for my mother, it was because for the first time, I saw her at peace. At the funeral, her face was relaxed and beautiful, not stressed from her disease. I mourned the suffering she lived through, but I rejoiced that she was finally free.
After this loss, I decided to leave the city to take my family back to tiny town I was raised in. I was searching for some happiness, the happiness I remembered as a child. I also wanted to be next to my grandfather who had raised me. I knew his days were numbered and I sure wanted to get some time with him before something happened.
The last day of my move, Gail, my grandfather, was in an accident. He was going to help a family friend and realized he had forgotten his hearing aids in the house. When he got out of the car, he forgot to put the car in park. He was 83 years old and starting to get careless. The car was still in reverse and the car door grabbed him and pulled him under the car. Four days later, on my husband’s birthday, May 4th, he died. I never got to say goodbye, but the last time I had seen him he was smiling and so excited I was moving home.
Gail taught me everything I know, but the most important thing he taught me was to love. He raised four children as a single man and worked very hard to give us the best life he could. He made us feel good about who we were and taught us to have compassion for others. He was a great man.
At the end of May we went on vacation, again seeking some little bit of happiness. We went to an amusement park and after the first ride, our next tragedy struck. A 400 pound statue was bumped and landed on my eight year old daughter. She was blind for about 60 seconds and was rushed to trauma with a severe head injury. We almost lost her. Thank God, she is now doing much better. We were granted a miracle.
As soon as I got home from the two hour trip to visit my friends and share my feelings, my husband told me Jerry passed away not long after I left. He passed away just hours ago at 30 years old. Jerry has been blind and undergoing dialisis for the past years. He couldn’t “see” his beautiful daughter. He was waiting on a kidney that never came. Jerry finally is at peace. His pain is over. We will all miss him, but after speaking to his family, they realized he had fought one heck of a battle and it was time for him to rest.
Mark, I look at you not as a billionaire, but as a man. I appreciate you sharing your story with us. You never know who it might help or how it might make someone appreciate the small pleasures in life that we should treasure. I also thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Your gift may help one of us to accomplish our dreams. Thank you for opening your heart to us.
Your friend,
Lail
Comment by Lail Ann Haynes -
Fully agree…
Peace and Joy.
Comment by Gary Adornato -
Mark-
I enjoy reading your blog. You have had remarkable financial success and it is always good to hear comments from the source of that success.
Benefactor-
I had anticipated the benefactor and I hoped it would crush Donald. I think the premise was brilliant: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. No rules, expect the unexpected and withstand life’s battery of tests all while displaying creativity, competitiveness and an entrepreneurial spirit. I think the show started well with the first two tests and but lost the “tv drama” it needs. In the third challenge the contestants where given a $1000 and told to do whatever they want with it. That’s where the drama dropped off. Now the success/interest of the show is based on what those contestants came up with, which wasn’t much. They needed more structure. ABC/you would have had to do some really good casting to get some interesting TV out of those contestants. The next challenge looks to provide stronger interest as it has more structure. I will continue to watch to the remaining episodes to see what you created.
Definitely enjoy your straight forward approach to business and your endless competitive drive. As with anyone who is the best at what they do, they are generally not very balanced. As we all know, financial success is wonderful, but it is not necessary success in life which is what you touched on in this post. My question to you would be: what has suffered in your life considering all the time/hours you spent building companies? i.e. family life, social time, health, hobbies, other interests, etc.
Keep the blogs coming!
Comment by Todd -
Its nice to see that billionaires aren’t always out of touch with reality. Pain goes through all of our barriers. I will have your friend in my thoughts.
Comment by Blake -
Its nice to see that billionaires aren’t always out of touch with reality. Pain goes through all of our barriers. I will have your friend in my thoughts.
Comment by Blake -
Mark – I’ve been watching your career for years as a Dallas-ite. Always impressed by your tenacity, bravado, business sense, timing – but you show more maturity and insight in this posting than 1,000 appearances courtside, on Howard Stern or on the Benefactor. Money can’t make the pain of terrible life threatening disease go away. I lost a close friend in a tragic car accident, never got to say goodbye – all the money in the world can’t replace her or make it any better. Tough life lesson and well put in your heartfelt comments. I enjoy your Blog. Richard
Comment by RB Winston -
Here is a perfect quote for this:
“Money will buy you a bed, but not a good night’s sleep, a house but not a home, a companion but not a friend.”
–Zig Ziglar
Comment by BB -
My grief was selfish. I missed helping her, loving her, and seeing her. She was finally at peace and I was devestated until I realized my pain was only a selfish longing for her to still be alive with me.
Comment by runescape money -
We went to an amusement park and after the first ride, our next tragedy struck. A 400 pound statue was bumped and landed on my eight year old daughter. She was blind for about 60 seconds and was rushed to trauma with a severe head injury. We almost lost her.
Comment by wow powerleveling -
Stumbled onto this blog by accident while I was doing a quick search on Joe Walsh’s “Life’s Been Good to Me So Far.” I have no idea who Mark is, but he sounds like a heck of a guy with his head on straight. My only fly in the ointment while reading the blog are the lack of apostrophes where appropriate, but who couldn’t use a little help with their writing?
Back to the salt mines. Have fun!
-Todd
Comment by Todd Hintz -
good good study ,day day up
Comment by lyrics -
I am not jealous or angry. But when someone calls doing tequila shots with rock stars and partying with 22 friends in the front row “simple”, I’m going to call “bullshit”.
Comment by bob dobbs -
Do not worry about other people Mr.Dobbs. Worry about yourself and your jealousy, envy and anger will go away.
Thanks for adding your perspective though.
Comment by Patrick Muldoon -
Man I wish my life had the “simple” pleasure of sitting front row at Van Halen with 22 friends and doing tequilla shots with sammy Hagar. Get some perspective dick. You sound like an asshole to those of us who havn’t got it like that.
Comment by bob dobbs -
Hi Mark I enjoy the Benefactor, because it seems genuine or a more real reality show. The contest you have those guy do make a lot of sense to me. I can’t wish you more success because that you are. I believe God has blessed you with a very compassionate spirit and some wisdom. Know that I am praying for your friends wife, tell him to have faith know and believe that God can heal, do not doubt that. I’m not sure of their religous beliefs, but I am a witness that the word of God is true and brings forth life. Tell him to touch her and pray speaking words of life & love to her, cancer can be conquered in Jesus name. For by His stripes she is healed Amen. Please pass that little message on to him for me. You keep up the good work because to much is given much is required.
Comment by Tansy Cowan -
Very personal comments here.. and since i dont really know anyone including mark .. (except for a couple of brief emails).. I think its more appropriate just to offer my sympathy.. and support.
thanks
Comment by Mike Verinder -
All the best wishes. I will pray for your friend. Let us all pray that an absolute cure will be available in the near future for all people who suffer from the many forms of cancer. I look forward to the day when it will be much easier to beat this illness.
Comment by Shaun Cronrath -
I think the problem with cancer is chemotherapy. That is what usually kills people. It destroys their immune system and they died.
I hoped more people had the courage to look at the cause of the cancer and why have they created in the first place.
The cure comes when one is able to look inside remove one owns masks and have a radical change of consciousness.
heidi
Comment by Heidi -
I think the problem with cancer is chemotherapy. That is what usually kills people. It destroys their immune system and they died.
I hoped more people had the courage to look at the cause of the cancer and why have they created in the first place.
The cure comes when one is able to look inside remove one owns masks and have a radical change of consciousness.
heidi
Comment by Heidi -
When I think of the Branding done by Trump, I think of Money. I love his opening song to the Apprentice. In fact I sing it all the time and cannot get it out of my head. Its a great branding job. When I think of the Benefactor and the opening song, I honestly dont have a clue what it is. The introduction is great but once Mark says “The Benefactor” I have no impressions. Ever since I read this blog by Mark, I cant get the Song by Joe Walsh out of my head! Its great Branding and if that is what Mark feels about his life, from my opinion all the way up north in Toronto that would be spectacular branding. It is a shame that the song wasnt associated with The Benefactor. The song is catchy, people can associate with it, and it creates a positive impression. If there is another Benefactor it would be a colossal shame not to have that song being the theme music. One other opportunity would be to add some international flavor to the show and add a Canadian or two such as myself. Or you could just give me the money and bless the day you did! Or at least I would! Cheers
Comment by Patrick Muldoon -
Mark, even though I have disagreed with you over some of your stock market posts, I can find it in myself to forgive you after this post. It is truely great to see you show some compassion about human life. I think thats one of the big problems of most “elite” today. They forget about how all that power and money doesn’t really mean much in the end if they have no dignity. Like Trump for instance, there is such an obvious difference between you and him, and it’s a good difference on your part. Trump is exactly the kind of guy I would never want to do business with. Your show is offers so much more then his as well. Trump’s show is all marketing, yours so far is all heart. Keep it up Mark, I may have mis-judged you.
Comment by roberto pedone -
Here’s to happy times for all!
Lail
Comment by Lail Ann Haynes -
Lail,
I appreciate your blessings and wish you the same in your work.
Being in the sales profession, my company has sponsored two Anthony Robbins seminars and Personal Power 1 and 2. I think he is a great mentor and I do use him to supplement my experiences and wisdom.
I like the approach you are using with inmates and think its an opportunity that needs to be established. I think that is very hard work, and wish you all the best.
I currently volunteer with criminals as well as the homeless. I will always do that because I like you see the benefit.
Lail you sound like you have a strong faith, and you know that your kindness and generosity will be rewarded by the enrichening of lives that society has given up on.
Cheers
Comment by Patrick Muldoon -
We all come to this world the same, and we end up leaving this world the same. You just got to make the most of everything you do in that time that you have.
Ive had two former co-workers pass away from various types of cancer. Both were very strong people and fought a good fight. It really puts in perspective how small my problems really are compared to what they were dealing with.
Comment by Dan -
Mark,
I have seen this disease destroy the smartest man I have ever known. It doesn’t care who you are, or where you are in your life. Make every moment count, and in the words of Tim McGraw “Live Like you Were Dying.”
Comment by John Dent -
I can relate to exactly what you said. There is nothing better than having a great time with friends and your family, nothing in life can beat that. It doesn’t matter how much money you have those are things you just can’t buy. I really feel for your friend and his wife, my prayers are with you all on this, I hope that she can make it through this. I know if there is anything you can do you will do it. That is a true meaning of a friend. The story really touched me, and I hope that at the end of the day people realize that it doesn’t matter how much money you have if you don’t have your health that is something money can’t buy. Wish you th e best of luck in life and its funny twists that it can throw us. I love the show and wish I had applied for the oppurtunity to be in the competition. The chance to meet you Marc Cuban would have also been a great experience in my life that I wouldn’t never forget.
Comment by Dion Speranza -
I am so impressed at the responses Mark’s blog has brought. To the one’s of you who wrote your stuggles and pain, you are in my prayers.
To “Life – by Patrick Muldoon”, you are also in my prayers. Your purpose is very important. I have been working on a similiar project. May I suggest you look to a source I have found extremely helpful if you haven’t already – Anthony Robbins. He is a fantastic mentor.
My project is different in that I am volunteering all of my services. I started a rehab program working with inmates in hopes to help them find direction in life and to make the streets safer for our families when they are free. I am also working with families who are in turmoil and children who have been abused. I have developed several programs that have been successful.
I tell you this because I feel if we share with others, everyone is rewarded. And if you happened to have read my post earlier on this same blog, you can see some of the other tragedies that have happened this year. I believe that helping others has helped me to stay strong through my own struggles.
You can find success in anything you truly believe in – Monetary or simply Emotional.
Good luck.
Lail
Comment by Lail Ann Haynes -
Interesting enough that Mark chose this as his blog entry. Two weeks ago I asked him what his purpose/meaning was in life.
His answer was “I have no idea what the meaning of life is, and I don’t have a specific life
purpose…
I just love my family and friends and try to make every day wonderful for all of us”
I thought this to be a very realistic answer.
Personally I think we all have a meaning in life. Our gift of life is an opportunity to create meanings in life. Mark is a perfect example of a person who even though he didnt admit it, looks to make a difference in this world and basically make the world a better place for him and his family and friends.
We all have different meanings and they can change all the time. Sometimes they can be just to have fun in this world, and the result is happiness for everyone. At other times, people have direct goals and purpose to live their lives by. To each their own.
I believe not everyone needs a purpose. Some people have the capacity to just Do. Others though need assistance. I mean look at the flock of sheep that watch Opra and Dr. Phil.
Obviously there are are a lot of people who lack direction and purpose. Examples include some children, and many individuals contemplating suicide. Other people that may need help are those who have friends or relatives that have life-threatening diseases like cancer. Questions start to come up that are not apart of everyday life. People who are not religious all of a sudden seek prayer.
After watching the Benefactor on Monday, I thought about what I would do for $1,000. And you know what, I bet like a lot of people, the money didnt matter. What I am in the process of doing is securing domain names, writing a business plan and writing a book which was in process anyway. The idea is to start my own company with the soul purpose of helping those in need of life purpose, meaning and direction. I wont tell them what theirs is, but I will guide them to find it within their limits and within their potential.
To do this I will be providing counselling, phone support, creating cd’s etc with a team of trained people. My goal is to get this in the classroom. I have the idea or the dream so to speak. And as Mark says – success is in the execution. I am a salesperson by trade, with a honors business degree, so now its time to make my dreams come true.
I want to thank Mark for writing this blog, sharing with us his life, and inspiring me through his television show how easy it is to make a difference and to do something that is not being done right, and to something that needs to be done to help all those who desire and need it.
Great show Mark – Great Inspiration – Yes I had it within me all along, but one gets so caught up in the day to day living that dreams sometimes get neglected
Comment by Patrick Muldoon -
My next door neighbor has Chron’s Disease, and received some massive form of stomach / kindey / intestine transplant, which is a miracle in itself. She is a Special Ed teacher in a Dallas suburb. While the neighbors pitched it with G-sales, and contributions (~$5k), the STRONG rumor was that MC picked up the balance of the family’s obligation, something north of $100k.
Whether or not true, and given what is absolute fact in MC’s work with the Fallen Patriot Fund, it is great to see a compassionate man holding onto his passions for life, even in the face of monetary detachment. Just because money comes in the door does not mean friendship has to go out the window.
Finally, let’s all hope that shot was 100% agave anejo, Cabo Wabo, or otherwise.
Comment by al -
Hey Mark:
Great post as usual, and the cancer situation is a great reminder of the meaningless of so many other things in life.
And, BTW, you know “Life’s Been Good” isn’t really about life being “good”, right? 🙂
Comment by Cap'n Ken -
My dad was my best friend and died of cancer. I know the feeling that your friend is probably experiencing. It hurts knowing that someone you care about may not be there in your life soon. It gets even harder when things start to go downhill. I think about it every day.
Keep up the good blogging Mark, you have the right idea about money and relationships ( you came into this world with nothing, and you will leave with nothing – Buddhism/Zen teaching).
Comment by Oneil -
Hi Mr. Cuban,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. You are so right when you spoke about money not being able to “solve” everything… and how some times the littlest things and the things that cost nothing (like friendship) are the things that make us the happiest. Some times it seems like we allow life to take us and move us along and it might not even be the direction we had intended to go in … but “life happens”. I was quilty of that. I was working a job in corp america – making very good money but was not happy – something was missing. I took stock of my life .. the direction I was traveling… and realized I needed to stop and go in a direction that would make me happy – so I left my job, went back to school, and now I’m working a job I enjoy – helping young children with their daily physical and/or behavioral challenges. My days are some times long and some times hard on the heart – my salary is no where near what it was but at night I am happy with my new challenges … I have more time and energy to be with my family – and I’m helping others.. things money can’t buy .
I will keep you and your friend and his wife in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you again for sharing and for allowing us to share with you.
~Wendy~
Comment by Wendy Hof -
Like others on the board I stumbled onto your blog by accident and like them I’m glad I did. I was touched by your latest post. Your friends wife will be in my prayers.
Comment by pete lucas -
another great show,
you must be having a blast.
Ed Gutentag
Comment by Ed Gutentag -
Great story Mark, sometimes we have to be kicked back into reality to keep us on track.
Comment by Drew -
I just recently stumbled onto your blog and I have to say i am glad I did. This entry is not only touching, but also very human. My best wishes and prayers are sent her way.
Comment by brian -
Mark,
Great to hear your thoughts! How true they are! We will keep your friends in our prayers.
We went to Van Halen as well, what a show huh? they are the best!
Keep the postings coming, I look forward to them!
Mark Thompson
Comment by mark thompson -
Mark’s entry brings a question to mind. We work countless hours to try to get ahead. Some of us do, some of us don’t. We scramble
and worry our lives away. Some say things like “if I only had enough money” or “if I only had enough time” or “why did I get a bad hand”. But there is always someone out there that has it worse. The question we should be asking is, what are we doing to help those that haven’t had the opportunies, the luck and the good health some of us are blessed with. What are we doing to ensure that if we died tomorrow we have done everything we have ever wanted (or at least come close). If someone wrote your eulogy would it say “he busted his ass and was a hard worker; he had good ideas but they unfortunately never went further than that; he sent his kids to college but he wasn’t ever able to see them” -then stop- or would it say “he did everything he ever wanted; he traveled the world; he was good to his family and friends; he helped so many people; he accomplished alot in his life”.
I’m all about working hard and success and being a fierce competitor. But man I would hate to think that I worked so hard and never experienced all the other things I wanted to experience in life.
I don’t think Mark is trying to connect with us as a billionare, or a buinessman or the “Benefactor”. I think he is talking to us as a person.
Before we respond to this particular blog and talk about whether or not he is a business person, or what we think he should do with the “Benefactor”, or arguing with each other, or giving the guy advice on what charity or cause he should support, maybe we should take a couple of seconds and think about the situation and what it might say to us.
We will be praying for your friend Mark.
Comment by TDS -
This blog hits home in so many ways. The loss of a mate is the loss of yourself. I am sure your friend takes every moment he can to spend with her and to cherish what he has left. When I was 25 my husband was taken suddenly in a car accident. No chance to say goodbye or I love you. No children to carry on. After I couldnt return to my home. Walked away, gave it up to charity. When insurance came through, I found every dollar I spent was filled with guilt and tears and in the end it went to charity as well. The radio was full of memories and the television tragedy. It took time and a period of working so many jobs at once I didnt have time to think about it all.
In the end I met a man, had two wonderful children and now 13 years later I laugh almost everyday. The radio still brings back memories but finally they are memories that I can smile about..most of the time. ( BTW Lifes been good is a strong one there)
I wish I could tell you that your power and money could help your friend but I know you know it can’t. But know that in the end your friendship can.
Comment by Brenda Bott -
Hi Mark,
I ran across your blog by accident. Actually I was doing a Google search for information on HD tv programming and found a link to your blogmaverick. I saw an interesting commercial about alternative cancer therapies by Lorraine Day, MD. May be your friend should check out Dr. Day’s video. I have no interest in Dr Day nor having any connection with her. The commercial was quite compelling with testimonials and photos of before and after of cancer cases that were actually “healed” and the cost is only $29.95! Forward this url to your friend http://www.drday.com .
How is Todd doing? I still remember those days when you and Todd were on the cell phones before 8 am in the morning making sure AudioNet radio feeds are good and clear. We actually sold $1/click on a college football game broadcast on radio internet to sponsors.
Say hello to Todd for me.
Ben
Comment by Ben Ly -
Born in the right place, at the right time????
Everyone is born in the right place and at the right time, it’s what you choose to do with your life(you only get out of life of what you make it out to be)It sounds like you got NO BALLS!!!
Comment by TK -
Mark,
I thank you for showing me that not all billionaires are Trumpish snobs, and that some really do have a heart. I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s wife, but I applaud you and the rest of your buddies for trying your best to get his mind off the pain. He may not have entirely enjoyed the concert, but the memory will last him a life-time because he’ll always remember how his friends stood by him during his darkest moments.
Slight change in topic…
It really angers me when I read blogs by people who constantly bash you for no darn reason. OK, so I don’t know you and your life story, and yes I can understand why some people might consider you to be egotistical and so on, but enough already!
Yes people are entitled to their own opinions, but so far I haven’t seen any real solid evidence that suggests you’re an ogre and if you were an ogre you’d most likely be like Shrek, so you’d still be on my list of people I admire. I doubt your wife wants to be thought of Fiona, but you see my point… Uh, don’t you?
Anyway, I thank you for your honesty and wisdom that you display in these blogs and on your show. With regards to your friend’s wife I’ll be sure to keep both of them in my thoughts/prayers. Good luck with all your projects and may you always enjoy this wacky adventure called life.
Peace be with you and your family…
Comment by Margaret A. McGregor -
Mark,
I enjoy your blog but today they blew me away. Billionaires aren’t this emotional and caring! Billionaires typically run around counting their money and acting important (ala Trump)!
Thanks for being real.
If you (or anyone else) have a moment, please check out the ongoing drama of a little boy who is one of the toughest characters I’ve ever come across. Ben Bowen is a 21 month old boy diagnosed with a rare brain tumor.
I challenge you to read his story and I gauantee you will be crying and appreciating what is important in life. Here’s a link to his site. http://www.bens-story.com/pages/9/index.htm
Mark, your comment about what is important hit home. Ben Bowen’s story hits the same place. Thanks for making me remember to not waste time and to live life to the fullest. I’m going to go kiss my little 3-month old daughter before I head off to work.
Take care and God Bless!
Jim
Comment by Jim -
Mark…
As a former employee of the AudioNet / Broadcast.com days, I would strongly encourage your involvement in the Live Strong organization (www.wearyellow.com), or any other cancer awareness program. People listen to you… speak wisely.
Rob
rob@robsherrard.com
Comment by Rob Sherrard -
I cam totally relate to that situation. My ex’s mother developed cancer…and at the time I had just moved overseas…and I told her that it would take some time to send money. But, I said I would do it.
Well to here dismay, she could not believe that I would not help out immediately. After all, her mother had done so much for me. She even kept me out of jail!
But, it’s extremely diffcult for me. It has been a little over 4 months and I am in a position to help. But, now she feels like I am trying to play superman….Because Well…I made the mistake of trying to do too much…get back with her…fix everything financially…etc…I overwhelmed her…which was wrong..on my part.
Money cannot’s always cure caner or problems. But sometimes it can make a difference. Or sometimes it can create a problem.
Which brings me to another point…I don’t believe in faith, but I do believe in choices. Your fate, my fate…our fate…are equal to the decisions that we make plus the choices that other’s make…I strongly believe that a large number of people are getting [cancer] because of pollution…or chemical poisoning….Let’s be real we know that smoking causes cancer…but what about all this other stuff…that goes unnoticed…or protested…
“IF it’s meant to be…It’s meant to be!” is a tired cliche. People make choices…and a lot of people have gotten cancer….
Comment by slw1234 -